Shoulder Holsters for Ruger 57

QUICK RUGER 57 REVIEW

The company known all over the world as the Ruger, with the official name of The Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. is the leading producer of firearms in the whole United States. The Sturm, Ruger designs, produces and markets a full line of various models of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns, mainly for sporting purposes, however there is also several models available for the law enforcement and military use.

The Ruger 57 is a delayed blowback semi-auto pistol with an internal hammer-fired single-action (SA) trigger made by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.. In 1990 FN developed the 5.7x28mm cartridge in conjunction with its select-fire P90 PDW, similar to what John Browning did with the .45 ACP and the 1911. Once the P90 was introduced, the engineers ultimately realized that while it was long, the cartridge would still fit into the grip of a traditional handgun and then the FN 57 pistol was born. It took more than 20 years for another major gun company to introduce a pistol chambered in this cartridge, and that’s our Ruger 57 pistol. The Ruger 57 belongs to the category of full-sized handguns and it was originally developed as a high-capacity, flat-shooting, light-recoiling replacement for 9x19mm pistols for military type use.

These days, the Ruger 57 is mainly used for self-defense and shooting in the range. Since the market is full of well made full-sized handguns, there’s no surprise that the Ruger 57 has its own competitors. One of the biggest Ruger 57 competitors is definitely the FN Five-seveN pistol.

The Ruger 57 is as mentioned a full-sized handgun that comes with a 4.9 inch long barrel. Overall, it is 8.65 inches long, 1.2 inches wide, 5.6 inches high with a weight of 24.5-oz when unloaded. With its double stack magazine, it can hold up to 20 rounds which is more than enough. The Ruger 57 relies on the use of the 5.7x28 FN cartridge. The safety of this internal hammer-fired pistol is assured by frame mounted ambidextrous thumb safety.

Construction-wise, the frame of the Ruger 57 is made of a black polymer and it features integrated polymer grips. Due to textured grip panels, it feels good in both small and large hands. At the front of the frame is a long, five-slot Picatinny-style rail for mounting lights or lasers. The Ruger 57 initially comes with two 20-round magazines. The magazines have steel bodies and polymer base plates, and if you live in a state with magazine restrictions, Ruger sells a version of this pistol with 10-round magazines as well.  The 20-round magazines themselves cost around $40 a piece and in case it is not enough for you, they can be extended to 25+1 capacity.

The Ruger 57 comes with a billet steel slide with front and rear slide serrations and lightening cuts. Slide is drilled and tapped for easy mounting of optics. If you’re not a fan of the default fiber-optic front and U-notch rear sights, you can upgrade your Ruger 57 with some aftermarket options. Such as red dot sights compatible with this pistol or some optic plates, as this pistol doesn’t  include the adapter plate for all sights.

When it comes to accuracy and the range performance of this pistol, it seems very reliable and accurate. Getting to work on the range at 25 yards, the metal magazines loaded fairly easily without undue force being required. The magazines inserted easily, and rounds fed smoothly. Recoil with both 40-grain loads is light, and the pistol is quite comfortable to shoot. The trigger has a bit of mush to it, but works well enough and the sight picture is clean and easy to see. No matter your shooting skills, this pistol will give you accuracy. It can be even upgraded with some of these Ruger 5-7 lights and lasers available on the aftermarket. If you end up getting one of the suggested lights, don't forget to get yourself a custom made Ruger 57 light bearing holster.

The Ruger 57, due to its dimensions is more suitable for outside the waistband carry. Although it is not a concealed carry style weapon, it can still be well hidden inside a Ruger 57 IWB holster as well. Just make sure that you’re wearing a good holster with clothing that is large enough to not print with the firearm. As mentioned, the most appropriate way on how to carry your Ruger is in a Ruger 57 OWB holster or a 57 shoulder holsters. Need more options? Let’s take a look at the Ruger 57 holsters recommendations for 2021.

The Ruger 57 as a defensive weapon or for running through a competition course is a force to reckon with. Its ability to rapidly put rounds on target is exceptionally hard to match. Combine high capacity with the boom of a magnum, the occasional fireball, a good single-action trigger, solid accuracy, nice sights and extremely low recoil with minimal muzzle flip and you have a recipe for a great pistol, which the Ruger 57 definitely is. Having said that, there are still a couple of problems Ruger 57 has and it's better to read about them before you buy the pistol.

If you wish to know even more about the Ruger 57, you can find the most essential information on Ruger's official website, their Facebook page or Wikipedia. You can also exchange your opinions on this pistol with other shooters on one of the Ruger forums - Ruger Forum, Ruger Pistol Forums, or even on Ruger Talk.

IS THE RUGER 57 RELIABLE?

The Ruger-57 is a relatively new handgun on the market, introduced in 2020, and it's designed to shoot the 5.7x28mm cartridge. Initial reports from gun owners and experts have been generally positive. Moreover, Ruger is known for producing reliable firearms. Although the Ruger 57 has a lot to offer, some problems can occur when using the Ruger 57. It’s always good to know what may eventually go wrong with your gun, therefore do not hesitate to read The most frequent Ruger 57 problems article. 

CAN YOU CONCEAL CARRY A RUGER 57?

The Ruger 57 is a relatively large handgun with a 4.94-inch barrel and a double-stack magazine that holds 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition. Due to its size and weight, it may not be the most practical firearm for concealed carry for some people. However, with the right Ruger 57 conceal carry holster, it is possible to conceal carry a Ruger-57.

