The PMR-30, by Kel-Tec, was made available around 2010, and it is a pretty unique little firearm. It is a full size, semi-automatic pistol, with a 30-round magazine capacity, and it is chambered in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rifle, aka .22 Magnum or .22 Mag). Now, Kel-Tec has a history of making unique firearms, and it is precisely this kind of innovative thinking and design that truly sets them apart from other gun manufacturers. After a few years of cutting weapons for other companies, Kel-Tec’s owner and chief engineer, George Kellgren (Sweden), decided to produce firearms independently. The Cocoa, Florida-based Kel-Tec company began making its own guns in 1995, starting with the 9mm semi-automatic P-11. By the time they got around to introducing this full-sized handgun, they already had a following of their own, and rightly so.

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Overview

The PMR-30 is single-action only, and is primarily polymer and steel-based. It is a special kind of gun, even among the already-special Kel-Tec line of firearms. It comes standard with fixed fiber optic sights , and employs a blowback/locked breech system of cycling, which produces almost no recoil whatsoever, and allows for different kinds of ammo to be shot. It comes with a pre-drilled slide, for easy mounting of optics and accessories. There are pros and cons to this gun, like any other firearm, but there is no denying that it is a reliable and very decent piece of modern weaponry. .22 cartridges are pretty interesting on their own, and pairing them with a full size handgun guarantees a second-to-none shooting experience. The .22 cartridge itself was made available in 1960, and I suppose the most famous of the .22 series of cartridges is the Long Rifle. There is also the .22 Short and .22 Hornet, who have helped gain that cartridge quite a reputation over the years.

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Specifications

• The PMR-30, by Kel-Tec
• Caliber – .224
• Action – blowback operated, semi-automatic, single-action only
• Weight –  0.85 lb. unloaded, 1.22 lb. loaded
• Length – 7.9 inches
• Barrel length – 4.3 inches (a 5-inch threaded factory barrel is also available)
• Magazine – 30 rounds (comes with 2 mags)
• Width – 1.3 inches
• Height – 5.8 inches
• Introduced – 2010

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Price

The manufacturer suggested retail price for this gun is around $450, and in my humble opinion the PMR-30 is worth every penny. It is extremely light – probably the lightest full size handgun on the market today (though I have not done all the research on that, so don’t hold me to it). Many people pay a lot more to own this weapon, since it is in very high demand, and the price sometimes reaches over $650. However, if you shop around you will still be able to find this gun for a more moderate price. I don’t know if this gun is worth $650+, but that is a judgement call. Randomly searching, I found it for sale on various websites, and at times the costs were closer to the MSRP.

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Pistol Review

The slide and barrel are made of 4140 steel, the internal frame is made of 7075 aluminum, and the rest is made of high-strength glass-reinforced polymer (Zytel). You also get 2 Zytel 30-round magazines. Kel-Tec knew what they were doing when they designed this gun, and the result is outstanding. You don’t even feel it, not even when you are firing. It makes a loud – and I mean loud – noise, and it is perfect for those who cannot be bothered with management of recoil, but are looking for a full sized weapon. I’ll admit, when you first get it in your hands, the PMR-30 doesn’t really look like anything special (fiber-optic sights aside – those are cool and useful). It looks like a glorified toy, when in fact it is anything but that. It is a seriously misleading kind of gun, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. This is all just me talking about first impressions, nothing more. As we all know, looks are all well and good, but a gun is not really judged by its looks, but mainly by performance. And when it comes to slinging rounds down the range, the PMR-30 delivers. Its single action operation makes for rapid fire which shoots out like the blazes of hell from that 4.3 inch barrel.

