New for 2021: Kel-Tec P50

Kel-Tec Weapons, Located in Cocoa, Fla., has a new pistol for 2021 that's chambered in 5.7x28 mm, the P50. The light and fast cartridge was previously dominated by Fabrique Nationale with the Five-SeveN pistol and PS90 rifle series, with the 5.7 mm cartridge having been developed by FN itself. The Kel-Tec P50 builds off this niche part of the market with a pistol that is both unusual and interesting. 

At the core of the Kel-Tec P50 is an inverted FN PS90 50-round magazine, from which the P50 earns its name. The magazine is sandwiched between an upper frame containing the barrel and a lower half containing the fire-control group. In order to change the magazine, the upper frame containing the barrel separates from the lower at the rear of the pistol, then hinges upward to allow access to the magazine.

Once a new magazine is inserted, the upper frame is folded back down and locked into place with a spring-loaded latch, which locks the two haves together. The P50 features a single pistol grip at the rear of the lower frame with a thumb-safety lever positioned just in front of the top-frame release. The lower frame is made of polymer while the upper frame is constructed of metal. A charging handle is situated at the rear of the top frame to manipulate the bolt and load a cartridge.

There is a small Picatinny rail segment on the lower frame and a longer segment along the top frame. There are small built-in iron sights that are protected by Picatinny rail. The Kel-Tec P50 weights in at 3.2 lbs. unloaded and has an overall length of 15". It has an overall height of 6.7" and width is 2". The barrel itself is 9.6" and is threaded for 1/2x28" for the mounting of suppressors if desired. The trigger has a pull weight of 5 lbs. The MSRP of the Kel-Tec P50 is $995. For more information on the Kel-Tec P50, visit keltecweapons.com.