PSA 5.7 Rock Compact – A Soft Shooting Hand Cannon

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Profile on PSA 5.7 Rock Compact pistol.

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) has been making waves in the firearms world with its commitment to affordable, high-quality firearms. Their latest offering, the PSA 5.7 Rock Compact, is no exception. This striker-fired pistol chambered in the potent 5.7x28mm cartridge is generating significant buzz, and for good reason. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this compact firearm a compelling option for concealed carry, home defense, and recreational shooting.

Why 5.7x28mm?

Before we delve into the specifics of the Rock Compact, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the unique cartridge it fires. The 5.7x28mm round was originally developed by FN Herstal for military and law enforcement use. It’s known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and impressive penetration capabilities. While it may not have the same sheer stopping power as larger handgun calibers, the 5.7x28mm offers several advantages:

  • Reduced Recoil: The lighter bullet and higher velocity translate to less felt recoil, making it easier to control and shoot accurately, especially for those with smaller hands or less shooting experience.
  • Increased Capacity: The smaller cartridge size allows for higher magazine capacities in a compact package. The Rock Compact boasts an impressive 23+1 round capacity.
  • Superior Penetration: The 5.7x28mm is known for its ability to penetrate barriers while maintaining a flat trajectory, making it effective at longer ranges than typical handgun rounds.

The Rock Compact: A Closer Look

The PSA 5.7 Rock Compact takes full advantage of the 5.7x28mm cartridge’s strengths in a compact and user-friendly package. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

  • Compact Size: With an overall length of 6.5 inches and a height of 4.6 inches, the Rock Compact is designed for easy concealment and comfortable carry.
  • Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 1.28 pounds (unloaded), it’s easy to carry all day without fatigue.
  • Ergonomic Grip: The grip features aggressive texturing and a comfortable angle for a secure and natural hold.
  • Optics Ready: The slide is milled for direct mounting of popular micro red dot sights, allowing for quick target acquisition and enhanced accuracy.
  • Ambidextrous Controls: The magazine release and slide stop are ambidextrous, making it suitable for both right and left-handed shooters.
  • Picatinny Rail: A short Picatinny rail section under the barrel allows for the attachment of lights or lasers.

Performance and Reliability

PSA has a reputation for producing fairly reliable firearms at affordable prices, and the Rock Compact appears to be no exception. Early reviews suggest that the pistol functions flawlessly with a variety of 5.7x28mm ammunition. The trigger is reported to be crisp and predictable, contributing to accurate shooting.

Who is the Rock Compact For?

The PSA 5.7 Rock Compact is a versatile pistol that appeals to a wide range of shooters:

  • Concealed Carry: Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for everyday carry.
  • Home Defense: The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers impressive penetration and capacity, making it not ideal, but suitable for home defense scenarios.
  • Recreational Shooting: The low recoil and flat trajectory of the 5.7x28mm make it enjoyable to shoot at the range.
  • Competitive Shooting: The Rock Compact’s accuracy and capacity make it well-suited for certain competitive shooting disciplines.

A Compelling Contender in the 5.7x28mm Market

The PSA 5.7 Rock Compact enters a growing market of 5.7x28mm pistols, competing with established options like the FN Five-seveN and Ruger-57. However, its combination of features, performance, and affordability makes it a strong contender.

PSA 5.7 Rock Compact Holster Compatibility

ANR Design made the PSA Rock Compact holsters for the PSA E-Store. Manufactured using bladderless vacuum forming techniques and CNC cut shells, the ANR PSA Rock Compact holster has clean lines and a perfect fit. The holster comes standard with the ANR Design concealment claw, and a polymer belt clip. Pictured below is the holster with a steel DCC Monoblock belt clip.

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