KelTec P17: Cheap, Weird, and Surprisingly Good

Published on April 30, 2026
Duration: 8:15

This review of the Kel-Tec P17 .22LR pistol highlights its budget-friendly nature, lightweight design, and trainer-style features. While it offers good value for its price point, the review notes some quirks in its controls and potential reliability issues, especially when attempting to mount an optic on the non-optic-ready version. It's presented as a capable plinker and a decent option for those seeking an affordable rimfire trainer.

Quick Summary

The Kel-Tec P17 is a budget-friendly .22LR trainer pistol under $250, featuring a lightweight design (11.6 oz empty) and 16-round magazines. While it offers great value, its controls are somewhat unconventional, and reliability can be impacted by adding optics.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: Kel-Tec P17 Project Rimfire
  2. 00:32P17 Specifications: Weight, Barrel, Width
  3. 01:48Sights and Threaded Barrel
  4. 02:04Optic Ready vs. Standard Slide
  5. 03:12Reliability with Optics and Ammo
  6. 04:10Accuracy Testing at 25 Yards
  7. 04:32Price and Value Proposition
  8. 04:45Kel-Tec Strengths and P17 Design
  9. 05:47Controls: Trigger, Mag Release, Safety
  10. 07:02Comparison: Kel-Tec P17 vs. Taurus TX22
  11. 07:45Overall Value and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kel-Tec P17 and what makes it notable?

The Kel-Tec P17 is a trainer-style .22LR pistol released in 2019, notable for its sub-$250 price point and 16-round magazine capacity, which was high for its time. It's also exceptionally lightweight, weighing just 11.6 oz empty.

How reliable is the Kel-Tec P17, especially with an optic?

The P17's reliability can be affected by adding an optic, potentially increasing failure rates due to slide weight. Without an optic, reliability improves significantly, especially with ammunition like CCI Mini-Mags.

What are the key features of the Kel-Tec P17's controls?

The P17 features an ambidextrous paddle-style magazine release, a left-side-only slide stop, and an ambi manual safety that can be challenging to disengage with a standard grip. Its trigger is a light, single-action break at approximately 2.5 lbs.

How does the Kel-Tec P17 compare to the Taurus TX22?

The P17 is generally cheaper than the Taurus TX22, offering more value for its price. However, the TX22 has more conventional controls and a slightly better overall performance, though it typically costs more.

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