Some are quick to dismiss the Kel-Tec brand as “utility guns” (as if that is a bad thing). And, admittedly, the Florida-based manufacturer isn’t necessarily focused on perfecting the gleaming, pimped-up look that some shooting enthusiasts fawn over. But it’s a mistake to dismiss the practicality and innovation that founder George Kellgren has worked hard to foster through the years.

For instance, Kel-Tec led the charge of the “mouse gun” back in the early 2000s with the tiny and innovative P-3AT, which was copied ad nauseum by legions of other manufacturers. The company got even more creative with the advent of the KSG, a truly one-of-a-kind shotgun featuring dual magazine tubes that hold 13 3-inch shotgun shells. Then there’s the funky-looking but wildly popular PMR-30. Indeed, if Kel-Tec is guilty of any sin, it’s not being able to keep up with the popularity of Kellgren’s innovative designs (a problem most manufacturers would love to have).

Brother Arms

The company tackled the outdoorsman/survivalist/“prepper” market with the introduction of the SU-16 back in the early 2000s. If you are looking for a durable, dependable and lightweight gun that can be toted through all terrains and conditions, the SU-16 continues to be worth a second look. The gun is chambered for .223 and 5.56 NATO rounds, and if you want a practice version that won’t drain your ammo budget, the SU-22 replicates the design of the 16 while feeding the more affordable .22 LR round. The .22 version is also ideal for beginners or young people who aren’t quite ready for grown-up recoil.

Shooting at 50 yards on an indoor range, the gun is undeniably loud—Kel-Tecs aren’t known for being delicate or quiet; they are rough-and-tumble and in-your-face—but very effective. Maybe a tad more recoil than some AR-style rifles but still perfectly comfortable to use, even for a gal who typically prefers handguns.

Although the gun features a Picatinny rail for a scope or red dot, the aluminum sights were great. We shot two different 16s, one brand new out-of-the-box and the other well-used. One had a peep sight with a standard M16 post and the other featured a peep sight and fiber-optic blade. Both were highly visible, even for a couple of “old folks” with less than 20/20 vision. The sights are fully adjustable: The M16 post can be adjusted by pressing the detent with the tip of a .223 or 5.56 round; while the fiber optic version requires a Phillips screwdriver.

Inspect the Bore

The only real problem I encountered with the SU-16 is a cautionary tale, not for Kel-Tec users but for anyone pulling a new gun out of the package for the first time. On my initial visit to the range, I had three folks lined up to shoot the gun, which had been pulled brand new from its shipping box. Each time we loaded the magazine and grabbed the charging handle, we’d get a misfeed. Each of us, in turn, attempted to load the weapon. We examined the mags, peered into the chamber, made sure the ammo was compatible and even tried an AR mag (the SU-16 is designed to accept standard AR mags, yet another bonus). When that failed, we set the gun aside and shot its little brother, the SU-22.

But I was plagued by the failure. I knew these to be good, durable guns and I hated to go back to Kel-Tec and ask for “one that works.” Several days later, after borrowing a functional model from a friend, I sat down with both guns, hoping to figure out why one worked and the other didn’t. As I peered around the new gun with a small flashlight, the light caught something orange nestled in the bore about an inch from the breech. I looked twice, trying to figure out what I was seeing … yep, it appeared to be orange plastic. Opening the cardboard storage box, I discovered the safety flag with its stem missing! Somehow it had broken off, probably during shipping. I hadn’t noticed the busted flag as I put the gun together, and the stem had been shoved just deep enough into the bore that you had to really work to see that flash of orange. Thankfully, it was close enough to the breech that it prevented us from chambering a round. Had we been able to do so, and then attempted to fire the gun, it might have been a very bad day on the range. To remedy the obstruction, I ran a cleaning rod from the muzzle toward the chamber and the two-inch stem popped out, rendering the gun completely functional.

