Ruger-5.7
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Pistol · In Production · 2019
Also known as: Ruger-5.7, Ruger 5.7
Overview
The Ruger-5.7 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm FN, introduced in December 2019 by Sturm, Ruger & Co. as a more affordable alternative to the FN Five-seven. It features a Secure Action fire-control system with a protected internal hammer, a bladed-safety trigger, and a 1911-style ambidextrous manual safety. The pistol holds 20+1 rounds in its double-stack steel magazines, fed through a glass-filled nylon polymer frame with an alloy steel slide and barrel. Its 4.94-inch barrel with black nitride treatment provides durability and corrosion resistance. The slide is drilled and tapped for direct optics mounting, and a Picatinny-style accessory rail is molded into the frame. Fiber optic front sight and adjustable rear sight come standard. At 24.5 ounces empty, it is lightweight for its capacity. The 5.7x28mm cartridge delivers high velocity with very low felt recoil, flat trajectory, and a 20-round capacity that exceeds most traditional pistol calibers. The Ruger-5.7 brought the 5.7x28mm platform to a significantly lower price point than the FN Five-seven, contributing to a surge in consumer interest in the cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 694 g (24.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 219.7 mm (8.65") |
| Barrel Length | 125.5 mm (4.94") |
| Height | 142.2 mm (5.60") |
| Width | 30.5 mm (1.20") |
| Action Type | Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 17.8 N (4.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 503 m/s (1650 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 327 J (241 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1510 m (1651 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 228.6 mm (9.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 8 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Alloy Steel |
| Barrel Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Black Nitride |
Calibers
- 5.7x28mm FN · primary — also known as 5.7x28mm, 5.7mm FN
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Manual Safety, Trigger Blade Safety, Internal Hammer Catch, Lightweight Firing Pin
- Features: Fiber Optic Front Sight, Adjustable Rear Sight, Picatinny Rail, Optics Ready, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Inspection Port, Tool Free Takedown, Double Stack Magazine, Ergonomic Grip Texture
Variants
- Ruger-5.7 Model 16401 — Standard
- Ruger-5.7 Model 16402 (10-Round) — State Compliant
- Ruger-5.7 Model 16403 Pro — Enhanced
- Ruger-5.7 Model 16412 (Davidson's Exclusive) — Distributor Exclusive
- Ruger-5.7 Model 16416 (TALO Exclusive) — Distributor Exclusive
Production
Production years: 2019-present
Strong commercial sales since introduction; exact production numbers not disclosed
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
The Ruger-5.7 uses a proprietary Secure Action system that is technically a protected internal hammer design, not a striker. The trigger operates as effectively single-action with a consistent pull of approximately 4 pounds. The 10+1 round model (16402) is designed for jurisdictions with magazine capacity restrictions. Ruger includes two steel magazines with the pistol. The 5.7x28mm cartridge delivers roughly 1,650 fps from the 4.94-inch barrel with standard 40-grain FMJ loads, losing some velocity compared to the longer-barreled FN P90 PDW or even the FN Five-seven with its 4.8-inch barrel. Despite the small caliber, the high velocity provides good terminal performance with appropriate expanding ammunition.
Background
The Ruger-5.7 democratized the 5.7x28mm cartridge by offering a pistol at roughly half the price of the FN Five-seven, which had been the only commercially available 5.7mm pistol for nearly two decades. Its introduction in 2019 triggered a surge in consumer interest and ammunition availability for the previously niche cartridge.