{"id":896,"date":"2022-08-18T22:37:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T22:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunanalyst.com\/?p=896"},"modified":"2022-09-02T17:26:03","modified_gmt":"2022-09-02T17:26:03","slug":"kel-tec-p17-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunanalyst.com\/kel-tec-p17-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Kel-Tec P17 Problems You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Users consider Kel-Tec P17 \u201cgood if it works\u201d. So, it is clear that it has some known issues. In this article, I am going to talk about Kel-Tec P17 problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among all, the feeding problem, magazine problem, jamming problem, and ammo failure to get into battery position are the common ones.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This compact 22LR pistol is not that bad as there are solutions to the problems. The detailed discussion here will help you enjoy this firearm to its full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Features & Specifications of Kel-Tec P17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barrel Length<\/strong><\/td>3.8\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
Magazine Capacity<\/strong><\/td>16 rounds<\/td><\/tr>
Overall Length<\/strong><\/td>6.7\u201d<\/td><\/tr>
Rear Sight<\/strong><\/td>Adjustable<\/td><\/tr>
Front Sight<\/strong><\/td>Fiber Optic<\/td><\/tr>
Safety<\/strong><\/td>Ambidextrous<\/td><\/tr>
Dimensions <\/strong><\/td>5.3\u201d H; 1.2\u201d W<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>0.7 pounds (unloaded)<\/td><\/tr>
Trigger Pull<\/strong><\/td>3 pounds<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n
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\"Common
Kel-Tec P17<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Common Kel-Tec P17 Problems and Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the above table, you have got a summarized idea of the problems and possible solutions. Now, let\u2019s discuss them in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Overview of the Problems and Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problems<\/strong><\/td>Solutions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Feeding Failure<\/td>Contact Kel-Tec or a gunsmith to solve it.<\/td><\/tr>
Magazine Fault<\/td>Trim the contact point of the magazine and slide the stop bar about 0.5cm.<\/td><\/tr>
Rounds not Going into Battery<\/td>Clean and apply Deep Creep on the extractor. Leave it for about 12 hours and reassemble.<\/td><\/tr>
Jamming Issue<\/td>Avoid limp wristing, fix bending or dragging along the rail, and inspect the magazine for irregularities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Failed to Feed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let me explain the nature of this problem which is very common in a P17 firearm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lots of users complain that their guns couldn\u2019t chamber a round resulting in feeding failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t happen to all rounds; maybe 5 or 6 out of every 50 rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this happens, the user has to slide back manually and release the shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, you have to punch the slide forward with a little bit of force using the heel of your hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some may think that it gets solved when the gun breaks in after shooting about 100 rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the problem occurs in both new and used P17s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to the users who have faced a similar issue, it is better to call Kel-Tec to fix it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your gun\u2019s warranty period has expired, you will have to contact an expert gunsmith who has enough experience with P17s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Magazine Issue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The symptom of the P17 magazine problem is the slide being locked after shooting a few rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The user manual of the gun mentions that one should clean and lubricate the firearm when this type of incident happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even after following the manual, loading the magazine, and shooting 3 or 4 rounds, the slide can suddenly start getting locked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The high frequency of occurring this issue can be frustrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking off the magazine, and carefully inspecting several components, you will probably notice that the magazine was the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One possible reason is the slide lock getting raised a fraction after inserting the magazine causing it to malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The best practice here is to call Kel-Tec and seek their take on this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, you can try the solution suggested by the user who faced this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


He simply trimmed the magazine part where it contacts the slide stop bar. Let me show you the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source: <\/em>https:\/\/www.thektog.org\/threads\/p-17-magazine-issue.273618\/<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The top magazine in the image is the original one, and the bottom one is the trimmed piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t have the exact numbers or measurements (maybe 0.5cm or so) of the trimmed part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, you have to go through a series of trials and errors before making it work smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best part of this fix is that the user confirms its workings. And, the magazine now allows various ammunitions without any problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Ammo Not Going into Battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever seen that the rounds are not going into battery without nudging the side forward?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It happens with the Kel-Tec P17 sometimes. A few users complained that their new P17s can\u2019t load the bullets almost half the time, and the gun was new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While trying different solutions, the users cleaned, lubed, and tried the gun with different brands of ammo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation improved in this scenario slightly but the problem persisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking it to an expert, it is possible that the extractor of the firearm is getting stuck causing this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeking expert suggestions, I have seen that the best practice is to send the gun back to Kel-Tec and let them take care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It was a great suggestion to take the help of the manufacturer to fix this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one user wanted to take one last shot at solving the matter. He took the gun to his home, and put some Deep Creep on the extractor after cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, he reassembled the gun and the problem was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, everyone having the same problem may not get lucky. So, letting Kel-Tec solve the problem will always be a better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Jamming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We all know that new guns often have problems that get solved over time. After shooting 300 or 400 rounds, it becomes smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But some units can be faulty even after the break-in period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have seen some users complaining that the slide of the gun suddenly has become stiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may feel like something is binding causing the slide not to go backward and jamming the cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One probable reason is \u201cLimp Wrist\u201d. If you want to know more about the term, you can click this Wikipedia link<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than that, burrs or dirt buildup inside the gun can cause this problem too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fix<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you are a beginner, you have to practice a lot to ensure a firm grip and straight wrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that the frame of the firearm doesn\u2019t travel rearward at all costs. Otherwise, it prevents the operating cycle from completing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than that, you have to consider two possibilities and seek solutions accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Inspect the slide for any kind of bending or dragging along the rail.<\/li>
  2. And, check the magazine for any irregularity, broken, or wear-out parts.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    And, don\u2019t forget to use high-speed ammo on this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    User Feedback on Kel-Tec P17<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The overall impression on P17 is positive in more than 80% of reviews. However, it has a common jamming problem that lots of users face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    From the comments, I have seen that people like the fact that Kel-Tec has stuck with the aesthetics of previous models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Compared to Taurus TX-22, the P17 is lighter, has a better trigger pull weight, and comes with more visible fiber optic sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Those who are planning to shoot larger caliber pistols in the future can choose P17 for the transition period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Considering the features, performance, and quality compared to the price, it is one of the best value-for-money 0.22 pistols on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you are still hesitating about the reliability of the gun, you can check out the comments in this thread<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nonetheless, you should keep in mind that P17 has a break-in period. When the gun is new, you may face some issues that get solved over time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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