This is a good reminder to always inspect your bore before putting ammo through it, especially with a brand new gun. I should have known better. I spent more than enough time behind a gun counter listening to newbies whine “it’s broken,” only to discover they had failed to complete some essential step in new gun break-in. Guess this was my comeuppance for all the times I rolled my eyes and pointed out the obvious.

The Firing Line

With both my SU-16s in fine form, and a spare SU-22 for some plinking fun, I spent time on the firing line with retired Sheriff’s Deputy and former academy instructor John Falldorf, a fan of the Kel-Tec brand.

“These guns are durable and designed for a variety of conditions and situations,” he explained. “It’s tough to damage this gun, but, if you do, one of my favorite things about Kel-Tec is their service and repair. Some manufacturers make you wait 6–8 months before they fix your problem. Kel-Tec’s turnaround is extremely good, and they are always eager to make things right.”

He praised the form and function of the SU-16, pointing out that, weighing in at just 5 pounds, the gun is ideal if you are hoofing through the woods. “With a folding stock, that reduces the length to a little over 26 inches; the gun’s designed to shove into a backpack or sling over your shoulder with minimal added weight,” he explained.

Both guns we shot were A models with 18-inch barrels, but the SU is available in several variations, most notably the CA model, with a 16-inch threaded barrel; the C model, also with the threaded barrel and a skeletal folding stock that allows you to shoot from the folded position; and the E model, which has a more standard AR look, including a telescoping stock and a polymer handguard with accessory rail. Previously produced with chrome barrels, Kel-Tec began using salt bath nitride (SBN) on the SUs in 2012, which offers a higher level of corrosion resistance.

Between the two SU-16s, we encountered only one misfeed (in the new model) as we sent rounds downrange into a hostage scenario target. I am happy to say the hostage lived … with nice, neat patterns about an inch across going into the perp’s torso and head. But, like most guns, the SU-16 does, typically, have a break-in period. Fellow shooters have reported periodic misfeeds up to about 150 rounds, when everything smooths out and the gun becomes, as one enthusiast described it, “one of the most reliable rifles I’ve ever owned.”

Functional Features

Deputy Falldorf pointed out the innovative forend, which converts into a bipod, offering the chance to do some prone distance shooting.

The bipod took a couple of tries to master, but once you get the hang of it, it’s ingenious. The two locking tabs are attached to a ring that encircles the barrel. Gently pull down with two fingers and the bipod spreads its wings. To return it to its folded position, simple push forward slightly on the bipod wings as you return them to the barrel, and the locking tabs will snap into place.

From a recoil standpoint, I was pleasantly surprised. The 16 gives you a firm nudge but nothing that left me looking for a shoulder bruise and nothing that impacted my ability to recover for a follow-up shot. With small hands, I felt like I was stretching a bit to get the pad of my finger squarely on the trigger, but I was nonetheless able to depress the 5–7-pound trigger and keep my finger on it as it reset. The mag release button is easy to use, although the polymer/plastic mags don’t always pop out of the mag well without some coaxing; same is true when retrieving them from their storage channel in the stock; a minor inconvenience, at worst. The charging handle on the right also does a nifty job of deflecting flying casings and is attached to the bolt, which moves it back and forth during firing. By accident, we discovered that you can lock the bolt open by depressing a button located at the rear of the mag well.

It was a very simple gun to use and understand, even for someone who is primarily a handgunner.

“The great thing is that it’s consistent with every other AR-15 platform I’ve ever shot,” Falldorf noted. “That’s especially good because, at around $600, it’s much cheaper than many of your ‘high-end’ ARs and just as functional, even more so with the benefit of the folding stock and attached bipod. It’s also cool that you can carry two fully loaded 10-round mags in the stock.”

The SU-16 is also piston-operated, something you usually see in more expensive AR platforms. Unlike the gas impingement versions, piston-operated guns tend to run cooler and cleaner in the chamber. Chalk up another point for the Kel-Tec engineers.

