Kel-Tec R50, the 5.7x28mm carbine of the future

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Kel-Tec R50, the 5.7x28mm carbine of the future

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SHOT Show 2023 – Kel-Tec debuts the R50, a long-barrel version of the P50 high-capacity pistol launched two years ago

Kel-Tec R50 at the SHOT Show 2023

Kel-Tec R50, the 5.7x28mm carbine of the future

The Kel-Tec R50 5.7×28mm semi-automatic carbine is based on the Kel-Tec P50 semi-automatic pistol, first introduced by Kel-Tec in early 2021. Boasting a retro-futuristic design, the R50 features the same key structure and building of the P50 pistol and feeds through the same 50-rounds helical-feed clear polymer magazines used by the FN P90 sub-machinegun and by its civilian-grade semi-automatic counterpart, the PS90 carbine.

 

The difference between the Kel-Tec R50 and the P50 pistol is all in the stock and barrel: the Kel-Tec R50 carbine features a metal side-folding buttstock with a black polymer buttstock, and a 16-inch (approx. 40 cm) barrel with a threaded muzzle. A top Picatinny rail on the pivoting top cover provides plenty of room for flip-up irons or optics, while a shorter, bottom Pic rail allows installation of tactical accessories or foregrips.

Kel-Tec R50, the 5.7x28mm carbine of the future
Kel-Tec R50, the 5.7x28mm carbine of the future

The working system, the controls configuration and the rest of the key features of the Kel-Tec R50 are essentially the same as on the P50 pistol. MSRP for the US market has been announced at $815.00; no official release date has been announced.