p90

The P90, short for Personal Defense Weapon, is a compact firearm designed by FN Herstal of Belgium. Introduced in 1990, it is chambered for the 5.7×28mm cartridge and is built around a bullpup layout. A defining feature is its top-mounted 50-round magazine, which feeds straight into a compact receiver, allowing a full-length barrel while maintaining a short overall length. The weapon was developed for close-quarters combat and for personnel in vehicles, aircraft, or other environments where traditional rifles are impractical. It has seen service with military, law enforcement, and security forces in various countries.

The P90 employs a simple, compact action and is designed for reliability under harsh conditions. The curved, top magazine feeds into a feed track that guides rounds into the chamber. The trigger assembly is located in the pistol grip, with ambidextrous controls. Fire modes typically include safe, semi-automatic, and automatic fire. The 5.7×28mm cartridge provides high-velocity performance and, in some ammunition variants, armor-piercing capability. The weapon typically uses standard open sights, with many examples equipped for optical sights or red-dot optics.

Variants and derivatives include the PS90, a semi-automatic civilian carbine with a fixed stock, and the Five-seveN pistol, which uses the same cartridge. The P90 remains notable for its combination of compact size, high capacity, and relatively low recoil, contributing to its distinctive place in firearm design and popular culture.