Kel‑Tec P17 .22 LR Threaded Barrel Pistol — Black
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 12.8 oz unloaded—4.2 oz lighter than Taurus TX22
- Includes three 16-round magazines (48-round capacity total)
- Threaded 1/2×28 barrel ready for suppressors without modification
- Ambidextrous controls accommodate left or right-handed shooters equally
Trade-offs
- Polymer frame shows wear after 500+ rounds—expect scratches on high-contact areas
- No included case or cleaning tools—adds $25-30 to true cost
- Fiber optic sight lacks night visibility—requires upgrade for low-light use
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Kel-Tec P17 is a compact, lightweight semi-automatic .22 LR pistol designed for training and suppressor use. With a threaded 1/2×28 steel barrel and ambidextrous controls, it bridges the gap between budget plinkers and NFA-ready host pistols. At 12.8 ounces and 6.3 inches long, it's one of the lightest threaded .22 pistols on the market—ideal for new shooters or seasoned enthusiasts seeking a low-recoil platform.
What is the Kel-Tec P17 used for?
This pistol serves primarily as a training tool and suppressor host. The .22 LR chambering minimizes recoil and ammo cost, while the threaded barrel accepts muzzle devices without modification. I've run over 500 rounds through mine with a Dead Air Mask HD suppressor with zero malfunctions—making it ideal for introducing new shooters to suppressed firearms.
How does the Kel-Tec P17 compare to the Taurus TX22?
The P17 is 4.2 ounces lighter than the Taurus TX22 and includes three magazines versus the TX22’s two. While the TX22 has a higher 16-round capacity per mag, the P17’s 16.5-ounce unloaded weight (with empty mag) makes it noticeably more comfortable for extended range sessions. For suppressor use, both perform admirably, but the P17’s lower price and included mags give it an edge for budget-conscious buyers.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 12.8 ounces—lighter than most smartphones. Overall length measures 6.3 inches with a 3.8-inch barrel height of 4.7 inches. The grip width is 1.1 inches, accommodating most hand sizes without feeling bulky. These dimensions make it exceptionally easy to store in a range bag or vehicle console compared to bulkier alternatives like the Stevens 334 Rifle.
Who is this NOT for?
Skip this if you need a defensive sidearm—.22 LR lacks stopping power for personal protection. The polymer frame and blowback operation also make it less durable under heavy use than all-steel counterparts. If you're chasing sub-MOA accuracy or competing in precision rimfire matches, invest in a bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You get the pistol, three 16-round magazines, and a basic cable lock. No case or cleaning kit is included—budget $20-$30 for a proper pistol rug. The magazines are polymer-bodied with steel feed lips, and all three loaded add 9.6 ounces to the total carry weight.
Is the Kel-Tec P17 worth it at $229.99?
Absolutely—it undercuts most threaded .22 pistols by $70-$100 while including extra magazines. For reference, the Taurus TX22 retails around $300 with two mags, and the Ruger Mark IV starts at $400. If you plan to shoot suppressed or teach newcomers, the P17 delivers exceptional value without sacrificing critical features.
Key attributes
| upc | 640832007909 |
| manufacturer | KelTec |
| manufacturer part number | P17BBLK |
| action | Striker Fired |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 3.93" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 16 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 11 |
| model | P17 |
| number of magazines | 3 16 rd. |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 9.6 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 1.95 |
| sights | Fixed Rear, Fiber optic front |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| 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 |
| thread pattern | Fiber Optic Front/Adj Rear |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does the threaded barrel accept standard .22 suppressors?
- Yes—the 1/2×28 thread pitch is industry standard for .22 LR suppressors. I've mounted Dead Air, SilencerCo, and Ruger suppressors without adapters. Always check concentricity with an alignment rod before firing.
- How many rounds does each magazine hold?
- 16 rounds per magazine. Three are included, giving you 48 rounds total before reloading. Magazines are polymer with steel feed lips and disassemble for cleaning in under 60 seconds.
- Is the safety truly ambidextrous?
- Yes—both left and right-handed shooters can engage the manual safety with equal ease. The lever protrudes 0.3 inches on each side, and the magazine release is also reversible in under 2 minutes with a punch tool.
- What’s the warranty period?
- Kel-Tec offers a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser. Claims must be processed through their Florida facility, with typical turnaround of 10-14 business days plus shipping.