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Handgun: FN Herstal FiveseveN USG 5.7x28mm Review and Range Report
This purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview and explanation of the features of the firearm, including range report. The end goal is that those who later search the forum for education / reference will have a starting off point. Although surely an endless source of lively debate, we will not cover XYZ vs. Glock, caliber A vs. caliber B, or why I didn't take the test out to XYZ yds.
Notes: Pistol is striker-fired, Single Action only
Action: Single Action == ~4.5lbs
Notes:
Blast Quotient: EXTREMELY HIGH
Notes: I mean this literally and figuratively. Literally, because there is a lot of muzzle blast. Figuratively, because this is probably the most enjoyable firearm to shoot fast, slow, or for accuracy and is a blast on any range trip. The noise and the flash signature say “hand cannon” but the recoil says, “I must be a super operator because there is zero muzzle flip”. The trajectory of the bullet is very flat, and follow-up shots are comically easy.
Hand Feel: Grip is largish, long in length but narrow in width. Fits comfortably in the hand, especially if you have larger hands. Checkering on the grip is really nice and though aggressive, the pyramids are rounded off so it’s not a bed of nails digging into your palm. Points very well.
Notes:Grip has thumb indent, nice feature.
Sights: Three dot, adjustable target sights. All I did from the factory is reposition them about two clicks lower.
Notes: Combat hold, aka, front dot covers the target.
Specs:
Weight: ~21oz. Extremely lightweight, especially considering it can hold 20+1 rounds.
Comparison: A Glock 26, aka “The Baby Glock” weighs 22 oz. This pistol measures 8.2” in length so it certainly is “Full Size”, making the weight that much more impressive.
Disassembly: Similar to a Glock takedown, pull slide back a half inch and slide button on frame. Dissembles into TWO pieces (instead of the usual three), slide assembly and barrel, barrel has integrated recoil spring.
Personal Use Experience: Purchased in 2012, 2000+ rounds, REQUIRED 250 round break in.
Comparison: A Glock 26, aka “The Baby Glock” weighs 22 oz. This pistol measures 8.2” in length so it certainly is “Full Size”, making the weight that much more impressive.
Disassembly: Similar to a Glock takedown, pull slide back a half inch and slide button on frame. Dissembles into TWO pieces (instead of the usual three), slide assembly and barrel, barrel has integrated recoil spring.
Personal Use Experience: Purchased in 2012, 2000+ rounds, REQUIRED 250 round break in.
When I first got the pistol, it was extremely tight. Like, difficult to rack the slide tight. First range trip, every chambered shot would fire, then the next round would not chamber, aka failures to feed. The ejection was no issue, it shoots brass 20 ft. The FTFs were excruciatingly frustrating because I thought I had just purchased a 1k brick (yes, at the time I bought, NIB w/ tax + DROS was 1K, and it was sitting at my FFL for weeks all forlorn and sequestered before I picked it up. Nowadays you can’t find them in stock anywhere and they sell for $1400+ used. 
) I patiently loaded mags to 1 round for a couple boxes, then 3 rounds, then full mag. Since this initial break in, since I first ran a mag through with no problem, I have not had a single FTFeed/Fire, FTExract/Eject. I would rate this pistol as 100% dependable and haven’t had any concern since day one on the range.
) I patiently loaded mags to 1 round for a couple boxes, then 3 rounds, then full mag. Since this initial break in, since I first ran a mag through with no problem, I have not had a single FTFeed/Fire, FTExract/Eject. I would rate this pistol as 100% dependable and haven’t had any concern since day one on the range. There are dozens of relatable metrics from fit and finish, to location of serrations, sight picture length, etc etc. These features are important but I reviewed the ones that are most important to me on any firearm. Speaking briefly to those points, the quality of this firearm is high. It really is well machined, and personally I like the aesthetics.
Range Report: God I love shooting this pistol. Lightweight means you don't get tired quickly, very low recoil makes shooting a breeze, grip is very nice, trigger is excellent, sights are good, and the blast is thrilling. And accuracy! Incredibly accurate. If I had a ransom rest I bet it would shoot 1” at 25 yds.
Target: All offhand / unsupported. First 5 rounds at 5 yards, then 45 rounds at 6 yards at target #1. 1 second between shots. Then on target #2 moved out to 40 shots at 15 yards, then on target #3, 5 shots at 25 yards.
[see attached photos of target at close range]
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Conclusion: I have owned this fine pistol for two years and have always loved it. Though some keyboard commandos say it’s an expensive .22, or an expensive Keltec PMR, I can say with first hand certainty that those claims just are not true. As far as the ballistic efficacy of the round, that too I believe in, and there is a fair amount of Youtube non-scientific testing to that end showing the round to be effective. Ultimately, it’s still a handgun round.
However, we are talking about a handgun that, with certain loads, defeats Level IIa/IIIa vests says a lot. That we are talking about a ultra lightweight, low-recoil firearm with a 20+1 capacity which weighs as much as three loaded 1911 magazines (for 21 rounds) says a lot. That there is some “uniqueness” to the round adds at least topical interest to the development and history of the firearm. Also, that ammo is readily available for ~43-45cents/rd means the affordability is nearly there.
All in all, does every firearm need to fufill a particular role that is unique to only that weapon? I argue no. You can definitely own several that are simply fun. This is certainly one of them, and when I think about any staid 9mm, .40, .45 etc etc though some are much more practical for a given application, few give me a smile like this one.
Other Reviews: H&K P30 V3 .40 S&W
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