Fn Ps90 Review: Rare and worth it?

by Ryan Cleckner

April 1, 2022

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In this FN PS90 review we’ll be covering this unique bull-pup rifle, what we think about is features, and its specifications. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of the PS90 to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.

FN PS90 SPECS

  • Barell Length 16″
  • Caliber 5.7x28mm
  • Sights Rail, Back-Up Iron
  • Action Semi-Auto
  • Overall Length 26.23″

FN P90 Background

The FN PS90 is the civilian version of the iconic P90 military-grade firearm.

It is perhaps one of the more recognizable firearms but also unknown. What I mean is this – it’s unique profile makes it easy to spot, however, many people only recognize it as “that rifle” and don’t really know what it is other than a favorite choice in sci-fi movies.

The first thing you need to know about the FN PS90 is it is a bullpup rifle. This is the popular, compact form of rifle which has found favor among certain parts of the firearms community.

However, bullpup rifles aren’t universally loved, and their compact construction has led to performance problems with certain bullpup rifles and shotguns. So have FN managed to learn from the mistakes of others with the PS90, or does it have problems of its own?

If you’re thinking of making the PS90 from FN your next bullpup rifle, you’re going to want to check out the full Gun University take on the PS90. We’ve found a few facts you’ll absolutely want to be aware of before you go any further.

Let’s get to it!

FN PS90 Features Review

1 MIL-SPEC Barrel with Integrated Muzzle Brake

High quality, durable barrel

2 Moulded In Sling Attachment Point

Allows for easy sling attachment to keep your PS90 stable.

3 10 or 30 Round Detachable Polymer Magazine

Your choice of high-quality mags.

FN PS90 – Our Take

The FN PS90 is the most innovative bullpup we’ve reviewed.

Seriously, just look at it! It looks way ahead of its time.

It feeds a tiny cartridge that sits perpendicular to the barrel in a magazine ABOVE the action of the gun!?!?! It has two ergonomic holes for grips?!?!

If you’d like to see how it stacks up against other bullpup rifles, check out our Best Bullpup Guide.

What we loved: Tiny package bullpup “rifle.” We used rifle in quotes because although it is legally a rifle, it is on the small end when it comes to power. There are handguns that shoot this same cartridge. It’s fast and it easily penetrates body armor but it doesn’t have much power behind it (and nearly every other rifle round penetrates armor just as well or better).

What we didn’t like: The manual of arms for this rifle is too awkward for us. Sure, if you switch to a bullpup rifle from a standard rifle, you’re going to have to get used to manipulating the firearm a little differently. However, this just takes it to a new level… it’s cool, but weird.

Here’s the harsh truth, aside from its “cool factor,” this gun doesn’t really hold up against its competition… it’s not “better” that anything else in any single category.

In fact, it is so unique that it is hard to recommend it. Unfortunately, it ends up being a bit of a novelty firearm.

Unless you’ve got to have one because you like it in a video game, you might want to stay away from the FN PS90.

FN PS90 Pros and Cons

  • Novel design
  • Small
  • Can use same cartridge in pistol
  • No real practical use
  • Expensive/rare ammo
  • Loses compared to every other rifle in its class

Report Card

Shootability

Strange looks aside, the PS90 is ergonomic and easy to shoot and control.

A+
Reliability

In our experience, it is a reliable gun, however, if there’s a malfunction, good luck clearing/fixing it.

A-
Ergonomics

Easy to hold and shoot from the standing position – not so much prone or on a bench.

A
Accuracy

Good accuracy for a “battle rifle.”

B
Value

Too expensive for a niche product

F

Our Grade

B-

Reviewed by Ryan Cleckner

Reader’s Grade

B+

Based on 22 Reviews

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FN PS90 Ammo

Hornady 40gr 5.7x28mm

Marketplace
Cost Per Round
Palmetto State Armory $1.20

5.7x28mm 40 Grain American Eagle

Marketplace
Cost Per Round
Palmetto State Armory $1.00

FN PS90 Starter Pack

If you’ve decided to pick up the FN PS90, or found another firearm that suits your needs, there are some bare essentials you’re going to need to pick up in order to maximize its potential and your safety regardless of if it’s your first firearm or not.

  • Gun Cleaning Kit: Otis All Caliber Elite Range Box on Amazon or build your own personalized cleaning kit with premium components.
  • Shooting Glasses: All it takes is one piece of rogue hot brass, and you’ll learn the importance of shooting glasses. But not all glasses are built the same. See our recommendations for the Best Shooting Glasses.
  • Hearing Protection: Firing a gun without wearing proper ear pro can be very dangerous and detrimental to your hearing. Find out the best hearing protection for you in our full length review.
  • Storage: Check our our article on the Best Biometric Gun Safes
  • Targets – If you’re wanting a great resource for shooting practice or zeroing your optics on your optics rifle or pistol, download our FREE Sighting in Targets below.
  • MagazinesFN PS90 Mags at Brownells

Upgrades and Accessories

FN PS90 Accessories

Trijicon Mro 2.0 MOA Adjustable Green Dot
  • 8 reticle brightness levels
  • Low-distortion multi-coated optics
  • Nitrogen-filled
Check Amazon
Viking Tactics VTAC Padded Sling
  • Adaptable and Comfortable
  • Wide Shoulder Strap
Check Amazon
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
  • Great In-Ear option
  • Custom molded – super easy and comfortable
  • NRR: 31
Check Amazon

Other Bullpup Rifles of its Class to Check Out

When it comes to bullpup rifles, there are much better options out there. Sure… the FN PS90 looks cool. And it’s probably on your favorite video game. But we just don’t think it’s really worth the value. Here’s two different alternatives:

#1 Steyr Aug A3 M1

Steyr Aug A3 M1

Sold at EuroOptic.com, Guns.com, Palmetto State Armory

The Aug is a modular firearm and comes in many configurations to include those that fire in the open bolt position as light machine guns.

Check Latest Price

  • Shootability B
  • Reliability A+
  • Ergonomics C
  • Accuracy B
  • Value C

Our Grade

B

Reader’s Grade

B+

Based on 15 Reviews

Your Grade

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Success Your Grade Has Been
Added To Our Reader’s Score

Apart from the need to have specialized magazines and parts, the Steyr Aug still remains as a top choice for anyone looking to purchase a bullpup rifle. Why? Because it just looks cool! Seriously, lots of bad guys in movies uses this gun. On top of that, it’s just a very reliable choice for a bullpup. Price would be the only downside but worth it if you can afford it…READ MORE

#2 IWI Tavor X95

IWI Tavor X95

The Tavor X95 has by far earned the Best Overall Bullpup Award. You can see below why we made that decision.

Check Latest Price

  • Shootability A+
  • Reliability A+
  • Ergonomics A+
  • Accuracy A+
  • Value A

Our Grade

A+

Reader’s Grade

A

Based on 56 Reviews

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This is our favorite bullpup rifle we’ve gotten our hands on. It shoots reliable and accurate.Also, it fires common ammo with easy to find mags–unlike the PS90, As a matter of fact, the thing we liked the least is its price. But… you do get what you pay for…READ MORE 

How to Care for Your FN PS90

While the FN PS90 does have its fair share of shortcomings, it’s actually relatively simple to breakdown and clean. Check out this sweet video on how to properly field strip your PS90.

Looking to gain a bit more insight into the FN PS90 before you buy? You might want to check out our list of suggested reading.

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About Ryan Cleckner

Ryan is a former special operations sniper (1/75 Ranger) and current firearms attorney, firearms industry executive, university lecturer, and bestselling author of the Long Range Shooting Handbook.

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