PSA 5.7 Rock Review: Affordable 5.7x28mm Pistol

If you’re a fan of unique calibers that pack a punch, you’re going to love what PSA has brought to the table with the 5.7 Rock. This sleek, lightweight pistol is turning heads in the shooting world, and for good reason. Built to chamber the fast and furious 5.7x28mm round, the Rock offers a unique combination of power, precision, and affordability that’s hard to beat. In this PSA 5.7 Rock review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From its performance at the range to how it feels in your hand, we’re breaking down the pros, cons, and everything in between. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into what makes the PSA 5.7 Rock a standout in its class.

Bottomline: PSA 5.7 Rock Review

The PSA 5.7 Rock delivers flat shooting, low recoil, and precision at an unbeatable price, that’s why it is a top pick for budget-conscious shooters.

What Customers Say

Everything about this firearm is nice, great job with this one PSA. The initial optic plate screws appeared to not work my red dot, they were too short. PSA sent me a new plate kit, now everything mounts perfect. Outstanding product and service Palmetto.

Leonard D.

Alternatives

Better Recoil Management: Ruger 57

It’s lightweight, with an ergonomic design that feels just right in the hand, making it easy to handle for extended sessions. The fiber-optic front sight pops in any light, and the trigger is smooth with a satisfying reset. Plus, it’s optic-ready if you want to throw on a red dot just like the 5.7 Rock. One of the best things about the Ruger-57 is that it’s not just for the elite—it’s affordable enough for anyone wanting to try something new. If you’re looking for a well-rounded 5.7x28mm pistol with a comfortable grip, a strong brand reputation, and great out-of-the-box features, the Ruger-57 is a solid choice.

Premium Choice: FN Five Seven

The FN Five-Seven is all about precision and performance. It’s incredibly lightweight, thanks to its polymer frame, so it’s a breeze to carry around or use for extended sessions. What really sets the FN Five-Seven apart is its low recoil, making it surprisingly easy to control, even when firing quickly. The trigger is smooth and satisfying, which adds to its overall accuracy. It’s a bit of a splurge, but for those who appreciate unique firearms with a tactical edge—especially one that can punch through soft body armor—the FN Five-Seven is worth every penny.

PSA 5.7 Rock Specifications

• Model: PSA Full Size 5.7 Rock
• Caliber: 5.7x28mm
• Capacity: 23+1 rounds
• Weight with Empty Magazine: 25 oz
• Barrel Material: Carbon Steel with QPQ (Quench Polish Quench) Finish; Fluted
• Barrel Length: 4.7 inches
• Twist Rate: 1 in 9 inches
• Slide Material: 416 Stainless Steel with QPQ Finish
• Action: Delayed Blowback Striker-fired
• Magazine Catch: Reversible
• Safety: Trigger & Striker
• Accessory Rail: Picatinny
• Magazine: 23-round Steel 5.7x28mm Magazine (ships with 2)
• Sights: Designed to work with Glock-compatible sights
• Includes: Palmetto State Armory Soft Pistol Case

Setting Up the PSA 5.7 Rock

Setting up the PSA 5.7 Rock is as simple as it is exciting. Straight out of the box, you’ll find two 23-round magazines—plenty of capacity to keep the fun going at the range. The Rock’s lightweight polymer frame feels great in hand, with an aggressive grip texture that just sticks. First, make sure the gun is clear and safe, then take a moment to get familiar with the controls—they’re well-placed and easy to reach. If you’re into optics, you’re in luck: the slide is ready for a red dot, making it a breeze to mount and zero in. The factory sights are solid, but a quick adjustment might be in order to suit your preference. Setting up the PSA 5.7 Rock is quick, letting you get to the best part—putting rounds downrange.

PSA 5.7 Rock First Impressions

The first thing we noticed was how light it felt in our hand, despite its solid build. The aggressive grip texture promises a firm hold, even when things get sweaty. The 23-round magazine? That’s a big win, giving you more shots before reloading, which is always a plus. The trigger has a bit of a longer pull, but it breaks cleanly, giving you confidence with each shot. The controls are intuitively placed, making them easy to access without shifting your grip. The optic-ready slide is a nice touch, offering flexibility for those who want to add a red dot sight.

I have large hands, and the width and swell of the grip fit me well. Since this is a low-recoil round, the texture level was a little unexpected, but when shooting it you realize that it and the fact that this is a full-size gun really help you stay on target for quick follow-up shots.

PSA 5.7 Rock Features

Big 23-Round Magazine

The PSA 5.7 Rock comes ready to rock with a 23-round magazine, giving you more shots before you even think about reloading. Perfect for those extended-range sessions or when you just want to keep the fun going.

Lightweight, Tough Frame

Built with a lightweight polymer frame, the Rock is easy to handle but tough enough to take a beating. It’s light in the hand, making it easy to carry and quick to maneuver, without feeling flimsy.

Grippy, Aggressive Texture

The grip on the PSA 5.7 Rock is all about control. Its aggressive texture makes sure the pistol stays planted in your hand, whether you’re firing off rounds quickly or dealing with sweaty palms. But, it’s not so much that your hands will be raw after a day at the range like some shorter, snappier guns firing hotter rounds.

Ready for Red Dots

If you’re into optics, the Rock has you covered. You can get an optic-ready slide, making it super easy to slap on a red dot sight and get that quick target acquisition you’re after.

Rail for Accessories

Under the barrel, you’ll find a Picatinny rail, perfect for adding accessories like lights or lasers. This means you can customize the Rock to fit your style and needs, whether it’s for home defense or just having fun at the range.

Dial-In Your Sights

If you aren’t going for an optic or want to co-witness your iron sights, the adjustable rear sight lets you fine-tune your aim from left to right to get that perfect shot every time. That’s pretty standard for most pistols, but still important!

Smooth Shooter

Inside, the PSA 5.7 Rock runs on a proven, reliable blowback action that keeps everything smooth and consistent. You can count on it to perform well, shot after shot, making it a dependable choice for any kind of use.

Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Gun Reviews

Conclusion

I really like the PSA 5.7 Rock, both for the price and regardless of the price point. It’s a blast to shoot, holds a ton of rounds, and offers all of the features I need in a full-size pistol. I think the 5.7 Rock is a standout choice for anyone looking for a 5.7x28mm pistol without breaking the bank. It’s got a lot going for it—23-round capacity, a slide ready for optics, and a grippy, comfortable feel in the hand, pic rail, and adjustable controls. The lightweight build makes it easy to carry and shoot, while the reliable blowback action keeps things running smoothly. Sure, the trigger might not be as clean as the FN, but when considering the value for the money, it’s hard to beat. The Rock delivers solid accuracy and dependable performance, so we recommend it as a great option whether you’re a first-time buyer of this caliber or just want something fun and tactical to add to your collection. Overall, it’s a versatile, reliable handgun that offers excellent value and plenty of bang for your buck.

And, it helps that 5.7×28 rounds are coming down below 50¢ now!