PrepperLoc502Palmetto State Armory (PSA), a brand synonymous with high-quality, budget-friendly firearms, has ventured into the 5.7x28mm pistol market with the PSA 5.7 Rock. Known for producing reliable firearms at an affordable price point, PSA’s entry into the world of the 5.7x28mm is both anticipated and exciting. The 5.7x28mm cartridge has garnered attention over the years for its impressive performance, combining low recoil with high velocity, which makes it ideal for both tactical use and recreational shooting. The PSA 5.7 Rock offers shooters a powerful yet manageable pistol, ready for both self-defense and the shooting range.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore every aspect of the PSA 5.7 Rock, from its design and ergonomics to its performance and safety features, while also comparing it to other 5.7 pistols on the market. Whether you’re a new shooter looking for your first 5.7x28mm pistol or a seasoned enthusiast searching for a budget-friendly alternative, the 5.7 Rock is worth your attention.
Design and Build Quality: Ergonomics, Durability, and Aesthetics
One of the first things that stands out about the PSA 5.7 Rock is its ergonomic design. The pistol is crafted with a full-sized polymer frame, which strikes an excellent balance between weight and durability. Weighing in at just 25 ounces with an empty magazine, it’s lightweight enough for daily carry or extended range sessions without causing fatigue, yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
The grip of the 5.7 Rock is one of its standout features. It boasts an ergonomic shape with aggressive texturing that ensures a secure and comfortable hold, even during rapid fire. This feature is especially important for the 5.7x28mm round, which, although low recoil compared to other calibers, still requires a firm grip to ensure maximum accuracy and control.
The 5.7 Rock is equipped with a 4.7-inch barrel made from carbon steel, which is fluted to enhance its durability and help reduce weight. The barrel is treated with a QPQ (Quench Polish Quench) finish, ensuring that it resists corrosion and maintains its accuracy over time. The slide is made from 416 stainless steel and finished with a Cerakote Flat Dark Earth (FDE) coating, offering not only durability but a sleek, modern appearance.
The color and finish of the 5.7 Rock lend it a tactical and professional look that fits well in any modern shooter’s collection. The Cerakote finish is known for its wear resistance, making it an ideal choice for firearms exposed to elements and heavy use.
Performance: Precision, Recoil, and Reliability
The PSA 5.7 Rock is chambered in 5.7x28mm, a round that was originally designed by FN Herstal for their P90 submachine gun and Five-seveN pistol. Known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, the 5.7x28mm round combines the power of a rifle cartridge with the compactness of a pistol round. This makes the PSA 5.7 Rock an excellent option for both tactical and recreational use.
Accuracy
When it comes to performance, the PSA 5.7 Rock excels in terms of accuracy. The pistol features a 4.7-inch barrel, which may seem short compared to some other pistol barrels, but is perfectly suited for the 5.7x28mm round. This allows for tight groupings and consistent performance, even at longer distances, which is a hallmark of the 5.7x28mm round. The fluted carbon steel barrel ensures that there is minimal barrel whip, contributing to improved accuracy. Shooters can expect to land consistent shots with ease, especially during rapid fire.
Recoil Control
The PSA 5.7 Rock benefits from the low recoil of the 5.7x28mm round, which makes it easier to control compared to other handguns chambered in higher-caliber rounds. Despite being a full-sized pistol, the 5.7 Rock’s low recoil ensures that follow-up shots are quick and accurate. The aggressive grip texture and ergonomic design further enhance the pistol’s ability to stay on target. Whether you’re using it for home defense, tactical operations, or competitive shooting, the reduced recoil allows you to maintain a steady aim and fire multiple rounds without significant disruption.
Reliability
PSA is known for manufacturing firearms that offer reliability without the steep price tag, and the 5.7 Rock is no exception. The pistol operates using a delayed blowback, striker-fired mechanism, which provides smooth cycling and helps to keep the recoil manageable. Shooters will appreciate how consistently the 5.7 Rock feeds and ejects rounds, with minimal malfunctions. The gun is compatible with Glock-compatible sights, which allows owners to easily upgrade their optics for enhanced accuracy.
The 23-round steel magazine offers plenty of capacity, reducing the need for constant reloads during range sessions or in defensive scenarios. This high capacity is a standout feature for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, as it allows the shooter to carry more rounds without significantly increasing the weight or size of the pistol.
Safety Features: Designed for Confidence
Safety is always a concern when handling firearms, and the PSA 5.7 Rock comes with several features that provide peace of mind. The pistol includes both a trigger and striker safety mechanism, ensuring that the firearm will not discharge unless both safeties are disengaged. The striker block safety further prevents accidental discharges by keeping the striker from moving forward unless the trigger is fully pressed.
Additionally, the PSA 5.7 Rock features a reversible magazine catch, which allows left-handed shooters to easily switch the catch to the opposite side for comfortable magazine release.
Comparison to Other 5.7x28mm Pistols
When compared to other pistols chambered in 5.7x28mm, the PSA 5.7 Rock stands out for its price point. The pistol is priced significantly lower than premium options like the FN Five-seveN, making it an attractive option for those who want to experience the performance of the 5.7x28mm without breaking the bank. While the FN Five-seveN and Ruger 5.7 feature similar features, including high magazine capacity, the PSA 5.7 Rock provides an excellent alternative for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
In terms of performance, the PSA 5.7 Rock is on par with these higher-end options, offering excellent accuracy, low recoil, and a smooth shooting experience. While it may lack some of the premium features of its competitors, such as advanced sighting systems or a threaded barrel for suppressors, it offers an outstanding value for the price.
Final Thoughts: A Reliable, Affordable 5.7 Pistol
The PSA 5.7 Rock is an exceptional offering from Palmetto State Armory, combining budget-friendly pricing with solid performance, reliability, and modern features. With its ergonomic design, smooth trigger, and impressive accuracy, the 5.7 Rock is an ideal choice for shooters looking for a versatile firearm that can serve a variety of roles—whether it’s for home defense, tactical applications, or just recreational shooting at the range.
At its price point, the 5.7 Rock is tough to beat, providing all the performance of more expensive 5.7x28mm pistols without the steep price tag. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end firearms, it more than makes up for it with its overall performance, dependability, and impressive value.
For anyone interested in the 5.7x28mm round but hesitant to invest in pricier options, the PSA 5.7 Rock delivers on its promise of affordability and high performance. In the end, this pistol proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to own a reliable, accurate, and powerful firearm.
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