KelTec P15 Review

When I first got my hands on the KelTec P15, I was both intrigued and skeptical. A striker-fired, polymer-frame pistol with a 15+1 capacity that only weighs 16 ounces? It sounded almost too good to be true. But after spending time with it at the range, testing different carry options, and pushing its reliability to the limit, I have a lot to share, both the good and the not-so-great.

Unboxing

Right out of the box, the KelTec P15 makes an impression. It’s sleek, slim, and feels surprisingly light in hand. The 0.875-inch width makes it one of the thinnest double-stack 9mm pistols available. This is a gun that aims to bridge the gap between concealed carry and high-capacity firepower.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• One flush-fit 12-round magazine
• One extended 15-round magazine
• A manual and lock

I opted for the polymer-frame version (MSRP: $460), though there is a metal-frame variant with walnut grips available for $820. The polymer version comes with Gator Grip texture, which provides a decent grip without feeling too aggressive. If you’re coming from a SIG Sauer P365 or Glock 19, the texture feels somewhere in between.

Note: Later production models (2024 onwards) show improved slide operation and trigger feel compared to early batches.

Performance & Accuracy

Shooting the KelTec P15 was a mixed bag at first. The two-stage trigger takes some getting used to, with a pull weight of 3 lb., 12 oz. It has a long initial pull but breaks cleanly. Trigger reset is short and tactile, allowing for quick follow-up shots.

I tested it with a variety of 9mm brass-case ammunition as recommended by KelTec. It cycles smoothly, with no malfunctions in the first 300 rounds with focus checking and balancing. However, Early models struggled with steel-cased ammo, but newer units show better reliability. Reloaded ammo can still cause occasional issues.

Accuracy & Sight Adjustments

The HiViz H3 day/night front sight combined with an adjustable rear sight allows for quick sight acquisition. I was consistently hitting 2-inch groups at 10 yards, which is more than adequate for a carry gun. Windage and elevation adjustments were easy to tweak, though I recommend fine-tuning at the range before carrying.

Comfort & Practicality

The KelTec P15 excels as a concealed carry pistol due to its thin profile and lightweight frame. Compared to competitors like the SIG P365 and Glock 19, it sits comfortably inside the waistband without printing, especially with a quality IWB holster.

One overlooked feature is the grip safety, something not commonly found on striker-fired pistols. While some might find it unnecessary, I actually liked the added security. The magazine safety can be disabled if you prefer a more traditional experience.

The single-slot accessory rail allows for a small weapon light or laser, though it’s more limited compared to full Picatinny rails.

Common Issues & Workarounds

While I genuinely like the KelTec P15, it’s not without its quirks. Here are some issues I encountered and how to work around them:

1. Stiff Magazine Release

• Issue: The magazine release is slightly stiff, making quick reloads tricky.
• Fix: After about 200 reloads, it broke in nicely. You can also lightly sand the edges of the magazine catch for smoother operation.

2. Slide Lock Stiffness

• Issue: The slide lock is harder to disengage compared to other pistols in its class.
• Fix: Manually racking the slide instead of relying on the lock reduces frustration. Some users have also polished the internal edges for easier function.

3. +P Ammunition Handling

• Issue: While KelTec states that +P ammunition is allowed, it noticeably increases recoil and slide wear.
• Fix: Stick to standard 9mm brass-case ammo for longevity. If using +P, limit it to defensive rounds only.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

Feature	KelTec P15	SIG Sauer P365	Glock 19	Tisas PX-9 Gen 3
Capacity	15+1 (extended), 12+1 (flush)	12+1	15+1	17+1
Weight	16 oz.	17.8 oz.	21 oz.	25 oz.
Trigger Pull	3 lb., 12 oz.	5.5 lbs	5.5 lbs	4.5 lbs
Width	0.875 in	1 in	1.26 in	1.3 in

The KelTec P15 offers a higher magazine capacity than the P365 in a slimmer package while being lighter than the Glock 19. However, the P365’s trigger and proven reliability make it a formidable competitor. The PX-9 Gen 3 Carry OR has an optics-ready slide, which the KelTec P15 lacks out of the box.

Pros

• Super lightweight (16 oz.)
• 15+1 capacity in an ultra-thin frame
• HiViz front sight with adjustable rear
• Concealed carry-friendly design

Cons

• Stiff slide lock and magazine release initially
• Not optics-ready out of the box
• +P ammunition increases wear

Note: KelTec has released an Optics-Ready (OR) model for the P15, but it’s a separate SKU.

Find the KelTec P15 for sale here.

Should You Buy the KelTec P15?

The KelTec P15 is an ambitious pistol that delivers where it counts: capacity, concealability, and weight.

Would I recommend the KelTec P15?

Yes, with a few caveats. If you value a lightweight, high-capacity option and are willing to break in the controls, it’s a fantastic choice. However, if you need red-dot compatibility out of the box, competitors like the SIG 1911-XFull or Tisas PX-9 Gen 3 are better suited.

For its price and features, the KelTec P15 earns a solid 8.5/10 in my book. If KelTec improves the slide lock and offers an optics-ready version, this could easily make it a strong option for concealed carry and home defense.

What are your thoughts? Let me know if you’ve had hands-on experience with the KelTec P15 and how it compares to your go-to carry gun!

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