Every now and then, some firearms makers decide to shake things up. Over the past year, we’ve seen some wild designs—there’s the Pistollo pistol carbine, the one with a digital display, and even one that folds into a triangle. Now, KelTec is here to remind us that innovation never stops in this industry with the PR57, a concealed carry pistol that ditches the traditional magazine for a top-loading stripper clip design.
Yes, you read that right. Instead of popping in a standard mag, you load rounds from the top, a concept the industry hasn’t really seen since… well, maybe the early 1900s. But don’t mistake this for a throwback—KelTec’s latest creation is anything but old-school.
So, What’s the Deal with the PR57?
The PR57 is chambered in 5.7x28mm, a high-velocity round known for its low recoil and armor-punching capabilities. And thanks to an innovative rotary barrel system, it’s also the lightest 5.7 pistol on the market—40% lighter than the competition.
That’s right. KelTec didn’t just reinvent the feeding system; they also made the PR57 exceptionally compact and effortless to carry. You get 20+1 rounds, a striker-fired system, and an absurdly simple takedown—just push the trigger forward, and the slide pops right off for cleaning.
Specs & Features at a Glance:
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Capacity: 20+1 rounds
- Weight: 19.3 oz (546 g)
- Barrel: 4.4-inch (112 mm) rotary barrel
- Frame: Lightweight polymer
- Loading System: Top-loading, stripper clip-fed
- MSRP: US$399
KelTec is marketing the PR57 as the “everyman’s carry pistol”, designed for both seasoned gun owners and first-time buyers looking for an easy-to-use self-defense weapon. It’s available right now for just US$399, making it one of the most affordable 5.7 pistols you can get today.
Is it practical? That’s up for debate. But is it bold, weird, and undeniably cool? Absolutely. KelTec PR57 is not the first to adopt a top-load clip design; there was the Steyr M1912 pistol from WWI that used a similar system and I believe the Roth–Steyr M1907 from WWI/WWII era also had a magazine-free design.
Images: KelTec.
Story via YouTube (@TopShotDustin).
