The PR57: KelTec's Stripper-Clip-Fed CCW Pistol

by
posted on January 17, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

KelTec has an entirely new take on the compact handgun concept in 2025 with the launch of its PR57. This unique, hammer-fired, semi-automatic handgun is chambered for the 5.7x28 mm FN cartridge and feeds from stripper clips, as there is no detachable box magazine on the gun. You can see the PR57 in use on the NRA range in our preview video above.

Due to this unique design, the construction of the KelTec PR57 can be simplified, making it more affordable. The design also provides added capacity, allowing this compact design to carry 20 rounds in the blind box magazine. KelTec provides two stripper-clip-style loaders and textured thumb guides that allows users to quickly depress 10 rounds at a time into the magazine. Rounds can also be inserted into the blind box magazine manually, one at a time. A cutout in the rounded receiver’s ejection port is designed to accept molded guide ledges on the loader that keeps it secured into place while rounds are being pushed into the internal magazine.

Thanks to its simplified construction, the KelTec PR57 is not only compact, it’s also lightweight, weighing just 13.86 ozs., unloaded, according to the company’s specifications. The pistol measures 7.16” in length, 4.95” in height, 0.937” in width and is equipped with a 4.64” barrel. The gun’s operation uses a rotary-barrel mechanism with locking lugs near the muzzle, which reduces the gun’s overall weight and simplifies its construction. The barrel features a 1:7” twist rate.

In keeping with the simplicity theme, controls are sparse on the KelTec PR57. The gun uses a long, double-action trigger pull with a pull weight of about 4.5 lbs. There is a single slide-stop lever on the upper-left portion of the frame, and that’s it for manual controls. A single-slot accessory rail is located on the forward portion of the polymer frame, which features KelTec’s signature grenade-pattern texturing around its grip. Three-dot, fixed sights sit atop the rounded receiver, which features milled cuts fore and aft for added purchase. An optics-mounting plate is also included with the gun.

Suggested retail pricing is $399. For more details, visit the KelTec website here.

Latest

Sellmark Ranch Entrance
Sellmark Ranch Entrance

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 94 Pistol

Among the pantheon of World War II military sidearms, the Japanese Type 94 stands out for a number of undesirable reasons. Aside from its ungainly look, many regard it as one of the most dangerous firearms ever made.

New For 2025: GForce Arms 12Hammer

The latest option in the diverse lineup of GForce Arms shotguns is the 12Hammer, an AR-style platform chambered for 12-ga. shotshells that feeds from detachable box magazines.

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.