Ruger 57
The Ruger-57 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm — the high-velocity, low-recoil cartridge originally developed for the FN P90 and Five-seveN. At 20+1 rounds of a cartridge that moves at over 1,700 fps from a pistol barrel, the Ruger-57 offers a genuinely unique combination of high capacity, flat trajectory, and mild recoil that has attracted a devoted following among competition shooters, hunters, and buyers looking for something different from the standard 9mm pistol.
Read our full Ruger-57 Buying Guide ↓
What Is the 5.7x28mm Cartridge?
The 5.7x28mm was developed by FN Herstal in the early 1990s for the P90 personal defense weapon and the Five-seveN pistol. It fires a small-diameter, high-velocity bullet — typically 27 to 40 grains — at 1,650–1,900 fps from a pistol barrel. That velocity produces a flat trajectory, excellent terminal performance at distance, and dramatically less recoil than 9mm despite higher muzzle velocity. The Ruger-57 made the cartridge more accessible by offering a domestic alternative to the imported FN Five-seveN at a lower price point, and Federal, Fiocchi, and Speer all now produce commercial 5.7x28mm loads.
Ruger-57 Specifications and Features
The Ruger-57 features a 4.94” barrel, polymer frame, and an optics-ready slide with a Picatinny rail on the dust cover for a weaponlight. The slide accepts direct-mount optic footprints with adapter plates available for common red dot sights. It ships with two 20-round magazines — a capacity difficult to match in any other full-size pistol. The trigger breaks at around 5.5 lbs. with a consistent pull and short reset. Weight is 24.5 oz. unloaded. The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear are among the best factory sights on any production pistol at its price point.
Ruger-57 vs. FN Five-seveN: Which to Choose?
The FN Five-seveN is the original 5.7x28mm pistol and the benchmark for the cartridge. It uses a delayed blowback action, offers a slightly lighter trigger, and has a longer production history with a wider holster and accessory ecosystem. The Ruger-57 uses a more conventional locked-breech design, costs significantly less than the Five-seveN, and is produced domestically. In reliability and accuracy both platforms perform well with quality ammunition. For buyers who want the best 5.7 pistol regardless of price, the Five-seveN remains the reference. For buyers who want 5.7x28mm performance at a more accessible price with solid warranty support, the Ruger-57 is the practical choice.
Hunting and Varmint Use
The 5.7x28mm’s high velocity and flat trajectory make the Ruger-57 a legitimate varmint hunting pistol for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and similar pests at distances where 9mm falls short. The cartridge’s high velocity produces explosive terminal performance on small varmints, and the 20-round magazine allows sustained shooting in the field without reloading. For hunters who want a handgun that doubles as a capable varmint tool, the Ruger-57 offers a unique combination of capacity and reach. Confirm bullet construction is appropriate for your application before heading afield — not all 5.7x28mm loads are designed for hunting.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
5.7x28mm ammunition costs significantly more per round than 9mm and is less widely available at local retailers — expect to pay two to three times the cost of 9mm for practice ammunition. Federal, Fiocchi, FN, and Speer are the primary commercial producers. Online purchase and bulk buying is the most practical approach for regular shooters. The higher ammunition cost is the single biggest practical consideration for Ruger-57 buyers — if you plan to shoot frequently, budget accordingly. The cartridge’s unique ballistics make the cost worthwhile for dedicated shooters, but it’s a meaningful barrier compared to 9mm.
Who Should Buy the Ruger-57?
The Ruger-57 makes the most sense for shooters who want high capacity with low recoil, for hunters who want a varmint-capable handgun, for competitive shooters who can take advantage of the flat trajectory, and for buyers who want something genuinely different from the standard 9mm pistol. It’s less suited as a first handgun due to ammunition cost and availability, and less suited as a primary carry gun due to its full-size dimensions. For the right buyer there’s nothing quite like it. Browse our full Ruger lineup or see all handguns at Impact Guns.