The Kel-Tec P17 has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most affordable, lightweight, and practical .22 LR pistols on the market. Designed primarily for recreational shooting, training, and plinking, the P17 surprises many shooters with its reliability and modern design. As red dot optics become increasingly popular across all handgun categories, Kel-Tec P17 owners often ask one critical question: Can you use a red dot sight on a Kel-Tec P17, and what mount plate do you need?

The short answer is yes, but choosing the right red dot mount plate for the Kel-Tec P17 is essential for performance, accuracy, and safety. This in-depth guide explores everything you need to know: compatibility, benefits, available mount options, optic types, mounting considerations, and buying tips. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, this article will help you make an informed decision in 2025.

1. Understanding the Kel-Tec P17 Platform

Before selecting a red dot mount plate, it’s important to understand the design of the Kel-Tec P17 itself. The P17 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed .22 LR pistol that emphasizes affordability and simplicity. It comes with a 16-round magazine, an ambidextrous safety, a fiber-optic front sight, and an adjustable rear sight.

One of the standout features of the Kel-Tec P17 is that it is optics-ready from the factory. Unlike many budget pistols that require slide machining, the P17 includes a removable rear sight plate that allows shooters to attach a red dot optic using a compatible mount plate.

This optics-ready design makes the Kel-Tec P17 especially attractive to shooters who want to experiment with red dot sights without investing in expensive gunsmith work.

2. What Is a Red Dot Mount Plate?

A red dot mount plate is a small adapter plate that connects a red dot optic to the pistol’s slide. Since different red dot sights use different mounting footprints, the mount plate acts as a bridge between the firearm and the optic.

For the Kel-Tec P17, the mount plate replaces the rear sight assembly and provides a secure mounting surface for micro red dot optics. The correct mount plate ensures:

• Proper alignment of the optic

• Secure attachment under recoil

• Compatibility with the optic’s footprint

• Reliable zero retention over time

Without the correct mount plate, even the best red dot sight will not perform as intended.

3. Why Use a Red Dot on a Kel-Tec P17?

Some shooters wonder if adding a red dot to a .22 LR pistol is worth it. The answer depends on your goals, but there are many advantages to using a red dot mount plate on a Kel-Tec P17.

Faster Target Acquisition

Red dot sights allow shooters to keep both eyes open and focus on the target instead of aligning iron sights. This makes shooting faster and more intuitive, especially for beginners.

Improved Accuracy

A red dot provides a single aiming point, reducing sight alignment errors. This can significantly improve accuracy during range sessions or training drills.

Training Value

The Kel-Tec P17 is commonly used as a training pistol. A red dot setup mirrors what many shooters use on larger caliber pistols, making it an excellent low-recoil training tool.

Accessibility

Red dots are particularly helpful for shooters with aging eyes or vision challenges, as they eliminate the need to focus on front and rear sights simultaneously.

4. Kel-Tec P17 Optics-Ready Design Explained

The Kel-Tec P17 comes with a factory-installed rear sight plate that can be removed to install a red dot mount plate. Kel-Tec includes a basic mounting solution with the pistol, but many shooters choose aftermarket mount plates for improved fit and durability.

The optics cut on the P17 slide is shallow and specifically designed for micro red dots. This means full-size pistol optics are generally not compatible. Instead, shooters should look for lightweight micro red dots designed for rimfire pistols.

Understanding this design limitation helps avoid compatibility issues and wasted money.

5. Compatible Red Dot Footprints for Kel-Tec P17

One of the most important factors when choosing a red dot mount plate is the optic footprint. The footprint refers to the screw pattern and shape on the bottom of the optic.

Common footprints that work with Kel-Tec P17 mount plates include:

• RMSc footprint

• Shield SMS / SMSc pattern

• JPoint footprint

• Some modified micro footprints designed for rimfire pistols

Not all optics share the same footprint, so it’s crucial to confirm compatibility before purchasing. Many mount plates are designed specifically for one footprint type, while others support multiple options.

6. Factory vs Aftermarket Red Dot Mount Plates

Factory Mount Plate

Kel-Tec provides a basic mounting option with the P17. It is functional and suitable for casual use. However, some users report limited compatibility with certain optics and less robust construction.

Aftermarket Mount Plates

Aftermarket manufacturers often offer improved mount plates with better materials, tighter tolerances, and broader compatibility. These plates may provide:

• Enhanced durability

• Improved optic alignment

• Better screw engagement

• Reduced risk of loosening

While aftermarket plates cost more, they are often worth the investment for serious shooters.

7. Material and Build Quality Considerations

When choosing a red dot mount plate for the Kel-Tec P17, material quality matters more than many people realize.

Aluminum Plates

Most mount plates are made from aircraft-grade aluminum. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong enough for rimfire recoil.

Steel Plates

Steel plates are less common for the P17 due to weight considerations, but they offer superior durability. However, extra weight may affect slide cycling on a .22 LR pistol.

Fit and Finish

A well-machined mount plate should sit flush against the slide with no gaps. Poor fit can lead to shifting zero, loose screws, or optic failure.

8. Choosing the Right Red Dot Optic for the P17

The mount plate is only half the equation. Choosing a compatible optic ensures optimal performance.

Key Features to Look For:

• Lightweight construction

• Long battery life

• Adjustable brightness

• Durable lens coating

• Proven reliability on rimfire platforms

Avoid oversized optics designed for centerfire pistols, as they may interfere with slide function or balance.

9. Zeroing and Performance Expectations

Once installed, a red dot optic must be properly zeroed. While the Kel-Tec P17 is not a competition pistol, a properly mounted optic can deliver impressive accuracy.

Typical Use Cases:

• Plinking and recreational shooting

• Training drills

• Steel target practice

• Introductory competition shooting

With a quality red dot mount plate, shooters can expect consistent zero retention and smooth performance.

10. Buying Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Tips:

• Confirm optic footprint compatibility

• Choose reputable brands

• Read user reviews

• Avoid ultra-cheap no-name plates

• Ensure proper screw length

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing incompatible optics and plates

• Over-tightening mounting screws

• Ignoring manufacturer torque recommendations

• Choosing heavy optics for rimfire pistols

A little research goes a long way in preventing frustration.

Conclusion

The red dot mount plate for Kel-Tec P17 transforms an already versatile .22 LR pistol into a modern, optics-ready training and recreational platform. By choosing the correct mount plate and compatible optic, shooters can enjoy faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a more enjoyable shooting experience.

Whether you stick with the factory mount or upgrade to an aftermarket solution, understanding compatibility, material quality, and optic footprint is essential. In 2025, the Kel-Tec P17 remains one of the best budget pistols for red dot experimentation—making the right mount plate choice more important than ever.

(FAQs)

1. Is the Kel-Tec P17 optics-ready?

Yes, the Kel-Tec P17 is optics-ready and includes a removable rear sight plate designed for mounting micro red dot optics.

2. Do I need a mount plate to install a red dot on the P17?

Yes, a compatible red dot mount plate is required to attach an optic to the Kel-Tec P17 securely.

3. What red dot footprint works best with the Kel-Tec P17?

RMSc and Shield-style footprints are the most commonly supported by P17 mount plates.