Kel-Tec P50 Review: Is It Worth It?

Nov 13, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 36 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Kel-Tec P50 review. This firearm has been turning heads with its unique design and high-capacity magazine. If you're curious whether it lives up to the hype, stick around as we explore everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons. Let's get started!

First Impressions: Kel-Tec P50

When you first lay eyes on the Kel-Tec P50, you can't help but be intrigued by its unconventional aesthetics. The pistol is chambered in 5.7x28mm, a cartridge known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. The P50 feeds from a 50-round magazine that sits horizontally atop the pistol, giving it a distinctive and somewhat futuristic appearance. The grip is polymer, offering a comfortable and secure hold, while the overall design aims for a balance between functionality and innovation. Holding the P50, you immediately notice its lightweight nature, primarily due to the extensive use of polymer in its construction. Despite its size, the pistol feels surprisingly manageable, which is a testament to Kel-Tec's engineering. The controls are fairly intuitive, although they may take some getting used to, especially if you're accustomed to more traditional handgun designs. The ambidextrous safety selector is a welcome feature, accommodating both right- and left-handed shooters. The magazine release is conveniently located, allowing for quick and easy magazine changes. Overall, the initial impression of the Kel-Tec P50 is one of novelty and potential. It's clear that Kel-Tec set out to create something different, and they've certainly achieved that. Whether that difference translates into a practical and reliable firearm remains to be seen, but the P50 definitely makes a strong first impression. The inclusion of Picatinny rails provides ample space for mounting accessories such as optics, lights, and lasers, enhancing the pistol's versatility. The Kel-Tec P50 is not just a range toy; it can be configured for various applications, including home defense and recreational shooting. The innovative design and high-capacity magazine make it a standout in the crowded pistol market. As you delve deeper into its features and performance, you'll begin to appreciate the thought and engineering that went into creating this unique firearm.

Key Features of the Kel-Tec P50

The Kel-Tec P50 is packed with features that set it apart from other pistols on the market. Let's break down some of the most important ones:

Caliber: Chambered in 5.7x28mm, offering high velocity and flat trajectory.
Capacity: 50-round magazine capacity, providing ample firepower.
Design: Unique horizontal magazine design for a distinctive look.
Material: Lightweight polymer construction for easy handling.
Rails: Picatinny rails for mounting optics and accessories.
Safety: Ambidextrous safety selector for both right- and left-handed users.
Grip: Comfortable polymer grip for a secure hold.

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a key feature that contributes to the Kel-Tec P50's appeal. Known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, this round offers excellent accuracy and effective range. The 50-round magazine capacity is another significant advantage, providing a substantial amount of firepower in a relatively compact package. This high capacity makes the P50 suitable for various applications, including recreational shooting, home defense, and even some competitive shooting sports. The horizontal magazine design is not only visually striking but also contributes to the pistol's balance and ergonomics. By positioning the magazine above the grip, Kel-Tec has managed to keep the overall length of the pistol manageable while still accommodating a large-capacity magazine. The lightweight polymer construction is another noteworthy feature, making the P50 easy to handle and carry. Despite its size, the pistol feels surprisingly light, which reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The Picatinny rails provide ample space for mounting accessories, allowing you to customize the P50 to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to add a red dot sight for enhanced accuracy or a flashlight for low-light conditions, the P50 has you covered. The ambidextrous safety selector is a thoughtful addition, making the pistol user-friendly for both right- and left-handed shooters. This feature ensures that the P50 can be easily operated by a wide range of users. The comfortable polymer grip is designed to provide a secure and ergonomic hold, even during rapid fire. The grip is textured to enhance traction and prevent slippage, ensuring that you maintain a firm hold on the pistol at all times. Overall, the Kel-Tec P50 is a feature-rich pistol that offers a unique combination of firepower, ergonomics, and versatility. Its innovative design and high-capacity magazine make it a standout in the crowded pistol market.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the Kel-Tec P50 offers a unique shooting experience. The 5.7x28mm cartridge delivers a flat trajectory and manageable recoil, making it easy to stay on target. The pistol's lightweight construction and ergonomic grip contribute to comfortable handling, even during extended shooting sessions. The trigger pull is decent, with a predictable break that allows for accurate shot placement. The Kel-Tec P50 is also surprisingly accurate, thanks to its long sight radius and stable platform. Whether you're shooting at paper targets or steel plates, the P50 delivers consistent results. The high-capacity magazine is a major advantage, allowing you to engage multiple targets without having to reload frequently. However, the P50's unconventional design may take some getting used to. The horizontal magazine can feel a bit awkward at first, and the controls are not as intuitive as those on more traditional pistols. But with a bit of practice, you'll quickly adapt to the P50's unique ergonomics. One potential downside of the Kel-Tec P50 is its reliability. Some users have reported issues with feeding and extraction, particularly with certain types of ammunition. However, these issues seem to be more common with early production models, and Kel-Tec has reportedly made improvements to address these concerns. Overall, the Kel-Tec P50 offers a fun and engaging shooting experience. Its unique design, high-capacity magazine, and manageable recoil make it a standout in the pistol market. While it may not be the most practical choice for concealed carry or self-defense, it's a great option for recreational shooting and target practice. The Kel-Tec P50's performance is also influenced by the accessories you choose to add. A good red dot sight can significantly improve accuracy, while a quality light can enhance its versatility in low-light conditions. The Picatinny rails provide ample space for mounting these accessories, allowing you to customize the P50 to suit your specific needs. In terms of handling, the Kel-Tec P50 is relatively easy to control, even for novice shooters. The lightweight construction and ergonomic grip make it comfortable to hold and shoot, while the manageable recoil ensures that you can stay on target. The trigger is also decent, with a predictable break that allows for accurate shot placement.

