Kel-Tec P-11
# Kel-Tec P-11

The Kel-Tec P-11 is a compact, semi-automatic, short-recoil operated pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger. It was manufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries of Cocoa, FL from 1995 to 2019.

## Design and specifications

The P-11 was designed by Swedish-born George Kellgren, the designer of many earlier Husqvarna (Sweden), Intratec, and Grendel brand firearms. The P-11 used an aluminum receiver inside a polymer grip housing held on with polymer pins. The slide, barrel, and magazine were steel. The standard magazine held 10 rounds. At 17.1 oz (480 g) unloaded, the handgun itself was comparatively light. The P-11 lacked an external manual safety, relying instead on a long and heavy double action only trigger pull, which requires 9 pounds of pressure, to prevent accidental discharge. A firing pin spring and low-mass hammer prevented discharge if the gun was dropped. The P-11 would also accept some Smith & Wesson 59 series magazines. An adapter was available that would wrap around the base of 15-round Smith & Wesson model 59-style magazines. Smith & Wesson series 69 compact 12-round magazines would also work, with a matching short adapter sleeve, as well. Accessories such as trigger shoes, finger-rests, belt clips, steel guide rods to replace the factory installed polymer guide rod, gray- and OD green-colored polymer grip housings, night sights, and other accessories are also available from the manufacturer.

## Variants

For a short period, the P-11 was offered in .40 S&W and .357 SIG with reduced magazine capacity. These weapons were designated P-40 and P-357. These models mated a P-11's frame to a larger slide width and barrel. Kel-Tec has suspended production of these pistols and conversion kits. In 2006, Kel-Tec introduced a single-stack pistol based on the P-11 with engineering improvements borrowed from the P-3AT. The resulting PF-9 pistol weighs about the same loaded as the P-11 empty and is somewhat slimmer.

## Marketing

The P-11 was designed for concealed carry by members of the general public and law enforcement officers. It was only slightly wider than the staggered-column magazine it used. It was marketed to users who wanted a concealable firearm with a "full-power" defensive cartridge. The barrel was near the minimum length possible with a Browning tilting-barrel system of operation. The gun easily fit into a pocket, small holster, or inside a handbag. All edges were rounded and smoothed allowing comfort while carrying concealed. Few protrusions on the pistol could catch on a pocket holster, a deep concealment, or inside of waistband holster.

