What If FN or Ruger Made Their 5.7 Pistols in a Compact Form Factor?

Throwback Thursday

Original post: 03/10/2021, Republished: 02/26/2026

What If…

Welcome to the What If series. You may be asking yourself, What is the What If series? This new series tackles the random questions and ideas I come up with when discussing firearms. Now, I’m here to explore those ideas with you and see just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Consider this an open-ended exploration of possibilities…welcome to What If.

The first question I want to tackle is this: What if FN or Ruger made their 5.7 pistol in a compact form factor?

It’s a question I’ve been pondering recently, especially with the addition of the 5.7x28mm cartridge as a NATO-standardized round. I’d be interested to see the 5.7 pistol offered in configurations beyond full size. Maybe now is finally the time to explore different form factors for 5.7 platform. 

I want to dig into the idea of a compact 5.7 pistol.

NATO Standardizes FN’s 5.7x28mm Cartridge

Recently, NATO standardized FN’s 5.7x28mm cartridge, adding it to the alliance’s small-arms portfolio. The 5.7x28mm now joins 9x19mm, 5.56x45mm, and 7.62x51mm as approved ammunition for NATO forces and allied nations.

The inclusion of this round opens the door to new possibilities for the 5.7 cartridge itself. I’ll expand on that shortly, but first, let’s take a quick look at the cartridge’s history.

A Brief History of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge

The 5.7x28mm cartridge has been around since the 1990s, introduced alongside FN’s P90 and later the Five-Seven pistol by FN Herstal. The P90 falls into the PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) category and was designed as a lightweight, compact weapon system optimized for close-quarters, and urban environments while retaining lethality. That was concept behind it at least. 

FN developed the 5.7x28mm cartridge from the ground up in conjunction with the P90. The goal was to create a small-caliber, high-velocity round that bridged the gap between traditional pistol and rifle ammunition. The result was a lightweight projectile capable of traveling at approximately 2,800 feet per second, delivering impressive velocity for its size.

In short, it’s a small-caliber round moving at very high speed designed to theoretically retain lethality, capacity, and performance in compact platforms.

Three Things NATO Standardization Could Bring to the Firearm Industry

Let’s talk about what NATO standardization could mean for the firearms industry and civilian market as a whole. 

1. Increased Ammunition Availability

Standardization often encourages broader manufacturing support. If military and law enforcement demand for 5.7 ammunition increases, ammunition manufacturers may ramp up production to meet that demand.

Historically, when military contracts increase production volume, the civilian market benefits from greater availability. More manufacturers producing 5.7 ammunition could lead to improved supply chain stability and ideally, reduced costs.

Greater availability would also incentivize companies to invest in R&D for new 5.7x28mm platforms, driven by rising popularity and demand.

2. Potential Price Reduction

One of the primary drawbacks of the 5.7x28mm cartridge has always been its price. The higher cost per round has made many shooters hesitant to invest in a firearm chambered in 5.7. When ammunition is expensive, it discourages consistent training, often relegating the firearm to “safe queen” status or novelty ownership.

If increased production leads to lower prices, 5.7 pistols become far more practical as primary carry or training options. A more affordable round could dramatically shift public perception of the cartridge. 

3. More Firearm Options in 5.7x28mm

Standardization could also encourage more manufacturers to produce pistols and rifles chambered in 5.7x28mm. Increased demand and lower ammunition costs create stronger financial incentives for innovation.

This brings me back to the core question: What if FN or Ruger produced compact versions of their 5.7 pistols?

Exploring the Idea of a Compact 5.7 Pistol

I understand that no one is exactly clamoring for a compact 5.7 pistol. Still. Hear me out.

Imagine a 5.7 pistol in a Glock 19–sized form factor. Would you at least consider carrying one? I would. A compact 5.7 with its low recoil impulse and muzzle flip with a high-velocity cartridge in a G19-sized footprint is an intriguing concept.

Currently, most shooters associate the 5.7 cartridge with full-size pistols. Seeing it adapted into a compact configuration would expand its potential applications, particularly for concealed carry users. 

If such a pistol proved commercially successful, it could encourage other manufacturers to enter the 5.7 market. But it would take a company like FN or Ruger to take that first step and test the waters.

Yes, the 5.7x28mm has its shortcomings. Every cartridge does. But I believe its advantages such as its capacity, low recoil impulse, and velocity offer compelling upside, especially in a compact platform.

The Role of Ammunition Pricing on Adoption

Let’s revisit ammunition pricing because it’s central to this discussion.

At present, 5.7 ammunition can still command a premium price compared to traditional handgun calibers. Before the 2020–2021 ammunition shortage, prices were trending downward. If production stabilizes and manufacturers increase output following NATO’s decision, we could see pricing become more competitive over time.

In an ideal market environment with stable supply chains, full production capacity, and strong manufacturer participation the financial barrier to entry for 5.7 platforms would shrink. That’s when innovation tends to accelerate.

Under those conditions, a compact 5.7 pistol becomes far more viable. 

So let me ask again: in that scenario, would you be interested?

What I’d Want in a Compact 5.7 Pistol

If a compact 5.7 were developed, here’s what I’d want to see:

1. Striker-fired system for reliability and consistency.

2. Well-designed ergonomics with a durable frame and solid factory trigger.

3. Picatinny rail for mounting weapon lights.

4. Optics-ready slide.

5. Front and rear slide serrations.

6. Threaded and non-threaded barrel options.

7. Quality factory iron sights.

If a manufacturer could deliver those features at a competitive price point, I’d be very interested.

As for pricing, that’s the tricky part. A $699 MSRP would be appealing but whether that’s realistic given production costs is another question entirely. Still, there’s nothing wrong with aiming high.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, I’d like to see more weapon systems developed around the 5.7x28mm cartridge for both pistols and rifles. NATO standardization could be the catalyst that pushes the cartridge into broader adoption and innovation.

A compact 5.7 pistol may not be something the market is demanding right now. But sometimes innovation isn’t about answering demand, it’s about anticipating it.

So I’ll leave you with this: Am I crazy, or am I onto something?

Let me know what you think in the comments below.