The Kel Tec KS7: A Compact Shotgun with a Punch
The Kel Tec KS7 has carved a niche for itself in the firearms market, captivating gun enthusiasts with its innovative bullpup design and exceptionally compact form factor. This pump-action shotgun offers a significant advantage in maneuverability and ease of carry, making it an attractive option for home defense, recreational shooting, and even tactical applications. Its relatively low price point further enhances its appeal, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters. However, while the KS7 boasts several desirable features, prospective buyers and current owners should be aware that, like any firearm, it has its own set of challenges. This article will delve into the common Kel Tec KS7 problems, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issues that can arise and offering practical solutions to keep your KS7 running smoothly.
Dealing with the Kick: Recoil Considerations
One of the first things you’ll notice when firing the Kel Tec KS7 is its substantial recoil. The lightweight design, coupled with the potent nature of 12-gauge ammunition, contributes to a recoil impulse that can be described as brisk. This intense kick is something that new KS7 owners may not be prepared for, and it can impact both the enjoyment of shooting and the shooter’s accuracy.
The physics behind this are straightforward: a lighter gun absorbs less of the energy generated by the firing cartridge, transferring more of that energy directly to the shooter. The KS7’s relatively compact size further exacerbates the recoil, as there’s less surface area to distribute the force across the shoulder. This, however, is something most lightweight shotguns face.
How can this problem be dealt with? It’s important to adopt proper shooting techniques. A firm stance, a solid grip on the forend and grip, and a commitment to keeping the gun firmly planted against your shoulder are crucial. Consider experimenting with different types of ammunition, as some loads will inherently produce less recoil than others. In particular, consider using target loads. They can make for a much more comfortable experience. Unfortunately, the aftermarket support for recoil pads on the KS7 has historically been minimal.
Encountering Reliability Hurdles
Reliability is a paramount concern for any firearm, and the Kel Tec KS7, despite its overall strengths, has been known to exhibit occasional reliability issues. These problems can manifest in various forms, from frustrating stovepipes to failure to feed or eject. Understanding the potential causes of these problems is crucial for preventing them and ensuring your KS7 functions dependably.
Stovepipes, where the spent casing gets stuck upright, partially ejected from the chamber, are a common complaint. A stovepipe can occur if the spent shell doesn’t fully clear the ejection port. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient recoil energy, a dirty chamber, or issues with the extractor.
Failure to feed (FTF) is another issue, where a round fails to load correctly into the chamber. This can result from problems with the magazine, the feed ramp, or the ammunition itself. Sometimes, a round simply doesn’t make its way from the magazine tube to the chamber.
Failure to eject (FTE) problems encompass the inability of the firearm to throw the spent casing out. This can be caused by the same issues as the stovepipe, with dirty chambers, weak extraction, or the wrong types of ammunition causing problems.
What can be done to solve these potential issues?
Proper maintenance is essential. Thorough cleaning and lubrication of your KS7 after each shooting session, paying particular attention to the chamber and extractor, can prevent many of these issues. The magazine tube should also be cleaned to ensure a smooth feeding of shells.
Ammunition selection also plays a role. Some KS7 owners have reported that their guns are more sensitive to certain types of ammunition than others. Experimenting with different brands and loads to find the most reliable combination is often beneficial. Always ensure that the ammunition meets the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Finally, operator error can sometimes contribute to reliability issues. A firm and consistent pump-action stroke is essential for ensuring smooth cycling. Avoid short-stroking the action.
Troubleshooting Trigger Challenges
The trigger pull on the Kel Tec KS7 can sometimes be described as heavy or gritty, which may be detrimental to accuracy. A heavy trigger requires more force to operate, which can lead to unwanted movement of the firearm, thereby throwing off the aim. A gritty trigger feels like it has some friction to it, and can also negatively impact the shooter.
If the trigger pull is heavy or feels gritty, it can potentially be addressed. While there aren’t many aftermarket trigger upgrades, there are some options. Users can also focus on dry-firing exercises. Practice dry firing, which will help to smooth out the trigger pull over time. Furthermore, it can help you become familiar with the firearm.
Understanding the Use of Polymer Components
The extensive use of polymer components in the Kel Tec KS7’s construction is a key characteristic of the design. Polymer offers advantages in terms of weight reduction and cost-effectiveness. However, the durability and longevity of polymer are a concern for some. While modern polymers are generally very durable, they can be susceptible to damage or wear over time.
The forend, grip, and receiver of the KS7 are made of polymer. These parts undergo a lot of wear and tear during firing. While the polymer is strong, repeated impact and exposure to certain chemicals or solvents could cause it to break down.
To maximize the life of your KS7, it’s essential to conduct regular inspections, and to avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents during cleaning. Following the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedures and using appropriate lubricants can help protect the polymer components from damage.
Addressing Stock Issues and Ensuring Comfort
The stock design can also pose an issue for certain shooters. Some find the stock uncomfortable against the shoulder, and this can affect the shooting experience. The discomfort could potentially affect the control, potentially leading to poor recoil management.
While the stock design can be tricky to resolve, a shooter could look at some of the aftermarket options out there, such as stock pads, and other options to improve the user experience.
Tackling Magazine Tube Challenges
The Kel Tec KS7 features a tubular magazine located beneath the barrel. While it provides a high capacity, certain issues can arise. Loading shells into the tube can sometimes be cumbersome, and the spring can fail over time.
Issues loading shells may require the user to try different techniques. Some owners have also chosen to replace magazine springs to allow for more reliable function.
Making Comparisons
The Kel Tec KS7 stands apart from other firearms. Compared to other bullpup shotguns, the KS7 is the king of compactness. Its design gives the shooter better maneuverability. It still has similar drawbacks as other bullpup shotguns, such as the grip being further from the face.
Final Thoughts
The Kel Tec KS7 offers a lot to a prospective buyer. Compactness, power, and a unique design make it an appealing option. However, it’s essential to be aware of the common Kel Tec KS7 problems before making a purchase. Recoil can be harsh, but can be managed with the right techniques. Reliability issues are possible, and require a degree of maintenance. The polymer construction must be kept in mind. The trigger could be improved.
By understanding and addressing these potential issues, owners can maximize their enjoyment of the KS7 and ensure its reliable performance. It remains a popular choice, so the shortcomings should not dissuade users from trying the product.
Next Steps
Have you encountered any of these problems with your Kel Tec KS7? Share your experiences in the comments below! If you’re researching the KS7, visit online forums. There, you can gain further insights from other owners, troubleshoot specific issues, and learn about aftermarket solutions.
