KelTec is always coming up with new and interesting guns. Their P17 is one of, if not the, lightest .22LR pistols on the market and one of the most affordable. It’s also now joining the ranks of red dot-capable pistols with the introduction of a red dot-equipped P17 slide.

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Simply swap slides to convert to red dot compatibility.

Keltec’s P17 slide kit is sold as a package with the CTS-1550 red dot.

Hop had a rough go with his first P17 review. The second round of the review went better, with that updated version cycling better (but not perfectly). .22 LR pistols are generally ammunition sensitive and it often takes some work to find a load that works 100%.

Adding a red dot to the slide changes the mass of the slide, which changes the delicate balance between the recoil force and the slide/recoil spring combo. KelTec selected the Crimson Trace CTS-1550 red dot, which has an MSRP of $179.99, to include with the slide. This tiny and lightweight optic makes sense for this application mounted to a slide. The notch at the rear of the optic also works as an iron sight with the raised fiber optic front sight.

The P17 slide with the red dot is available now from KelTec for $199.99.

The P17 slide’s front sight lines up with the rear sight notch in the Crimson Trace red dot.

The front sight is raised to remain visible through the optic.

From the manufacturer:

We’ve partnered with Crimson Trace to bring you an optics slide for your beloved P17. This combination comes as a slick, easy to use package that’s simple to install. This assembly is a KelTec Official OE replacement for your P17 slide and there’s no optic installation required.
Replace the slide, zero your dot, and you’re ready to go.

The Crimson Trace CTS-1550 reflex sight perfectly co-witnesses with the raised front sight that comes installed on your new P17 slide assembly. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of sight picture & sight alignment, you’ll be able to squeeze off your most accurate shots.

Upgrade your P17. Get to the range.

All images via KelTec