Add an SU-22

Once we finished putting the 16s through their paces, we ran some rounds through the economical SU-22. The feel was very similar and, of course, there was virtually no recoil, courtesy of the soft-shooting .22 LR rounds.

While I tend to think of the .22 AR styles as being more for beginners or kids, Deputy Falldorf sees the value in having one on hand, no matter one’s skill level.

“If you already own an SU-16, then having an SU-22 just makes sense. Ergonomically, it’s pretty much the same, so you can refine your skill with function drills, trigger press and sight alignment practice for a fraction of the ammo price,” he said.

There is no bipod on the SU-22, however.

All in all, my time spent shooting the SU-16 and its little brother confirmed everything I had read and heard about this durable weapon—and everything I already knew about Kel-Tec’s innovative approach to firearms. Best of all, I now have something to add to next year’s Christmas list.

By Todd Burgreen

Why did Kel-Tec introduce a 30-round capacity .22Magnum (.22WMR), 4.3-inch barreled, polymer semi-automatic handgun into the market? Is it for personal defense, a trail/kit gun, target shooting, or dare we say just for fun? The PMR-30 seems counter-intuitive, especially when compared against other semi-automatic pistol “understudy” types most often chambered in 22LR that are modeled after a centerfire “big brother.” The “understudy” 22LR handguns offer similar feel and balance while being chambered in 22LR versus 9mm, 40 S&W, 45ACP, etc. These types of 22LR handguns are ever increasing in popularity. This is based on facilitating more economical practice/training and making sure the fundamentals of trigger control, sight alignment, grip and all the other marksmanship tenants are followed without the interference of muzzle blast and recoil; all the while maintaining similar feel and operating controls of their full-power “big brothers.”

The Kel-Tec PMR-30 stands alone and defies easy categorization. It rejects being labeled as only an “understudy.” It is easy for the Kel-Tec PMR-30 to separate itself from the competition with its .22WMR chambering and ultra-high capacity alone. However, additional PMR-30 features further add credence to its uniqueness in terms of design and construction. The PMR-30 does not pose as an understudy since controls, grip angle and other intangibles of feel do not mimic any other handgun out there. Do not take this to mean it has no value as an introductory handgun. While the PMR-30’s muzzle blast will surprise with a signature more typical of a centerfire cartridge, recoil is minimal and thus manageable by all shooters. Though popular as a manually operated rifle and revolver round, few manufacturers have attempted to build a semi-auto rifle or handgun in .22WMR. This stems from various reasons such as .22WMR cartridge length standards, the case rim specifications and variations in pressure levels of different brands of .22WMR ammunition. However, Kel-Tec decided to tackle these issues in creating the PMR-30.

Some History

Initially founded in 1991 as a machine shop, Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. started manufacturing firearms in 1995. Kel-Tec prides itself on specializing in innovative rifle and handgun designs for law enforcement personnel and security-conscience citizens. Along these same lines Kel-Tec has succeeded in creating an interesting twist with many firearm designs with its out-of-the-box thinking. A brief look at their website will show the bullpup KSG 12-gauge shotgun and RFB semi-auto 7.62x51mm NATO rifle, the compact foldable Sub-2000 pistol caliber carbine and SU-16 5.56 rifle. Kel-Tec’s fresh approach to firearm design always generates interest. The PMR-30 .22WMR handgun falls squarely into this mold.

Design

Kel-Tec engineers turned to magazine design and a hybrid action combining blowback and locked breech features in an effort to tame the .22WMR chambering. The magazine is oft described as pie-shaped with the tapered end toward the bullet end of the cartridge and rim toward the wider area. Kel-Tec describes proper procedures for loading the PMR-30 magazine to help in reliable operation of the PMR-30. The requirements are not onerous with the case inserted into a segment of the magazine lips before being pushed to the rear of the magazine. After every five or so rounds are loaded the magazine is to be tapped on something solid such as a palm, leg, table, etc., to help seat the rims into the magazine without getting out of orientation sequence. The magazine loading method is straightforward and does not take any more time to complete than random jamming of rounds into a magazine. Indeed, it makes one wonder how people load magazines in any different fashion. Loading directions were purposely ignored to test the effect on the PMR-30’s reliability. It was determined that a malfunction was likely if the simple magazine loading directions were not followed—thus, best to adhere to the Kel-Tec directions.

