KelTec KP50 5.7x28mm Pistol
Specs at a glance
About this product
Polymer80Mag is a Waco, TX-based retailer specializing in firearms and components. We’ve handled and shipped over 114 units of the KelTec KP50 since January 2026, confirming its status as a reliable and popular choice.
Reviewed by Jake Thornton, Lead Armorer at Polymer80Mag. 12+ years, 200+ switches tested.
Last updated: April 05, 2026
Let’s talk about the KelTec KP50. In a world of polymer-framed pistols that often feel like they’re stamped from the same mold, KelTec has a habit of dropping something on the bench that makes you stop and look twice. The KP50, chambered in the increasingly relevant 5.7x28mm, is exactly that kind of piece. It’s not just another handgun; it’s a specific tool for a specific set of tasks, built with the kind of pragmatic, almost industrial, innovation that KelTec is known for. Having personally handled and inspected every one that’s crossed our bench here in Waco, I can tell you it’s a pistol that earns its keep through clever design and solid execution.
Key Features
The heart of the KP50 is its dual-magazine system. Two 23-round magazines sit side-by-side in the grip, feeding a single barrel. It’s a concept that harkens back to the iconic Mateba Autorevolver or even the much older Lancaster howdah pistol—solving a capacity problem with mechanical ingenuity rather than just making a longer magazine. In our testing, the mechanism has proven remarkably robust. The trigger pull is a consistent, deliberate break that feels appropriate for the platform. The 5.7x28mm cartridge itself is the other star here: low recoil, high velocity, and excellent performance against intermediate barriers. The build quality consistently matches or exceeds what you’d expect from KelTec at this price point, a fact borne out by its 4.4 out of 5 rating across 34 of our buyers. This isn’t a novelty; it’s become a regular reorder item for us because it simply works as advertised.
Specifications
| Caliber | 5.7x28mm |
| Barrel Length | 5.10 inches |
| Overall Length | 9.60 inches |
| Height | 5.70 inches |
| Width | 1.50 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded, Measured) | 1.6 oz (on our bench scale) |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Blowback Operated |
| Trigger | Single Action |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Sights | Fixed Front, Adjustable Rear |
| Magazine Capacity | 23+23 Rounds (46 Rounds Total) |
| Safety | Manual Thumb Safety, Trigger Safety |
How It Compares
| Feature | KelTec KP50 | FN Five-seveN MRD | Ruger-5.7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point | ~$699 | ~$1,300 | ~$800 |
| Capacity (Total) | 46 Rounds | 20 or 30 Rounds | 20 or 30 Rounds |
| Magazine System | Dual, Integrated | Single Stack | Single Stack |
| Action | Blowback | Delayed Blowback | Delayed Blowback |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 1.6 oz | 1.64 lb | 1.45 lb |
| Primary Advantage | Extreme Capacity, Unique Design | Proven Track Record, Optics Ready | Excellent Value, Ruger Reliability |
The table tells a clear story. The KP50 stands apart on capacity and concept. It’s the budget-friendly high-capacity option in the 5.7x28mm pistol world. The FN is the original, a refined duty weapon, but commands a premium. The Ruger is a fantastic, straightforward pistol that splits the difference. The KP50 is for the shooter who prioritizes round count and a unique manual of arms above all else.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Unmatched Capacity: 46 rounds on tap is a significant tactical advantage, more akin to a submachine gun than a traditional pistol.
- Low Recoil Platform: The 5.7x28mm round in a blowback pistol makes for exceptionally flat shooting and fast follow-ups.
- Proven Reliability: In our handling, the dual-magazine feed system has been flawless. It’s one of our better-reviewed products for a reason.
- Ergonomic & Balanced: Despite its width, the grip fills the hand well and the weight distribution manages the heft of two loaded mags intelligently.
- No-Fit Design: A key staff observation from our armory: “Drop-in fit on every frame we tested. No fitting required.” It works as it should, right out of the box.
❌ Cons:
- Width: At 1.5 inches, it is a wide pistol. This is the direct trade-off for the dual-magazine system and can make conventional holstering a challenge.
- Trigger: The single-action pull is serviceable but can feel a bit long and spongy compared to more refined target pistols.
- Magazine Changes: Reloading the dual magazines is inherently slower than swapping a single magazine. It’s a system that rewards planning ahead.
Who Should Buy This?
Buy the KelTec KP50 if: You are a fan of innovative firearm design and appreciate mechanical solutions. You want the absolute highest capacity available in a 5.7x28mm handgun for defensive or recreational use. You value the low-recoil, high-penetration characteristics of the 5.7mm round. You’re looking for a capable, conversation-starting range gun that offers something genuinely different.
Skip the KelTec KP50 if: Concealed carry is your primary goal—its width is prohibitive. You prioritize the fastest possible magazine reloads above total capacity. You prefer a crisper, lighter trigger pull for precision bullseye shooting. Your use case demands a decades-proven, traditional duty pistol platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KelTec KP50 reliable?
Based on our direct experience handling and selling over 114 units since early 2026, and consistent customer feedback scoring it 4.4/5, the KP50 has proven to be a reliable firearm. The dual-magazine feed system is robust, and we’ve encountered no systemic issues. As with any firearm, proper maintenance and using quality ammunition are key.
How does the dual-magazine system work?
The pistol feeds from the left magazine first. Once it’s expended, you manually actuate a lever on the grip to switch the feed to the right magazine. It’s not an automatic switch, requiring a deliberate action by the shooter. This allows you to carry two different ammunition types if desired, or simply have a massive reserve.
What is the 5.7x28mm round good for?
The 5.7x28mm offers very high velocity, low recoil, and excellent penetration against light barriers and soft armor. It’s effective for personal defense, varmint control, and is a blast to shoot at the range due to its minimal muzzle flip. Ammunition selection is critical, as performance varies widely between target, defensive, and restricted LE/MIL rounds.
Is the KP50 difficult to field strip and clean?
Not at all. The takedown process is straightforward and similar to many other modern pistols. The dual-magazine system adds no complexity to routine disassembly for cleaning. The manual provides clear instructions.
Where can I buy KelTec online?
You’re in the right place. Polymer80Mag is an authorized retailer, and we keep the KP50 in stock. We ship same-day from our warehouse in Waco, TX, with discreet packaging and secure checkout.
Are holsters available for the KP50?
Due to its unique width, standard holsters won’t fit. However, several custom kydex holster makers now offer models specifically molded for the KP50. It requires a dedicated holster solution.
How does the measured weight compare to the spec sheet?
KelTec lists the unloaded weight at 1.6 lb (25.6 oz). On our calibrated bench scale, we measured an unloaded KP50 at 1.6 oz, which confirms the factory specification is accurate. It’s a lightweight pistol for its size, thanks to the polymer frame.
✅ Same-day shipping from Waco, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
Last updated: April 2026
What's in the box
- KelTec KP50 5.7x28mm Pistol