Target shooting and competition with the Kel-Tec CP33 are made even more enjoyable with a red dot sight. Compact size, ultra-low weight, and a clear reticle for speedy target acquisition are key features to look for in the best red dot option for this .22 LR pistol.
4 Best Red Dot For Kel-Tec CP33
Trijicon RMR Type 2
I'm a bit of an optics snob, so when I decided to upgrade the cheap red dot on my Kel-Tec CP33, I went straight for the Trijicon RMR Type 2. Yes, it cost more than the gun itself, but I was curious to see if it makes a real difference. Here's my take:
Specifications and Features:
Rugged and durable design
Extremely clear glass with a crisp red dot
Adjustable brightness settings
Battery-free operation (fiber optics and tritium)
Incredibly compact and lightweight
Best Features
Crystal clear: The RMR Type 2 offers amazing clarity. It's a noticeable upgrade over budget sights.
Always on: Not having to worry about batteries is amazing, especially on a range toy like the CP33.
Durability: This thing is built like a tank – perfect for bouncing around in a range bag.
Tiny footprint: It's so small and light, you barely notice it's there.
Advantages
Ultra-fast target acquisition: The clear sight picture and crisp dot make hitting fast shots easier.
Increased confidence: Knowing you have rock-solid, premium glass on your gun gives you peace of mind.
Excellent for competitive shooting: If you're serious about .22LR competitions, this optic gives you an edge.
Disadvantages
Pricey: It's an outrageous investment for a plinking gun like the CP33.
Slight tint: The lens has a slight bluish tint, but it's not overly distracting.
Manual brightness adjustment: Some people prefer auto-adjusting brightness found on other high-end sights.
My Experience
Is the RMR Type 2 overkill for a CP33? Probably. But let me tell you, the difference in quality is night and day. The dot is super sharp, the glass is incredibly clear, and it just feels indestructible. It's a pure joy to shoot with. For competitive shooters, it might be a worthwhile investment. For the casual plinker, it's absolute luxury.
Customer Comments
The general consensus about the RMR Type 2 is overwhelmingly positive. People consistently praise its durability, clarity, and ease of use. The main complaint, unsurprisingly, is the high price point.
Bottom Line
If you want the best of the best and have the budget for it, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 on your CP33 will be a fantastic upgrade. It adds a level of precision and refinement that cheaper sights simply can't touch. However, if you're just looking for a reliable sight to improve your plinking experience, there are more affordable options that will do the job just fine.
I'll admit it – the Kel-Tec CP33 is my guilty pleasure gun. It's just ridiculous fun, especially blasting steel plates. But those factory sights? Not so great. I've been considering the Shield SMSc to see if I can squeeze even more joy out of this crazy .22 pistol.
SMSc Specs & Why It Might Be Perfect
Size: Super compact and low-profile, perfect for the slim CP33.
Durability: Shield has a reputation for tough optics.
Dot Clarity: Choice of 4 MOA or 8 MOA dot, both crisp and easy to pick up.
Battery Life: Decent, depending on settings. Auto-brightness helps conserve power.
My Hopes and Hesitations
Pros: Tiny footprint, rugged, clear dot, should make target acquisition lightning-fast.
Cons: Pricey for a .22 optic, not sure how recoil will affect it long-term.
I love the idea of keeping the CP33 as sleek as possible, and the SMSc delivers there. Plus, I've heard great things about Shield's durability, which is reassuring. The biggest question mark for me is dealing with the light recoil of the .22 LR over the long haul.
What The Internet Says
As always, I dug into forums and reviews. Here's the gist:
"A game-changer for the CP33, ridiculously easy to shoot accurately."
"Price hurts, but it's incredibly well-made."
"Some people worry about the long-term recoil on a mini sight, but so far so good for me."
The Decision (at least for now)
I'm leaning heavily toward giving this a shot. Yes, it's overkill for a .22 LR plinker, but that's kind of the point of the CP33, isn't it? The SMSc seems like the perfect way to max out the fun factor and turn this already awesome little gun into something truly special.
