| AR-57 | |
|---|---|
The AR-57
| |
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle (civilian variant) Personal defense weapon Submachine 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 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]
Venezuela[10][11] (Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Juan Guaidó were photographed using an AR-57 during the crisis in Venezuela in 2019.)
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