The grip takes some getting used to. I honestly didn’t go gaga over its grip, but I can totally see how it gets a lot better after a few boxes of ammo have been spent. Again, first impressions. I will bet good money that after some practicing, it is just as good as any other full-sized contender. With some guns (and shotguns, and rifles, too!), you need to get some range time in there before passing final judgement. The 30-round magazines are very useful, and they provide firepower more befitting an assault rifle. Loading the magazines is a pain in the neck sometimes. Kel-Tel recommend banging the magazine against a flat surface after the first 15 or so rounds have been loaded, which facilitates hassle-free loading. Having 30 rounds is great, and it can be a lot of fun to shoot, but if it gets in the way of your training, perhaps don’t bother loading it to full capacity every time. Alternatively, you can get a speed loader. Just a thought.

The magazine release is European style, which is not my favorite. I like a one-handed thumb release. Always have. I don’t know why someone would design a Euro style mag release, but this gun has it. I am sure there is something I am missing here, but it is one of its disadvantages, in my opinion. Also, once you train with it enough, I am sure you will be able to time it perfectly, and get that second magazine in quickly. Also, consider that with 30 rounds at your disposal, you won’t be reaching for that second mag so quickly. You have enough bullets to go around. Like I said – first impressions. 30 rounds will be more than enough in most encounters. Another PMR-30 oddity – unlike most other Kel-Tel handguns, this one has a safety switch. Do you see what I mean when I say that this is a special gun, even within the already-unique lineup of Kel-Tec firearms? It is full of surprises and anomalies. Not a bad thing, just another thing to get used to.

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Holsters

Holsters are your friend. They are the number one handgun accessory, and they are an inseparable part of carrying and training, whether it is for concealed or open carry. Your gun isn’t always in your hand, obviously, and that means that you are in need of a proper holster. I say “proper”, because that is exactly what you need. Don’t settle for less. The holster you are most comfortable with is the one you should be wearing. With a full size handgun, the option of concealment is not as popular, but there are some very good inside the waistband (IWB) or shoulder holsters out there which can facilitate concealed carry. As for concealment, I have never carried anything less than a compact, so I can’t speak of the positives or negatives of carrying a full sized handgun in concealment. I suppose that if the holster is good enough, and if it is strategically placed, anything can be a good enough fit. I know from experience, that weapons are primarily situation-based. So, I don’t knock full-sized concealment, I simply don’t do it. To me, it makes no sense, but as The Dude said in The Big Lebowski: “yeah, well, that’s just, like, your opinion, man.”

Where was I…. ah yes, holsters. Here are a few popular choices for PMR-30 holsters:

• Pro-Tech – A high-strength nylon holster, fit for the standard 4.3 inch barrel. It is an ambidextrous holster, and it comes with a single mag pouch. Has an adjustable spring-action thumb break, and is double stitched at pressure points. Vinyl interior keeps moisture away from your gun.
• Ace Case – Another heavy-duty nylon option, also ambidextrous, and designed for the 4.3 inch barrel. Comes with a 2-inch clip (metal) which can be moved to either side. Has belt loops on both sides. Attached magazine pouch which fits a single double stack, or two single stack mags.
• Outlaw Holsters – A carbon fiber kydex option, which goes over the waistband. There is a slight cant to it, and it is sturdy. The holster is designed specifically for the PMR-30, and it has very good retention.
• King Holster – This one isn’t designed specifically for the PMR-30, and is more of a universal shoulder holster, which will fit many other models. Putting it in here as a reference. Features an adjustable fit option, and a reversible draw option.

Pro-Tech and Ace Case make other types of holsters for the PMR-30, and these are only examples of the more popular ones they produce. Also, there are holster manufacturers who design holsters for the 5-inch threaded barrel.

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Accessories

Accessories can be tricky things. Some are essential, some are not. It really does depend on your intended use, and this is true of any firearm and any accessory. Items like a rifle sling or gun holster simply make perfect accessories, and there is no need to explain why they are set apart from the rest. Some accessories do need to justify their existence in the market, however. So, what is essential in terms of accessories? Off the top of my head, I would say optics and grip-aids. Two things which maximize your shooting potential, and help you to hit the target .Here are a few accessories which can be very useful. Remember that the PMR-30 is very light, but even so, there is no need to overburden it with unnecessary toys.

