FN created the late 5.7x28mm cartridge for its FN P90 personal defense arbalest to meet NATO requirements released in 2000. Subsequently FN created the Five-seveN pistol to hit agencies who adopt the P90, which is a side stump chambered for the same cartridge.

FN claims that their newly studious 5.7x28mm cartridge allows the Five-seveN to pierce the older U.S. FN Five seveN Armed Force PASGT vest at 300 meters range, and a U.S. Flight PASGT helmet at a confines of 240 meters. However, these penetration statistics are for the military SS190 cartridge. Other convenient cartridge variants are not armor-piercing, according to the BATFE. These cartridges are loaded with heavier, expanding projectiles driven at lower velocities.