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5 Best 5.7x28mm Firearms in 2025
The 5.7×28mm cartridge has gone from a niche curiosity to one of the most talked-about in the last few years. Sure, it’s not as popular as the 9mm or 5.56 NATO, and it likely never will be, but the market finally offers a healthy range of guns built around this cartridge.
Not much more you can ask for. Source
Why has it become so popular? In plain terms, it has low recoil, shoots flat, and oftentimes comes with high magazine capacities. Last but certainly not least, it’s versatile enough for everything from home defense to varmint control and, of course, plinking. The ammo can get pricey, though, so you may want to limit those mag dumps into the dirt.
Whether you’re considering a pistol or carbine, we’ve compiled the best on the market in 2025 to help you choose the right one for your needs.
FN Five-seveN
We had to kick off the article with the original FN Five-seveN. It was the first 5.7x28mm pistol brought to market, and after several iterations, it now delivers everything most shooters want in a modern pistol.
This Five-seveN build is the complete package. Source
The Five-seveN features an internal hammer, a chrome-lined cold-hammer-forged barrel, and an extremely smooth and repeatable trigger, which together deliver superior accuracy. With an optics-ready slide and accessory rail, you’ll be able to build out your pistol for range or defensive use.
Depending on where you live, it’ll come with either 10 or 20-round magazines, giving you plenty of firepower. However, with the steep price of the pistol itself and the ammunition, you’ll want to make sure to set aside some money to purchase a few extra magazines. To maximize your time at the range, there is even a 55-round drum available. Trust us, you’ll want one after you see how fun 5.7x28mm is to shoot.
Ruger-5.7
If you like the idea of the Five-seveN but don’t want to shell out that kind of money, you’ll definitely want to check out the Ruger-5.7. Coming in at less than half the price, you’ll have tons of money left to pick up spare magazines and ammo.
The accessory rail will accommodate a wide variety of lights. Source
Ruger went with a 1911-style ambidextrous safety, a reversible mag release, and included front and rear slide serrations for a very ergonomic experience. A fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight offer ample accuracy potential, and if you want to pick up an optic adapter plate, you can throw an optic on as well.
The pistol comes with a 20+1 capacity, and since you saved all that money on the upfront purchase, you can grab several more mags without worry!
FN PS90
Introduced in 1990, the FN P90 was the first firearm chambered in 5.7x28mm and instantly caught the attention of military and police. It’s incredibly unique, and as you’d expect, expensive as well. It’s important to note that the civilian version of the P90 is the semi-automatic PS90, so that’s the one we’ll focus on.
Ready for battle. Source
Utilizing a blowback operation and a closed bolt, the gun is surprisingly reliable. Then, once you take into account the cold hammer forged barrel, integrated muzzle brake, and light recoil, you also get an accurate gun, too. You will just need some time to adjust to the strange ergonomics.
At first glance, you may be wondering where the magazine is. It’s actually top-loaded and comes in capacities up to 50 rounds. You’ll definitely want to grab a few extras and pre-load them for the range.
Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
Smith & Wesson may have been late to the party, but it made a splash in the industry with the M&P 5.7. It has all of the features you can want, and is priced well to top it off.
Between the optics-ready slide, threaded barrel, and accessory rail, there are seemingly endless configurations you can run your pistol in. It also has one of the better triggers on the list, with a flat face and very crisp break.
Oh yeah, and the FDE and black color combo helps with the appeal too! Source
What sets the pistol apart from the others on this list is its Tempo Barrel System, which ensures proper timing and consistent extraction, delivering superior reliability. Once you combine all of these features, you can understand why it made such a splash when it was released.
Ruger LC Carbine
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Ruger LC Carbine. Weighing under six pounds and featuring a folding adjustable stock, it’s a great all-around carbine that can be maneuvered and transported with ease.
Ready for any scenario. Source
Thanks to the 16.25-inch fluted barrel, short and smooth trigger pull, and Picatinny rail for mounting your favorite optic, you can achieve fantastic accuracy. Other notable features include adjustable Ruger Rapid Deploy sights, an ambidextrous safety, and a reversible charging handle.
Best of all, it shares the same magazines as the Ruger-57, so you might as well buy both if this is the platform you go with!
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t had the opportunity to shoot any 5.7x28mm firearms yet, I highly suggest you find a range that rents some or borrow one from a friend. Yes, they can be expensive to shoot, but you’ll have a blast…pun intended.
While I personally don’t own any 5.7x28mm firearms, I can see the appeal and am all for purchasing whatever you want! As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.
