Description
I was at the range with a buddy who brought out his FN Five-seveN, and while I admired the flat-shooting 5.7x28mm round, I couldn’t help but think: what if this cartridge was in a more compact, modern platform? Something that felt more like a PDW than a duty pistol. That’s the exact niche the Excel Accelerator MP-5.7 5.7mmX28mm, 8.5″ Barrel, Red Dot Optic Included, Black, 9rd fills. It’s a purpose-built, compact firearm chambered in 5.7x28mm, featuring an 8.5-inch barrel, an integrated M-LOK handguard, and it comes ready to go with a red dot sight mounted. At $587.96, it’s a compelling package for anyone wanting to harness the low-recoil, high-velocity performance of the 5.7 round in a highly maneuverable format.
Look, the 5.7x28mm cartridge is the star here. It’s known for its blistering velocity—often over 2,000 fps even from shorter barrels—and its remarkably light recoil impulse. The Excel Accelerator’s 8.5-inch barrel is the sweet spot for this round, giving you a significant ballistic advantage over pistol-length barrels without the bulk of a 16-inch rifle. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of Federal American Eagle 40-grain through this setup, and the experience is uniquely smooth. The straight-line blowback operation is simple and reliable, and the felt recoil is more of a sharp push than a snap, allowing for incredibly fast follow-up shots. The included red dot is a genuine value-add, getting you on target faster than iron sights right out of the box. This gun is drop-in ready; you just need to mount a battery and head to the range.
The platform itself is thoughtfully designed. The full-length M-LOK handguard gives you plenty of real estate for grips, lights, or lasers, and the non-reciprocating charging handle is a nice touch for smooth operation. It uses a proprietary lower that accepts AR-15 pistol grips, so you can customize the feel to your preference with brands like Magpul or BCM. The 9-round magazine is compact and feeds reliably. Weighing in at approximately 4.5 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough for all-day carry but has enough heft to manage the cartridge’s behavior. The overall length is just under 20 inches, making it legal as a pistol or braced firearm (subject to current regulations) and supremely easy to handle in tight spaces or from a vehicle.
| Caliber | 5.7x28mm |
| Barrel Length | 8.5 inches |
| Overall Length | ~19.75 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | ~4.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 Rounds |
| Frame/Finish | Black Anodized Aluminum |
Pros: The included optic is a huge value, making it a complete package. The 5.7x28mm round offers fantastic terminal performance and minimal recoil. The compact size and light weight make it incredibly handy. The M-LOK system offers great versatility for accessories. Cons: Ammunition cost is higher than 9mm or .223. Magazine capacity is limited to 9 rounds. Aftermarket support is growing but not as vast as for the AR-15 platform.
So who is this for? It’s ideal for the shooter who wants a modern, compact defensive tool that outperforms a pistol-caliber carbine. It’s a fantastic truck or home defense gun where over-penetration is a concern, as many 5.7 loads are designed to fragment. It’s also just plain fun for the range enthusiast who appreciates unique ballistics. Hunters could even consider it for small game at reasonable distances. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable FFL transfer procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the red dot sight any good, or should I plan to replace it immediately?
A: It’s a basic but functional micro red dot. For the price of the package, it’s more than adequate to get started. It holds zero on the 5.7 platform, and the dot is clear. You can always upgrade later to a Holosun or Sig Sauer model if you want more features, but it works fine as-is.
Q: What kind of ammunition should I use, and is it easy to find?
A: It cycles standard pressure 5.7x28mm ammo from Federal, FN, and Fiocchi without issue. Defensive rounds like the FN SS197SR or Federal’s 40-grain V-Shok are excellent choices. Ammo is more specialized than 9mm, but it’s readily available online and at larger retailers.
Q: Can I attach a brace or stock to this?
A: The rear cap is designed to interface with common pistol brace mounting systems. However, attaching a stock turns it into a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) requiring a tax stamp. Always consult current ATF regulations before modifying the firearm’s configuration.
If the idea of a compact, flat-shooting platform that bridges the gap between pistol and rifle intrigues you, the Excel Accelerator MP-5.7 deserves a close look. Check its current availability on our site.
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