So, 5.7 is coming back. Stargate fans gonna be excited!
The full-sized and full-featured Ruger 57 handgun was announced just in time for the New Year and comes with an FN competing 20+1 capacity.
The 5.7x28mm, made by FN during the “PDW” craze that also gave us the MP7 from H&K and its 4.6mm, is a fantastic and funny little round. These came about as the result of a request for weapons capable of defeating certain body armors and were theorized and developed to be used by Personal Security Detail personnel and those working in confined spaces, like tankers. This all came to naught as military’s were reluctant to field another ‘rifle’ specifically for vehicle crews with highly diminished capabilities over their service rifles. Instead we made smaller AR’s and it has worked out well.
But the guns did find some success in the PSD roles, like with the Secret Service… and against the Goa’uld.
Yes, I wanted one too… thanks Richard Dean Anderson.
Where the Ruger 57 separates most from the FN Five-seveN is in price, with the Ruger carrying an MSRP of $799 against the FN’s $1,435. This makes a Ruger/AR57 combination a very economical alternative to a Five-seveN/PS90 combo, if you just have to have 5.7mm.
Speer is even working out a Gold Dot round which will make both 57 and Five-seveN owners happy.
“The Ruger-57 is destined to become one of America’s favorite handguns,” said Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy. “This pistol is soft shooting, accurate, powerful and just plain fun to shoot.”
The Ruger 57 has a windage and elevation adjustable serrated rear sight and a rapid acquisition fiber optic front sight. The slide is drilled and tapped for use with a separately available optic adapter plate to keep things in line with Red Dot trends. A Picatinny-style accessory rail for lights and lasers and a ‘Secure Action’ fire control with what Ruger terms a “short, crisp trigger pull and positive reset.” Neat.
For fans of the zippy little 5.7 who haven’t been able to justify the cost of FN’s offering(s) this will play to your hearts. It looks well thought out with an eye and ear towards the modern trends. If it runs well I’m sure the increased demand for 5.7 may see more rounds and an uptick in P90/carbine offerings trickle in too.
But I suspect this will still be very niche in the grand scheme.
