Firearm: KelTec P15 (MSRP: $425)
There’s a lot to unpack about the new KelTec P15. It’s the company’s first striker-fired handgun, for starters; that’s somewhat of a big deal. KelTec’s handguns had previously been hammer-fired, with the hammer left internal like in Ruger’s Security-9 and LCP series of pistols. Where the majority of striker-fired pistols have a bladed-safety trigger to prevent accidental discharge if dropped, the P15 has a grip safety. The P15 is quite a unique design and continues KelTec’s innovative, out-of-the-box thinking.
The “15” part of the “P15” refers to the capacity, but there’s an asterisk here. The standard, flush-fit magazines hold 12 rounds; the 15-round magazines require a slightly extended floorplate to accommodate the additional three rounds. This is a good thing, as the flush magazine does not allow for a full, three-finger grip while the extended magazine does. Even with the extended magazine, though, the P15 has a height of 5 inches, an overall length of 6.6 inches and a 4-inch barrel. When it comes to width, though, the P15 wins—it’s only 7/8 of an inch wide. That’s slim.
Another interesting part of the P15 is the weight, 14 ounces. This is in keeping with the super light weight of other KelTec innovations like the P3AT, and is several ounces lighter than most other pistols in this class, most of which have shorter barrels and less capacity. Will this spark a weight-reduction war? Time will tell. It does make the P15 slightly more snappy, although the longer barrel adds weight farther out that really helps keep this to a minimum. The extended magazine floorplate and resulting three-finger grip helps with control, too.
The P15 has some interesting features. There’s a magazine disconnect, which took me by surprise. The slide stop lever is well designed, unobtrusive and easy to actuate; it also serves as the takedown mechanism. The magazine release is reversible, but it’s rather shallow and takes some practice to engage with the shooting hand. Slide serrations front and rear make charging the P15 easy, and the grip texture, while rough, anchors the pistol in the hand. Sights are also well done, with tritium and fiber-optic up front and twin-pipe tritium rear sights.
Bottom line? The P15 is an interesting pistol and represents yet another option for the striker-fired, polymer-frame 9 mm fan.
Holster: Kinetic Concealment OWB (MSRP: $44.95)
Because the P15 is so new—it’s expected to start shipping in the next few months—finding holsters right now is a little on the difficult side. Kinetic Concealment will be offering its OWB holsters for the P15, and we’ve secured a prototype for this kit. While the size of the P15 makes it eminently suitable for inside-the-waistband carry, it’s also svelte enough to be carried outside-the-waistband as well.
The OWB has a leather backing that attaches the holster to the belt with a molded kydex shell firmly attached. It’s a simple design that offers comfort and form-fitted retention, with flathead screws used to secure the kydex to the leather. While we haven’t experienced any loosening of the screws over time, it’s always a good idea to either Loctite the screws down or check on them periodically.
Pocketknife: Buck Knives Spitfire (MSRP: $47.99)
We’ve opted for Buck Knives’ Spitfire folding knife to complement our kit in keeping with the affordable-and-durable theme. The Spitfire offers a 3.25-inch, 420HC stainless steel drop-point blade, aluminum handles and a thumbhole in the blade to open the knife with one hand. A lockback mechanism keeps the blade securely in the open position, and does require two hands to close.
The pocket clip is reversible for left- or right-pocket carry, although only in tip-up position. Three color options are available: Gray, orange and the black version we have today. Weight is 3.2 ounces, the Spitfire is made in the U.S. and comes with a lifetime warranty. For a slight charge, Buck offers up to two lines of engraving if desired.