• Optics – The PMR-30 comes with excellent fiber optic open sights, but a laser, light, or red dot can really be a big help. If you are in a situation with low visibility, the fiber optic sights will zero you in, and the laser/light/red dot will guide you even further. It is a matter personal taste and opinion. I have always loved laser sights. I feel they are a welcomed addition to pretty much any handgun.
• Threaded 5-Inch Barrel – Kel-Tec’s factory barrel replacement. It comes with a flash suppressor, and it sticks out a little further than the stock barrel. The suppressor really does get a lot of the flash out of the way, and if you are looking to add some barrel length to your handgun, Kel-Tec has got you covered.
• Grip Sleeve – Improves control of the pistol and the feel. Like I said, I was not crazy about the factory grip of this thing. Adding a sleeve will cut down on the time necessary to get a good feel for this gun. As with other accessories, it can also be a question of aesthetics. Your call.

@keltecweapons PMR30 is a fun gun to shoot. #gunsdaily #weaponsdaily #sickguns #merica #machinegun #patriot #AR15 … pic.twitter.com/IsGogmWOjM

— ANR Design LLC (@ANRDesignLLC) April 11, 2016

Kel-Tec PMR-30 Recall?

The original first-generation PMR-30 had a fluted barrel which caused some trouble. Kel-Tec never did issue a full-scale recall, but the company did publish a press release, asking customers with problematic barrels to contact Kel-Tec’s customer service department. A new barrel was sent to those who had barrels with troublesome serial numbers. The new barrel had an updated rifling twist, and Kel-Tec eliminated the fluting in favor of a straight barrel.

Any PMR-30s which are on the market now are probably ones with new barrels. But, it is worth knowing that the first generation was the cause of some trouble. It is also worth noting that while Kel-Tec could have dismissed the issue by recommending the use of specific ammunition and the avoidance of other ammunition – they went the extra mile and replaced the actual barrels of those who sent in their weapon. I believe it was a smart move on their part, business-wise, and I am sure it helped them retain their loyal PMR-30-loving crowd. Of course, a smarter move would have been to identify the problem from the beginning, but we will not hold it against them. Some ballistics issues are difficult to detect, even when a gun is put through the different factory tests and trials.

Conclusion

Bottom line – when you buy a PMR-30, make sure it is a post-recall model. The PMR-30 is still a very coveted firearm. If you manage to get your hands on it for a decent price, you will have gained an excellent weapon. It is fun to shoot, easy to handle, and it can provide with the confidence and safety you need, whether it is for competitions or for home defense purposes.

Looking for more on Kel-Tec? Check out our PF-9 or P-32 reviews here at Gunivore!

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Table of Contents

• Kel-Tec P-F9 Review 2016
• Holsters
• Accessories
• Grip / Magazine Extension
• Conclusion

The Kel-Tec P-F9 is a popular little gun, produced as of 2006 by Kel-Tec. A 9mm (like the Sub 2000) which is not too expensive, and which gets the job done when it counts. It is not without issues, but all things considered it is one of the best choices out there, for beginners and veterans alike.

Kel-Tec P-F9 Review 2016

• Caliber – 9mm
• Action – short recoil operated, semi-automatic, double-action only
• Weight – 12.7 oz.
• Length – 5.85 inches
• Barrel length – 3.1 inches
• Magazine – 7 rounds
• Width – 0.88 inches
• Height – 4.3 inches
• Introduced – 2006

The Kel-Tec P-F9 was designed mainly as a concealed weapon for civilians, and as a backup for law enforcement personnel. It is a small gun with a powerful 9mm bullet, and if you are looking for a gun you can draw quickly and do some serious damage with – you should definitely look into it some more. Its frame is polymer, and it is hammer-fired. It has some recoil to it (as a 9mm should) – but that also depends on the ammo you use and your shooting stance. Those are significant, which is why training is such an important issue.

