The FN Five-seveN has long been alone in military and law enforcement ranks as an eccentric yet dependable pistol. Its development around the diminutive 5.7x28mm cartridge and the intent to ride on the FN P90, the Five-seveN design never compromised light recoil and high capacity.
The newest iteration, the Five-seveN MRD, maintains those essential qualities with a series of practical refinements that make it feel current and mission-focused to modern tactical use.
The most immediately practical change is the optics-ready slide. Rather than having to resort to a gunsmith or aftermarket modification to accommodate a red dot, the MRD can accept standard micro sights with an included mounting plate and hardware. It’s the kind of practicality that translates in the real world: quicker gear switching, fewer surprises, and a reduced barrier to using an optic in the field.
At the same time, FN has optimized the grip texture, slide serrations, trigger guard, and safety lever so the pistol will be less fussy to operate when wet or in a panic mode, and ambidextrous controls with a reversible magazine release make it fully usable for left- or right-handed shooters.
Beneath those niceties, the MRD pursues a conservative philosophy of engineering that emphasizes longevity and plain performance. A 4.8-inch cold hammer-forged target barrel is available in close groups and lengthy service life, and the single-action-only, internal hammer-fired trigger is tuned to provide a crisp, clean break of around six pounds—enough to be safe, yet light enough to invite accurate repeats.
The 5.7x28mm cartridge itself is a large part of the package: it’s flat-shooting and light, and with the delayed-blowback action of the pistol, recoil is not an issue. That diminutive kick allows the user to keep the sights on target and fire faster, which is just what you need in a defensive or tactical application. The issue standard 20-round magazine also results in less reloading than with most issue pistols.
Reliability and toughness are the essence of the Five-seveN legacy, and the MRD simply follows suit. The polymer frame makes the gun easy to transport; however, the steel slide offers strength where the hand meets it most squarely.
Through testing in harsh conditions and longer-duration fire training, the platform has proved to be more than durable, and for those customers desiring additional capability, the MRD can be threaded for compensator or suppressor attachment. Coupled with the optics-ready slide, this makes upgrades non-piecemeal and easy.
With extensive customization offered, from improved barrel quality to suppressors and extended magazine assemblies, customers can customize the pistol for particular applications—competition, duty carry, or home defense. That’s a big part of the appeal of the MRD: it’s not a single-fits-all gadget stuffed into one box, but rather a platform that can be tailored to how individuals really use it.
The distinct shape of the pistol does make holster selection important, though; inside-the-waistband concealment holsters, outside-the-waistband tactical rigs, and shoulder rigs for specialty set-ups are all options, and most of them are trimmed to clear lights and optics so an optics-equipped pistol will still come back on target.
Generally, the MRD is not attempting to be an anything-for-anyone “do-it-all” sidearm. It’s accepting the Five-seveN’s defining characteristics—light cartridge, low recoiling, high capacity—and updating ergonomics with optics integrated smoothly right out of the factory. For the professional carriers seeking a compact, reliable gun ready for today’s accessories and practical applications, the Five-seveN MRD is a logical evolution and not hot air.