[saa]

Hello all.
I'm a big believer in knowing your limitations - and right now I have two big ones. So I need your help and input.

I saw the Keltec PMR-30 and was impressed: 30 rounds, 22 Magnum, super light, all sounds good.

Here's what I don't know: Anything about Keltec. I saw them as the "Kia" of guns, no offense to Keltec owners. I just have no experience with them, period.

They seem really... plastic-ee. I know, but it's the only way I can describe it. They are not Glock polymer (heavy, robust, or seemingly so). They seem like plastic gun case... plastic - light, flexible, you get the idea.

Does anyone have experience with Keltec and their reliability, etc?

Is this PMR-30 a $900 gun? (yes, that's the price of one today; $415 Retail List)

Second issue: 22 Magnum cartridge. Is this, or can this be considered a defensive round? I know they make hollowpoints for them, but are they effective? I could find little on penetration and ballistics.

Any info on this decision is appreciated in advance.
saa.

 

[Harryball]

I will say this about that weapon system. I really do not think a BG will want to get shot with 30 rounds of .22 mag....

 

[WHEC724]

IMHO, it's not that it couldn't be a defensive round, it's that there are so many other better choices. Rimfire cartridges also have greater potential to be less reliable.

That said, I actually like Keltec and think they're an okay entry-level priced firearm in general, but to pay $900 for one, defeats the purpose of buying a Keltec.

Go get you a nice $290 PF-9 and carry on :wink:.

 

[rammerjammer]

I am a Kel Tec hater after my PF9 experience.

Yes, they look cheap because they are cheap. They look like they were made in a dimly lit Chinese garage.

If you are lucky and don't get a lemon from Kel Tec good on ya. If you're like me and get a POS there is nothing you can do but sell it off or throw it away.

I would never trust my life to a Kel Tec.

 

[zonker1986]

I would by a .22 Magnum Keltec for $300 in a New York second. I would NEVER pay $900 for a Keltec pistol.
Like WHEC724 said, get a Keltec PF-9 9mm and call it a day.

 

[Cyberbach]

When the PMR 30 came out I was really wanting one bad, I've got the AMT Automag in stainless but it is huge in the grip and quite heavy. Unfortunately, the PMR became too popular too fast and the market price soared. Shortly there after however, Keltec had a recall on them and stopped shipping for quite some time. Look into it, there were problems, I even heard they were recalling a bunch that were already sold but few people sent them back... liked it too much I guess. Good luck on finding one, just make sure it is safe to shoot.

 

[nathanjns]

Neither a Kel-Tec or the 22 Magnum would be my first choice if I had $900 to spend. Better guns and more effective cartridges exist for that kind of money. Not saying you would be poorly armed, just that I think you could do better. For example: Glock ( or equivalent ) 9mm, 40 or 45 with extra magazine for $650 and $250 worth of ammo would be a better buy IMO.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I know a guy who has PMR 30 and he doesn't report any issues with it. The .22 Magnum wouldn't be my choice to feed through any semi-automatic delivery system. It's way long for cartridge diameter and has a rim, both of which are less conducive to reliable feeding. The .22 Magnum, when fired from a handgun length barrel, will just about equal a .22 Long Rifle cartridge fired from a rifle-length barrel. I could live with a .22 rifle for self-defense but would like something throwing more bullet weight.

Aside from the cartridge, I don't do "plastic-ee" so appreciate what you are saying about the overall feel of the pistol. Plastic doesn't bother most folks these days and so is no hindrance to a firearm's popularity with the public.

 

[saa]

IMHO, it's not that it couldn't be a defensive round, it's that there are so many other better choices. Rimfire cartridges also have greater potential to be less reliable.

That said, I actually like Keltec and think they're an okay entry-level priced firearm in general, but to pay $900 for one, defeats the purpose of buying a Keltec.

Go get you a nice $290 PF-9 and carry on :wink:.

I agree with you 100%, and here's the funny thing: I have all the other guns. 9's, 40's, 45's, 380, 25acp. In nearly every format, 1911, m&p, shield, etc.

My intrigue with this gun was the 30 rounds! And that 22 magnum is a stout round, albeit a 22, but like Harryball said - 30 rounds is not going to be pleasant.

The other interest, ease of control for my wife. She shoots a 45 very well, but we'd all like the power of a 45 with the recoil of the 22. Normally, I'd say you were spot on with the "much better round" info - agreed - but combined with quantity, is this gun now a contender for personal defense?

I do think the price is crazy at this point, but money's not my biggest issue. Thanks for the input.
saa.

 

[Bad Bob]

For $900 you can get a much better pistol in a much better cartridge that is the same size.

 

[saa]

I am a Kel Tec hater after my PF9 experience.

Yes, they look cheap because they are cheap. They look like they were made in a dimly lit Chinese garage.

If you are lucky and don't get a lemon from Kel Tec good on ya. If you're like me and get a POS there is nothing you can do but sell it off or throw it away.

I would never trust my life to a Kel Tec.

I appreciate that feedback. I too, think they feel cheap, but the machining and fit and finish seems good (on this one). But it doesn't feel right to me.

In all fairness, I'm used to Glocks and Colt 1911's, so it's hard to compare by weight. Airplanes are light but stand up to great stress loads. I trust my life in the cockpit... I'm just saying that's my dilema. Your feedback helps because I'm a big believer in support. Thanks.
saa.

