There is nothing new about the 5.7x28mm cartridge. It has been around since at least the 1980s and used in handguns since 1998 when FN released the Five-seven handgun. But it does appear to be moving up on the who’s-who list of popular handgun calibers and Kel-Tec’s new PR57 is topping the list.
My gun-loving curiosity wouldn’t let me stay away from this unique-looking gun at SHOT Show 2025 because it’s different, to say the least.
I love all types of guns, and even new clones and “comeback” models are great. But it’s nice to see something different that makes you take a second glance, right?
Kel-Tec’s PR57 is a 5.7x28mm caliber, top-loading handgun. It was designed to be extremely simple to use.
What’s different about the PR57?
Okay, so the idea of top-loading firearms is not new; in fact, it’s an old design. In the past, rifles like the Mauser K98k, M1903 Springfield, and the infamous SKS used stripper clips.
A stripper clip is a small tool that is used to load ammunition into a magazine from the top. This method was used a great deal in rifles that had fixed magazines or magazines that were not made to change quickly.
In the PR57, Kel-Tec has created a modern, magazine-less handgun that uses a stripper clip style tool. With it, you can load 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammo into the grip from the top, just like the old rifles used to do.
If you are wondering why they would do this, the idea is to create the most simplistic design possible. This decreases room for error when an incident takes place, and your adrenaline is moving like a Jimmy Johns delivery driver.
Because there is no magazine, there are several advantages to consider:
- The handgun is thinner because there is no magazine.
- Weight is reduced because there is no magazine.
- It may possibly be compliant in some states that regulate semi-auto handguns with removable magazines.
- You won’t accidentally hit the magazine release button.
- There is no possibility of not getting the magazine seated all the way.
- You can’t forget to chamber a round before carrying it.
The simplicity of the PR57 reminds me somewhat of a revolver. If you put ammo in it, it’s ready to go. This could be a big help for those who find using typical semi-auto handguns intimidating.
But the lack of a magazine is not the only unique thing about the PR57.
Unique field strip design
One thing I was not expecting to see with the PR57 was the process of breaking it down.
To remove the slide from the frame, you simply verify the gun is empty and then push forward on the trigger. When you do this, the slide is disengaged from the frame, and you can pull it off. To put the slide back on, simply slide it over the frame to the rear and then push forward on the trigger again.
I would be a little concerned about someone accidentally pushing forward on the trigger and disengaging the slide when they don’t intend to. Of course, your finger should never be touching the trigger unless you are planning to fire the gun.
Another concern I have is the trigger going too far forward in between shots after the trigger becomes worn. This is something only time will tell, but it’s definitely a curious and interesting design.
Is it good for self-defense?
Kel-Tec made this gun specifically for self-defense and concealed carry. Besides the benefits mentioned above, there are some other key features that make it ideal for CCW. One is the size and weight of the gun. At 13.8 oz, Kel-Tec claims the PR57 is 40 percent lighter than any other 5.7×28 handgun.
It’s also a compact size at 7.16 inches, making it easy to carry with an OWB or IWB holster. I always admired the original FN Five-seven, but that was not a good size gun. PSA has a compact 5.7×28 handgun out this year, but even it’s a little larger than the PR57.
When it comes to using 5.7x28mm for self-defense, there are some benefits and some drawbacks like any caliber. It’s an extremely small bullet (about the same as a .22) but with a much larger casing. The easiest way to think of this is a handgun version of the popular AR-15 5.56 NATO round.
It’s extremely fast but doesn’t have as much impact as a larger bullet like a .45 ACP. A 5.7x28mm caliber bullet will travel anywhere from 1,600 to 2,000+ feet per second. This means it will have excellent penetration but make a small wound. Modern hollow-point ammunition, however, helps improve this greatly.
A handgun worth trying
Just about everyone who sees this gun for the first time wonders if it’s smart to carry a gun you cannot reload quickly. I don’t think Kel-Tec intends for people to carry stripper clips in their pockets. But one thing to consider is the 20-round capacity the gun already has.
What is the capacity of the gun you currently carry? A lot of my CCW guns hold anywhere from seven to 13 rounds. Carrying 20 rounds in the gun is like having two mags without needing to stop and reload.
Kel-Tec will ship the PR57 with two 10-round stripper clips and an optics mounting plate for those who want to mount an optic. At $399, the Kel-Tec PR57 has my attention and I’m excited to get ahold of one for some in-depth range use.
