The Kel Tec P17, a lightweight and compact pistol, is quickly gaining popularity among gun enthusiasts for its reliability and affordability.
Pairing it with the right red dot sight can significantly enhance its performance.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll dive deep into some of the best red dot sights for the Kel Tec P17, covering specifications, best features, pros and cons, and my personal experience using each product.
I’ll also include insights from online customer comments and discussions.
Before concluding, I’ll provide a guide on how to choose the best red dot sight for the Kel Tec P17 and answer some frequently asked questions.
Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2
Specifications:
Reticle Size: 3.25 MOA
Battery Life: Up to 4 years on a single CR2032 battery
Weight: 1.2 ounces
Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
Waterproof: Up to 20 meters
Best Features:
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is renowned for its ruggedness and reliability. The sight's unique shape helps to absorb impacts, and its aluminum body ensures durability. The 3.25 MOA dot is perfect for rapid target acquisition and accuracy.
Pros:
Exceptional durability
Long battery life
Easy to adjust windage and elevation
Auto-adjust brightness settings
Cons:
Higher price point
Slightly heavier than some competitors
Personal Experience:
When using the Trijicon RMR Type 2 on my Kel Tec P17, I immediately noticed the improvement in target acquisition speed. The sight's auto-adjusting brightness feature worked flawlessly in various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to low-light indoor environments. Despite its slightly higher weight, the RMR Type 2 felt balanced on the P17 and did not hinder the pistol’s handling.
Online Customer Comments:
Many users on firearm forums and review sites praise the RMR Type 2 for its durability and reliability, noting that it performs well even under harsh conditions. However, some mention the price as a significant downside but agree that the quality justifies the cost.
Battery Life: Up to 150 hours at highest setting, 30,000 hours at lowest setting
Weight: 1.1 ounces
Material: Aluminum
Waterproof: Yes
Best Features:
The Vortex Venom offers a clear, crisp sight picture with both 3 MOA and 6 MOA options, making it versatile for different shooting scenarios. It has a top-loading battery compartment, which makes battery replacement quick and easy without removing the sight from the pistol.
Pros:
Affordable price
Excellent battery life
Easy battery access
Multiple reticle size options
Cons:
Slightly larger footprint
Some users report minor issues with the dot brightness in extreme lighting
Personal Experience:
Mounting the Vortex Venom on my Kel Tec P17 was straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly design. The sight’s performance was impressive, particularly the clarity of the reticle and the ease of making quick adjustments. The top-loading battery compartment is a thoughtful feature that saved me time and hassle during battery changes.
Online Customer Comments:
Feedback from the shooting community highlights the Vortex Venom’s value for money. Many appreciate its clear sight picture and long battery life. However, a few users have mentioned occasional difficulties with the brightness settings in very bright or very dim conditions.
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery
Weight: 1.5 ounces
Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
Waterproof: Up to 1 meter
Best Features:
The Holosun HS507C X2 stands out for its multi-reticle system, allowing users to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. It also features Solar Failsafe technology, which ensures the sight remains operational even if the battery fails.
Pros:
Versatile multi-reticle system
Extremely long battery life
Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake features
Robust build quality
Cons:
Slightly heavier than competitors
Learning curve for using multi-reticle options
Personal Experience:
Using the Holosun HS507C X2 on my Kel Tec P17 was a game-changer. The multi-reticle system provided flexibility for different shooting scenarios, and the Shake Awake feature was incredibly convenient, ensuring the sight was always ready when I was. Despite its slightly heavier weight, it balanced well on the P17 and did not impede my shooting experience.
Online Customer Comments:
The HS507C X2 receives high praise for its innovative features and reliability. Users particularly appreciate the Solar Failsafe and the Shake Awake technology, which enhance the sight’s practicality. Some, however, mention a learning curve with the multi-reticle system but agree that it’s worth the effort.
The Burris FastFire 3 offers both 3 MOA and 8 MOA dot options, catering to different shooting preferences. Its automatic brightness sensor adjusts the dot intensity based on the surrounding light conditions, ensuring optimal visibility at all times.
Pros:
Affordable and reliable
Lightweight
Easy windage and elevation adjustments
Automatic brightness adjustment
Cons:
Shorter battery life compared to some competitors
Battery compartment requires sight removal for replacement
Personal Experience:
The Burris FastFire 3 was a pleasant surprise on my Kel Tec P17. Its lightweight design didn’t affect the pistol’s balance, and the automatic brightness adjustment worked seamlessly across different environments. However, the need to remove the sight for battery changes was a minor inconvenience.
Online Customer Comments:
Customers often highlight the FastFire 3’s affordability and reliability, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious shooters. The automatic brightness sensor receives positive feedback, though some users find the battery replacement process cumbersome.
The Sig Sauer Romeo Zero is incredibly lightweight, thanks to its polymer construction. It features an advanced LED emitter for a crisp, bright dot and MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) to conserve battery life when the sight is not in use.
Pros:
Extremely lightweight
Long battery life
MOTAC feature conserves battery
Affordable
Cons:
Polymer construction may be less durable than aluminum
Limited to a 3 MOA reticle
Personal Experience:
Mounting the Sig Sauer Romeo Zero on my Kel Tec P17 was effortless due to its lightweight design. The MOTAC feature was a standout, ensuring the sight was always ready without draining the battery. While the polymer construction raised initial concerns about durability, it held up well during testing.
Online Customer Comments:
Many users praise the Romeo Zero for its lightweight design and affordability. The MOTAC feature is often highlighted as a significant advantage. However, some users express concerns about the polymer construction’s long-term durability.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for Kel Tec P17?
Choosing the right red dot sight for your Kel Tec P17 involves considering several factors:
1. Reticle Size:
Reticle size is crucial depending on your shooting style. Smaller reticles (2-3 MOA) offer greater precision, while larger reticles (6-8 MOA) provide faster target acquisition.
2. Battery Life:
A longer battery life is preferable to avoid frequent changes. Consider sights with energy-conserving features like auto-shutoff or motion activation.
3. Weight and Material:
Ensure the sight's weight complements the lightweight nature of the P17. Aluminum offers durability, while polymer reduces weight but may compromise durability.
4. Durability:
Look for sights that are waterproof, shockproof, and built to withstand recoil and rough handling.
5. Ease of Use:
Features like top-loading battery compartments and user-friendly adjustment knobs can make maintenance and adjustments easier.
6. Price:
Balance your budget with the features you need. While high-end sights offer advanced features and durability, more affordable options can still provide excellent performance.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to modify my Kel Tec P17 to mount a red dot sight?
A1: Some red dot sights may require specific mounts or modifications. It's important to check compatibility with your Kel Tec P17.
Q2: Can I use a red dot sight in low light conditions?
A2: Yes, most red dot sights have adjustable brightness settings to accommodate various lighting conditions, including low light.
Q3: How do I zero a red dot sight?
A3: To zero a red dot sight, you need to adjust the windage and elevation until the dot aligns with the point of impact at your desired distance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for precise adjustments.
Q4: Are red dot sights durable enough for regular use?
A4: High-quality red dot sights are designed to be durable and withstand regular use, including exposure to harsh conditions and recoil.