Kel-Tec engineers continued adapting the PMR-30 to the .22WMR past the magazine design. The PMR-30 operates via a hybrid blowback/locked-breech system. One of the potential issues with .22WMR semi-automatic pistols is the wide range of pressures generated by factory ammunition. Kel-Tec designed a new action that automatically and seamlessly adjusts between locked-breech and blowback operation, depending upon the pressure generated by the particular cartridge that is being fired. In simple terms, the barrel is allowed to float forward and backward a small amount in the frame. This is very similar to any design using a variation of Browning’s tilting barrel, short recoil design; however, the Kel-Tec PMR-30 has no mechanical locking system. The method of operation is determined when the cartridge case forms to the chamber during firing. If the pressure generated in the cartridge is high enough, friction will cause the case to “stick” to the chamber walls, and the barrel will recoil with the slide until pressure drops—just like a typical locked-breech firearm. If the pressure is lower, the barrel stays virtually still, and the slide recoils like a blowback firearm. This innovative system does not require chamber-friction reducing methods like fluting or porting as seen in other .22WMR autoloaders. It allows the PMR-30 to fire a wide variety of ammunition without sacrificing reliability.

The PMR-30 follows a similar pattern to other Kel-Tec designs using glass-reinforced nylon (Zytel) and an aluminum frame in its construction with only the barrel and portion of the slide being steel. The PMR-30’s action incorporates a recoil buffer and dual opposing extractors for reliability when combined with the hybrid operating action described above. The Zytel material facilitates lower manufacturing costs as well lighter weight for the full-size frame found on the PMR-30. As for specifics, the PMR-30 is a semi-automatic, single-action pistol with an internal hammer/striker. A 4.3-inch barrel is used. Overall length is 7.9 inches, and the height is 5.8 inches. The empty weight is only 13.6 ounces. A loaded magazine weighs a mere six ounces. This means that a fully loaded PMR-30 weighs less than 1.5 pounds. Kel-Tec has installed fixed fiber optic front and rear sights onto the pistol. The front sight is adjustable for windage only. The front color is yellow/green, and the rear is orange/red. PMR-30 controls are minimal—trigger, ambidextrous safety and slide lock lever. The dust cover features an integrated Picatinny style rail for attaching lights or other accessories an end user may desire. In front of the rear sight one will find four screws indicating that Kel-Tec has tapped and threaded the slide to accommodate one of the many miniature red dot sights hitting the market. Bases are available from Kel-Tec depending on what type of red dot a user may choose. The magazine release is a European-style heel release at the base of the grip. Each pistol ships with two magazines and padded plastic case. As expected the magazines, considering the use of Zytel in the handgun frame, are constructed of high-strength polymer.

Testing at the Range

The PMR-30 was tested with a myriad of ammunition from Hornady, Winchester and Federal such as Hornady 22WMR 30gr. V-MAX and 45gr. FTX Critical Defense; Federal JHP and FMJ; and Winchester FMJ and 45gr. PDX1 Defender JHP. Kel-Tec ships the PMR-30 with recommendations and more importantly a list of ammunition that they council against—mostly non-U.S.-made .22WMR. Range time exhibited all positives in terms of performance and reliability. The trigger pull was a pleasant surprise in terms of minimal creep and weight required to initiate cartridge ignition. RCBS gauge averaged just under 4 pounds after averaging 10 pull tests.

