Kel-Tec PMR-30

Kel-Tec CNC Industries · Pistol · In Production · 2011

Also known as: PMR30, PMR-30 Pistol

Overview

The Kel-Tec PMR-30 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 WMR with a 30-round double-stack magazine. It uses an unusual hybrid blowback / locked-breech 'unlocked short-recoil' action designed to handle the wide pressure variation between .22 Magnum loadings. Weighing just 386 grams unloaded, it is exceptionally light for its size and capacity, with a polymer slide and grip frame over an aluminum internal chassis and a 4140 steel barrel.

Specifications

Weight (empty)386 g (13.6 oz)
Weight (loaded)556 g (19.6 oz)
Overall Length201 mm (7.91")
Barrel Length109 mm (4.29")
Height147 mm (5.79")
Width33 mm (1.30")
Sight Radius175 mm (6.89")
Action TypeShort Recoil
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Trigger Pull18 N (4.0 lbf)
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity412 m/s (1352 fps)
Muzzle Energy220 J (162 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Maximum Range400 m (437 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist279 mm (10.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialPolymer
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2011-present

Civilian production pistol; one of Kel-Tec's flagship products. Specific production figures not published.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: George Kellgren

Notes

Magazine release is a European-style heel release. The PMR-30 is famously ammunition-sensitive due to its hybrid action; CCI Maxi-Mag is the manufacturer-recommended load. The CMR-30 carbine shares the same magazine.

Background

Holding 30 rounds of .22 Magnum in a pistol that weighs less than a pound, the PMR-30 broke the rule that high-capacity handguns had to be heavy. Its hybrid blowback / locked-breech action was a deliberate engineering compromise for the temperamental .22 WMR cartridge, and it remains one of the only mass-produced pistols ever chambered for the rimfire magnum.