The FN Five-seveN has been gaining performance-wise and has become a quiet but acknowledged rival to some of those military and law enforcement handguns. The gun that used the unusual 5.7x28mm cartridge was transformed from an accessory to FN’s P90 personal defense weapon into a kind of high-capacity and low-recoil one with a small size.
20 years later, the fifth generation—Five-seveN MRD—demonstrates how the essence of the breakthrough has been converted to a natural choice for the tactical world of today, with the optics, ergonomic, and functional aspects of the gun being the main focus of the developments.
The first thing that comes to mind on hearing the MRD is the optics-prepared slide that makes the installation of the red dot sight a painless job, as the pistol can be equipped with most micro red dot sights without having to send the gun off to a gunsmith. Put your optic on, use the plate and screws given to you, and the holster is ready; and that kind of ease is really important when time and reliability count.
In addition to that, the rifling, slide serrations, trigger guard, and safety have all been improved to allow the shooter a better grip and precision, even if the hands are slippery or tense. Moreover, the ambidextrous controls and the reversible magazine release provide a comfortable grip for left- and right-handed shooters.
Hugging the other elements tightly, the MRD is also in line with the original Five-seveN’s virtues. A 4.8-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a target crown greatly helps the gun retain its precision over time, and the internal hammer-fired, single-action trigger gives off a clean, predictable break of about six pounds of pull—just enough for safety but light enough to get accurate follow-up shots.
The 5.7x28mm bullet, for instance, is very flat-shooting and low in recoil, and with a delayed blowback, the whole gun system leads to very low muzzle rise. That firmness, together with the 20-round magazine, means tighter groupings and fewer stoppages in critical moments.
Among the main features of reliability present in the platform is the MRD’s polymer frame, which is light without compromising durability, while the steel slide nested in the polymer helps the frame absorb the stress as well as be easy to maintain. The design in extended stress testing has proven that it can handle huge round counts even in the not-so-ideal conditions, which are exactly the kind of hands-on performance that field users demand.
Another one of the reasons why customers may be attracted to it is the possibility of customization. The majority of people will still choose a red dot on the MRD pistol, but it is also a gas-operated gun with a threaded barrel for suppressors or compensators, and it supports a wide range of parts for the aftermarket. In addition, flexibility in magazines, too—there are standard 20-rounders and extended magazines and higher capacity drums for shooting competitions or certain high-intensity scenarios.
Although the profile of the MRD is distinct from more traditional handguns, carrying it is still an option that you have to carefully consider. There are plenty of holsters for most setups, from discreet inside-the-waistband options to tactical outside-the-waistband rigs and shoulder systems that accept both optics and lights. Using the pistol in the right holster for the intended use, you will be able to keep it accessible.
For the most part, the FN Five-seveN MRD is not about trying to fit into the mold of every other gun or be loved by every shooter out there; it’s just another iteration, but with a focus and a lot of new developments, of a concept that was based on a small, fast round and a high-capacity platform.
With better optics, compatibility, more comfortable ergonomics, and the durability expected of a duty pistol, the MRD sums up what a modern sidearm can be: a lightweight and accurate tool perfect for those shooters who put the capacity, controllability, and simple adaptability at the forefront of their needs.