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The PSA 5.7 Rock, introduced by Palmetto State Armory in 2021, is a budget-friendly, optics-ready handgun chambered in 5.7x28mm, built for high-capacity self-defense and range use. With a 4.7-inch barrel, 23-round magazine, and polymer frame, it offers a lightweight, low-recoil shooting experience at a very competitive price, making it one of the most accessible entry points into the 5.7mm platform.
However, despite its solid specs and growing popularity, this PSA pistol isn't without its flaws. From my own experience and the feedback of other owners, the PSA Rock 5.7 can suffer from a handful of reliability issues that you’ll want to know about before committing to it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common PSA 5.7 Rock problems, backed by firsthand insight and real fixes—so you can decide if this gun is right for you and learn how to make it run the way it should.
Meet PSA 5.7 Rock: Main Specs & Problems Outlined
The PSA 5.7 Rock is a full-size PSA pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm FN, designed for shooters who want high capacity, flat shooting, and a modern optics-ready platform without overspending. It sports a 4.7-inch stainless steel barrel, a lightweight polymer frame with a rugged Cerakote finish, and comes with 23-round magazines—a standout feature in this caliber class. The optics-ready slide is cut for RMR footprint red dots and includes fully adjustable iron sights, making it a strong out-of-the-box option for shooters who want to upgrade their sight picture.
With its low recoil, extended mag capacity, and lightweight feel, the PSA Rock 5.7 is ideal for tactical range use, home defense, and even open carry setups. It offers a solid balance of innovation and value, especially for those curious about the 5.7x28mm cartridge.
PSA 5.7 Rock Problems: PSA 5.7 Rock light primer strikes issue and how to fix it
One of the most common and frustrating issues with the PSA 5.7 Rock is light primer strikes. In my experience, this problem usually starts showing up early during the break-in period, often within the first few hundred rounds. It’s most noticeable when shooting bulk-pack or steel-cased 5.7x28mm ammo, which tends to have harder primers that require a stronger, more consistent striker hit. The factory striker spring doesn’t always deliver enough force, which results in failures to fire, even with otherwise reliable ammo.
Ammo like Federal American Eagle 40gr FMJ and some older FN SS197SR loads are known to have harder primers, and many users—including myself—have seen this issue crop up when running those. What's particularly annoying is the inconsistency: you might get three rounds to fire perfectly, then suddenly hit a dud with no warning. This rules out bad ammo as the only culprit and points to a mechanical weakness in the striker setup.
This problem becomes a serious concern if you plan to use the 5.7 Rock for self-defense, where a failure to ignite a primer isn’t just a range inconvenience—it’s a potential life-threatening malfunction. While the issue is solvable, light primer strikes are one of the biggest reliability concerns you need to consider with this PSA pistol.
How to solve PSA 5.7 Rock light primer strikes problem
The most effective fix for the PSA Rock 5.7 light primer strikes issue is replacing the factory striker spring with a heavier aftermarket option. A stronger spring ensures more consistent primer engagement and reduces the chances of misfires, especially when shooting ammo with harder primers like Federal or FN. From what I’ve seen and tested, this upgrade drastically improves ignition reliability without negatively affecting the trigger feel.
Some users have also reported improvements after proper cleaning and lubrication of the striker channel, as factory debris or packing oil may slow down the striker’s travel. However, the spring swap remains the most definitive solution. If you're dealing with the same problem, this Reddit thread offers practical advice based on firsthand fixes.
PSA 5.7 Rock Problems: PSA 5.7 Rock feeding issue and how to fix it
The PSA 5.7 Rock feeding issue typically presents as nose-diving rounds or failures to chamber, and it’s something I encountered early on during the gun’s break-in. Whether I was running FMJ or hollow point ammo, I noticed that some rounds would snag on the feed ramp or jam at an upward angle before fully entering the chamber. This issue often occurred when loading the magazine to full capacity—23 rounds—which puts extra pressure on the top round and can affect how smoothly it strips into the chamber.
The problem also seems to be aggravated when the slide doesn’t return to battery with full force, particularly when the gun is dirty or under-lubricated. Users across forums and Reddit have reported similar issues with specific ammo types, especially those with shorter overall length or flatter nose profiles. Rounds like Speer Gold Dot or older FN SS195LF are frequently mentioned as being more likely to jam due to their shape not cooperating well with the Rock’s feed geometry.
What makes this issue especially frustrating is its randomness. A full mag might feed fine one time and choke the next, making it hard to trust the gun for anything more than casual range use until the issue is resolved. For a pistol designed for personal defense or high-volume training, feeding failures undermine the confidence you want in a sidearm. It’s one of the more disruptive PSA pistol problems and definitely something prospective owners should be aware of.
How to solve PSA 5.7 Rock feeding problem
The best way to fix the PSA Rock 5.7 feeding issue is to polish the feed ramp and ensure the magazines are loaded properly without overcompressing the spring. In my experience, lightly buffing the feed ramp with a Dremel and polishing compound helps smooth out the surface enough to prevent rounds from nose-diving. Feeding problems also tend to decrease after the first 200–300 rounds, suggesting the pistol has a short break-in period.
