Posted: 2/24/2008 9:12:44 AM EDT
| Hi. Just started looking at KT P40 and I want one. However. the model seems to have disappeared. What are/were the issues/reasons? |
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Kel-Tec discontinued the P-40 (and the conversion kits, see below) because they were getting a ton of returns for warranty service. The problem was that full power .40 S+W in such a small/light package is very difficult for the most shooters to handle. The result was flinching, limpwristing, and failures induced by improper technique. Folks sent the gun back under the lifetime warranty, KT looked them over, test fired them, concluded they were working properly, then sent them back. When you add the cost of ammo, labor, and shipping together the factory just couldn't make a profit. Even worse, the customer usually ended up pissed off when it came back and was no different then when it was sent. I have confirmation on this personally from Mr. Kellgren, so it is not speculation. My P-40 is a little beast. I shoot it last when at the range because after a few magazines it makes my hands shake. I have never had that happen before with any firearm. Most of my practice goes through my P-11 as a result, but my P-40 gets carried. Essentially, the P-40 was a P-11 grip and frame with a slide/barrel assembly 0.2" longer than the standard 9mm top and chambered in the .40 cartridge. KT also made .357 SIG barrels for the P-40, BTW. The magazines are 9 round capacity, and work with the .40 or .357. I suggest you buy a P-11, get used to the trigger, then look around for a .40 conversion kit that has a slide/barrel assembly and install it on your P-11 frame. P-40 mags are still available from KT and elsewhere, but the conversion kits take a little bit of looking around to find and are not available from the factory anymore. The .357 SIG barrels are also sold out, and are very difficult to find. With flush-fit 12 round mags for the P-11, you may prefer 12+1 of 9mm +P to 9+1 of .40 S+W anyway. If you hate the .40 top end, you can usually sell it for what you paid for it over on one of the Kel-Tec forums. |