The Ruger-57 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. It uses a polymer frame with a satin aluminum Cerakote finish and ships with two 20-round steel magazines. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Ruger 
• Model: Ruger-57 Pistol 
• Type: Semi-Auto Handgun 
• Action: Double Action Only 
• Caliber: 5.7 x 28mm 
• Barrel Length: 4.94 inches 
• Overall Length: 8.65 inches 
• Capacity: 20 + 1 (includes two 20-round steel magazines) 
• Weight: 24.5 oz. 
• Finish Type: Satin Aluminum Cerakote with Gray Cerakote grips 
• Sights: Front Fiber Optic / Rear Adjustable Sights 
• Safety Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety (1911-style) 
   

Detailed Features 

 
At 24.5 oz, the Ruger-57 is light for a full-size pistol, partly because 5.7x28mm ammunition is smaller and lighter than 9mm. The 20+1 capacity is one of the more practical benefits of the caliber — more rounds in a magazine that is not substantially larger than a standard double-stack. 
 
The front fiber optic sight picks up quickly in most lighting conditions. The rear sight is adjustable for elevation and windage, which is useful for a pistol people will actually zero to specific loads. The 1911-style ambidextrous manual safety works for shooters who want it; it disengages with the same motion as on a 1911. 
 
The Picatinny-style rail under the frame accepts standard lights and lasers. A visual inspection port on the chamber lets the user confirm chamber status without manipulating the slide. 
 

Usage 

 
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is known for low felt recoil relative to its velocity, which makes the Ruger-57 manageable for most shooters and practical for fast follow-up shots. It is a range and home defense pistol. Ammunition availability has improved since the platform launched but is still narrower than 9mm, and cost per round is higher. Aftermarket holster selection is more limited than for popular 9mm pistols.

The Ruger-57 generates consistent interest from shooters curious about 5.7x28mm in a pistol platform, and most who buy it come away positive.

The caliber itself is the center of most discussion. Low recoil and high velocity get good marks — experienced shooters and newer ones both handle it well. Effectiveness versus traditional handgun calibers is debated, but most owners are satisfied with the 5.7x28mm for their intended use.

The 21-round capacity (20+1) draws consistent praise. For a pistol this size and weight, it is a meaningful advantage in a defensive context and at the range.

At 24.5 oz, it handles well for extended sessions. Some owners note that the light frame moves more on rapid fire compared to heavier steel-frame pistols, though this is a manageable trade-off.

Build quality meets Ruger's standard reputation. The Cerakote finish holds up, and reliability is consistently reported as solid across common 5.7x28mm loads.

Adjustable sights are appreciated by owners who shoot a variety of loads.

Price sits mid-range for the pistol itself. Ammunition is the recurring friction point — 5.7x28mm is more expensive per round than 9mm and less available at local shops, which affects how much owners shoot it.

Aftermarket support is the main practical gap. Holsters designed specifically for the Ruger-57 exist but the selection is smaller than for Glock or SIG platforms.