Kel Tec P17 Review!

Published on July 18, 2020
Duration: 36:32

This guide details the field stripping process for the Kel-Tec P17 and the critical magazine spring upgrade. It highlights the ease of disassembly, similar to a Glock, and emphasizes the importance of using 2nd generation magazines with die-cut springs for improved reliability, especially with high-velocity ammunition. The information is presented with high technical standards, drawing from detailed reliability testing.

Quick Summary

The Kel-Tec P17 is an excellent semi-automatic pistol for youth shooters, featuring a lightweight design, easy slide manipulation, and a high 16+1 round capacity. While early units had reliability issues with specific ammunition and mechanical failures, upgrading to second-generation magazines with die-cut springs significantly enhances performance. It offers a high-value proposition at around $200, including three magazines and a threaded barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Shooting Performance Montage
  2. 11:53Introduction and Value Proposition
  3. 12:54Comparison with Glock 44 and 43X
  4. 14:29Reliability and Ammo Sensitivity
  5. 16:53Suppression and Blowback Issues
  6. 19:42Takedown and Maintenance
  7. 21:09Magazine Generations and Fixes
  8. 23:45Final Assessment: Pros and Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Kel-Tec P17 suitable for youth shooters?

The Kel-Tec P17 is ideal for youth shooters due to its lightweight design, extremely easy-to-manipulate slide, and manageable recoil, all contributing to a high-capacity (16+1 rounds) and user-friendly shooting experience.

What are the common reliability issues with the Kel-Tec P17?

Early P17 units or those using first-generation magazines can experience reliability problems like stovepipes, especially with certain ammunition like Winchester M22. A mechanical failure of the slide stop mechanism has also been reported after moderate use.

How can the reliability of the Kel-Tec P17 be improved?

Reliability can be significantly improved by upgrading to second-generation P17 magazines, which feature a die-cut spring instead of a coil spring. These newer magazines perform better with high-velocity ammunition.

How does the Kel-Tec P17 compare to Glock models?

Compared to the Glock 44, the P17 offers higher capacity (16 vs. 10 rounds) and a much lighter slide pull. It's similar in size to the Glock 43X but is substantially lighter in weight.

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