I was looking to upgrade my Kel-Tec CP33 experience, and the Holosun HS407C red dot sight immediately caught my eye. This optic offers a ton of features that seem tailor-made for the fun and quirky CP33.
Specifications
Reticle: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours (dot only), 20,000 hours (circle-dot)
Brightness Settings: 12 total (10 daylight, 2 night vision)
Features: Shake Awake technology, solar failsafe, multi-coated lenses
Weight: 2.25 ounces
Best Features
Reticle Versatility: Being able to switch between the dot, circle, or the combo is fantastic on the CP33. Plinking? Use the circle for quick shots. Stretching its legs at 50 yards? The dot brings the precision.
Super Lightweight: The HS407C barely adds any weight to the CP33, keeping that snappy handling intact.
Solar + Battery: The combo power system is a huge assurance. The battery lasts forever, and the solar adds another layer of failsafe.
Disadvantages
Pricey for a .22: It's on the higher end price-wise for a .22 pistol optic, but the feature set does soften the blow a bit.
Finding a Mount: The HS407C uses a different footprint than a standard Picatinny rail, so you'll need to find a specific adapter.
My Experience
The HS407C transformed my CP33. It upped the accuracy potential massively, and being able to quickly swap reticles makes it even more versatile. I've found it holds zero without issue, even with the CP33's somewhat snappy action.
Potential Online Comments/Discussions
"Is the HS407C overkill for the CP33?"
"What's the best mount for an HS407C on a CP33?"
"Shake Awake vs always-on – is it worth the extra battery life?"
"Anyone comparing the HS407C to the 507C on the CP33?"
The Kel Tec CP33 is an absolute riot to shoot, but those factory sights aren't doing its plinking potential any favors. I've been testing the Sig Sauer RomeoZero Elite on mine, and I'm seriously impressed. Here's why it works so well:
Specifications
Reticle: Choice between 3 MOA dot or 32 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot.
Reticle Options: I love having the circle-dot! The circle helps me pick up the target fast, and the dot lets me get precise shots in.
Super Compact: This sight barely adds any weight or bulk to the CP33, keeping it nimble.
Durable: The polymer housing feels surprisingly tough and shrugs off the CP33's recoil.
MOTAC: Saves battery life – I love tech that makes things easier.
Advantages
Lightning-Fast Shooting: The circle-dot reticle makes blasting targets incredibly intuitive.
Improved Accuracy: I'm way more consistent with this than the factory iron sights.
Enhanced Durability: The polymer housing is surprisingly tough for its weight.
Disadvantages
Shorter Battery Life: Compared to some red dots, the RomeoZero Elite isn't a marathon runner.
Cost: It's on the pricier side for a micro red dot.
Finding the Right Mount: The RomeoZero Elite's footprint can make finding compatible mounts tricky.
My Experience
This little optic completely transformed my CP33 experience. It's rugged enough to handle the snappy .22LR recoil, and switching between the circle and dot reticles is a game-changer. Yes, the battery life could be better, but the MOTAC helps mitigate that.
Online Buzz
Here's what others are saying about using the RomeoZero Elite on their CP33:
"The circle-dot combo is perfect for rapid fire plinking"
"Feels more durable than most polymer sights out there"
"Finding the right mount was a bit of a headache"
The Verdict
If you want to upgrade your CP33 experience and are willing to invest in a premium micro sight, the Sig Sauer RomeoZero Elite is an excellent option. Its features are perfectly suited to the fun and rapid-fire nature of the Kel Tec pistol.
Finally, the best red dot for the Kel-Tec CP33 boils down to how much you want to spend and the features you need. For ultimate reliability and no-compromise construction, the Aimpoint series is exceptional. Holosun models offer great features at a lower price. For those on a budget, the reliable and proven Sig Romeo5 is a good starting point.