There is a wide range of concealable firearms, and they are normally broken down into the following (informal) classes of: so small you can barely shoot it; mouse/pocket guns; slim/subcompact; and compact. The Kel-Tec P-F9 easily fits into the slim/subcompact category, as far as I am concerned, though some may place it in a different category. Either way, it is a small gun, but on the other hand it is big enough to support a 9mm round. This is a major point of difference, since many people who carry a self-defense weapon don’t want to use anything below a 9mm. Other types of bullets are simply not as popular, at least not in the great scheme of things.

The 9mm seems to be the absolute minimum for many of us with a concealed carry permit, who want some confidence in their weapon and the round which it carries. Many times, in emergency situations – and this is especially true if you have the element of surprise on your side – you only get one shot, so to speak, to make a move. In those “fight or flight” moments, you want to have a weapon which will be able to neutralize your target and take it down. That is what makes the 9mm so popular. Even if you do have more than one chance to shoot, you would ideally want a weapon which you count on, and which is strong enough to give you a real advantage, in any given situation.

The Kel-Tec P-F9 is a handy gun, and I mean handy. That is, if you have an average hand. It may be too small for some hands – and make no mistake, that could be a challenge – which is why the best thing to do would be to get out there and shoot the damn thing! There is only so much you can tell from videos and reviews, right? Sometimes, you don’t have a clear idea of a firearm until you literally feel it out and gauge its capabilities at the range.

The cost of a brand new Kel-Tec P-F9 is normally around $300, but you can find it for less. Immediately, the words “value for money” make their appearance in my head, because there really is a great deal of value in this neat little pistol. The price is right, and while there are many who may think that the inexpensive price makes it a cheap gun, that statement is true only to the price, and not at all to the performance of this little shooter. So yeah, there is real value in the P-F9, in my opinion.

When it comes to concealed carry / backup weapons, the most important thing to understand is that this is the weapon which is supposed to save your life, or the life of your loved ones. True, that could be said of any weapon there is, but backup weapons are unique. They are your fail-safe. They are not competition guns, nor are they exhibition guns. They are the type of gun which you pull out when you must, and they are designed in such a way as to provide the shooter with the greatest advantage possible, in any situation. That is why it is light, thin, small, and powerful. What I mean to say is that with a gun like the P-F9, it is not the look of it, or the feel of it, or even the recoil of it which will make the difference. It is its accuracy and dependability which will win the day.

Kel-Tec P-F9 Holsters

As always, practice makes perfect, and this is true to a holster as well. Whether it is for open carry or concealed carry – take your time in finding the holster which you are most comfortable with, and train hard in order to get your drawing time down to a minimum. Civilians who draw their weapon draw to shoot, and not for any other reason. Once you have made the conscious decision to fire, you need to be able to get to that weapon, and fast. Holsters were invented to keep weapons secure on one’s person, and they become an absolute necessity for those who carry weapons in concealment. When you carry a hidden weapon in your pocket, small of back, ankle, shoulder, or on the outside or inside of your waistband, you need to be certain that it is secure. Holsters equal confidence, because a concealed gun is – by its very definition – always invisible. It’s not the same story as an open carry weapon. Also – some guns, like the P-F9, weigh so little, you could literally forget you are carrying a deadly weapon. These are a few holsters which can help keep your P-F9 secure, and provide a quick draw.

• Fobus Evolution – weighing only 2 oz., this is a right hand holster with a rubberized paddle, and an adjustment screw. It has a steel-reinforced rivet attachment, and it really feels as though it was designed specifically for the P-F9, although it fits a wide range of other guns.
• Federal Holsterworks – this one is a hip holster, with a built-in magazine pouch. Talk about convenience! It is made of strong nylon, is ambidextrous, and can be a clip-on or work on a belt. Very light and useful.
• Barsony IWB Holster – With a single mag pouch, meant for open or concealed carry. Leather backing, steel belt clip, and you can order left or right hand draw. Can also be worn in small of back. This holster is also designed for a wide range of other subcompact 9mm weapons, but it fits the P-F9 perfectly.
• Barsony Nylon IWB Holster – Meant for open or concealed carry. This one, too, is meant for many subcompact guns in 9mm, .40, and .45 calibers.
• Barsony 6-position Ambisextrous Concealment Pancake Holster – As the name suggests, this is one holster which was designed specifically for concealed carry purposes, and there are several ways in which the carrier can choose to hide the weapon. It is also designed for the Kel-Tec P11.
• Barsonly Leather Pancake Holster for Small 9mm Weapon – It is lightweight, has very precise stitching, and is built to last. Available in black, dark brown, saddle tan, and burgundy. Can be worn in a variety of ways, for maximum convenience and better concealment.

