Buy Kel-Tec PMR-36 Magazine Online

Introduction

Kel-Tec CNC Industries is well-known for its extensive line of compact and subcompact pistols with polymer frames and steel slides in calibers from .32 Auto to 9mm. Last year the firm introduced its PMR-36, a full-size pistol chambered in .22 WMR with an overall length of almost eight inches. Thanks to the glass-reinforced Zytel grip assembly and components, it weighs less than 14 ounces.

Unlike your typical Kel-Tec, the PMR-36 has a single-action trigger, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and fiber-optic front and rear sights. The two-piece grip assembly is held together by an aluminum frame that houses the firing mechanism, supports the magazine, and provides rails upon which the steel slide reciprocates. The grip assembly is checkered to provide a firm purchase while the dust cover portion features a Picatinny rail for mounting lights or laser sights.

The steel slide, which is encased by, a Zytel cover contains the firing pin and dual opposing extractors to ensure positive extraction and ejection of spent cases. The barrel is fluted to improve cooling and is mounted in a barrel block that is secured in the frame by a stout disassembly pin. Captive dual recoil springs, which help ensure reliable functioning, are positioned on a full-length guide rod under the barrel.

The PMR-36 uses an internal hammer to fire the cartridge. Applying the ambidextrous thumb safeties disconnects the trigger from the sear, locks the sear, and blocks the hammer from falling.

The PMR-36 operates on a hybrid blowback/locked-breech system. This operation system allows for the use of a wide variety of ammunition as it adjusts between locked breech and blowback operation, depending on the pressure of the cartridge.

“The hybrid locked/blowback system is simple in execution,” a Kel-Tec engineer told me. “There is technically no mechanical locking system in the gun. The cartridge case is the mechanical lock in the system. The friction of the case locks the chamber (and therefore the barrel) to the case as they both recoil together — as long as the pressure is high enough.

“Lower-pressure rounds will cause less friction between the case and the barrel, and then the barrel stays still or only moves a little. It’s a balancing act between the bullet friction pulling the barrel forward and the case friction in the chamber pulling the barrel back. Bullet friction does not change much based on round pressure, but the case friction will.”

The PMR-36’s metal magazine is retained in the grip by a heel-type catch and holds 30 rounds of .22 WMR ammunition.

Specifications