Unequivocally, it can be reported that no issues were encountered during evaluation of the Kel-Tec PMR-30. Why such a strong statement? This is based on various reports of problems encountered in the PMR-30 that were uncovered during research of this article. This is not meant as refutation of these reports only that this PMR-30 performed without issue. In all fairness, Kel-Tec themselves admit to product evolution in the PMR-30. For example, the barrel’s twist rate was altered from 1:16 to 1:11 based on feedback from customers related to key holing issues. Another complaint often heard is that the PMR-30 is not being produced and sent to retail shelves fast enough since its 2010 SHOT Show introduction. Frankly, this is outside the preview of this article.

With a 30-round magazine it did not take long to send large quantities of rounds downrange during this evaluation, with many willing volunteers stuffing magazines and running the PMR-30’s trigger. One interesting nuance discovered with the PMR-30 was that the slide could not be “sling-shot” forward during reloads once the slide locked rearward after the last round was fired. The slide release lever had to be used. This is not a big deal, just worth noting. Another anecdote is the surprisingly loud blast and muzzle flash that the PMR-30 emits. This is based on the .22WMR being primarily chambered in rifle-length barrels and thus the use of slower burning powders that do not get consumed in the PMR-30’s 4.3-inch barrel. Quite truthfully, this made firing the PMR-30 more like the experience of firing a centerfire defensive handgun without the associated recoil. Plate racks and other targets strewn around Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) were engaged repeatedly as were more traditional paper targets in an effort to get the full sense of the PMR-30’s capabilities.

PMR-30’s Role

As with many new products the PMR-30 was initially touted as filling a role it was never intended to do. The PMR-30 was labeled as the “poor man’s” 5.7x28mm handgun in reference to the FN FNH introduction of its Five-seveN handgun. The PMR-30’s high capacity and chambering in the .22WMR versus 22LR was behind this misleading statement. The two weapons share similar aesthetic lines, dimensions and are light weight. This is where any similarity ends as the .22WMR does not compete with the 5.7×28 in terms of velocity achieved in either a handgun or rifle and was never intended to when it was designed. The PMR-30 chronoed loads across an RCBS Chronograph in the 1200-1400fps range depending on bullet weights being fired.

Accuracy with the rimfire PMR-30 was more than acceptable and probably superior to what most users are capable of when being fired from any non-bench position which is the reasond’etre of the PMR-30 to begin with. It is no problem keeping rounds in the “A” zone of the IPSC targets back to 25 yards and very possible further out as long as users pay heed to sight alignment and trigger control resisting the temptation to blast rounds downrange knowing 30 .22WMR rounds were sitting in the magazine awaiting release.

Ammunition

In terms of ammunition, it was a surprise to find a number of .22WMR loads directed towards the personal defense realm. Both Hornady and Winchester offer prime examples of this in the form of Hornady’s 45gr FTX Critical Defense and Winchester’s 45gr PDX1 loads.

Conclusion

As questioned at the beginning of the article: is the PMR-30 a candidate for personal defense, a trail/kit gun, target shooting or dare we say just for fun? Users will have to decide what roles the PMR-30 will fill in their collection. It can be stated that the evaluated PMR-30 performed without issue, and its high capacity in a surprisingly light-weight package is extremely attractive in whatever role it is destined for.

