FN
5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) pistol is a semiautomatic pistol in 5.7 X 28
mm caliber
1/20/05
In response to numerous
questions that ATF has received regarding the capabilities of the 5.7
X 28mm cartridge, the following technical information is provided.
FTB classified
SS196 ammunition as not armor piercing.
The FN 5.7 (Fabrique
Nationale) pistol is a semiautomatic pistol in 5.7 X 28 mm caliber.
Type: Double Action Only or Single Action (in Tactical model).
Chambering: 5.7x28mm.
Length: 208 mm
Barrel length: 122.5 mm
Magazine: 20 rounds.
The FN 5.7 (Fabrique
Nationale) pistol is a semiautomatic pistol in 5.7 X 28 mm caliber approved
for importation as a sporting firearm.
The classification
of all ammunition is governed strictly by the definitions presented
in the GCA. Specifically, as defined in 18 U.S.C. Section 921(a)(17)(B),
the term "armor piercing ammunition" means-
- a projectile
or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed
entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from
one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze,
beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or
- a full jacketed
projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in
a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of
the total weight of the projectile.
FTB has also examined
a 5.7 X 28 mm projectile that FN Herstal has designated the "SS196."
The SS196 is loaded with a Hornady 40 grain, jacketed lead bullet. FTB
classified SS196 ammunition as not armor piercing ammunition
under Federal firearms statutes.
According to FNH
USA, FN Herstal tested the SS192 ammunition. SS192 ammunition did not
penetrate the Level IIIA vests that were tested. FNH USA states that
SS196, Hornady V-Max 40 gr. bullets fired from a 4-3/4 inch barrel did
not penetrate the Level II vests that were used in testing.
FNH USA has informed
FTB that SS192 is no longer imported for commercial sale to the United
States and that commercial sales of 5.7 X 28mm ammunition are restricted
to the SS196 (not armor piercing).
FN
Herstal 5.7 X 28mm Ammunition
SS190 - Armor piercing
(AP)
SS191 - AP Tracer
SS192 - Hollow Point (not AP)
SB193 - AP Subsonic
SS195 - "Green" - lead free hollow point projectile with copper
jacket (not AP)
SS196 - Sporting round (Hornady 40 gr. V-max, hollow point lead), (not
AP)
10700004 Blank (not classified as ammunition under Federal law)
10700005 Dummy