Kel-Tec PR57
The Kel-Tec PR57 brings the 5.7x28mm cartridge to a pistol platform at a price point well below the FN Five-seveN that has long defined the category. With a 20-round magazine, a 4.6” threaded barrel optimized for suppressor use, and a built-in optics rail, the PR57 is a serious contender for shooters who want the 5.7’s flat trajectory and low recoil without the premium price tag that the Belgian-made Five-seveN commands. Kel-Tec’s willingness to engineer unconventional solutions keeps the 5.7 platform accessible to a wider audience.
Read our full Kel-Tec PR57 Buying Guide ↓
The 5.7x28mm Cartridge: Why It Matters
The 5.7x28mm was developed by FN in the early 1990s as a personal defense weapon cartridge — high velocity, flat trajectory, and dramatically less recoil than comparable centerfire pistol rounds. Standard loads push a 40-grain projectile past 1,800 fps from a pistol barrel, producing energy delivery and wound ballistics that exceed most 9mm loads at close range. The low recoil makes fast follow-up shots natural, and the flat trajectory simplifies aim at distances beyond typical pistol range. The PR57 delivers all of this in a platform that’s significantly more affordable than the FN Five-seveN.
PR57 Design and Features
The PR57 is a striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol with a 4.6” threaded barrel as standard — a strong indicator of its suitability as a suppressor host. The 20-round flush magazine is competitive with the FN Five-seveN’s 20-round standard. An integrated Picatinny rail runs the full length of the top of the slide, accommodating red dots, magnifiers, or iron backup sights without a separate mount. The ambidextrous controls suit both right and left-handed shooters. At roughly 1.3 lbs unloaded, it’s lighter than most full-size pistols despite the longer barrel.
Suppressor Host Potential
The 5.7x28mm is an outstanding suppressor cartridge. The relatively small projectile and moderate powder charge produce less gas volume than larger centerfire rounds, which translates to lower sound levels with a quality suppressor. Subsonic 5.7 loads take this further, producing very low report levels ideal for training or recreational use. The PR57’s threaded barrel ships suppressor-ready without modification, and the gun’s light slide cycling tends to remain reliable with the added back-pressure of suppressed fire. For a suppressed pistol experience, the 5.7/PR57 combination is one of the better values available.
PR57 vs. FN Five-seveN and Ruger-57
The PR57 sits below the FN Five-seveN and Ruger-57 in price while chambering the same cartridge. The Five-seveN is the originator — exceptional build quality, the most proven reliability track record, and the highest price. The Ruger-57 offers American-made quality, better ergonomics than the Five-seveN for most shooters, and magazine compatibility with the Ruger LC Carbine. The PR57 competes on price and on its threaded barrel being standard rather than an upgrade. For budget-conscious 5.7 buyers who want the cartridge without the premium cost, the PR57 is the entry point.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
5.7x28mm ammunition is more widely available than it was five years ago, driven by the growing popularity of the Ruger-57 and the PS90. Federal, Fiocchi, and FN all produce commercial loads; Speer and others have expanded their offerings. It remains more expensive per round than 9mm, which makes the cost-of-ownership calculation important for high-volume shooters. For defensive carry or moderate range use, the supply is reliable. For shooters who plan to shoot several hundred rounds per session regularly, the per-round cost is worth factoring into the purchase decision.
Related Pages at Impact Guns
Compare with the Ruger-57 for another 5.7x28mm option, or see the full Kel-Tec lineup. For 5.7 ammunition see our 5.7x28mm ammo page. The Ruger LC Carbine in 5.7 pairs as a matched carbine system.