Kel-Tec KP50 and MP50, a new line of PDWs
Kel-Tec introduces a new line of Personal Defense Weapons chambered in 5.7x28mm, available in semi-automatic versions for civilian sales and full-automatic versions for law enforcement and military users
Kel-Tec KP50 and MP50, a new line of PDWs
Announced by Kel-Tec CNC Industries on February 23, the KP50 is a new family of semi-automatic large-size, blowback-operated, closed-bolt pistols chambered in 5.7x28mm and designed to improve over the Kel-Tec P50 first introduced in January 2021, intended as PDWs for civilians who need a high volume of fire personal or property defense weapon; for bodyguards and executive/VIP close-protection personnel; for private security personnel, particularly those guarding sensitive targets or working cash-in-transit; and for law enforcement and military customers.
The baseline model, dubbed the KP50, features a vertical pistol grip; other versions are available with a right-side folding metal tube stock strutt equipped with a black polymer buttstock or armbrace (to comply with NFA rules in the US). A KP50 Defender version of the latter also exists, coming issued from factory with a set of MagPul MBUS folding sights and a Vortex Crossfire red dot sight.
Finally, the Kel-Tec MP50 is the select-fire model of the bunch for MIL/LE sales only, featuring a set of factory-issued MBUS sights, a side-folding buttstock, and a cyclic rate of 850 rounds per minute in full-automatic fire.
Kel-Tec KP50 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol – right side
Kel-Tec KP50 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol – left side
Kel-Tec KP50 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol with folding stock/armbrace – right side
Kel-Tec KP50 5.7x28mm semi-automatic pistol with folding stock/armbrace – left side
Compared to the P50, the new Kel-Tec KP50 PDWs are simpler built and improved in terms of general ergonomics. All models feature a polymer grip/trigger group assembly with a B5 Systems vertical pistol grip, a T-shaped magazine release catch located underneath the trigger guard, and an ambidextrous safety switch with a 45-degrees throw.
The MP50 model features a three-positions selector, with a 45-degrees throw for safe/semi-auto toggle and a full-automatic position farther ahead.
Additionally, all models feature a top ejection window and a T-shaped, AR-15 style charging handle, which makes all variants of the KP50 family fully ambidextrous right out of the box.
Kel-Tec MP50 5.7x28mm sub-machine gun – right side
Kel-Tec MP50 5.7x28mm sub-machine gun – left side
All the variants of the Kel-Tec KP50 series feed through the same translucent polymer 50-rounds double-stack, rotary dispenser magazines designed and manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium for the P90 sub-machine gun and its derivatives.
Magazines are inserted underneath the barrel with a straightforward movement that is easier and faster than on the previous P50.
The folding stock/armbrace models and the select-fire MP50 are also available with a checkered black polymer magazine coupler that allows two magazines to be always attached under the barrel, "Jungle-style", allowing users to have 100 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition always handy, speeding up reloads in critical situations, and providing a better gripping surface for the support hand.
Finally, all models in the Kel-Tec KP50 family of PDWs feature a full-length Picatinny rail for optics or iron sights machined on top of the blued perforated metal upper; a shorter vertical rail for aftermarket stocks or armbraces at the rear of the black polymer grip/trigger group assembly; and a 244 mm / 9.6" long barrel, fitted with a birdcage-style flash hider installed on a ½x28 TPI thread at the muzzle.
All models are 472 mm / 18.6" long overall and weigh in at 1,45 kilograms (3.2 lbs) without a magazine. The models with a folding stock or Armbrace are 719 mm / 28.3" long with the stock or brace extended and weigh in at 1,8 kilograms (4 lbs) without a magazine.
MSRP on the US market is set at $899 for the baseline KP50 pistol, at $1,099 for the folding stock SBR and folding armbrace pistol, and at $1,399 for the KP50 Defender issued from factory with a red dot sight. Pricing for the select-fire MP50 is only available on request to military, law enforcement, and Government customers.
For further information, visit the official Kel-Tec website. For all information concerning availability and pricing outside of the United States, refer to the authorized Kel-Tec distributor for your Country.
