Ruger-57 5.7x28mm
Model: 16401
Ruger-57 5.7x28mm
Model: 16401
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
When Ruger launched the Ruger-57 in 2020, it priced the gun at around half what FN was charging for the Five-seveN. That one decision changed the 5.7×28mm market. Before the Ruger-57, the Five-seveN had a near-monopoly on the civilian 5.7 pistol market and could hold premium pricing accordingly. The Ruger-57 is American-made, uses a bladed-safety trigger at 4.8 lbs, has an optic-ready slide, and offers the same 20+1 capacity in a slightly longer 8.65" frame. At around $700 street, it delivers every functional advantage of the caliber without the FN premium.
The fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear are a genuine upgrade over the iron sights on many competitors in this price range. The 4.94" alloy steel barrel with black nitride finish is well-suited for sustained use. Owners report the 4.8 lb trigger is a significant step up from the Five-seveN's 6.2 lb pull — more consistent and easier to shoot quickly. Like all 5.7 pistols, the recoil character is the standout feature: reviewers describe it as closer to a rimfire pistol than any centerfire caliber, which makes the Ruger-57 an easy gun to get good at quickly. Buy it if you want the 5.7×28mm cartridge without paying the FN tax. Skip it if you need a more compact carry gun — at 8.65" overall, this is a full-size range and home-defense pistol.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- At roughly $700 street, it undercut the FN Five-seveN by about $800 at launch and made 5.7×28mm ownership accessible to a much larger buyer pool. That price gap has not closed significantly since.
- The 4.8 lb bladed-safety trigger is 1.4 lbs lighter than the FN Five-seveN's pull, and reviewers consistently describe it as cleaner — less pre-travel before the break.
- Fiber optic front sight is a practical upgrade over standard white-dot irons for fast target acquisition in varied lighting. Most guns at this price point ship with basic painted sights.
- The glass-filled nylon frame feels noticeably less substantial than the FN Five-seveN's construction. It is functional, but owners who have handled both guns report the Ruger feels like the budget option it is.
- At 8.65" overall, it is the longest pistol in the 5.7 category — about half an inch longer than the Five-seveN. Not a dealbreaker for range use, but worth knowing if holster fit or carry length matters.
Category Rankings
How the Ruger-57 5.7x28mm ranks among full-size 5.7x28mm handguns.
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Ballistics Calculator
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5.7x28mm Ballistics →Where to Buy
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Alternatives to Consider
Similar full-size 5.7x28mm handguns ranked by similarity.
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FN Five-seveN MK3 MRD 5.7x28mm
FN America
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Tisas PX-5.7 FO 5.7x28mm
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Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5.7x28mm
Smith & Wesson
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PSA Rock 5.7 5.7x28mm
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Diamondback DBX 5.7x28mm
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Ruger-57 be stored for long periods in cold conditions without affecting the glass-filled nylon frame?
Glass-filled nylon frames hold up well in cold storage — the material does not contract or crack at temperatures you'd encounter in a safe, vehicle, or unheated space. Ruger uses this frame material across multiple long-running pistol lines without documented cold-storage failures. Standard precautions apply: keep it lightly lubricated and in a dry environment to prevent any metal component corrosion.
Does the Ruger-57 handle +P 5.7×28mm ammunition?
There is no officially SAAMI-rated "+P" designation for 5.7×28mm the way there is for 9mm or .45 ACP. What exists are various commercial loads at different pressure levels. Ruger specs the gun for standard commercial 5.7 ammunition, and the owner's manual does not approve hotter handloads. Stick with ammunition from FN, Federal, Speer, or other commercial manufacturers that list 5.7×28mm as the rated caliber.
How often does the Ruger-57 need to be cleaned to stay reliable?
The 5.7×28mm cartridge burns relatively clean compared to pistol calibers. Owners report the Ruger-57 runs reliably through 500-round range sessions without a mid-session clean. A standard wipe-down and lube after each session is sufficient for most use. If you shoot steel-case or steel-jacketed 5.7 ammo, inspect the chamber more frequently as these loads can leave more residue than brass-cased options.
