KelTec just announced a new polymer-framed, striker-fired double-stack handgun for concealed carry, chambered for 9mm Luger, called the P15. As a matter of course for the company, what sounds the same on paper is a whole lot different in person, and the P15 stands apart in a growing crowd.
“KelTec invented subcompact, polymer handguns,” said KelTec Director Derek Kellgren, “so we wanted our first 9 mm striker-fired pistol to be worthy of the company George Kellgren founded 31 years ago.”
The P15 is part micro-compact — the newest style of easily concealed, dedicated everyday carry handgun — and part full-size pistol. It measures in at just .875 inches wide, or 7/8ths of an inch, but it has a 4-inch barrel and a standard capacity of 15+1.
It also has a scant unloaded weight of just 14 ounces, which is lighter than many smaller, lower-capacity micro-compacts on the market. Compared to the Glock 19, what many consider to be the standard for 9mm pistols, it’s about 9 ounces lighter, more than 1/4 inch slimmer, with the same capacity and barrel length.
The P15 is also very affordable with a suggested retail price of only $425. The company is showcasing the new design at this year’s SHOT Show.
Like many other KelTec pistols, the P15 comes with a pretty distinct set of other features, including a factory Hi-Viz tritium fiber optic front day and night sight, an adjustable rear 2-dot sight, a fixed curved trigger set at 5 pounds and passive grip safety. It also has a half-length accessory rail for lights or laser sights.
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The P15 also has forward and rear slide serrations, an extended slide release lever and an aggressive molded grip texture KelTec calls the “gator grip.” Each pistol ships with two magazines, one 15-round extended mag and one 12-round flush mag for better concealability.
“While we pride ourselves on creating firearms that are unlike any others, we also pride ourselves on innovation in production,” said KelTec Director Adrian Kellgren. “That allows us to consistently produce innovative firearms that are also reliable, high quality, affordable firearms.”
It is a new design, and like all new designs, the P15 will have to be tested and proven, but its slim profile, solid features and low price will make it popular with a lot of shooters. Shipping will start in the second quarter of 2022.
For more information about the P15 and other KelTec products, check them out online.