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KelTec has built its reputation on innovation—often releasing designs that challenge traditional thinking. In 2025, the company introduced the PR-57, a cutting-edge pistol-caliber/rimfire hybrid-inspired platform aimed at shooters who want light weight, modularity, and the fun factor of a new-generation sporting rifle. Combining KelTec’s flair for unconventional engineering with practical features for modern shooters, the PR-57 is one of the most intriguing launches of the year.
KelTec has always marched to its own beat—often pioneering folding carbines, compact bullpups, and unconventional pistol platforms. The PR-57 follows in that tradition, blending rimfire ergonomics with centerfire-ready strength and modern accessory compatibility. The result is a platform that appeals to recreational plinkers, personal-defense users, and anyone looking for a light, handy carbine-style rifle chambered in the popular 5.7×28 mm cartridge.
While the PR-57 carries KelTec’s familiar angular aesthetic, it’s designed with practical shooting performance in mind. It borrows lessons learned from the brand’s rimfire lineup and scales them up to deliver controllable recoil, fast follow-up shots, and reliable operation in a new-generation platform that sits between a PCC (pistol-caliber carbine) and a light intermediate-caliber rifle.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.7×28 mm |
| Action | Semi-automatic, delayed-blowback system |
| Barrel Length | 16″ (rifle configuration) with 1/2×28 threaded muzzle |
| Overall Length | ~30″ (with adjustable stock extended) |
| Weight (unloaded) | Approx. 5.3 lbs |
| Frame / Receiver | Lightweight aluminum upper with reinforced polymer lower |
| Magazine | 20- or 30-round detachable box magazines (compatible with standard 5.7×28 mags) |
| Sights / Optics | Integrated Picatinny top rail for optics; flip-up backup sights included |
| Handguard | M-Lok compatible free-float design |
| Stock | Adjustable, collapsible carbine-style stock |
The PR-57 sits in a unique category—lighter and easier to handle than most centerfire rifles yet offering more energy and range than a typical rimfire. This hybrid appeal makes it a versatile option for target shooting, small-varmint control, and recreational plinking.
Using a delayed-blowback operating system and the inherently mild-recoiling 5.7×28 mm cartridge, the PR-57 allows for rapid, accurate follow-up shots. This makes it approachable for new shooters and ideal for high-volume range sessions.
The PR-57 features a full-length Picatinny rail for easy mounting of red-dot sights or compact LPVOs (low-power variable optics). The M-Lok compatible handguard opens up accessory choices—foregrips, lights, or lasers—without adding unnecessary bulk.
The factory-threaded 1/2×28 barrel makes it simple to add a muzzle device or, where legal, a rimfire/5.7-rated suppressor. This enhances the shooting experience by reducing noise and muzzle blast.
Weighing just over five pounds and featuring a collapsible stock, the PR-57 is easy to transport and maneuver—perfect for recreational shooting trips or for those seeking a compact sporting rifle for limited-space scenarios.
Initial testing by early reviewers suggests the PR-57 delivers excellent off-hand balance. Combined with the mild recoil of the 5.7×28 mm cartridge, it allows for quick transitions between targets and solid accuracy out to 100 yards and beyond—well-suited for steel challenge courses and varmint-control scenarios.
KelTec designed the PR-57 to run reliably on a range of commercially available 5.7×28 loads. The delayed-blowback system and robust polymer-aluminum hybrid construction ensure consistent cycling even during extended shooting sessions.
The ambidextrous controls—magazine release, safety selector, and charging handle—make the PR-57 accessible for both left- and right-handed shooters. Tool-less field-stripping simplifies routine cleaning and maintenance.
The PR-57 enters a growing market for carbines and rifles chambered in 5.7×28 mm, competing with models such as the Ruger LC Carbine and certain AR-style PCCs chambered for the same cartridge. KelTec’s offering stands out with its lighter weight, distinctive design, and reputation for affordability compared to many AR-based alternatives.
KelTec engineered the PR-57 for straightforward maintenance. Field-stripping requires no specialized tools, and the polymer-aluminum hybrid construction resists corrosion and reduces overall upkeep needs. Regular cleaning of the chamber and barrel, especially after high-volume shooting, ensures continued reliability.
The KelTec PR-57 blends KelTec’s trademark innovation with the practical demands of modern shooters—offering a lightweight, accessory-ready platform chambered for the increasingly popular 5.7×28 mm round. It’s fast, fun, and adaptable, whether you’re ringing steel, controlling varmints, or enjoying a weekend range session.
By entering the 5.7×28 mm carbine niche with a unique design and affordable package, KelTec once again proves it can push the boundaries of what shooters expect from a sporting rifle.
Disclaimer: Always comply with local laws and safety regulations when acquiring or using rifles. Information provided here is for general educational purposes only.
