Are you intrigued by the AR-57 carbine? This unique firearm has garnered attention for its innovative design and versatile capabilities. Let’s delve into the details of this remarkable weapon.
Design and Construction
The AR-57, also known as the AR Five-seven, is a product of the American AR-57 company, which was previously known as Rheinland Arms Company. This company specializes in the design and production of upper receivers for AR-15-style weapons. When paired with an original AR-15M16 lower receiver, the AR-57 transforms into a 5.728mm personal defense weapon (PDW). The AR-57 company also offers complete upper and lower receivers as a complete firearm, accompanied by two FN P90 magazines.
One of the standout features of the AR-57 is its original upper receiver design, which differs from the traditional AR-15-style weapon’s gas-operated firing mechanism. Instead, the AR-57 utilizes a unique bolt and direct-firing mechanism, eliminating the need for a gas tube and piston components. This design change also necessitates a repositioned bolt handle on the right side of the upper receiver, and the traditional AR-15-style weapon’s magazine well becomes the ejection port, where spent shells are ejected downward. This innovative design allows users to attach a hollow AR-15 magazine to collect ejected shells and improve grip and stability.
Features and Specifications
The AR-57 features a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail on the rear and the connection to the handguard, providing ample space for mounting various sights and tactical accessories. In terms of feeding, the AR-57 uses the 50-round transparent magazines of the FN P90, mounted on top of the handguard.
While the AR-57 is subject to legal restrictions and does not come with an automatic firing lower receiver, it can be converted to semi-automatic or fully automatic firing by replacing the lower receiver with one from an M16 assault rifle or another military AR-15-style firearm. The AR-57 company also offers fully automatic firearms for the military and law enforcement markets.
Here is a table summarizing the key features and specifications of the AR-57:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.728mm |
| Overall Length | 762 mm |
| Barrel Length | 406.4 mm |
| Rate of Fire | 80 rounds per minute |
Performance and Applications
The AR-57 has been praised for its performance and versatility. Its innovative design and use of the FN P90 magazine make it an excellent choice for personal defense. While the AR-57 is primarily designed for civilian markets, its semi-automatic firing capability and the ability to convert to fully automatic firing make it suitable for military and law enforcement applications as well.
One of the notable aspects of the AR-57 is its use of the 5.7x28mm ammunition, which is also used by the FN P90. This ammunition offers a balance between power and control, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios.
Game Appearances
The AR-57 has also made appearances in several first-person shooter games, such as “Dark Zone Breakout” and “Delta Force.” These game appearances have further contributed to the weapon’s popularity and recognition.
Conclusion
The AR-57 carbine is a unique and innovative firearm that stands out for its design and capabilities. Its use of the FN P90 magazine, innovative firing mechanism, and versatile applications make it an excellent choice for both civilian and military users. Whether you’re looking for a personal defense weapon or a firearm for military and law enforcement applications, the AR-57 is definitely worth considering.
