What Are the Key Features of the 5.7x28 Pistol Full Review

Introduction

Small, fast, and sometimes controversial, the 5.7x28 pistol has carved a niche among enthusiasts who want a lightweight handgun with high-velocity performance. Whether you’re curious about ballistics, carry options, or which models dominate the market, this guide breaks the important features down into clear, usable sections.

Overview

The 5.7×28 family began as a niche round for military and law-enforcement roles but quickly attracted civilian interest because of its unique blend of low recoil, high velocity, and armor-piercing capability in specialized loadings. The pistols that chamber it aim to offer a modern alternative to typical handgun cartridges, prioritizing controllability and magazine capacity. For product comparisons and model details used in this review, I referenced a recent roundup of the market.

Caliber & Ballistics

The 5.7×28 cartridge propels light, aerodynamic bullets at very high velocities relative to typical handgun rounds. The result is:

• Flat trajectory at typical engagement distances.

• Low felt recoil, thanks to light bullets and efficient case design.

• Penetration that varies greatly with bullet type — some specialty loads are designed for armor penetration (military/law enforcement) while civilian defensive loads emphasize controlled expansion and terminal effectiveness.

These ballistics make the cartridge attractive for shooters who want minimal muzzle rise and fast follow-up shots.

Design & Ergonomics

Manufacturers designing around the 5.7 generally follow two schools:

• Full-size ergonomics (e.g., FN Five-seveN) with long grips to house larger magazines and provide solid purchase.

• Compact approaches (e.g., Kel‑Tec PR57) that try to keep footprint small while still offering the cartridge’s benefits.

Common design features to look for:

• Extended grip frames for double- or triple-stack magazines.

• Long, flat slides that help reduce muzzle flip.

• Optics-ready slides or MOS plates on newer models.

Capacity & Controls

One selling point is magazine capacity. Many 5.7 pistols achieve double-digit capacities without becoming overly bulky:

• Typical mags: 20 rounds is common on full-size models.

• Controls typically mirror modern striker-fired ergonomics: serrated slides, ambidextrous or reversible mag releases, and safe takedown procedures.

High capacity plus light recoil makes these pistols attractive for range fun and some defensive-minded users who value more rounds on tap.

Accuracy & Handling

Thanks to the cartridge’s flat trajectory and minimal recoil, accuracy is straightforward for most shooters:

• Point‑and‑shoot handling is excellent for rapid target transitions.

• Effective accuracy out to longer handgun ranges than many common calibers (practical, not unlimited).

• Trigger feel and sight geometry vary by model — FN’s factory trigger is often praised, while budget options may need aftermarket attention for best results.

Reliability & Value

Reliability varies by manufacturer and the tolerance they build into the platform. Key considerations:

• Ammo sensitivity: some pistols prefer particular brands or loads — test before committing to a defensive load.

• Maintenance: fouling and extractor design can influence how often a pistol needs cleaning for flawless cycles.

• Value: prices vary widely across the market, from premium factory pieces to more wallet-friendly designs; factor in service network and parts availability when evaluating long-term value.

Learn more: Top 7 Best 5.56 Ammo of 2025

Top 5 pistols

Here’s a concise look at five widely recognized models you’ll see on many “best of” lists:

FN Five-seveN

• Flagship design optimized around cartridge performance.

• High-capacity magazines, excellent ergonomics, and a proven track record.

Ruger-57

• Ruger’s modern take offers solid accuracy, competitive ergonomics, and mainstream dealer support.

PSA 5.7 Rock

• Palmetto State Armory’s entry aims to bring value-conscious buyers an accessible platform with modern features.

Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7

• An M&P variant tuned for reliability and controls familiar to M&P shooters.

Kel-Tec PR57

• A compact, lighter-weight option that seeks to deliver the 5.7 experience in a smaller package.

Final thought

The 5.7×28 pistol category is not for everyone, but it fills a compelling niche: very low recoil, high-capacity pistols with an extended effective range versus many common handguns. If you’re considering one for range sessions, competition, or personal defense, test-fire multiple models and several loads to find the best match for your needs. Prioritize ergonomics, controls, and proven reliability — and remember that ammunition choice can be as important as the pistol itself. For a deeper dive into model-by-model pros and cons, the comparative review I used is a solid resource