Description
KELTEC PR57 SPECS
KelTec PR57 Pistol: In-Depth Part-by-Part Breakdown
The KelTec PR57 is a revolutionary concealed carry pistol that combines innovative design, lightweight construction, and exceptional performance. Chambered in 5.7x28mm, this pistol redefines what a compact, high-capacity firearm can be. Below is a detailed, part-by-part breakdown of the PR57, including its accuracy, design, and the story behind its name.
1. Barrel
- Type: Rotary barrel system.
- Length: 4.64 inches (118 mm).
- Twist Rate: 1:7 inches (1:177 mm), optimized for stabilizing 5.7x28mm ammunition.
- Material: Carbon steel with a matte finish for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Purpose: The rotary barrel design reduces weight and enhances accuracy by minimizing barrel movement during firing. This system also contributes to the pistol’s slim profile, making it ideal for concealed carry.
2. Action
- Type: Semi-automatic, striker-fired.
- Operation: The rotary barrel locks into place during firing, ensuring consistent accuracy and reliability. The slide reciprocates smoothly, driven by dual guide rods.
- Purpose: The semi-automatic action allows for rapid follow-up shots, while the rotary barrel system reduces recoil and improves shooter comfort.
3. Magazine 5.7×28 ammo
- Type: Internal, fixed magazine.
- Capacity: 20+1 rounds (20 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber).
- Loading Mechanism: Top-loaded using 10-round stripper clips or manually loaded one round at a time.
- Purpose: The internal magazine eliminates the need for detachable magazines, reducing weight and maintaining a slim profile. The stripper clip system allows for quick reloading, though it is slower than traditional magazine changes.
4. Frame and Grip
- Material: Polymer, lightweight and durable.
- Design: Slim and ergonomic, with proprietary GatorGrip texturing for a secure hold.
- Width: 0.937 inches (23.8 mm) at its widest point, making it one of the thinnest 5.7mm pistols on the market.
- Purpose: The slim grip and lightweight frame make the PR57 easy to carry and comfortable to shoot, even for extended periods.
5. Trigger
- Type: Double-action, striker-fired.
- Pull Weight: 4.5 lbs (20 N), smooth and consistent.
- Purpose: The trigger provides a crisp, clean break, enhancing accuracy and shooter confidence. The double-action design ensures reliability in high-stress situations.
6. Safety
- Type: Integrated trigger safety.
- Operation: The safety is automatically engaged when the trigger is not pulled, preventing accidental discharges.
- Purpose: The trigger safety adds an extra layer of security without complicating the pistol’s operation.
7. Optics Compatibility
- Type: Optics-ready with a removable polymer plate.
- Purpose: The PR57 can be equipped with a red dot sight, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition. The optics plate is easy to install, making it a versatile option for both beginners and experienced shooters.
8. Disassembly
- Process: Push the trigger forward to release the slide, which can then be removed from the front of the frame.
- Purpose: The PR57 features the quickest and easiest field strip of any pistol, allowing for effortless maintenance and cleaning.
Accuracy
The KelTec PR57 is designed for precision. The rotary barrel system minimizes recoil and barrel movement, ensuring consistent accuracy. The 1:7 twist rate stabilizes 5.7x28mm ammunition, making it effective at medium ranges. When paired with an optic, the PR57 becomes a highly accurate tool for both self-defense and recreational shooting.
Who Makes the KelTec PR57?
The PR57 is manufactured by KelTec CNC Industries, a Florida-based company known for its innovative and unconventional firearm designs. Founded by George Kellgren, KelTec has a reputation for pushing the boundaries of firearm technology, and the PR57 is no exception.
Why is it Called the KelTec PR57?
- PR: Stands for Pistol Rotary, referring to the innovative rotary barrel system.
- 57: Refers to the 5.7x28mm caliber, which the pistol is chambered in.
- The name reflects the pistol’s unique design and its chambering, setting it apart from traditional semi-automatic pistols.
Amazing Design and Simplicity
The KelTec PR57 is a masterpiece of minimalist design. Its rotary barrel system reduces weight and enhances accuracy, while the top-loading mechanism eliminates the need for detachable magazines, resulting in a slim and lightweight profile. The pistol’s ergonomic grip and easy disassembly make it user-friendly, even for beginners. The PR57 is designed for simplicity, ensuring reliability in high-stress situations where fine motor skills may be compromised.
