The FN-57 in Everyday Carry: A Thorough Analysis
The FN-57, or Five-Seven as it is commonly known, has garnered a range of opinions from enthusiasts and everyday carry (ECC) users. Some find it a neat, effective firearm, while others deem it ill-suited for day-to-day use. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of the FN-57 in the context of everyday carry, its reliability, and performance compared to other calibers.
FN-57 for Everyday Carry: A Personal Experience
Carrying a FN-57 certainly presents its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to pocket carry. Its size makes it impractical for-hand carry; however, it excels when worn inside the waistband (IWB), either on the strong side or small of back. This is similar to the 1911, a well-respected firearm known for its ergonomics and reliability in ECC scenarios.
Advanced Ergonomics and Safety Design
One of the standout features of the FN-57 is its ergonomics. The safety lever is positioned in a way that allows for easy operation with the trigger finger, making it a natural fit for those familiar with the design. This promotes accurate trigger discipline and significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharge, a feature that cannot be underestimated in daily use.
Weight, Capacity, and Ballistics
The FN-57 is a lightweight firearm, which is a significant advantage when it comes to minimizing the discomfort that heavy firearms can cause over time. Its high capacity also adds to its appeal, especially for those who prefer to carry a large number of rounds. In terms of ballistics, the FN-57 delivers a knockout punch, outperforming calibers such as 9mm, .38 Special, and .380 in both velocity and kinetic energy. The high velocity more than compensates for the relatively low bullet weight, providing a considerable advantage in stopping power.
Shooter Friendliness and Reliability
One of the standout features of the FN-57 is its low recoil, making it particularly user-friendly for those who are not accustomed to powerful firearms. Despite its reputation as an overpriced weapon, the FN-57 offers excellent reliability and performance, making it a worthy investment for serious ECC users.
Market Analysis and Availability
When it comes to ammunition availability and cost, the FN-57 falls short compared to more common calibers like 9mm, .38 Special, and .380. While the 5.7x28mm round of the FN-57 excels in terms of velocity and kinetic energy, its higher cost makes it less accessible for many shooters. Additionally, the market for 5.7x28mm ammunition is much narrower, with only a few commercial loadings available, compared to the abundance of 9mm, .38 Special, and .380 ammunition.
For those who are not part of a team specifically equipped with P90 submachine guns (which the FN-57 is often used with), a FN-57 may not be the ideal choice for concealed carry. It is designed more for a team environment where the firearm is a companion to the P90, providing supplementary firepower. For individuals engaging in concealed carry in a solo or small team environment, more standard calibers offer a better balance of performance, availability, and cost.
Conclusion
While the FN-57 is a highly capable firearm with excellent ergonomics and ballistics, it is not without its drawbacks. Its size, cost, and limited ammunition availability make it less suited for everyday carry compared to more common calibers. Potential users should carefully consider the context in which they plan to carry and the specific demands of their carrying situation before committing to the FN-57.
In summary, the FN-57 can be a great choice for those who are already familiar with and comfortable using the firearm, but for the average ECC user, it may be more practical to opt for more widely available and cost-effective rounds. The FN-57 remains an excellent addition to a defensive arsenal, but users should balance its strengths against its limitations for the best outcome.