Kel-Tec had the new PMR-30 on display at the 2010 SHOT Show. The PMR-30 is a pistol designed around the .22 WMR (aka .22 Magnum) cartridge. The double stack magazine holds 30 rounds of the mighty rimfire, hence the “-30” designator in the name.
Kel-Tec was not at the range for Media Day, so we did not have a chance to shoot this new pistol. However, I did get a chance to play with it at the Show. There were things I liked, and disliked, about the gun.
The Kel-Tec PMR-30 was lightweight (only 13.6 ounces) and had many of the features shooters tend to prefer such as an accessory rail and a frame mounted safety (sweep down to fire.) I liked the fiber optic sights, which had a green front and red rear. The sights were easy to see, and the contrasting colors made for a nice sight picture.
The gun is relatively flat, which would make for easier concealing if the .22 WMR was your choice for self defense. Kel-Tec states the 4.3″ barrel will yield 1230 fps with a 40 grain bullet. Not ideal in my estimation, but 30 rounds of WMR is much better than a sharp, pointy stick.
What I did not like about the PMR-30 was how it felt in my hand. As I stated, it is fairly flat, but it is also abnormally long in the grip. Different people will perceive the grip in different ways, but it was not comfortable to me.
MSRP is $415 and Kel-Tec states they expect to start shipping in the second quarter of 2010. At a street price of just under $400, I imagine Kel-Tec will sell a boatload of these little pistols. Though I don’t like the way it feels in my hand, I can’t deny that Kel-Tec makes a good gun for a great price. The PMR-30 may start a run on .22 WMR much like the LCP caused a run on .380 ACP. I just wonder if any of the “big boys” will have a full-sized .22 WMR pistol at the 2011 SHOT Show.
31 replies on “Kel-Tec PMR-30 in .22 Magnum”
Glad to hear good reviews on the pmr 30. As for having to wait on shippment of these, check different sources. I found a shop that ussually gets them in about a month.
Where did you find the shop that gets the KEL-TEC PMR30 22WMR in about a month? I’ve been pulling my hair out trying to find one thats not like $600, any help would be greatly appreciated..
I think they have a winner with this pistol if it cycles reliably. While the 22 mag would not be my first choice in a gunfight, 44 mag or 12 gauge. I surely would not want to be on the receiving end of a bullet that produces around 300 plus pounds of energy at the muzzle from a 22 mag rifle. About the equivalent to the 9mm Luger. I would use it for hunting and target shooting. With its light weight of around 14 ounces loaded, I might forget that I am toting it. What can I say, I want one. It is all about accurate shooting and the shooter and not the caliber. My Paw in Law killed several deer with a 22 mag.
Just received mine two weeks ago. Everything I hoped for and more. It cycles flawlessly, with over 500 rounds through it in one day. Loading the magazine took some getting used to though. Make sure and use the “window” and you will be fine. I think 25 to 28 rounds per mag is best for me, as it gets a little tough getting 30 in there but they do fit. It just takes more time to insert each one. It cuts into the shootin time. Field stripping and cleaning is a snap. Adjustable rear sights would be a nice addition….
I’ve been waiting for over a year and a half for the PMR-30 that I ordered. What makes this wait all the more frustrating is nobody can give me a hint when this order might be filled.
Yeah, I’d be annoyed also. Who did you order through? A local dealer?