Another factor is the choice of ammo. Rounds with a rounder ogive like FN SS197SR feed more reliably compared to flat-nose or wide hollow point designs. Ensuring the slide is fully lubricated and that magazines are seated with firm pressure can also help minimize feeding failures. For more insight and user-shared fixes, check out this Reddit discussion thread.
PSA 5.7 Rock Problems: PSA 5.7 Rock ejection issue and how to fix it
The PSA 5.7 Rock ejection issue tends to surface as weak or erratic ejection patterns, and it’s something I’ve personally run into with certain types of ammo. Instead of ejecting casings cleanly to the side or rear, the brass might land unpredictably—sometimes bouncing off your forearm, other times dropping right beside the pistol or even getting trapped in the ejection port. This is especially common with lower-pressure 5.7x28mm loads like Federal American Eagle or older FN SS195LF, which don’t generate enough force to cycle the slide with the same consistency as hotter loads.
These inconsistencies become even more noticeable during rapid fire or when the pistol hasn’t been cleaned after extended shooting. Built-up fouling seems to reduce extractor efficiency and may prevent the casing from being pulled out cleanly. The issue can also lead to stovepipes, where the spent casing stands upright in the ejection port, or double feeds, both of which require immediate clearing and interrupt the shooting cycle.
For anyone using the PSA Rock 5.7 for self-defense, tactical drills, or competition practice, this kind of ejection problem can break your rhythm and reduce confidence in the platform. Out of all the PSA pistol problems, this one feels the most disruptive during high-tempo shooting, where reliability and consistency are non-negotiable.
How to solve PSA 5.7 Rock ejection problem
To fix the PSA Rock 5.7 ejection issue, the most effective solution is tuning or replacing the extractor spring to increase tension. This helps the extractor maintain a firmer grip on the spent casing, ensuring consistent ejection. In my case, swapping to a slightly stronger spring improved brass clearance significantly, especially with lighter loads like American Eagle 40gr FMJ.
Keeping the chamber and extractor area clean is also critical. Carbon buildup can reduce extractor bite and lead to erratic brass ejection or stovepipes. Using higher-pressure loads like FN SS197SR can also improve ejection reliability by generating more consistent slide velocity. For more real-world input and fixes, check out this Reddit discussion.
PSA 5.7 Rock Problems: Choosing the right PSA 5.7 Rock holster
Choosing the right PSA 5.7 Rock holster is essential for safe, comfortable, and accessible carry of this full-sized PSA pistol. Given its 4.7-inch barrel and optics-ready slide, not every holster offers a proper fit or accommodates red dot sights. The best PSA 5.7 Rock holsters are purpose-built for the gun’s unique dimensions and weight distribution, ensuring reliable retention and smooth draw.
When shopping for PSA Rock 5.7 holsters, consider your intended use—whether it’s concealed carry, range training, or open carry. Daily carry demands a slim-profile IWB holster, while OWB options work better for range or duty use. Experience matters too—a seasoned shooter may prefer minimalist Kydex, while new carriers might lean toward hybrid designs with extra comfort padding. Look for holsters that match your carry style, support optics, and are built from durable materials like Kydex or premium leather for long-term reliability.
Best PSA 5.7 Rock holsters by Craft Holsters
The best PSA 5.7 Rock holster options can be found at Craft Holsters, a trusted source for custom-made carry gear built from premium leather. Every holster for PSA 5.7 Rock is handcrafted to ensure custom fit, solid retention, and long-term comfort, whether you're carrying daily or on the range. With a focus on function and craftsmanship, Craft Holsters delivers high-quality gear at a reasonable price.
For comfortable belt carry, the PSA 5.7 Rock Comfortable Belt Holster is an ideal pick. It's molded to the gun’s shape, features reinforced stitching for durability, and offers a slight forward cant for a quick draw. The open-top design ensures fast access, while the leather construction adapts to your body over time for better comfort.
If you prefer a more balanced, off-body option, the PSA 5.7 Rock Vertical Roto Shoulder Holster System offers excellent weight distribution and all-day wearability. The adjustable harness ensures a custom fit, and the double mag pouch adds extra firepower. The vertical draw can be easily rotated forward for smoother access, making it a versatile and tactical choice.
Both models combine function and elegance, making Craft Holsters the go-to choice for the best PSA 5.7 Rock holsters on the market.
Conclusion
The PSA 5.7 Rock is still worth buying—if you know what to expect and how to handle its quirks. The most troublesome issues include light primer strikes, feeding failures, and inconsistent ejection, all of which I’ve experienced firsthand. But now you know how to fix these problems, and once addressed, the gun runs reliably.
It's just as important to choose the right PSA 5.7 Rock holster, especially given the pistol’s size and optics-ready slide. A custom fit holster built for comfort and retention makes all the difference in daily carry or training use.
The PSA Rock 5.7 is a great choice for range shooters, home defenders, or anyone looking to try the 5.7x28mm caliber without breaking the bank. It’s not ideal for deep concealment or those who want zero maintenance out of the box. But if you're willing to fine-tune it, this PSA pistol offers excellent performance and capacity at a very reasonable price.
