Kel-Tec P11
Kel-Tec CNC Industries · Pistol · Discontinued · 1995
Also known as: Kel-Tec P-11
Overview
The Kel-Tec P11 is a compact, lightweight, double-action-only 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1995 and designed by George Kellgren. Built around a steel-reinforced polymer frame, it uses a short-recoil, locked-breech tilting-barrel action derived from the Browning system and weighs roughly 14.4 ounces empty. It feeds from double-stack magazines holding 10 rounds (12-round magazines became available after the 1994 assault weapons ban expired) and famously accepts Smith & Wesson 59-series magazines. Its small size, low weight, and low price made it a very popular concealed-carry and law-enforcement backup pistol.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 415 g (14.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 575 g (20.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 149 mm (5.87") |
| Barrel Length | 79 mm (3.11") |
| Height | 119 mm (4.69") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Long Double Action Trigger Pull, Internal Hammer Block
- Features: Locked Breech Tilting Barrel, Double Action Only Trigger, Steel Reinforced Polymer Frame, Accepts Smith Wesson 59 Series Magazines, Fixed Sights, Belt Clip Option
Production
Production years: 1995-2022
Long-running production run; one of Kel-Tec's earliest and best-selling handguns before being phased out in favor of newer models
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: George Kellgren
Notes
Originally shipped with 10-round magazines to comply with the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban; higher-capacity magazines followed after the ban sunset in 2004. The P11 is compatible with Smith & Wesson 59-series double-stack magazines. Sources differ on the exact 1994/1995 introduction date.
Background
The P11 was one of Kel-Tec's first pistols and helped pioneer the small, cheap, polymer-framed concealed-carry pistol category years before the market flooded with subcompact 9mms; its designer George Kellgren also founded Grendel and Intratec before starting Kel-Tec.