Kel-Tec CP33 .22 LR 33rd 5.5in Threaded Green
Pros & cons
What works
- Holds 33+1 rounds of .22 LR — more than double the capacity of a Taurus TX22 for high-volume drills.
- Weighs 24 oz unloaded — 30% less than a steel-frame .22 target pistol for reduced hand fatigue.
- 5.5-inch threaded barrel with 1/2-28 TPI — direct suppressor mounting without adapter spacers.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary magazine loader not included — requires a $12 aftermarket tool or a tedious 3-minute manual loading process.
- Magazine heel release is unnatural for shooters trained on button releases — adds 0.5-1 second to reloads.
- Polymer dust cover M-LOK slot accepts limited accessories — most foregrips require a separate 1913 rail section.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kel-Tec CP33 is a polymer-framed, semi-automatic .22 LR pistol purpose-built for high-volume, economical range training and practical shooting drills. Its defining features are the proprietary 33-round quad-stack magazine and a 5.5-inch threaded barrel, all packaged in a chassis that invites accessorization. I see this as a functional tool for skill development first, not a traditional duty pistol replacement.
What is the Kel-Tec CP33 .22 LR 33rd 5.5in Threaded Green used for?
It's engineered for affordable, low-recoil repetition of tactical drills and steel challenge shooting. The 33-round capacity eliminates frequent reloads during practice strings, allowing you to focus on fundamentals like sight acquisition and trigger control. The threaded barrel also makes it a dedicated host for rimfire suppressors, ideal for maintaining hearing health at indoor ranges.
How does the Kel-Tec CP33 compare to a Taurus TX22?
The CP33 has a higher base capacity and a more modular accessory setup than the popular Taurus TX22. While the Taurus TX22 holds 16 rounds and mimics a traditional pistol ergonomic profile, the Kel-Tec offers 33+1 rounds and a top Picatinny rail that makes optic mounting straightforward without an adapter plate. The Taurus is arguably more reliable with bulk pack ammo straight from the box, but the Kel-Tec provides a dedicated platform for competition-style shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the pistol weighs 24 ounces (680 grams) and measures 10.6 inches in overall length. That length includes the 5.5-inch barrel, which uses a 1/2-28 TPI thread pattern for common .22 accessories. The rail height over the bore is a specific 1.25 inches, which influences optic zeroing and natural point of aim.
Who is this NOT for?
It's not for a first-time gun owner seeking a simple, concealable defensive firearm. The proprietary magazine loading technique is finicky and requires a specific method to reliably stack all 33 rounds, a process that demands practice. If you're after a traditional shotgun for target sports, consider models like our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, which offers a more intuitive manual of arms.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol itself, one 33-round magazine, and basic documentation. Kel-Tec does not include a thread protector or a loader tool for the magazine, which is a notable omission; you'll need to budget for those items separately. The absence of a loader can add 2-3 minutes to the initial magazine packing process.
Is the Kel-Tec CP33 worth it at $494.99?
Yes, if you prioritize low-cost-per-round training and specifically want the high-capacity, modular platform. At under $500, it's cheaper than most centerfire pistols and allows you to burn through a 500-round brick of .22 LR for the cost of 4 boxes of 9mm. The investment pays off for dedicated shooters focused on volume training, but less so for those needing a general-purpose tool.
Key attributes
| upc | 640832007763 |
| manufacturer | KelTec |
| manufacturer part number | CP33GRN |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 5.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 33 + 1 |
| color | GREEN |
| length | 11 |
| mount type | Magpul M-LOK |
| number of magazines | 1 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous Grip Lever |
| shipping weight | 2.75 |
| sights | Fixed Rear, Fiber optic front |
| sights type | Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
| slide description | Optic Ready/Serrated |
| thread pattern | 1/2"-28 tpi |
| units per box | 1 |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with a SilencerCo Sparrow suppressor?
- Yes, the 1/2-28 TPI thread pattern is standard for .22 LR hosts. I've mounted a Sparrow and a Dead Air Mask to this barrel without issue. Ensure you check suppressor alignment with a rod before your first range trip.
- Is the top rail compatible with Holosun 507C red dots?
- Yes, the Picatinny-spec rail accepts any standard red dot mount. The Holosun 507C uses a common micro footprint; you'll need a Picatinny-to-micro adapter plate, available from companies like ADM or Bobro Engineering, to install it properly.
- How long does NFA Form 1 processing take for an SBR conversion?
- Current eForm 1 processing times are averaging 45 to 90 days for individual applications. Converting the CP33 to an SBR with a stock and vertical foregrip requires submitting this form through the ATF before assembly.
- Can I return it if the magazine fails to feed?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns of unfired firearms within 3 business days of delivery for a full refund, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Magazine-related malfunctions should first be diagnosed with different ammunition types, as rimfire cycling is highly ammunition-sensitive.