Kel-Tec P11
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The Kel-Tec P-11 is a compact, semi-automatic, short-recoil operated pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. It is popular as a concealed weapon for civilians and law enforcement.
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[edit] Design & Specifications
The P11 was designed by George Kelgren, the Swedish designer who also designed many earlier Husqvarna (Sweden), Intratec, and Grendel brand firearms. Manufactured by the Kel-Tec CNC Industries company of Cocoa, FL since 1991, the P11 uses an aluminum receiver surrounded by a polymer grip housing held to the receiver by polymer pins. The slide, barrel, and magazine are steel. A standard magazine holds 10 rounds, although magazines of greater capacity are available. The handgun itself is comparatively light. The slide, barrel, and ammunition constitute most of its weight. The P11 lacks an external or manual safety, relying instead on a long Double Action Only (DAO) trigger pull to prevent accidental discharge. A firing pin spring and low-mass hammer prevent accidental discharge if the gun is dropped. The P-11 comes with a 10-round magazine as standard but will also accept the Smith and Wesson 59 Series 15-round magazines.
[edit] Intended market
The P11 is designed for concealed carry by civilians and law enforcement officers. It is only slightly wider than the double column magazine it uses. The barrel is near the minimum length possible with a Browning tilting-barrel system of operation. The gun easily fits into a pocket, small holster, or inside a handbag. All edges are rounded and smoothed. There are no protrusions on the pistol to catch on a pocket holster or a deep concealment or an IWB (inside waistband) holster.
[edit] Comments
A wide range of accessories are available. An attached belt clip allows the wearing of the gun without a holster tucked inside or outside the pants. A magazine extension wraps around the base of high-capacity magazines designed for the Smith & Wesson model 59 and various later models. Users can also install trigger shoes, finger-rests, rubber grip sleeves, and other accessories, most available from the manufacturer.
The 9 mm ammunition used in the P11 is inexpensive relative to .45 ACP, .38 Special, or even 32 ACP cartridges, and this is an important factor in encouraging adequate practice at the range using the P11. Total numbers manufactured are not published, but are believed to be over 100,000 as of 2005.
[edit] See also
- Kel-Tec CNC Industries of Cocoa, FL
