FN Five-SeveN MRD vs Ruger 5.7 vs M&P 5.7

Introduction to the 5.7x28mm pistol comparison

The hosts set up a side-by-side comparison of three 5.7x28mm pistols: the FN Five-seveN, the Ruger 57, and the new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7. The FN is described as the original, iconic design, now in a more modern MRD configuration with an improved grip angle and optics cut for a red dot. The goal is to see which pistol stands out as the “king of 5.7” by shooting them back to back and discussing their features and performance. The setting is an outdoor range, and the conversation briefly notes the FN’s reputation and its long-standing place in the 5.7x28mm ecosystem.

Price points and feature overview

The discussion moves to pricing and basic features. The FN Five-seveN MRD model, with optics cut and updated grip angle, is said to be around $1,500, while the original non-MRD FN version is about $1,400. The Ruger 57 comes in at approximately $899, and the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 is noted as the least expensive at about $699. The Smith & Wesson is optics-ready and includes a threaded barrel. All three pistols have Picatinny rails and reversible magazine releases. Only the Smith & Wesson offers an ambidextrous slide release at this lower price point, while the Ruger provides an ambidextrous thumb safety instead. The FN’s slide release is not ambidextrous.

Ergonomics, grip, and control layout

Ergonomics and control placement are compared in detail. The FN Five-seveN is described as feeling very plasticky, almost like an airsoft gun, with a polymer slide and lightweight construction. Its design is tied back to the early 1990s, when it was developed as a sidearm companion to the P90, sharing the 5.7x28mm cartridge during a period when many polymer firearms were emerging. The Ruger 57 is repeatedly described as the most comfortable in hand, with a grip shape that feels natural. The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 grip is narrower and feels too slim to one of the shooters, and the magazine release is difficult to reach without shifting grip. In contrast, the Smith & Wesson’s mag release on another example is praised for being more tactile and protruding, with a larger textured surface. The FN’s magazine release is larger but requires a deliberate press. Manual safety placement is also discussed, with the FN’s safety considered less ergonomic than the positions used by Ruger and the optional safety location on the Smith & Wesson.

FN Five-seveN MRD handling and shooting impressions

On the range, the FN Five-seveN’s handling is examined first. The polymer slide becomes slick when damp, making it harder to rack without using an overhand grip. Once loaded, the pistol’s light weight and the 5.7x28mm cartridge produce very little felt recoil. Firing a 20‑round string, the shooter notes a pronounced muzzle flash but minimal movement of the target, which makes hits harder to visually confirm. The pistol is described as extremely light with almost no recoil, and all shots are reported on target. The 5.7x28mm round is characterized as a small-diameter projectile moving very quickly, with a small impact area and a reputation for effectiveness, especially in armor‑piercing loadings designed to defeat soft body armor. The FN’s raised night sights are highlighted as a positive feature, offering a strong glow and good visibility.

Magazine loading, mag safety, and recoil observations

Magazine characteristics and safety features are discussed while reloading. The FN Five-seveN magazine is compared to loading a small AR‑15 PMAG and is considered the easiest to load among the three pistols. The FN includes a magazine safety, meaning the trigger will not function without a magazine inserted. Once a magazine is seated, the pistol operates normally. When another shooter fires the FN, recoil is again described as very manageable, with the gun being loud but soft-shooting, likened to a small, loud dog. The overall shooting experience is called pleasant, with no negative comments about controllability. There is a brief mention that the Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 magazine felt more difficult to load in earlier use, but detailed comparison is deferred until that pistol is on camera.

Transition to Ruger 57 and sight/trigger discussion

The focus shifts to the Ruger 57. A holster made for a SIG P320 is used, illustrating some fit issues and requiring a bit of wiggling to draw the Ruger. With a 20‑round magazine loaded, the shooter notes a bright green fiber‑optic front sight that stands out well in daylight. For general carry or all‑around use, the FN’s night sights are still preferred, but the Ruger’s sight picture is praised for visibility on the range. After firing, the shooter comments that the trigger on the FN Five-seveN feels better. While shooting the Ruger, the shooter waits for the reset and finds it longer than expected, starting to pull before clearly feeling it. This leads to a direct comparison request, asking for the FN to be handed back to evaluate the difference in trigger reset and feel between the two pistols.