Ke<\/a>ltec<\/a> is known for its out of the box thinking and they sure have come up with some unusual designs over the years. It works for them though, because they usually do well and their designs have certainly influenced other manufacturers as well. Even with that said, this latest drop is a surprising one, but if you know some Keltec history it\u2019s not unprecedented. With that said, lets take a look at the new internal magazine, stripper clip fed, PR57<\/a>\u2026pistol.<\/p>\n According to KelTec, the PR57 is a compact concealed carry pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. Okay, pretty cool so far, there are a bunch of 5.7 pistols out now. Like most newer pistols, the PR57 is optics ready and comes with an optics plate. It features a rotary barrel, which they say dramatically reduces it\u2019s overall weight. Its nearly 40% lighter than the next lightest 5.7mm pistol on the market. Okay, that\u2019s pretty cool, too. But wait, that isn\u2019t the quirky part\u2026<\/p>\n The PR57 has a 20-round capacity. Now that is pretty awesome, but again not unusual for a 5.7 pistol. But oh, that\u2019s not the catch. The catch is it\u2019s a top loading, fixed magazine. Yep, here\u2019s where things get a little funky. The PR57 trims off some of it\u2019s weight and bulk by using an internal magazine. It does away with a mag release and space for a separate box magazine and packs that 20 rounds internally. That makes for a slimmer, more compact overall design. You can either load rounds individually through the top when the slide is locked back or load with the two provided 10-round stripper clips.<\/p>\n The PR57 has a 4.64-inch barrel and is 7.16 inches overall. The height is 4.95 inches and the weight is just 13.86 ounces empty. That\u2019s actually a bit smaller than a Glock 19, and less than half the weight. And it\u2019s packing 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t Keltec\u2019s first foray into a stripper clip-fed pistol. Well, actually it is, but its not the first for Keltec founder George Kellgren. Kellgren did an internal mag .380 ACP pistol back in 1988 during his Grendel Firearms days. I still remember it, and a buddy of mine had one. It was the Grendel P10, one of the earlier polymer frame pistols. It used M16 stripper clips, which worked with the .380 round as I recall. It didn\u2019t really take off, but apparently Mr. Kellgren hasn\u2019t totally given up on the idea.<\/p>\n The PR57 is certainly unique. Simple, compact and easy to use according to Keltec. It packs a lot of rounds in a surprisingly trim size, and the rotary barrel is neat. Keltec says that the PR57 is designed to be the perfect everyday carry pistol for everyone. I\u2019m not sure about that, but I can say that I\u2019m in. It\u2019s odd enough that I have to try one. With an MSRP of just $399, it\u2019s actually pretty affordable, too.<\/p>\n I can see this being a neat option for folks in ban states too. I believe a lot of the legislation specifies detachable magazines, so this may be a unique option for those folks stuck behind enemy lines. I plan on checking them out at SHOT, so keep an eye out for more updates on this quirky new release from the always innovating Kellgren clan.<\/p>\n Caliber: 5.7 x 28 mm Be sure to check it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For your 5.7x28mm ammo needs, check out\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Ammo To Go,\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/a>the ammunition retail sponsor of TTAG gun reviews.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat the Heck Is the PR57?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/PR57-in-hand-ANK2623.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nBack to the Future: The Grendel P10<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\nWho\u2019s Going to Buy a PR57?<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPR57 Specs:<\/h2>\n
Weight Unloaded: 13.86 oz.
Magazine Capacity: 20+1
Overall Length: 7.16 in.
Barrel Length: 4.64 in.
Width (widest point): .937 in.
Height: 4.95 in.
Twist: 1:7 in.
Trigger Pull: 4.5 lbs.
MSRP: $399<\/p>\n