KelTec PLR-16

{{Short description|Gas-operated semiautomatic pistol}}

{{Infobox weapon

| name = KelTec PLR-16

| image = Kel-Tec PLR-16.jpg

| image_size = 300

| caption = PLR-16 fitted with 30-round M16 STANAG magazine, compact forend, and Levang linear recoil compensator

| origin = United States

| type = Semi-automatic pistol

| is_ranged = yes

| service =

| used_by =

| wars =

| designer = George Kellgren

| design_date =

| manufacturer = Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc.

| unit_cost =

| production_date = 2006-present

| number =

| variants =

| spec_label =

| weight = {{convert|3.42|lbs|kg|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=PLR-16|url=http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/plr-16/|publisher=Kel-Tec|accessdate=21 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215024113/http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/pistols/plr-16|archive-date=15 December 2012|url-status=dead}}

| length = {{convert|18.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}

| part_length = {{convert|9.2|in|cm|abbr=on}}

| width =

| height =

| cartridge = 5.56mm NATO

| cartridge_weight =

| caliber =

| barrels =

| action = Gas-operated

| rate =

| velocity = {{convert|2600|ft/s|m/s}}

| range =

| max_range =

| feed = STANAG

| sights = Iron sights

}}

The KelTec PLR-16 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol version of the SU-16, chambered in 5.56 NATO, manufactured by Kel-Tec Industries of Florida.

Design

The PLR (Pistol, Long Range) was designed for recreational target shooting, and small game, varmint, or predator hunting.

{{Citation | surname=Taffin | given=John| title=Chainsaw Utility KEL-TEC's 21st Century Hunter | journal=American Handgunner | volume=31 | issue=5 | year=2007| pages=44–45 }}

Due to the PLR's {{convert|9.25|in|mm|abbr=on}} barrel, the 5.56×45mm bullet's velocity is slightly reduced compared to its velocity from a traditionally {{convert|20|in|mm|abbr=on}} barrel.

The PLR-16 combines the multi-lug rotating bolt design and breech-locking system of the AR-15 with a gas piston system.

The pistol accepts the same STANAG magazine that is used in the M-16, AR-15, and other NATO rifles chambered for 5.56×45mm.Friedman, Ed. "Kel-Tec PLR-16 Pistol: It’s not an AR, but it can take AR magazines. What is this…this thing?" American Rifleman. 2011. [http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=1642&cid=19] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100720/http://www.americanrifleman.org/ArticlePage.aspx?id=1642&cid=19|date=4 March 2016}}

The PLR-16's frame is constructed of reinforced polymer, making the pistol both durable and lightweight. The frame incorporates a Picatinny rail molded to the top of the receiver to accept various optical sights.

See also

References

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