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.