CAN YOU HUNT WITH A RUGER 57?

The Ruger 57 is a handgun chambered in 5.7x28mm, which is a cartridge originally developed for military use as a lightweight and high-velocity round. While it’s possible to hunt with a handgun chambered in 5.7x28mm, it may not be the best choice for all hunting situations. In terms of the suitability of the Ruger 57 for hunting, it may be suitable for small game or varmint hunting at close to medium range. However, it may not have the necessary power or range for larger games or longer shots. 

WHAT IS THE BEST RUGER 57 CONCEALED CARRY HOLSTER?

While the Ruger-57 may not be the most practical concealed carry option for everyone due to its size, it is possible to conceal carry it with the right equipment such as Ruger 57 concealed carry holster. Additionally, proper training and practice are crucial for safe and effective concealed carry. One of the most custom leather holster designed for inside the waistband carry is the Ruger 57 IWB holster with steel clip. Retention of this holster is further enhanced by the steel-reinforced thumb break attached to the holster’s top. Other Ruger 57 CCW holsters as well as other carry options are described in the 7 best Ruger 57 holsters article. 

WHAT IS THE BEST HOLSTER FOR RUGER 57 WITH RED DOT?

If you’re looking to upgrade your Ruger 57, a red dot sight is a great way to do it. Not only do red dot sights improve accuracy, but also allow you to acquire targets more quickly and efficiently. Among the best red dot sights for your pistol are Ruger 57 Trijicon RMR LED light, Ruger 57 Vortex Venom, or Ruger 57 Holosun HS507C-X2. It's obvious that for your upgraded Ruger 57 you'll need a custom Ruger 57 holster with red dot. One of the most comfortable and best holsters for Ruger 57 with red dot is Ruger 57 comfortable belt holster with red dot that features an easy-to-conceal design and a safety strap for extra retention.

RUGER 57 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW MUCH DOES RUGER 57 COST?

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Ruger 57 is around $899, but the actual price may vary depending on the retailer, location, and other factors such as demand and availability. Some retailers may offer the firearm for a slightly lower or higher price than the MSRP, and prices may also vary depending on the specific model and any accessories included.

WHERE IS RUGER 57 MADE?

The Ruger 57 is manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., an American firearms company based in Southport, Connecticut. The company has several manufacturing facilities in the United States, including plants in New Hampshire, Arizona, and North Carolina.

WHAT IS THE BARREL LENGTH OF RUGER 57?

The barrel length of the Ruger-57 is 4.94 inches while the overall length of this firearm is 8.65 inches. 

WHAT IS THE CALIBER AND CAPACITY OF RUGER 57?

The Ruger-5.7 is chambered in 5.7x28mm, which is a cartridge originally developed for military use as a lightweight and high-velocity round. The firearm has a double-stack magazine that holds 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition.

IS RUGER 57 BETTER THAN FN 57?

Both the Ruger-57 and the FN Five-Seven are high-quality firearms that are chambered in the same 5.7x28mm cartridge. Each firearm has its own unique features and advantages, and which one is better will depend on the individual shooter's needs and preferences. Ruger 57 features a threaded barrel for suppressor or muzzle device attachment and an ergonomic grip with texture for a comfortable and secure hold. On the other hand, FN 57 is equipped with an ambidextrous magazine release and slide stop, and adjustable three-dot sights. 

WILL A RUGER 57 HOLSTER FIT RUGER SECURITY 9?

The Ruger 57 and Ruger Security 9 are two different firearms with different dimensions and features, so a Ruger 57 holster designed specifically for this gun will not fit the Ruger Security 9. it’s always best to use a holster that is specifically designed for the firearm you're carrying to ensure a proper fit and secure retention. A holster that is not designed for your firearm may not provide adequate retention or protection, which could lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Therefore, if you're looking for a custom holster for your Security 9, have a look at the best Ruger Security 9 holsters. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST RUGER 57 UPGRADES?

The performance and functionality of the Ruger 57 can be substantially enhanced by utilizing various aftermarket accessories. Installing upgrades like extended magazines, Ruger 57 lights and lasers can significantly boost the firearm's capabilities. Furthermore, selecting a glove-like fitting custom Ruger 57 holster can greatly improve your comfort.

HOW TO BREAK-IN A RUGER 57 HOLSTER?

If you buy a holster that is specifically designed for the Ruger 57, you probably won't need to go through any break-in process to get a proper fit. However, if your new holster feels overly snug, you can refer to our Ruger 57 holster break-in guide for instructions on how to adjust the fit.

RUGER 57 PROS AND CONS

Benefits of ruger 57:

High-capacity magazine

Threaded barrel

Ergonomic design

Adjustable sights

Ruger 57 problems:

Limited ammunition availability

Not ideal for concealed carry

Quite heavy

Cost

RUGER 57 SPECS

Gun type - semi-auto pistol

Production year - 2020

Barrel size - 4.94"

Overall size - 8.65"

Gun Width - 1.2"

Gun Height - 5.6"

Caliber - 5.7x28mm

Magazine - 20 rounds, double-stack

Firing mechanism - hammer-fired

Action - delayed blowback semi-auto

Material - black polymer 

Sights - fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight

Use - law enforcement, military applications, self-defense, target shooting