Kel Tec P 11

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 uses an aluminum receiver inside a polymer grip housing held on with polymer pins. The slide, barrel, and magazine are steel. The standard magazine holds 10 rounds, or 12 rounds in states not limited to 10-round magazines. Both fit flush to the bottom of the pistol. At 17.1 oz (480 g) unloaded, the handgun itself is comparatively light. The P-11 lacks an external manual safety, relying instead on a long and heavy double action only (DAO) trigger pull, which requires 9 pounds of pressure, to prevent accidental discharge. A firing pin spring and low-mass hammer prevent discharge if the gun is dropped. The P-11 will also accept some Smith & Wesson 59 series magazines. An available adapter wraps around the base of 15-round Smith & Wesson model 59-style magazines. Smith & Wesson series 69 compact 12-round magazines will 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 is designed for concealed carry by members of the general public and law enforcement officers. It is only slightly wider than the staggered-column magazine it uses. It is particularly attractive to users who want a concealable firearm, but also desire a "full-power" defensive cartridge. The barrel is near the minimum length possible with a Browning tilting-barrel system of operation. The gun easily fits into a pocket, small holster, or inside a handbag. All edges are rounded and smoothed allowing comfort while carrying concealed. Few protrusions on the pistol can catch on a pocket holster, a deep concealment, or inside of waistband holster.

In popular culture

The P-11 was mentioned in the American Dad! episode "Iced, Iced Babies" as indicated by Debbie, Steve's girlfriend, admiring Stan's service pistol.