"Before" Range ReportAfter unboxing and thoroughly cleaning it, we got the new pistol out to our test area and put around 120 rounds downrange.
Overall OperationOf the shots fired during our range outing, the mechanical operation of the P-11 was fine with the exception of two failure to eject (FTE) malfunctions. We suspected that the first FTE was caused by "
limp wristing" the pistol (likely due to focusing on sight issues, see below) and the second malfunction happened while deliberately limp wristing it to confirm our suspicions.
AccuracyThis part was a bit surprising and took a few shots to figure out. Shooting at a target 3.5' off the ground from a distance of approximately 15 yards, we weren't even on paper (how's that for an ego booster?
). After making sure it wasn't a squib load and that the barrel was clear, more rounds were fired. After a few shots, we noticed mud splattered on the target stand - the rounds were hitting the dirt in front of the target with the front and rear sight dots horizontally aligned on the target!
Using a fair amount of hold-over, we got our shots on target and found that, although the
accuracy was horribly off the mark,
precision seemed to be fine and the pistol grouped well.
After the range session was over, I did a little bit of research online and found that this seems to be a somewhat common issue and some people suggest that the Kel-Tec P11 requires a "non-traditional" sight alignment with the bottom of the front dot even with the top of the rear sight. Finding the idea of having one pistol that requires a different sight picture than the others in the corral unacceptable I contacted Kel-Tec Customer Service, who confirmed that the sight picture should, indeed, have the usual alignment. Kel-Tec sells a sight kit for the P-11 (PN P11-155) that includes different height front and rear sights, so we have one of those on the way that should hopefully fix the issue.
TriggerA frequent complaint about the double-action only (
DAO) Kel-Tec pistols is that they have a long, heavy trigger pull. Our shooters didn't find the 8.5# pull excessive, particularly for a pistol with no external safety mechanisms. The pull is, however, is long with about 1/8" pre-travel and quite a bit of over-travel after the trigger breaks.
Additionally, the polymer trigger has a sharp curve to it with some very slight side-to-side travel, although not really enough to notice while shooting. Another somewhat-common complaint about the trigger is it's propensity to pinch the trigger finger between the trigger and either the top or bottom of the trigger guard, especially for shooters with large hands/fingers. I have large hands and didn't get pinched, but after shooting up a box and a half of ammo, I did have a raw spot on the bottom of the first knuckle of my trigger finger.
Fit, Finish and Other ObservationsAfter the range session, with the pistol disassembled for cleaning, we could clearly see where the wear points on the pistol would be - mainly on the slide/hammer interface with additional slight rub marks on the slide/frame interfaces. Disassembly for regular maintenance and cleaning is simple, with the assembly pin pulling out with the rim of a cartridge or screwdriver. Complete disassembly involves a bit more work, including driving out frame pins with a punch, relieving hammer-spring tension, etc., but this should not be required often, if ever.
With the finish worn from the slide/hammer interface, circular CNC machining marks could be seen on the slide. Although they did not seem to cause any operational issues, these were removed with 400 grit wet/dry sand paper and then polished with a felt wheel and polishing compound. The feedramp was also polished "just in case" despite having negligible feeding issues. At reassembly, the obvious contact points mentioned above, along with the trigger bar, got a dose of grease.
Reassembly is pretty much the reverse of disassembly but has a catch that can make it a little tricky. The polymer guide rod needs to be kept centered just right or it can catch on the frame, which keeps the barrel from moving forward enough for the assembly pin to pass through the barrel lug cut out. The face of the guide rod on our test pistol appears slightly "chewed up," it is unclear whether this roughness has anything to do with it hanging up. Kel-Tec sells a steel guide rod but, based on some research and conversations (including with Kel-Tec representatives), we are opting out of this as an upgrade. We do, however, have a replacement polymer guide rod en route to us.
Given the small size and light weight of the P-11, we have seen some reports of fatigue or sore hands after a shooting session. With the round count that I put downrange, I didn't experience either. The P-11 is, however, a compact pistol and feels a tad small in my large hands.
On one final point, we did notice that a "hiccup" could be introduced when inserting the magazine. Under normal circumstances, the magazine inserts easily, seats fully, locks securely and drops cleanly when the release is pressed. However, if the bottom of the magazine is pushed forward toward the front of the pistol while inserting it, the top of the magazine can be moved ever-so-slightly rearward into the hollow rear portion of the grip (where the hammer spring lives), which can cause the sharp top-rear edge of the magazine to catch on the bottom edge of the frame (about an inch from being fully seated). Pressing harder, giving the magazine a little wiggle or, even better, no jamming the magazine forward during insertion solves this, but it is definitely something to note if you might one day use the firearm for self defense and need to do a heat-of-the-moment (re)load. Slightly beveling the bottom edge of the frame or the top edge of the magazine might work if you have issues with it, but a gunsmith should be consulted before making any modifications to your firearm.
Kel-Tec Customer ServiceThroughout the course of our initial shooting sessions and investigating possible upgrades and improvements, we exchanged an number of communications with Kel-Tec customer service. Customer Service was notably polite, friendly and helpful, providing information, comments and parts to help with our project.
Between customer service, the lifetime warranty, the price and the first impressions with the P-11, Kel-Tec so far seems like a great company to deal with.
What's Next?Next up for the pistol is to get the new sight kit installed to correct the
very low POI and install the replacement polymer guide rod to see if the cleaner face helps with the reassembly process.
After making sure that the POI vs POA issues are resolved to correct the accuracy, we have something in the works for the trigger to (hopefully) further improve accuracy, precision and trigger pull.
We also have a few ideas to improve comfort while holding and shooting the small pistol.
Stay tuned to this thread to follow the process and feel free to weigh in with any suggestions, comments, experiences, etc. for the Kel-Tec P-11 Improvement Project.