Conclusion
The KelTec PR57 is a groundbreaking pistol that combines innovative design, lightweight construction, and exceptional performance. Its rotary barrel system, top-loading mechanism, and optics compatibility make it a versatile and reliable choice for concealed carry and recreational shooting. With an MSRP of $399, the PR57 offers unparalleled value in the 5.7mm pistol market.
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first-time gun owner, the KelTec PR57 is a pistol that delivers on all fronts. Its unique design and simplicity make it a standout choice in the crowded field of concealed carry firearms.
Michael (verified owner) –
Why I bought this gun first. And was what I wanted
With 20 rounds on board, they just upped the small pistol round count by another ten – which puts the P365 back in the pack. That’s what SIG did to all the other carry pistols when they came out with it. How does that rate using it? Well, with only one reload every 40 rounds, we’ve dropped about 2 during a fire exchange – or during stages in competition, which nobody has talked about yet. Some contests allow 30 round mags to take advantage of that – now we have a carry pistol with 20 up, higher power – like it or not, the numbers push the 5.7 to the front of the carry pistol ranks.
Will we see folks no longer carry a reload? It was barely ten years ago the push to carry a spare mag started, then with modular frame/grips that carry mag became a 15-18 rounder. I fully expect some kind of 20 round double stack stripper – and upside down tapered mag style. And a barrel with threads just in front of the forward locking lugs? The use of a suppressor is yet to be explored – but that isn’t an issue as much with CCW.
We’ve had those who adopted the P7 as a carry gun, with its quirky precocker, I see this getting purchased at street prices in the lower $300’s and carried. I won’t expect a lot of aftermarket parts aka SIG’s grips or 3Gen Glock clones, but it does expand choices and will likely find a place in the gun rack for the fun of it.
I just have another firearm in front of the line ahead of it, and no closer to buying it now than 3 years ago – Shockwave.
Rob 441 (verified owner) –
First Impressions
The PR57 is strikingly unique, especially for those familiar with traditional 5.7x28mm firearms. Its top-loading mechanism,
Gerald William Crossman (verified owner) –
Nice one Westcost, It’s interesting that Kelgren started both companies, didn’t know that. But when I first saw this I right away thought of the Grendel. I have a Slavakian made Grand Power P40 10mm with a rotating barrel. It has a different recoil feel to it but is not unpleasant, just different. Was the show a little slow this year? This thing is about all anyone is talking about…I was hoping I’d see something from you guys on a “gen 2” Holosun thermal or digital 1x rifle sight. I got the digital one they already make and while you can’t see that far at night, the stuff you can see is pretty good. Lots of fun in my backyard at night on a 9mm AR suppressed.
M j (verified owner) –
Great job WestCost Security
No magazine means reduced weight without sacrificing performance.
Glad I got this one
Michelle oness (verified owner) –
Great, just push the trigger forward instead of backwards, and it will allow you to remove the slide assembly from the frame”
Frank lusian (verified owner) –
Thank you guys, wheres the safety. Slick Pistol
Grumpy 49 (verified owner) –
Finally, a good pistol not over $500! I get bored with all the $1000+ guns. I know, there are two ways to make money (very basic!) — make a lot and just a little off each, of make a few and make a lot off each. Most of the smaller gun makers have to follow the “make a lot off a few”, can’t be helped. But a lot of the larger manufacturers are going with “make a lot off a lot”. Kel-tec seems to keep the more modest income people in mind. With an MSRP of $399 you will probably see them on the street at $350 or so. Most quality handguns in any caliber are over $500. Only a few 5.7×28 are — Tisas and one Ruger (at Bud’s Gun Shop on-line). I don’t count the single shot survival type guns. Kel-Tec does have their SUB2000 carbine in 5.7 under $500, and now this handgun.
Michael (verified owner) –
$399 for a weird gun is a bit much. Interesting, I might get one in stock once my distributor gets them in just to see how it does. I hate getting something interesting; everyone wants to see it and handle it but not buy it.
Live Free. (verified owner) –
Wait? I have 2 of the very early Glock 23’s Gen 2’s that were available in US. 40 S&W.
Nothing wrong with those ‘puppies’ excent they kick a bunch with Cor-Bon carry ammo.
Geogia Arms reloads work fine in these old guns.
SAFEupstateFML (verified owner) –
Good pistol 500 special, because CCing a snub nose x frame is already enough. (Starting with ridicilous to work back to absurd)
Brett Baker (verified owner) –
Need a 7.62×25 version! To add to my collection too, tired of looking at Glocks all day long. PR5.7 is very clever