What Caliber is the P90?
The FN P90 is a 5.7x28mm caliber submachine gun designed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium. It was designed for the Belgian military and later adopted by other countries. The P90 is a unique weapon with a rectangular shape and a distinctive architecture that sets it apart from other submachine guns. But what makes it stand out is its caliber: 5.7x28mm.
Contents
History of the P90
The P90 was designed in the 1990s as a successor to the FN Five-SeveN pistol. It was intended to be a versatile weapon that could fire a variety of ammunition types, including pistol, submachine gun, and even rifle rounds. The weapon was designed to be reliable, accurate, and highly maneuverable, making it ideal for close-quarters combat (CQC) and rapid-response situations.
5.7x28mm Caliber Overview
So, what is the 5.7x28mm caliber? 5.7x28mm is a proprietary caliber developed by FN specifically for the P90. The caliber is designed to produce a high-velocity bullet with a flat trajectory and minimal recoil. The round has a 1200 fps muzzle velocity, which is significantly higher than standard pistol calibers. This allows the P90 to engage targets at out to 50 yards with accuracy and confidence.
Here are some key characteristics of the 5.7x28mm caliber:
- Flat trajectory: The 5.7x28mm bullet has a flat trajectory, making it ideal for close-quarters combat where rapid follow-up shots are required.
- High muzzle velocity: The round produces a high muzzle velocity of 1200 fps, making it effective at extended ranges.
- Low recoil: The 5.7x28mm caliber has a relatively low recoil impulse, making it easier to control and accuracy.
Other Calibers and Variants
While the 5.7x28mm is the standard caliber for the P90, there have been other calibers and variants developed for specific applications. Some of these include:
- P90 TR: A silenced variant of the P90 designed for covert operations. The TR model fires .22 Long Rifle rounds and has a greatly reduced noise signature.
- P90 GL1: A grenade launcher version of the P90, designed to fire 40x46mm grenades. The GL1 variant is used by some military and law enforcement agencies.
Advantages of the 5.7x28mm Caliber
The 5.7x28mm caliber has several advantages that make it ideal for the P90. Some of these include:
- Increased effectiveness at extended ranges: The 5.7x28mm caliber allows the P90 to engage targets at extended ranges with increased effectiveness.
- Reduced recoil: The 5.7x28mm caliber has a relatively low recoil impulse, making it easier to control and accurate.
- Improved stopping power: The 5.7x28mm caliber produces a higher mass-per-unit-area than other submachine gun calibers, making it more effective at stopping targets.
Comparison to Other Calibers
Here is a comparison of the 5.7x28mm caliber to other common submachine gun calibers:
| Caliber | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Effective Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9x19mm | 1,170 fps | 375 ft-lbs | 20-30 yards |
| .40 S&W | 1,000 fps | 450 ft-lbs | 25-35 yards |
| 5.7x28mm | 1,200 fps | 550 ft-lbs | 50 yards |
As you can see, the 5.7x28mm caliber has a significant advantage in terms of muzzle velocity and effective range compared to other submachine gun calibers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the P90 is a versatile and effective weapon that operates in the 5.7x28mm caliber. The 5.7x28mm caliber has several advantages, including increased effectiveness at extended ranges, reduced recoil, and improved stopping power. While there have been other calibers and variants developed for specific applications, the 5.7x28mm caliber is the standard and most well-known caliber for the P90.