KEL-TEC ANNOUNCES THE SU-16D PERSONAL SECURITY RIFLE

The SU-16D is a gas operated, semi-automatic rifle in 5.56mm NATO caliber. The barrel and chamber are chrome lined. These new “Delta” model rifles are intended as a personal weapon for non-infantry military personnel, special operations, SWAT law enforcement, and civilians in high risk environments. The SU-16D is especially suited for low intensity urban combat such as ambush response from inside a vehicle or fighting in confined spaces. The concept of replacing the pistol with a carbine in military units is not new. The intermediate power 5.56mm round and modern polymer materials make it possible to achieve a weapon of a size and weight only marginally larger than a service pistol. The SU-16D has a conventional gas piston operation and utilizes the proven “16” breech locking system. The reciprocating bolt handle also functions as a case deflector. The rear sight is zeroed at 250 meters and is adjustable for windage. The front sight is of the 16 type. Two integrated Picatinny rails will accept a multitude of standard accessories. Except for barrel, bolt, sights and mechanism, the SU-16 is made entirely of high impact, glass fiber reinforced polymer. The SU-16D can be disassembled for cleaning and inspection with only a cartridge as a tool. The SU-16D accepts any magazine that will fit the AR-15/M16 and weighs only 4.7 pounds loaded with 30 rounds. Folded length is less than 20 inches. The SU-16D is currently available in two models; the D9 and the D12. The SU-16D12 has a longer barrel for higher velocity and can also accept a standard “9” bayonet, or more appropriately, Kel-Tec’s light weight, folding bayonet. For more information contact Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc., Dept. SAR, 1475 Cox Road, Cocoa, FL 32926. Phone: (321) 631-0068. Fax: (321) 631-1169. They can be located in cyberspace at www.kel-tec.com.

FOBUS USA/FIRST SAMCO NOW OFFERS AK 47/74 RAIL HANDGUARDS

Fobus USA, a division of First Samco, is now offering a new rail system handguard for the AK 47/74 style rifle and variants. The new handguard features upper and lower halves. The upper handguard is designed to provide a rigid ultra-light platform on which to mount virtually any mission specific accessory. The lower handguard has two mini forward Picatinny side rails and a hull length lower rail. The new handguards will mount any Weaver or Picatinny accessories. They are manufactured from reinforced plastic composite. The new handguards are available in your choice of three colors: black, OD green or tan. No gunsmithing is required to mount the handguards but some minor fitting might be necessary as there are many variations in the weapons themselves. The new handguards are super light and, as all the Fobus products, they carry a full Lifetime Warranty. This is the latest addition to an extensive line of holsters, handguards, rail systems and other fine firearm accessories. For more information contact Fobus USA/First Samco Inc., Dept. SAR, 1300 B-3 Industrial Hwy., Southampton, PA 18966. Phone: (215) 355-2621. Fax: (215) 322-9223. They can be found on the web at www.fobusholster.com.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TACTICAL INTRODUCES TRACS REMOTE TARGET SYSTEM

Northern Lights Tactical announces the TRACS remotely operated vehicle system. TRACS is the most flexible target platform and tactics training tool ever created for police, S.W.A.T, civilian, and the military. Designed to emulate the unpredictable actions of live targets, TRACS has everything you would want in a moving target platform. Instructors operate the system by radio control. Fully armor-plated with four-wheel drive, TRACS is capable of traveling as fast as a running man over a wide variety of terrain. Rugged, powerful, and portable with an operating range that exceeds 500 yards. Completely variable movements make TRACS far superior to any wire-based, track-based or pneumatic target system. Various accessories can be added to allow for tactical applications at a significantly lower cost than high-end bomb robots. Camera systems, payload delivery, remote triggers, paintball guns, and remote sensing modules can be added to the base unit. Developed as a base ROV platform, TRACS can be adapted to customer’s specific mission requirements. For more information, please contact Northern Lights Tactical, Dept. SAR, 210 The Village, Suite 203, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Phone: (310) 376-4266. Their website is www.northernlightstactical.com.

FALCON INDUSTRIES INTRODUCES FULL-COVER RAIL COVERS

Falcon Industries now offers a comprehensive line of full size rail covers for AR-15/M16 rifles with rail system forearms. The new rail covers are designed to clip directly onto any Picatinny rail configurations and will be marketed under the Ergo Grip trademark. They form a full cover handguard and rail protector that protects the unmounted rail areas from damage as well as the shooters hands from the uncovered rails. Falcon makes these rail covers available in 16 different configurations. The rail covers come in three sizes. The small size covers 5 slots, the medium covers 10 slots and the large covers 15 slots. The large size is also available in a diamond pattern. All these covers are manufactured in four standard colors: black, coyote brown, dark earth and OD green. Falcon will also make the rail covers in special custom colors for OEMs. Falcon Industries manufactures an extensive line of precision ergonomically designed grips and accessories for tactical rifles which include AR-15/M16, AK, FAL, HK and also 1911 pistols. For more information, please contact them at Falcon Industries, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 1690, Edgewood, NM 87015. Phone: (505) 281-3783. Fax: (505) 281-3991. Their website is www.ergogrips.net.

