First Look: KelTec PR57

We take a quick look at the KelTec PR57, an interesting 5.7 concealed carry pistol that’s loaded via stripper clip.

While some people deride KelTec for its often unorthodox designs, others appreciate the company for its interesting, innovative firearms that step outside the mold. KelTec’s latest gun, the PR57, is a testament to that and has already sparked some heated debate online. Even at a glance, it’s easy to see why, as this concealed carry pistol is top-loaded with stripper clips.

Designed by the legendary George Kellgren and chambered for 5.7x28mm, the PR57 is not a typical concealed carry pistol by contemporary standards. In a world of micro 9mms, 5.7 pistols have typically been relegated to the nightstand or open carry given their large size, but KelTec has now managed to build a handgun for the caliber that’s small enough to conceal. The root of this innovation lies in the PR57’s rotary barrel, and that’s what the “R” stands for in the gun’s name. The rotary barrel system is what allows the PR57 to be 40% lighter than the next lightest 5.7 pistol currently on the market. Combined with the compact size, it should be very easy to carry concealed.

As for the gun’s chambering and the decision to use an internal stripper clip-fed magazine, KelTec has clearly laid out its reasoning. Since data shows that most self-defense encounters are quick, at close range and see only three shots fired, the company felt that a pistol that focused on shootability, reliability and concealability was more valuable on most people’s hips than a more powerful gun that can be rapidly reloaded. With 20 rounds of 5.7 on tap, the idea is that the capacity is sufficient enough to eliminate the need for speed reloads. The caliber also produces very little recoil, making it easy to shoot for new and experienced shooters alike. Further, by omitting detachable box magazines, the PR57 can be very slim despite its large capacity and is only 0.937 inches at its widest point. The pistol is loaded with two 10-round stripper clips, two are included with each gun and more can be purchased separately.

The two final notable details of the PR57 are that it’s optics-ready and very easy to disassemble. By just pushing the trigger forward, the slide can be pulled right off, and KelTec is calling it “the quickest and easiest fieldstrip on the market.”

The KelTec PR57 is expected to begin shipping in Q1 with an MSRP of $399.

For more information, visit keltec.com.

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