Pros and Cons

Like any firearm, the Kel-Tec P50 has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown:

Pros:

High-capacity magazine (50 rounds).
Unique and eye-catching design.
Lightweight and easy to handle.
Chambered in 5.7x28mm for flat trajectory and manageable recoil.
Picatinny rails for mounting accessories.

Cons:

Unconventional design may not appeal to everyone.
Reliability issues reported by some users.
Controls may take some getting used to.
Not ideal for concealed carry due to its size.

The high-capacity magazine is one of the Kel-Tec P50's biggest strengths. With 50 rounds at your disposal, you can engage multiple targets without having to reload frequently. This is a major advantage in recreational shooting, target practice, and even some competitive shooting sports. The unique and eye-catching design is another pro that sets the Kel-Tec P50 apart from other pistols on the market. Its futuristic aesthetics and unconventional layout make it a real head-turner at the range. The lightweight and easy-to-handle construction is also a major plus. Despite its size, the Kel-Tec P50 is surprisingly light, which reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is another advantage, offering a flat trajectory and manageable recoil. This makes the P50 easy to shoot accurately, even for novice shooters. The Picatinny rails provide ample space for mounting accessories, allowing you to customize the Kel-Tec P50 to suit your specific needs. Whether you want to add a red dot sight, a flashlight, or a laser, the P50 has you covered. On the downside, the unconventional design may not appeal to everyone. Some shooters may find the horizontal magazine awkward or uncomfortable, while others may simply prefer the aesthetics of more traditional pistols. Reliability issues have been reported by some users, particularly with early production models. These issues can include feeding problems, extraction failures, and other malfunctions. However, Kel-Tec has reportedly made improvements to address these concerns, so newer models may be more reliable. The controls may take some getting used to, especially if you're accustomed to more traditional pistols. The safety selector, magazine release, and other controls are not as intuitive as those on some other firearms, so it may take some practice to become proficient with them. The Kel-Tec P50 is not ideal for concealed carry due to its size. Its large dimensions make it difficult to conceal comfortably, so it's not a practical choice for everyday carry. Overall, the Kel-Tec P50 has a lot to offer, but it's not without its drawbacks. Whether it's the right pistol for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Verdict: Is the Kel-Tec P50 Worth It?

So, is the Kel-Tec P50 worth it? Well, it depends on what you're looking for in a pistol. If you value high capacity, unique design, and manageable recoil, then the P50 might be right up your alley. However, if you prioritize reliability and concealability, you might want to consider other options. Overall, the Kel-Tec P50 is a fun and innovative pistol that's sure to turn heads at the range. While it may not be the most practical choice for all applications, it offers a unique shooting experience that's hard to find elsewhere. The Kel-Tec P50 is a conversation starter, a range toy, and a testament to Kel-Tec's willingness to push the boundaries of firearm design. It's not perfect, but it's definitely interesting. If you're in the market for something different, the Kel-Tec P50 is worth a look. But be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Ultimately, the Kel-Tec P50 is a niche firearm that caters to a specific audience. It's not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its unique features and capabilities, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable pistol to own. So, if you're looking for something that stands out from the crowd and offers a high-capacity shooting experience, the Kel-Tec P50 might just be the pistol for you. Just remember to consider its limitations and potential drawbacks before making your final decision. The Kel-Tec P50 is a testament to innovation in firearm design. Its blend of high capacity, unique aesthetics, and manageable recoil makes it a standout in the crowded pistol market. While it may not be the most practical choice for all situations, it offers a shooting experience that's hard to replicate with other firearms. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, the Kel-Tec P50 is sure to leave a lasting impression.