Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm
Model: P50BLK
Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm
Model: P50BLK
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Kel-Tec P50 is legally a pistol. At 15" overall with a 9.6" barrel and 51.2 oz loaded, it occupies the same legal classification as a compact carry handgun, but it is a completely different object. The bullpup layout puts the FN P90 magazine — 50 rounds of 5.7×28mm — behind the trigger group, producing a gun that is short enough to stay under the 26" NFA threshold while carrying 50+1 rounds. No standard-format pistol in this caliber comes close to that capacity. The P50 is its own thing.
The 9.6" barrel is the most obvious practical advantage over every other 5.7 handgun. Standard FN SS197SR loads exit a 4.8"-5" barrel at roughly 1750-1800 fps. From a 9.6" barrel, owners report velocity gains of 150-200 fps over those numbers. That is the difference between adequate terminal performance and good terminal performance from the civilian 5.7 ammo selection. The 3.5 lb single-action trigger is the same spec as the PSA Rock 5.7 and reviewers note it is clean and predictable in the bullpup format. The ambidextrous lever safety is well-positioned for the unusual grip geometry.
The surprise about the P50 is how shootable it is, not how heavy. At 51.2 oz unloaded, reviewers expected a fatiguing gun. What they found is that the weight is well-distributed in the bullpup layout — the mass sits close to the body rather than out at the muzzle, which makes extended use more comfortable than the numbers suggest. The weakness is equally surprising: holster and storage options are essentially nonexistent in standard gun storage form factors. This is a range toy and a fascinating piece of engineering, not a practical defensive sidearm. At around $995 street, it is priced between the Ruger-57 and FN Five-seveN and delivers an entirely different experience than either.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- 50+1 capacity in a format that is still legally a pistol. No other gun in this category carries more than 23+1 in a standard configuration — the P50 carries more than double that without an SBR tax stamp.
- The 9.6" barrel extracts noticeably more velocity from the 5.7×28mm cartridge than the 4.7"-5" barrels on other 5.7 pistols. Owners report 150-200 fps gains over standard pistol-barrel numbers, which matters with a cartridge where terminal performance is closely tied to velocity.
- The bullpup weight distribution is better than the spec suggests. At 51.2 oz, reviewers expected muzzle-heavy fatigue. The rearward balance of the bullpup layout keeps the center of mass close to the grip, and most owners report it handles better than a 51 oz number implies.
- No practical holster exists for the P50. At 15" overall and 2" wide, it does not fit any standard handgun holster and requires a dedicated bag, sling, or case for transport. This is a range gun, not a daily carry or home-defense pistol by any conventional measure.
- FN P90 magazines are required — the P50 uses the same 50-round P90 translucent magazines, which are not widely stocked at local retailers. Expect to source them online. Pricing and availability vary more than for standard double-stack handgun magazines.
- At 51.2 oz unloaded, adding 50 rounds of 5.7 ammo (approximately 10-12 oz depending on load) puts the fully-loaded weight near 4 lbs. That is workable at a bench but relevant for anyone considering sustained off-hand use.
Category Rankings
How the Kel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm ranks among full-size 5.7x28mm handguns.
Ballistics Calculator
Calculate trajectory, drop, and energy for 5.7x28mm ammunition.
5.7x28mm Ballistics →Where to Buy
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Alternatives to Consider
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| NAME | BEST PRICE |
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PSA Rock 5.7 5.7x28mm
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Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 5.7x28mm
Smith & Wesson
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Diamondback DBX 5.7x28mm
Diamondback
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Tisas PX-5.7 FO 5.7x28mm
Tisas
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FN Five-seveN MK3 MRD 5.7x28mm
FN America
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kel-Tec P50 an SBR or does it require an NFA tax stamp?
No tax stamp is required as manufactured. The P50 has a 9.6" barrel and a 15" overall length, which keeps it under the 26" NFA threshold that would classify it as a pistol by ATF standards. It ships as a pistol with no additional registration. If you modify the gun — adding a shoulder stock or a vertical foregrip — the legal classification changes. Shoot it as configured and no NFA paperwork applies.
Does the Kel-Tec P50 use the same magazines as the FN P90?
Yes. The P50 uses genuine FN P90 50-round magazines, which feed horizontally above the barrel in the bullpup layout. This is intentional — FN P90 magazines are a well-established, reliable design with a long service history. The downside is that P90 magazines are specialized items not typically stocked at local gun stores; most owners buy them online. Genuine FN P90 magazines are preferred over aftermarket options for reliability.
Is the Kel-Tec P50 a practical home defense option given its size?
Practically, no — though the spec case is there on paper. The 15" overall length is manageable indoors compared to a rifle, and 50+1 capacity is obviously sufficient. The real problem is storage and access. The P50 does not fit a standard handgun safe or quick-access drawer safe, and there are no viable holsters for bedside ready positioning. Buyers who want a PDW-style home defense option generally gravitate toward a dedicated pistol-caliber carbine or a standard-format pistol with a light attached. The P50 is a range gun first.
