PMR-30 Range Report

[MachIVshooter]

Well, it took me over a week to get enough time away from my work, but I finally got to pop off some rounds today. Conclusion: I love this gun!

Four different types of ammo, 160 total rounds. I did not clean the gun prior; Out of the box, load mag, fire away.

First up, Remington Premier Accutip, 30 rounds (1 mag)
Results: 1 failure to extract

Next, CCI Maxi-Mag HP, 50 rounds
Results: 5 failures to extract

Thrid, Federal FMJ, 50 rounds
Results: 3 failures to extract

Last, CCI Maxi-Mag +V, 30 rounds
Results: Flawless

The gun did lock back with one round remaining twice, but released when the slide was drawn back.

Conclusion:

My right thumb-a bit sore. I knew going in that loading mags would not be the fun part of the PMR.

Reliability-I know why the multiple failures to extract happened, and it's cured pending my next range session. The extractor cut in the chamber is too shallow, so if the case doesn't push itself back a hair, it doesn't allow the extractor to positively grip the rounded rim of the WMR case. I cut it 0.025" deeper with a dremel, now the extractor hooks the rim as it should. I'm expecting zero failures of this type next time. The mag holding open sometimes with a cartridge remaining is an issue I will address if it continues after another couple hundred rounds. This is still an early production gun, so I was not horribly surprised at these two issues, both of which are easily fixed.

Accuracy- Didn't have paper targets, but had no trouble hitting what I was aiming at from distances of 50 yards, such as the bulbs on Yucca plants.

Trigger- Initial couple of dryfires felt like 6-7 lbs, but it seemed much lighter by the end of my shooting session, I'd say 4-5 lbs. Will measure later.

Fun factor: Very high. The 19.6 ounce gun (fully loaded) feels like a full size 9mm, recoil-wise. Very controllable. It also barks like a short barreled .357 magnum; The noise and muzzle blast of my CS45 felt very mild immediately after shooting the PMR. The .22 WMR may not make that much energy from a handgun, but anyone on the receiving end will be deaf and scared out of their mind even if you miss. Very visible flash in broad daylight.

 

[Snowdog]

Thanks for the range report. It's not common to find those with hands-on experience to report their findings on this pistol.

I had considered one, but I think the jury is still out. The extraction issue is a bit of a concern, being that it had to be remedied by the consumer using a dremel to function properly (presuming it will). However, I am still very much intrigued by this pistol and appreciate first hand reports when I can find them.

Thanks again!

 

[MachIVshooter]

The extraction issue is a bit of a concern, being that it had to be remedied by the consumer using a dremel to function properly (presuming it will).

I can understand.

I've kinda come to expect that minor smithing may be required on many sub-$400 new guns from many manufacturers to make them run like a swiss watch. Of course, 4 of the 5 KT's I own cost less than $300, and this is the first to have any issues whatsoever.

I could send it back to them, but why wait a months for something I can easily fix in 2 minutes?

Of course I would prefer that it had been flawless, but that'd be a somewhat unrealistic expectations given that:

1) It is still in it's infancy
2) I didn't even clean it first
3) It's a design that no other manufacturer has ever attempted, unless you count Kelgren's first, the Grendel P30, which the PMR is a rework of

It's just one of those that offers so much at such a reasonable cost, I'm willing to deal with a minor inconvenience or two to have it. Not like we really have another .22 WMR autopistol option anyway. Assuming one could find and Automag II, they are quite large, very heavy and only hold 10 rounds.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Well, I finally got back out to the range today, and I'm happy to report that my minor modifications worked out beautifully.

What I did:
-Cut the extractor groove 0.030" deeper, opening it slightly into the chamber
-Profiled the extractor to better fit the groove
-Swapped the extractor spring for one 3 coils longer

In 155 rounds, mostly rapid fire, not a single malfunction. It's sending the cases into low orbit, but I don't care. Not like I reload .22 WMR.

I emailed KT about my revision, suggesting they incorporate it into future PMR's.

I liked the gun before, but now I love it! It also scored it's first kill on a bunny at about 20 yards (devastating).

After it's performance today, I'd carry it with utmost confidence. And quite frankly, while .22 WMR from this handgun barely bests normal .32 ACP for power, there's something to be said for having 31 rounds on tap before reloading.

Got a chance to video muzzle flash at night, too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guX9Hjk7TJo

 

[Snowdog]

Now that's more like it!

If I knew the one I'd receive would work properly as yours now does, I'm certain I would be awefully tempted.

I emailed KT about my revision, suggesting they incorporate it into future PMR's.

It would be wonderful if folks would be as proactive/constructive as this rather than just complain and ship them back (though I admit I might be among them). It speaks much for your character, MachIVShooter. Kudos!

A properly functioning PMR-30 could be considered sufficient for many many things. It has much potential, I believe.

 

[m2steven]

I'm curious as to the machining of the extractor with the dremel tool. What "bit" did you use, and how did you measure the amount of metal you took off to such a precise degree?

 

[whetrock]

I love the looks of this gun while I know the 22 mag isn't exactly a power house but with 30 of em I think you could handle most situations but for me I see this gun as more of a woods bumming/small game gun I think I'll buy one but I'll give it awhile for Kel-Tec to work out the kinks.

 

[Citizen_soldier22]

This seems to be a decent plinking gun, and perhaps carry pistol in some circumstances. Did you have any paper targets you shot at Mach? I heard there's a recall on these for issues with keyholing.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I'm curious as to the machining of the extractor with the dremel tool. What "bit" did you use, and how did you measure the amount of metal you took off to such a precise degree?

Fine cutoff wheel and a digital caliper. It's really not that hard to remove small amounts with a steady hand. I actually took off 0.032", but the extra 0.02" is inconsequential for the purposes of detailing my fix, so I rounded.

Maybe not for everyone, but I have a lot of experience machining metal parts, both with lathes and mills as well as hand tools and hand-controlled power tools.

KT emailed me back today, said they would forward my fix details to the R&D department.

I heard there's a recall on these for issues with keyholing.

There was a campaign for it, but mine is a newer model. It shoots straight