Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about the KelTec CP33 today. This unique looking handgun has garnered a following with shooters of all types since its introduction in 2019.
The handgun offers some unique features and has a distinct appearance which sets it apart from the competition. Today, we are going to delve into KelTec's background, the CP33's traits and features, viable use cases, and more. Without further ado, let's talk about the KelTec CP33.
Who is KelTec?
Kel-Tec CNC industries Inc., often simply referred to as KelTec, is an American firearms manufacturer based in Cocoa, Florida. The company was founded in 1991 by George Kellgren of Husqvarna, Intratec, and Grendel fame.
Firearm production started in 1995 with handguns, eventually expanding their lines to rifles and shotguns. Since the company's founding, KelTec has produced notable firearms like their RFB bullpup rifle, their KSG bullpup shotgun, and various rimfire firearms like the CP33 and PMR30.
The company's products make heavy use of durable polymers which aid in keeping firearms light and keeping costs down. Speaking of costs, KelTec firearms typically carry lower price tags than their competitors, making them accessible to shooters of all types.
The KelTec CP33
The KelTec CP33 represents the company's modern take on the .22 LR target pistol. Notably, the "CP" in the pistol's name stands for "Competition Pistol" and reflects one of the pistol's viable uses.
At its core, the CP33 is a large semi-automatic pistol which feeds from detachable box magazines. As a .22 LR chambered pistol, the CP33 has minimal recoil, a result of both its chambering and size. This makes it easy for shooters to keep the pistol on target and effectively hone their shooting skills.
The pistol made its debut in 2019 and utilizes a polymer frame and metal upper receiver. Featuring a 5.5" threaded barrel, the pistol stands ready to accept suppressors and facilitate flat trajectories.
The pistol's length also aids in providing a long sight radius for those using the Williams fiber optic sights included on the pistol. As far as the trigger goes, the handgun features a 4 lb trigger pull, allowing shooters to make quick and efficient shots.
CP33 Magazines
Perhaps one of the most unique and interesting traits of the CP33 is the fact that it uses a quad stacked magazine. These magazines feature two double stacked columns which are separated by a divider.
In traditional double stack fashion, these columns stack rounds in an alternating fashion to ensure reliable feeding. Due to this quad stacked design, the magazine can hold 33 rounds of .22 LR.
One thing to note is that magazines must be loaded carefully and deliberately to prevent rimlock. Rimlock essentially occurs when the rim of a rimmed cartridge becomes caught on the rim of a subsequent round in a magazine. This phenomenon prevents feeding as the round to be chambered is stuck on another cartridge's rim.
To prevent this, one must simply ensure that the rim of a round being loaded does not hang over the rim at the rear of the cartridge preceeding it in a magazine.
CP33 Ergonomics
The KelTec CP33 is a noticeably large handgun, especially when compared to some of the other .22 LR pistols on the market. Depending on one's preferences and hand size, some shooters may find the pistol comfortable while others may find it unwieldy.
Nearly every control on the pistol is ambidextrous with the exception of the slide release. This is to say that the magazine release, charging handle, and safety can be operated from either the left or right side.
Notably, the pistol features a classic heel style mag release which is easily accessed with either hand. This type of magazine release may present a learning curve for shooters accustomed to traditional button type releases.
The slide release is present only on the left side of the frame, like a traditional handgun. Due to this fact, manually locking the slide open and releasing the slide with the release can only be accomplished from the left side of the gun, favoring right handed users.
Compatibility with Accessories
The KelTec CP33 is compatible with a variety of accessories right out of the box. Atop the pistol rests a 19 slot 1913 rail which runs the length of the firearm. This rail allows an end user to mount a wide range of optics to the top of the slide.
Shooters can easily mount traditional red dots, pistol red dots, or holographic sights to the pistol. The bottom of the aluminum dust cover features a single M-LOK slot which will accept rail sections and allow the mounting of accessories like lights and lasers.
Removing the thread protector at the end of the muzzle reveals the common 1/2×28 threads. The threaded barrel on the pistol allows an end user to attach a variety of muzzle devices like compensators, flash hiders, and suppressors. Put plainly, the KelTec CP33 can easily be outfitted with a variety of desirable accessories.
CP33 Industry Support
Despite being a unique and non-traditional pistol, the CP33 does have a small amount of support from the firearm industry. The most notable support for the pistol comes from companies like Tandemkross, MCARBO, and FarrowTech.
Tandemkross produces a wide range of accessories for the CP33 such as magazine bumpers, triggers, a new ghost ring rear sight, and compensators. MCARBO produces speed loaders, triggers, extended aluminum safeties, and an extended mag release for the CP33. FarrowTech produces telescoping brace and stock assemblies, an MP7 style conversion kit, spare magazine holders, and other accessories for the CP33.
What is the CP33 Used For?
Like most firearms, the KelTec CP33 can be useful in a variety of roles and use cases. Naturally, as a .22 LR pistol, the pistol is an excellent choice for plinking, casual target shooting, and training.
The light recoil of the pistol makes it easy for shooters to learn and develop their skills with cheap ammo. Of course, the pistol is also a great choice for rimfire pistol competition use.
The pistol's magazines allow an end user to have 33 rounds of .22 LR on tap, a capacity which can potentially eliminate the need for reloading during certain stages or courses of fire. Additionally, like most .22 LR pistols, the CP33 is also a great choice as a suppressor host.
Conclusion
All in all, the KelTec CP33 represents a great value for shooters looking for a capable .22 LR handgun. The pistol can easily fill the roles of plinker, suppressor host, and even competition pistol and more.
With an affordable price tag and access to cheap ammunition, shooters will find that this pistol is quite accessible and is great for range days that won't break the bank. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not sell firearms, we do have a wide range of accessories and ammo for sale which will pair great with a CP33.
Our inventory of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Accessories such as optics from Steiner, Holosun, and Primary Arms along with lights from Surefire, Streamlight, and Inforce in our inventory would also compliment a CP33.
Whether you are looking to supplement your CP33 with accessories or if you want to buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
