Ruger 57 Review – The High-Velocity 5.7×28mm Pistol Redefining Performance

The Ruger 57 is a full-size, striker-fired pistol chambered in 5.7×28mm, built on a glass-filled nylon polymer frame with an alloy-steel, nitride-finished slide. It ships with a 20+1 double-stack magazine, fiber-optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, Picatinny rail, and an optic-ready slide.

Ruger designed the 57 to deliver very low recoil, very fast follow-up shots, and high magazine capacity in a lightweight package — a distinct alternative to mainstream 9mm duty pistols and to the FN Five-seveN.

Credits

What is the Ruger 57 and why should shooters care about it?

The Ruger 57 brought the 5.7×28mm cartridge into a mass-market American handgun with thoughtful ergonomics and modern features. The round itself is light, fast, and flat-shooting, delivering lower felt recoil and high velocity compared with typical handgun cartridges.

Ruger built a platform that exploits those traits: the 57 is easy to control, quick on target, and extremely fun to shoot — and for shooters interested in high-capacity, low-recoil performance, it stands out from the usual 9mm choices.

The pistol positions itself between two camps: those looking for a practical duty/defense sidearm and those who want a fast, low-recoil range toy. For many buyers it hits both notes: a capable defensive platform (with proper ammo selection) that’s also an absolute blast at the range.

What are the Ruger 57’s specifications?

Key specs at a glance

• Caliber: 5.7×28mm

• Action: Delayed blowback, striker-fired

• Barrel length: 4.94 inches

• Overall length: 8.65 inches

• Height: 5.6 inches

• Width: 1.2 inches

• Weight (unloaded): ≈ 24.5 ounces

• Capacity: 20+1 (standard magazine)

• Frame: Glass-filled nylon polymer

• Slide: Alloy steel, black nitride finish

• Sights: Fiber-optic front, adjustable serrated rear

• Trigger: Ruger Secure Action™ — short, crisp with positive reset

• Rail / optics: Picatinny accessory rail; slide is drilled/tapped for optics (adapter available)

These numbers reflect Ruger’s goal: a lightweight, high-capacity pistol that’s comfortable to carry yet stable enough for accurate, rapid fire.

How is the Ruger 57 designed and what is its build quality like?

Ruger designed the 57 around the cartridge’s unique operating characteristics. The delayed blowback system and robust slide geometry allow smooth cycling while keeping felt impulse minimal. The alloy steel slide has a black nitride finish that resists corrosion and scuffing; the polymer frame keeps overall weight down and resists the elements.

Ergonomically, the grip shape borrows from Ruger’s successful compact designs but scaled for a full-size hand: textured panels give traction without being abrasive, and the beavertail and shallow undercut allow a high, locked-in hold.

Controls are fully ambidextrous — manual safety, slide stop, and reversible magazine release — making the 57 usable for left- or right-handed shooters without modification.

Fit and finish are good for the price tier: tight slide-to-frame fit, clean milling where present, and robust hardware. Ruger’s tolerances keep the pistol running reliably with modern 5.7 loads, and the nitride slide has shown strong durability in range testing.

What variants and model differences exist for the Ruger 57?

Ruger released the standard Ruger 57 and later a Ruger 57 PRO (aimed at advanced users). Differences between the standard and PRO typically include sight packages, refined internal parts, or slight ergonomics tweaks; Ruger has also introduced limited cosmetic editions at times.

Unlike many platforms, Ruger did not (initially) flood the market with dozens of variants — the platform’s core identity stayed consistent: full-size, 20-round capacity, optics-ready slide. Compare that to FN’s Five-seveN, and you’ll find Ruger’s market approach is value + accessibility: a robust, affordable 5.7 pistol alternative.

How does the Ruger 57 perform on the range?

Accuracy and precision

The Ruger 57 produces tight, consistent groups at typical defensive and practical distances.

Thanks to the high muzzle velocity of 5.7×28mm and the flat trajectory, group sizes for a steady shooter commonly outperform similarly sized 9mm pistols at 25 yards. The fiber-optic front sight and adjustable rear sight help fast target acquisition and allow precise hold adjustments.

Recoil and follow-up shots

Recoil is very mild. The combination of light projectile weight and high velocity translates to a soft, fast impulse with minimal muzzle flip. Rapid strings are effortless compared with 9mm: shooters routinely report much faster recovery and increased practical accuracy under speed.

Reliability and ammo sensitivity

Ruger’s delayed blowback system cycles most quality 5.7×28mm factory loads reliably. As with any platform, reliability is best when using reputable, brass-cased defense or match ammunition. Some users report sensitivity to marginal or very cheap imports; but overall, malfunctions are uncommon after a short break-in and correct lubrication.

