Kel-Tec P50: a new 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol
Kel-Tec introduces the P50 sport-utility pistol: a retro-futuristic, large-size semi-automatic design chambered in 5.7x28mm, feeding through FN P90 magazines for target shooting and high-intensity personal and property defense purposes
Anticipated by numerous leaks over the Internet in the past couple of days, the Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm caliber semi-automatic handgun has been officially launched as the Florida-based company's chief new product for 2021, adding to Kel-Tec's fame as one of the most uniquely innovative companies on the global sporting and hunting arms market.
Remarkably retro-futuristic in its outline, the P50 is described by Kel-Tec as a "sport-utility pistol", conceived for sport shooting, plinking, and high-intensity personal, home and property protection.
With its 38 cm / 15" overall length, 24,4 cm / 9.6" barrel and 1,43 kilograms (3.2lbs) in weight, the Kel-Tec P50 stands out as a remarkably big gun with a simple layout: a polymer lower receiver and a clamshell-opening, perforated metal top cover for the magazine seat that's hinged frontally to the lower and hosts most of the working parts.
Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm pistol, right side
Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm pistol, left side
The lower receiver features a typical Kel-Tec square-checkered grip, an ambidextrous manual safety, a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail for accessories, and a wide support surface in front of the trigger guard.
Two QD sling swivel cups are located respectively underneath the pistol grip and over the backstrap, just below the AR-15 style cocking handle.
A hook-shaped lever located just behind the grip, at easy thumb reach, allows the shooter to release the top cover latch and pivot it open for reloading. The Kel-Tec P50 feeds through the same double-stack, pivoting dispenser clear polymer magazines used by the FN P90 sub-machinegun, the PS-90 semi-automatic carbine and other 5.7x28mm caliber firearms, including numerous AR-15 style platforms. Spent cases are ejected upwards.
The Kel-Tec P50 comes from factory without any sort of iron sights. A MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail is located on the top metal cover, providing a stable mounting platform for back-up iron sights or optics.
The Kel-Tec P50 pistols comes issued from factory with two spare 50-rounds magazines. The 22N (5lbs) trigger provides a good balance between quick repetition and safety. The muzzle features a 1/2-28 TPI thread for flash hiders, sound suppressors, or other muzzle devices.
The Kel-Tec P50 will be (tentatively) made available on the US market at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $995. No information concerning export availability and pricing has been made available so far.