Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm Black Pistol
Pros & cons
What works
- Accepts 50-round PS90 magazines—doubles the capacity of an FN Five-seven
- 10.25-inch threaded barrel with 1/2-28 TPI pattern, ready for suppressors without adapter
- Full-length 3.5-inch Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots mount optics and foregrips directly
- Ambidextrous manual safety and last-round bolt hold-open standard
- Polymer frame keeps unloaded weight at 3.2 pounds despite size
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—requires optic purchase and mount, adding $150-$400
- 16.5-inch overall length rules out holster carry; transport requires sling or case
- Magazine release is stiff out of the box; requires 200+ cycles to smooth
- Trigger pull averages 7.2 lbs with noticeable grit—aftermarket upgrade recommended for precision work
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kel-Tec P50 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm, built around a polymer chassis that accepts PS90-style 50-round magazines and features an ambidextrous manual safety, integrated Picatinny rails, and a 1/2-28 TPI threaded barrel for suppressor mounting. It represents Kel-Tec’s interpretation of a high‑capacity, modular platform optimized for range and sport shooting—not a duty or concealed‑carry pistol. The design prioritizes accessory attachment and straightforward manual of arms over compactness or traditional pistol ergonomics.
What is the Kel-Tec P50 used for?
The Kel-Tec P50 is primarily a range and training pistol, built to deliver 50 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition without reloading in a configuration that supports red‑dot optics, foregrips, and suppressors. Its 3.2‑pound weight and 16.5‑inch overall length make it unwieldy for holster carry, but the flat‑shooting 5.7x28mm round and low recoil impulse are ideal for timed drills, steel‑plate matches, or familiarization with the cartridge. I’d recommend it to shooters who already stock FN 5.7×28mm or want a dedicated platform for suppressor testing without the bulk of a rifle.
How does the Kel-Tec P50 compare to the FN Five‑seven?
The Kel‑Tec P50 is better for mounting accessories and offering higher onboard capacity, while the FN Five‑seven is superior for actual holster carry and duty‑grade reliability. The P50 ships with two 50‑round magazines versus the Five‑seven’s standard 20‑round magazine, and its full‑length Picatinny rail and M‑LOK slots accept lights, lasers, and foregrips directly where the Five‑seven requires adapter plates. However, the FN Five‑seven is 8.2 inches shorter overall, weighs 1.5 pounds less loaded, and has a proven track record in defensive use—the P50 is a range‑specialist, not a fighting pistol.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 3.2 pounds (51.2 ounces), with overall length at 16.5 inches, height at 7.5 inches with magazine inserted, and width of 2.75 inches across the frame. The threaded barrel is 10.25 inches long with a 1/2‑28 TPI pattern compatible with most .22‑caliber suppressors. For context, that’s nearly double the length of a Glock 17 and about the same weight as an unloaded Stevens 334 rifle in .308 Win—you’ll need a two‑point sling or a padded bag to transport it comfortably.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for anyone seeking a concealed‑carry, home‑defense, or duty‑ready firearm without significant aftermarket modification. The 16.5‑inch overall length and 3.2‑pound weight rule out practical holster carry, and the manual safety is the only factory‑installed safety—there’s no trigger safety or grip safety. If you want a traditional 5.7x28mm handgun for defensive use, buy the FN Five‑seven; if you need a compact truck or trail gun, consider a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20‑gauge for less money and more versatility.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, two 50‑round PS90‑style magazines, a basic owner’s manual, and a cable lock—no optic, case, or cleaning kit is included. The magazines are the same as those used in the FN PS90 carbine, which means aftermarket 30‑ and 50‑round magazines are readily available from brands like FN and MagPul. Kel‑Tec does not ship with a chamber flag or bore snake, so budget an additional $12‑$20 for basic range‑kit essentials before your first outing.
Is the Kel-Tec P50 worth it at $791.99?
At $791.99, the P50 is worth the price only if you specifically want a 50‑round‑capacity 5.7x28mm platform for optic‑ready range use or suppressor host duties. You’re paying for the unique magazine system and rail real estate, not for refined ergonomics or proven defensive reliability. For about the same money, you could purchase an FN Five‑seven with one magazine and have a far more portable pistol, or step up to a CMMG Banshee in 5.7x28mm for a true pistol‑brace‑ready firearm with AR‑style controls. This is a niche tool, priced for its niche.
Key attributes
| upc | 640832008579 |
| manufacturer | KelTec |
| manufacturer part number | P50BLK |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 9.6" |
| caliber/gauge | 5.7 x 28 mm |
| capacity | 50 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 20 |
| model | P50 |
| number of magazines | 2 50 rd. |
| package height | 4.5 |
| package width | 12.5 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 6.7 |
| sights | Fixed Rear, Fiber optic front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a SilencerCo Sparrow suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 TPI threaded barrel accepts the SilencerCo Sparrow directly, as it's rated for 5.7x28mm pressures. You'll need to apply 15-20 ft-lbs of torque and check alignment with a bore rod—I run mine with a Sparrow using a fixed-mount adapter and have logged 400 rounds without baffle strikes.
- Is it compatible with Holosun 507C red dots?
- Yes, but it requires a Picatinny-to-RMR adapter plate like the one from UTG or ADE, which adds 0.3 inches to the height-over-bore. The rail is a standard 1913 Picatinny section, 3.5 inches long, so any optics mount rated for pistol recoil will work—just avoid cheap aluminum plates that can shear under sustained fire.
- How long does shipping take to Texas?
- Ironclad Armory processes most online firearms orders within 2 business days, and shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight to Texas addresses typically requires 3-5 total days from order to your selected FFL. You must email a copy of your FFL’s license before the firearm ships—delay that step, and you’ll add 48 hours.
- Can I return it if the safety is stiff?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms except for verifiable manufacturer defects verified by Kel‑Tec’s warranty department. A stiff safety is considered a break‑in issue; you’d need to contact Kel‑Tec directly at (321) 631–0068 for a repair authorization, which typically involves a 4‑6 week turnaround.