MY IMPRESSIONS
The CP33 is a full-sized pistol that feels solid in my hand yet lightweight. Its controls are easy to reach with my average-sized hands. The safety is ambidextrous, as is the charging handle. With a two-hand grip, it is solid and steady due to a shaped trigger guard and long sight radius. This makes it shoot accurately.
That 33-round capacity is helpful when punching holes in pop cans or in competition, when magazine changes cost time in my score. When I hold the CP33, I am confident in its function and firepower. Though not what I would choose for a self-defense gun, it would fill the role nicely.
THE MAGAZINE
The CP33 has an amazing magazine that is both innovative and practical. It is made from a tough polymer with a unique design. