Palmetto State Armory 5.7 Rock Compact
Palmetto State Armory · Pistol · In Production · 2024
Also known as: PSA 5.7 Rock Compact, PSA Rock Compact 5.7
Overview
The Palmetto State Armory 5.7 Rock Compact is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm FN, introduced in 2024 as a concealable variant of PSA's full-size 5.7 Rock platform. Designed to bring the 5.7x28mm cartridge to the concealed carry market at an accessible price point, the Rock Compact features a 4.3-inch non-threaded barrel, polymer frame, and a 416 stainless steel slide with a QPQ (quench-polish-quench) black finish and decorative fluting. Despite its compact dimensions of 7.7 inches overall length and 5.03 inches height, the pistol retains an impressive 21+1 round capacity. The striker-fired delayed blowback action provides exceptionally soft recoil impulse, making follow-up shots fast and controllable. The slide is optics-ready with a direct-mount cut for popular micro red dot sights. Weighing just 21.9 ounces with an empty magazine, the Rock Compact is one of the lightest and most compact 5.7x28mm handguns available. With an MSRP of $499, it significantly undercuts competitors like the FN Five-seveN and Ruger 57, democratizing access to the 5.7x28mm platform for budget-conscious shooters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 621 g (21.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Barrel Length | 109 mm (4.29") |
| Height | 128 mm (5.04") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 21 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 500 m/s (1640 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 324 J (239 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 228.6 mm (9.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish | Qpq Black |
Calibers
- 5.7x28mm FN · primary · STANAG 4509 — also known as 5.7x28mm, 5.7mm FN, 5.7 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Polymer Frame, Optics Ready, Fluted Slide, Qpq Finish, Front Rear Slide Serrations, Accessory Rail, Interchangeable Backstraps, High Capacity Magazine
Variants
- PSA 5.7 Rock — Full Size
- PSA 5.7 Rock RK1 — Enhanced
Production
Production years: 2024-present
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The PSA 5.7 Rock platform debuted with the full-size model in 2023, featuring a 5.2-inch barrel and 23+1 capacity. The Compact variant introduced at SHOT Show 2024 trims the barrel to 4.3 inches and overall length to 7.7 inches while maintaining a 21-round magazine. Both models use a delayed blowback operating system rather than the locked-breech short-recoil system common in most modern semi-automatic pistols. The trigger pull measured approximately 4 lbs 8 oz. With 40-grain ammunition loads, the Compact achieves muzzle velocities of 1,609-1,671 fps (490-509 m/s) and muzzle energies of 230-248 ft-lbs (312-336 J) from its shorter barrel. Available in multiple frame colors including black, FDE, and Sniper Green.
Background
Palmetto State Armory has built its reputation on democratizing firearms ownership through aggressive pricing. The 5.7 Rock Compact continues this mission by offering a 5.7x28mm pistol at roughly one-third the price of the FN Five-seveN, making the high-velocity, low-recoil cartridge accessible to a much broader market. PSA refers to it as blending 'game-changing ergonomics with maximum concealability.'