These are only a few options, of course. You may need to try out several holsters, before you find the one with which you are most comfortable. Remember, holsters do need a break-in period, but if you find yourself constantly having to adjust and play with it, don’t use it. A concealed weapon is not really concealed, if you keep on fiddling with the holster.

Kel-Tec P-F9 Accessories

Let’s get this out of the way right now: Weapons accessories are not there to make you (or your weapon) look cool. If they do that, hey, that’s great. But, their primary function is to help the shooter stay safe, and to maximize performance of both the shooter and the weapon. If you don’t need it, do not use it. End of story. With a gun like the P-F9, this becomes even truer, since it is such a small and lightweight gun to begin with. Kel-Tec does accessories well (as seen in the accessories for the celebrated KSG shotgun) in general, but they really have a lot to offer for the P-F9.  There is absolutely no need to overburden it with bulky attachments and unnecessary toys. There are some accessories, however, which are very useful, and which can help you increase your aim and precision. Here are some of them.

• Laser/ Light – this accessory can be a game changer. While it is true that many armed encounters will occur within very short distances, a laser or light of some kind can improve your chances of neutralizing your target. In rain, fog, or low light conditions, it can be a difficult call – even at relatively short distances. You need to make that shot count, and a light source or laser can help you out a great deal.
• Trigger Replacement – this can be very useful for those who experience trigger bite from the P-F9’s trigger. When faced with an emergency situation of some kind, you probably won’t be thinking of your finger. But, this accessory does help in the long run, since you will be practicing and training with the P-F9 for as long as you have it. Statistically, most gun carriers will never have to draw and fire their weapon, but training goes a long way, which is why trigger replacement can be crucial.
• Grip Sleeve – unlike a magazine extension, which gives you some pinky room, a grip sleeve facilitates the rest of the hand’s grip. With a sleeve on the pistol grip, you will find that it is easier to maintain control of the weapon. Like any and all accessories, this one will fit everyone. However, if you feel like you could use an extra measure of security with your grip, don’t think twice. Grip sleeves are relatively cheap, and they can make a big difference.

Kel-Tec P-F9 Grip / Magazine Extension

The Kel-Tec P-F9 is small and effective. If you want to use it, but are having trouble with your grip, a grip extension may be in order. Kel-Tec have designed their very own grip extension for P-F9 magazines, but many other companies also design and sell them. Some of them offer a +1 addition to your round count, and others offer a better grip without extending your count. The use of a grip extension comes at a price, though, in the form of a loss of some concealability. But, it pays off. Your grip is a lot tighter with your finger curled around a grip extension, as opposed to riding free under the magazine. Whether you are using an extension to increase your round count, or in order to get a better grasp on your weapon, it is an accessory which can improve your shooting. This is why it is considered a valued addition to your P-F9.

Conclusion

The Kel-Tec P-F9 is a slim, sturdy piece of weaponry. There are many others in its class, and people who are elitists (Talking about you, SIG Sauer owners!) may look down on it. However, it remains a great little gun, and it is the choice of many civilians and those in law enforcement. Whether it be a primary weapon or a backup gun, it is easy to use and it gets the job done efficiently. No weapon is without disadvantages, but the P-F9 trumps any issues which it may have. Also, Kel-Tec provide its customers with a lifetime warranty, which is only valid to the original owner of the firearm. Any defects in material and workmanship are covered, but for more precise terms, see the back of the owner’s manual or go to Kel-Tec’s website.

Interested in more great Kel-Tec guns? Check out our PLR-16 review, right here at Gunivore!

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