Anybody own a FNH Five-SeveN?

I am seriously thinking about buying my buddy's dads' Five-SeveN. It's the USG model with about 200 rounds through it. It has been meticulously maintained and comes in the factory hard case with all the accessories (3 mags, lock, manual, etc). He is also selling all the ammo for it (9 unopened boxes of SS197SR 40gr V-max!) for $900.

Everything I've read says this little guy is a blast to shoot and is easy to handle. I only own one other firearm; a Ruger 10/22 with a Tapco tactical stock and 30 rd banana clip. I might apply for a concealed carry. I really would use it to put holes in paper and for home defense. Plus it would make my dad jealous LOL.

What do you guys (and gals) think? I think that's a pretty good deal for everything considering the gun itself is about $1200 new...

If it's just as a plinker, I'd rather have a .22 or .38 pistol. I've honestly never really understood what the 5.7 is for. It has great penetration for a pistol round, but that's about it.

Edit to add I wouldn't use a 5.7 as a carry gun. Too much penetration, not a big enough hole.

Not a super deal but you aren't getting burned either. 25% off a used weapon is a little high. I bought my Springfield 1911 Champion model (military officers short barrel version with target sights) for 35% off retail with a box of ammo and a holster.

Better deals on better guns can be found and if you are just wanting to go shoot a .22 would be better (due to cost) and there are alot better carry weapons due to knock down power.

With that being said, if you like the way the gun shoots and are happy with it's condition and it's fit to you. Get it.

I would offer $750 and settle at $800 (but competive shop the price too.)

I'm just not into that 5.7 thing. Near as I can tell, it was designed to shoot through bullet proof vests. For a cop, the majority of those shot being shot with their own weapon, carrying something that can defeat their own vest borders on Darwin Award nominee. Ammo isn't cheap, super hi cap mags are hard to come by, I think, and the gun is expensive. Just not my thing. That 30 shot 22 mag looks like fun, but I doni't think the bugs are worked out of that either.

Anyway, I have a 22 Hornet, which has basically the same ballistics. Carry guns should be 9mm or BIGGER, preferably starting with a 4. For a plinker, see the recent thread we had on 22 pistols. Rugger MK2/3 was a good choice and will give you enough left over for a butt load of ammo and accessories from nine bills, plus beer money for cleaning time. In fact, nine bills will get you a Taurus 92, Rugger MK2/3, ammo, targets, holsters, cleaning kit(s), beer money and range fees. But, if you just gotta have the 5.7, go for it.

Considering it includes 250 dollars worth of ammo, I'd say the price is good.

Joey

I think the price is good also considering it comes with the ammo. I really wanted one till I played with one but I just don't like the fantastic plastic feel to them. I sold my Glock for the same reason. I have a tough time not buying stainless steel guns though.

93gsxturbo wrote: but I just don't like the fantastic plastic feel to them. I have a tough time not buying stainless steel guns though.

Ditto.

Are you planning to reload for it? 'Cuz unless I'm mistaken, the only source of brass is your buying factory ammo then reloading it. Second, it's a pain in the ass to reload because the case is so friggin' small. The bullet selection is limited and as the Good Dr. says the thing was designed specifically to defeat body armor. I'm surprised they didn't try to ban the thing after the Hasan rampage at Ft. Hood. That doesn't mean much until you've got a jury deciding your fate after you shot some shiny happy person with one. As you're considering it for defensive purposes that issue should weigh heavily on your decision. My understanding is that ballistics are similar to the WMR, which in layman's terms means it ain't much to crow about, especially for a handgun. My $.02 is that you'd be far better off with a generic 9mm Luger. YMMV.

Yeah, the ammo is about $21 for a box of 50. Thats more than 9mm obviously but still not too bad. I'm not going to reload the brass. It is pretty light, about 21 ounces empty. It makes the Beretta 92FS that Uncle Sam has me carry feel like an anvil.

The Five-Seven has a bad rap due to the Brady camp and the Ft. Hood shooting but the only ammo that can defeat body armor is only available to LEOs and military. The polymer tip and lead free rounds cannot penetrate armor.

In reply to stanger_missle:

I believe you mean "the only FACTORY HANDGUN ammunition that can defeat body armor..." If you reloaded using lead-free copper solids (or something else) that might get the job done with the 5.7. Then again, see my reference about Juries above. After they search your house as part of the post-incident investigation they'd undoubtedly find it. Tough to argue complete innocence with Federally illegal ammunition your safe... Regardless of that, I'm sure you're not going to load or possess those, are you?

It's still a puny round for defensive purposes IMHO.

For home defense, no. For sheer awesome, HELL YEAH.

I wanted one a while ago since I really liked the look, but then after reading about all of the higher costs of ownership and reviews along the lines of the comments above, I decided to put it out of my mind. I will shoot it when I go to Vegas in two months, but past that it just seemed to cost prohibitive to own and shoot on a regular basis.