[Remington74]

I stopped into my local gun shop and saw what was listed as a used but in excellent condition P-11 for $229. As I was looking to get rid of some money I bought it. Took it home and went to clean it but barrel did not want to come out of slide. Eventually got it out and then noticed that a 9mm round would drop straight thru the barrel, 40 cal. fits just fine. So... did some one just drop a 40 cal barrel into the 9mm slide or is this a kit and if so, how to tell? I have not shot it yet, mag holds 7 rounds and seem to feed just fine. Should this be good to go or is there something else I need to check out? Frame says 9mm, mags are marked for 10 and 12 but both take 40 cal and SEEM to feed fine. Nowhere on the barrel or slide is there any indication of 40 caliber.

 

[theduke]

A picture would answer your question. Does the slide extend past the end of the grip? A P40 slide is slightly longer than a P11. Check the Picture thread of the P11/P40 you may find your answer.

 

[GoesBang]

The 40 barrel is more difficult to remove because it bumps into the extractor.

 

[HatRon56]

the frame is a P-11, the upper is a 40 cal conversion no longer made by Kel-tec.You really lucked up on that deal.If you want a 9mm P-11 then you will have to look on Gunbroker, they come up every so often.Or you could sell the upper here once you have 25 meaningful posts or offer a trade for it.Again great find...

 

[HatRon56]

Here is a pic of the 2 different uppers, the longer on is a P-40 upper, the shorter one a P-11 upper. You can't just switch barrels or recoil springs, one is for the 40 cal and the other for the 9mm, so keep them together.
I hope this helps you see the difference between the two.

 

[850sub]

When you shoot it, keep a very tight grip.

 

[GoesBang]

Here is a pic of the 2 different uppers, the longer on is a P-40 upper, the shorter one a P-11 upper. You can't just switch barrels or recoil springs, one is for the 40 cal and the other for the 9mm, so keep them together.
I hope this helps you see the difference between the two.

Here's what my combo looks like.

 

[Remington74]

Thanks for the replies and the pictures. Lots of good information here. It is a 40 caliber conversion kit, how it got taken into the gun shop and put up for sale as a 9mm is a wonder. You would think the fella who traded it would have mentioned the conversion or the shop owner might have noticed the larger than 9mm bore. Mine came with two 9mm mags, did the kits come with a 40 cal mag or did it somehow become separated from the gun in the past? The gun itself is pristine, not a mark on it anywhere. Inside of the frame shows very little wear on the rails and the slide has even less than that almost looks un-fired. I plan to take it to the range and if all goes well it will become my new pocket pistol.

Any tips or anything unusual I should be aware of?

Thanks again for all the information, it was a real help.

 

[TxCajun]

Any tips or anything unusual I should be aware of?

The diminutive P40 does not like 180 grain ammo. Stick with 165 or lesser.
http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/p40-180gr.htm

 

[domain]

The kits did not come with a .40 mag. The 9mm mags may or may not work without tweeking. Try it and see. Kel-tec may till have .40 mags, give them a call and see.

 

[TxCajun]

Yep, in fact the original P40s simply used the 9mm mags but reliability was not always good. So, Kel-tec designed a 40 caliber mag. Later, the followers on the early P40 mags were redesigned for improved reliability. You can try the 9mm mags and they may work fine but I do believe Kel-tec still sells P40 mags.

 

[Remington74]

Well, I took the P-11/40 conversion out to the range this morning. Before leaving I stopped at my local gun shop and asked to see his box of Kel-Tec mags. Lo and behold in it I found three P-40 mags, new and never used as well as one extended floor plate. Well, at the range all the mags fed fine, three P-40 and two P-11 mags...Happy day! 100 rounds later with no hic-cups I think I will stick this 40 cal in my pocket for use around town. I was using Winchester White Box 165 grain FMJ today, any recommendations for a carry round?

 

[haugrdr]

Yeah, anything else BUT Winchester White Box...looong history of problems posted here at KTOG.

 

[theduke]

Well, I took the P-11/40 conversion out to the range this morning. Before leaving I stopped at my local gun shop and asked to see his box of Kel-Tec mags. Lo and behold in it I found three P-40 mags, new and never used as well as one extended floor plate. Well, at the range all the mags fed fine, three P-40 and two P-11 mags...Happy day! 100 rounds later with no hic-cups I think I will stick this 40 cal in my pocket for use around town. I was using Winchester White Box 165 grain FMJ today, any recommendations for a carry round?

100 rds, good for you. I couldnt get past 2 mags. I sold my conversion because of the recoil.

 

[TxCajun]

Sounds like a winner!

...any recommendations for a carry round?

Federal makes Hydro-shoks
In 135, 155, and 165 grain loads. All good choices. Again, stay south of 180 grain. There are lots of good SD rounds in 40 caliber.

 

[GoesBang]

The diminutive P40 does not like 180 grain ammo. Stick with 165 or lesser.

So very true. I really like shooting 155 gn reloads myself. Even have some 135 and 140 gn made up.

 

[kevin1976]

I use Ruger arx home defense ammo

 

[GoesBang]

The 165 gn Hornady XTP shot great in mine.

 

[Fogey]

I have a P-11 and a P-40... Does anyone make or sell a P11 kIT FOR THE P-40????

 

[850sub]

I have a P-11 and a P-40... Does anyone make or sell a P11 kIT FOR THE P-40????

You can buy P-11 parts all day long. The P-40 is no longer produced.