Trigger and controls

Ruger’s Secure Action™ trigger is short and crisp with a noticeable wall before the break. The reset is positive and short, which helps follow-ups. It’s not a match target trigger out of the box, but it’s well-tuned for defensive use: safe, predictable, and repeatable.

Which ammunition works best in the Ruger 57?

Ideal loads

The Ruger 57 responds best to branded 5.7×28mm loads designed for pistols — for example, specialty HP or fragmenting self-defense rounds and quality FMJ for practice. Typical shooters report excellent performance from the major factory defensive offerings and from high-quality match FMJ for accuracy work.

Defensive vs. target loads

• Defensive: Choose modern bonded JHP or fragmenting self-defense rounds rated for pistols. These deliver desired terminal performance at pistol ranges.

• Target/practice: 40–50 grain FMJ or match bullets deliver the flat trajectory and allow inexpensive, accurate practice.

Are there feeding or extraction quirks?

Some rare reports of picky feeding exist when using substandard or cast-lead test bullets; these issues are uncommon with proper, factory ammunition. Standard maintenance and a short break-in period eliminate most teething problems.

Is the Ruger 57 suitable for carry, duty, competition, or hunting?

Concealed carry

At roughly 24.5 ounces unloaded and full-size dimensions, the Ruger 57 is borderline for everyday concealed carry for many people. Concealable in an appropriate holster and clothing, it’s larger than most favored carry 9mms, and 5.7 ammo is less common for CCW than 9mm. If your priority is low recoil and high capacity and you don’t mind a larger footprint, it’s viable.

Home defense and duty use

The Ruger 57 is well-suited to home defense: large capacity, fast follow-ups, and excellent accuracy. For duty use, agencies will weigh ammunition availability and terminal performance; still, the Ruger 57’s controllability and capacity are advantages where logistics allow.

Competition

For speed shooting (practical pistol, USPSA production-style matches), the 57 can be very effective because of low recoil and fast recovery. Division rules and ammo availability will determine competitive viability; many shooters enjoy it for action pistol fun.

Hunting / outdoors utility

While not a conventional hunting round, the 5.7×28mm has been used on small game at close ranges. Its real niche outside the range is in hunting scenarios where a flat, fast bullet is acceptable for small targets. It’s not a primary hunting caliber for most users.

Range toy vs. workhorse

The Ruger 57 straddles both roles: it’s highly entertaining at the range because of the light recoil and speed, yet mechanically capable enough to serve as a defensive workhorse with appropriate ammunition and training.

Which Ruger 57 holster options work best and how should I pick one?

Below are practical carry options that cover the most likely use cases. Choose a Ruger 57 holster that matches your carry mode, clothing, and access needs.  

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

Inside-the-waistband concealment with comfort and deep ride. Good for daily concealment when wearing a jacket or looser clothing.

Belt Holster

Sturdy leather or polymer belt holsters offer quick access and comfortable distribution for longer wear. Ideal for home defense or open carry.

OWB Paddle Holster

Fast on/off for range use; adjustable cant makes draw angles easily tuned. Good for instructors and range sessions.

Swivel Drop Leg Holster

Positions the pistol lower on the leg for tactical mobility. Useful for fieldwork where a high hip position is obstructed by gear.

Chest Holster

Great for hiking, hunting, or riding; keeps the pistol accessible under a jacket or pack strap.

What are the Ruger 57’s main strengths and weaknesses?

Pros

• Extremely low felt recoil and fast follow-up shots

• High 20+1 capacity in a compact, lightweight frame

• Excellent ergonomics and ambidextrous controls

• Optic-ready slide and practical sighting package

• Ruger reliability and durability with nitride slide finish

• Fun and repeatable range performance

Cons

• 5.7×28mm ammo is less common and often more expensive than 9mm

• Trigger has a distinct take-up wall that some shooters dislike (but reset is positive)

• Bulkier grip feel for shooters used to smaller 9mm pistols

• Production uncertain as of late 2025; parts and long-term support may be affected if Ruger discontinues the line

What’s the final verdict on the Ruger 57?

The Ruger 57 is a thoughtfully engineered pistol that brings a refreshing performance profile to handgun shooters who want velocity, capacity, and near-rifle-like controllability. It’s an excellent choice for range enthusiasts and a very capable option for defensive use with the right defensive ammunition.

If you prize fast follow-ups, flat trajectories, and light recoil — and you can accept some ammo availability tradeoffs — the Ruger 57 is one of the best modern implementations of the 5.7×28mm concept.

For buyers focused purely on logistics and ammunition ubiquity, 9mm still holds the practical edge. But for shooters who value performance and novelty, and who want a versatile pistol that’s both fun and practical, the Ruger 57 is a compelling, high-value choice.