People Kel-Tec Used in Trayvon Martin Shooting up for Auction Rob Curtis May 12, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. George Zimmerman is auctioning the Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm he used to shoot and kill Trayvon Martin in 2012. It's billed as a chance to own a piece of defensive shooting history. The case drew international attention owing to alleged overtones of racism and its test of Florida's stand-your-ground statute. Hoodies became a symbol of bigotry and it seemed like everyone was cashing in on the event. Companies profited from T-shirts and hoodie sales, media outlets that used family photos were charged usage fees by the family portrait photographer that shot them, and even Martin's mother filed two trademark applications for the phrases “I Am Trayvon” and “Justice for Trayvon.” We're not surprised to see Zimmerman selling the pistol. Still, we don't see Zimmerman's Kel-Tec commanding the same attention, or price, as something like the 6.5 mm Carcano Lee used to kill President John F. Kennedy, or the HK416 used to switch of Osama bin Laden, or the Browning FN Model 1910 used in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. But, we'll be curious to see what the internet thinks the Kel-Tec used in Trayvon Martins shooting is worth and how much attention the 24-hour auction receives. It's important to note Zimmerman was charged by a special prosecutor appointed by the Governor of Florida only as a result of intense public pressure after the Sanford Police Department declined to press charges. He was later acquitted of the second-degree murder charge brought against him by the state of Florida. The auction begins tomorrow, May 12, on Gunbroker at 11am EST. Update: Gunbroker pulled the auction. The company said, “We want no part in the listing on our web site or in any of the publicity it is receiving.” Update: The Kel-tec is now listed for sale on United Gun Group's website and the auction appears to have been hijacked, with bidding up in the tens-of-millions of dollars. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