 

[saa]

I would by a .22 Magnum Keltec for $300 in a New York second. I would NEVER pay $900 for a Keltec pistol.
Like WHEC724 said, get a Keltec PF-9 9mm and call it a day.

I ccw a glock 26, gen4. So it wouldn't be carry, for sure, but the more I hear from you guys (Thanks Zonker), I don't like it. And if this was at the retail price of $415 there wouldn't even have been a post. I would have walked out with it just for range fun. For $900 I can get several much better firearm products.
saa.

 

[saa]

When the PMR 30 came out I was really wanting one bad, I've got the AMT Automag in stainless but it is huge in the grip and quite heavy. Unfortunately, the PMR became too popular too fast and the market price soared. Shortly there after however, Keltec had a recall on them and stopped shipping for quite some time. Look into it, there were problems, I even heard they were recalling a bunch that were already sold but few people sent them back... liked it too much I guess. Good luck on finding one, just make sure it is safe to shoot.

That settles it for me. Game over. I appreciate that!!

Neither a Kel-Tec or the 22 Magnum would be my first choice if I had $900 to spend. Better guns and more effective cartridges exist for that kind of money. Not saying you would be poorly armed, just that I think you could do better. For example: Glock ( or equivalent ) 9mm, 40 or 45 with extra magazine for $650 and $250 worth of ammo would be a better buy IMO.

Yes, you are right and the list goes on so on to the next one.

I know a guy who has PMR 30 and he doesn't report any issues with it. The .22 Magnum wouldn't be my choice to feed through any semi-automatic delivery system. It's way long for cartridge diameter and has a rim, both of which are less conducive to reliable feeding. The .22 Magnum, when fired from a handgun length barrel, will just about equal a .22 Long Rifle cartridge fired from a rifle-length barrel. I could live with a .22 rifle for self-defense but would like something throwing more bullet weight.

Aside from the cartridge, I don't do "plastic-ee" so appreciate what you are saying about the overall feel of the pistol. Plastic doesn't bother most folks these days and so is no hindrance to a firearm's popularity with the public.

I was leary of polymer altogether, for a while, but Glock sold me. I LOVE STEEL! Please don't shoot me, 1911 fans, I have them and love them! I just also like a good, quality, polymer frame gun too. (keys good and quality!)

Now I'm waiting for Rock River's Poly 1911 (OK, here come the rocks again...), but it's getting good reviews. I'm just sayin'... open mind guys.

For $900 you can get a much better pistol in a much better cartridge that is the same size.

Agreed! And I have them. I thought I might be selling Keltec short but my gut seems like it was right.

Thanks all. Much appreciated.
saa.

 

[saa]

IMHO, it's not that it couldn't be a defensive round, it's that there are so many other better choices. Rimfire cartridges also have greater potential to be less reliable.

That said, I actually like Keltec and think they're an okay entry-level priced firearm in general, but to pay $900 for one, defeats the purpose of buying a Keltec.

Go get you a nice $290 PF-9 and carry on :wink:.

That's a good point and I'm not really an entry level buyer anyway. Another reason I shyed away from Keltec altogether, not really my thing. But the 30 rounds got my attention.

Unfortunetely for them, the attention didn't last long! I appreciate all of the input from everyone and so quick. Thanks again.
saa.

 

[tclance]

FYI Friedmans Jewlers in Augusta GA has one for sale for $589
TC

 

[saa]

FYI Friedmans Jewlers in Augusta GA has one for sale for $589
TC

Everything I've found out about Keltec, simply in less than 24 hours, tells me that it's likely not worth the $415 retail price. My initial evaluation as Keltec was the Kia of guns was a little off...

They are the Yugo of guns! But thanks for the heads up. I do appreciate the feedback.
saa.

 

[kinoons]

Well if you're intrigued by the idea of a lot of small high velocity rounds, the answer you seek is the FN fiveseven. Only problem is, currently, there stupid expensive and ammo is damn near impossible to find.

 

[Quincythedgo]

The PF9 gave me the the most misfeeds of any pistol I've shot. Sent it in for servicing and it still has issues. They said I should try different ammo. I just got rid of it.

 

[BugDude]

For $400, sure. $990, not me.

I understand the shoot what you can and 30 rounds is good, and 22 mag is ok. All that said I understand the rationale given certain circumstances but unless you have money to burn and have a dire immediate need I'd wait to find one at a reasonable price. Kel Tec is ok. Not great or terrible, but ok. All in all. It's just ok, which isn't worth the premium price to me. For an ok price maybe.

 

[onacoma]

Second issue: 22 Magnum cartridge. Is this, or can this be considered a defensive round? I know they make hollowpoints for them, but are they effective? I could find little on penetration and ballistics.

Both Speer (the 1st) and Winchester make a 22 Win Mag for personal protection. Speer is their short barrel round and Winchester is their PDX-1 round. Both are designed for a 2" barrel. Winchester claims to be between as 32 ACP and a 380 ACP in terminal ballistics.

She Who Must Be Obeyed has a Ruger LCR in 22 win mag and she loves it for both recoil and easy of use. I'm not sold on the terminal ballistics, but it is better than nothing and if it get her to carry daily, as Phil sez I'm Happy, Happy, Happy!