FN 5.7

Dave1911

First of all, i would like to state that i have no desire to import such a firearm into the state, the gun itself being rather pricey along with the ammo to go with it. My question's are more based on a thirst for general knowledge:

1#-What is the legal stand-point on importing an FN 5.7 Pistol (5.7x28mm) into the Irish state?

2#-If so, has anyone acquired one?

I am asking this as the round fits the bracket between the 22LR, and 9mm pistol rounds, could one say that it could be used for sports/target shooting?

Please, sensible answers only!

Sparks

It's a short firearm and not .22lr, therefore it's restricted; and you can't licence a restricted short firearm in Ireland at the moment unless you had a licence for that exact firearm before Nov.2008.

So basicly, a non-runner. Before you even get to the armour-piercing ammo (I think they do do normal ball ammo for it, but it's not really what it's known for!)

Dave1911

Sparks wrote: »

It's a short firearm and not .22lr, therefore it's restricted; and you can't licence a restricted short firearm in Ireland at the moment unless you had a licence for that exact firearm before Nov.2008.

Sobasicly, a non-runner. Before you even get to the armour-piercing ammo (I think they do do normal ball ammo for it, but it's not really what it's known for!)

Thanks for that! I got to fire the weapon near the end of last year in nevada. V intresting! As for the ammo, i was informed by the owner of the gun that while there is indeed armor-piercing rounds, its restricted to LE and Military use. I was firing 40 gram rnds for civie use. If i remember correctly they had blue tips?

Anyway thanks for clearing that up for me!

Tea drinker

It's supposed to be very accurate even out to longer ranges, but that's moot as per sparks comment

tac foley

That 617.3grain bullet must be pretty impressive to shoot from ANY handgun.

No wonder it's restricted in the RoI. ;=/

tac

firefly08

I doubt it will ever be a popular target shooting gun. It uses a proprietary round which was originally designed for the P-90 rifle.

In terms of power, using the civilian ammo that's available, fired from a pistol, I think the round is not hugely different from the .22 magnum to be honest, the velocity is a bit higher but the rounds are lighter.

tac foley

It's NOT a target shooting gun - anywhere. Even in the US of A it's a curiosity that has never quite caught on. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too expensive to feed with no obvious application for civilian use.

It was produced in reaction to the growing use of BGs using body armour of one kind or another.

tac

harmoniums

This is way way cheaper and just as effective on soft armour.


P1020448 by harmoniums, on Flickr

Polish TT33, I added a compensator and an different magazine floor plate to rest my little finger on.
I used to carry a Tok daily, as I found them quite slim and conducive to inside the waist band carry,(also it was only $200).

Also the 880 round spam cans were only $89 a piece back in the day

juice1304

the armor peircing ammo is restricted, hornady do a ballistic tip round, or you can get fmj's asfaik
and to answer the op's question there is at least one in the country i know someone with one.

tac foley

I'd be interested to learn of the justification for it, bearing in mind that is is barely better than the .22WMR...

tac

juice1304

i don't really see what the problem would be, it's not possible to get the restricted ammo so there is no issue.

Witcher

I think Tac is referring to why someone would go for a 5.7 considering the ammo cost and the fact it's similar to a .22 magnum which would be less expensive and easier to aquire even ammo for I'd imagine.

Dave1911

Thanks lads for all the comments!
But really "Sparks" answered it for me in the first go.
I have an interest in firearms with niche calibers, such as the .577 t-rex or the 5.8x42mm chi com, and their role in advancing firearms technology.
As i said it was purely a question of general knowledge, so no need for handbags at dawn!
The cost for any weapon system firing this round is mute considering that it would be impossible to import it in the first place, unless our gun laws are restructured to benefit firearms enthusiasts in Ireland!
As for firing the gun, the recoil was v little. i only fired about 2 mags, say 40 rnds so my experience is limited. However it was gut fun!

firefly08

As far as the round itself goes, it is technically possible (if pointless), to license a gun that fires it - just not a pistol. As I mentioned there's the P-90, which is insanely expensive, and restricted, but then there is also a 5.7mm upper receiver available for the AR-15 platform. Which is also restricted of course but some people have managed to license them.

It even feeds just like the P-90, i.e. you put the magazine on top, with the rounds facing to one side, and they rotate through 90 degrees as they feed into the gun.

If you have ever been a fan of Stargate SG-1 you will agree that this is seriously cool. :cool: