Based out of Florida, Kel-Tec first started producing the P-11 model handgun in 1991. It was designed using similar Kel-Tec models such as the P-32, and was created to target the growing concealed carry market.
Kel-Tec hired Swedish designer, George Kellgren, on board to create the P-11 design. Kellgren is best known for his prior firearm designs with Grendel. In order to reduce weight, Kellgren designed the P-11 frame from a polymer but kept the slide, barrel, and internals steel. As such, the P-11 weighs only 14 ounces unloaded and close to 20 ounces fully loaded.
The P-11 was designed primarily for concealed carry by civilians and law enforcement officers. The original P-11 was chambered for 9mm and came with a 10 round magazine. An additional 12 round mag is available as an aftermarket item. The initial success of the P-11 in 9mm prompted Kel-Tec to produce a similar version in both .40 S&W and .357 Sig. The .40 cal series was called a P-40 while the .357 Sig version was called a P-357. Both models mated the standard P-11 polymer frame with a larger, heavier slide. Due to the low weight, both the P-40 and P-357 produced substantial recoil and were somewhat difficult to control. As such, both models were discontinued in 1994 with only a few thousand of each being sold.
Marketed as the lightest 9mm handgun currently in production, the P-11 makes a great choice for concealed carry. It works well in a number of gun holster configurations including IWB, on the belt, and on the ankle. About the only carrying method that may or may not work would be pocket carry as it’s a little big for most pockets.
The Kel-Tec P11 is an good choice for CCW or self defense. It has plenty of rounds to take care of most issues, yet is light enough to carry all day. Probably the one complaint with the P-11 deals with the long, heavy trigger which comes in around a 9lb pull.
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