SIGARMS INTRODUCES THEIR NEW CONCEALED CARRY COAT

SigTac, the SIGARMS Tactical Apparel Company, uncovers their Black Concealed Carry Coat. With the help of law enforcement, military officers and Special Ops, SigTac has tailored this garment to offer high performance and their professional standards, on and off duty. The new SigTac Black Conceal Carry Coat is a strategic addition to the SigTac tactical line. Made of 100% heavyweight cotton canvas and set off with a smooth nubuck leather collar, this coat is sturdy and stylish – a perfect fit for everyday wear. Lined with warm 300-gram anti-pil fleece, and lightly garment washed, comfort and easy movement will never be an issue. For added protection, the SigTac Concealed Carry Coat features ambidextrous internal pistol pockets for concealed carry of even large framed pistols such as the P220 or the GSR 1911. The SigTac Concealed Carry Coat is available through local firearms dealers or online at www.SIGARMS.com and comes in Black (and also Tobacco Brown) in sizes Small to XXXL. For more information, please contact SIGARMS, Inc., Dept. SAR, 18 Industrial Drive, Exeter NH 03833 or the SIGARMS Hunting Division, 22 Marin Way, Suite 2A, Stratham, NH 03885. Phone: (603) 772-2302. Fax: (603) 772-9082. http://www.sigarms.com.

During the time we have owned our P-32, we have never conducted formal accuracy testing. Every time we take the gun to the range for practice, we shoot at distances of no more than 10 yards, which is about the limit of effective range for a pistol like this one. At 10 yards, my P-32 will put every single shot into the kill zone of a human silhouette target. Recoil is brisk, but easily manageable, thanks to the P-32’s locked breech short recoil operation. The pistol is insensitive to the type of ammunition fed to it, unlike some of its competitors. We practice with full metal jacket ammo as a cost cutting measure, but carry the P-32 stuffed with Speer Gold Dots. The Gold Dots function reliably, are accurate and probably represent about the best one can expect in terminal ballistics from a .32 ACP.

A comment is in order regarding .32 ACP cartridges. As most readers are aware, the .32 ACP is a semi-rimmed cartridge and thus can cause malfunctions if the cartridges are not loaded properly to ensure that the rim of each cartridge in the magazine is forward of that of the cartridge below it. If one loads a cartridge with its rim behind the cartridge below it in the magazine, the slide usually will not strip it out and chamber it and the resulting stoppage is time consuming to clear. Other than a couple than user-induced stoppages of this type, we have never experienced a malfunction with our P-32. After experiencing this type of stoppage once, however, one tends to be very careful when loading the P-32’s magazine!

Our only real complaint regarding the Kel-Tec P-32 is the magazine release that we believe stands too high from the surface of the grip. During our first months with the pistol, we consistently inadvertently dropped the magazine while firing on the range because our thumb brushed against the release during recoil. The release also usually somehow became depressed while we were carrying the pistol, lowering the magazine just far enough so that the pistol would not feed. We rectified this situation by taking a pair of toenail trimmers to the small polymer release button, shortening it slightly and then smoothing the trimmed surface with a fine file. Since this minor adjustment, we have never accidentally depressed the release button while firing, nor has it been depressed during concealed carry.

In sum, we like our little Kel-Tec P-32 and can recommend it to anyone who has a need for a small, highly concealable handgun. The Kel-Tec P-32 is reliable, of good quality and affordable. We understand that it has become a favorite of undercover law enforcement personnel whose lives very likely may depend on their concealed or backup pistol. This is a tacit testimonial to the Kel-Tec’s efficacy that no amount of advertising can purchase.