The original KelTec P50 already looked like a science-fiction prop that had escaped into the real world. Its 50-round capacity was equally wild, though reloading required opening the firearm like a heavily armed waffle maker. The new KelTec KP50 and MP50 preserve the madness while fixing that particular inconvenience.
Both retain the 5.7×28 mm chambering and 50-round capacity of the P50, but replace its top-hinged loading arrangement with a bottom-insert, drop-free magazine. In other words, you no longer have to open the firearm like a heavily armed waffle maker to reload it.
An optional Jungle Clip joins two magazines back-to-back, raising the available capacity to 100 rounds. Other features include a 9.6-inch (244 mm) threaded barrel, non-reciprocating charging handle, B5 Systems grip, rear accessory rail, and folding brace or stock compatibility.
The semi-automatic KP50 is offered as a base pistol for US$899, a braced model and short-barreled rifle for US$1,099, and a US$1,349 Defender package with an optic, backup sights, speedloader, and hard case.
The MP50 is the more serious sibling. Built exclusively for qualified military and law-enforcement customers, it adds selectable semi-automatic and fully automatic operation at around 850 rounds per minute. It is also KelTec’s first firearm developed specifically for professional agencies.
Images: KelTec.