AR-57 (original) (raw)

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Semi-automatic rifle (civilian variant)

AR-57
The AR-57
Type Semi-automatic rifle (civilian variant) Personal defense weaponSubmachine gun
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 2019–present
Wars Venezuelan crisis
Production history
Designed 2008–2016
Manufacturer AR57 LLC
Unit cost US$1,099
Produced 2008–present
Specifications
Mass 7.45 lb (3.4 kg) (AR-57 PDW)[1]
Length 30 in (762.0 mm) (AR-57 PDW)[1]
Barrel length 16 in (406.4 mm) (AR-57 PDW)[1]
Cartridge FN 5.7×28mm[2]
Caliber .224
Feed system FN P90 detachable box magazines[2]
Sights M1913 Picatinny rail[2]

The AR-57, also known as the AR Five Seven, is available as either an upper receiver for the AR-15/M16 rifle or a complete rifle, firing 5.7×28mm rounds from standard FN P90 magazines.[3][4]

It was designed by AR57 LLC.[5]

The AR-57 PDW upper is a new design on AR-15/M16 rifles, blending the AR-15/M16 lower with a lightweight, monolithic upper receiver system chambered in 5.7×28mm. This model is also sold as a complete rifle, supplied with two 50-round P90 magazines.[1] The magazines mount horizontally on top of the front handguard, with brass ejecting through the magazine well. AR-15/M16-based STANAG magazines can be used to catch spent casings by taking out the feed lips, spring and follower.[6] Sheet metal brass catchers can also be used on the AR-15/M16 lower.[6]

Various scopes and other accessories can be mounted on the picatinny rail.[7]

Unlike the standard AR-15 configuration which uses a gas-tube system, the AR-57 cycles via straight blowback[_broken anchor_].[8] A fully automatic version exists and was marketed as a competitor to the P90 and other personal defense weapons.[9]

Suppressed versions are also available.[9]

  1. ^ a b c d "AR Five-seven Rifles: AR57A1 PDW Carbine". AR57 LLC. Archived from the original on 2010-05-23. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
  2. ^ a b c "AR Five-seven Image Gallery". AR57 LLC. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
  3. ^ "Gun Review: The Fully Functional AR57". americanshootingjournal.com. 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  4. ^ D'Costa, Ian (2020-05-06). "The AR-57 Could Be the Weirdest AR Variant You'll Ever See". Breach Bang Clear. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  5. ^ "Rhineland arms". Archived from the original on 2010-01-13. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
  6. ^ a b "The Second Generation AR57: Drop-in 5.7 Upper For Your AR - Small Arms Review". 2023-01-01. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  7. ^ "P90 Goes AR-15 - SWAT Survival | Weapons | Tactics". 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  8. ^ "Patent US20110168009". Retrieved 2012-12-05.
  9. ^ a b "Sneak peek of suppressed full auto AR57 -". 30 November 2008.
  10. ^ "POTD: A Venezuelan AR57 Appears -". 9 May 2019.
  11. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (2019-04-30). "Venezuela's Capital Is In The Grips Of Violent Upheaval And Here's What You Should Know". The Drive. Retrieved 2023-12-14.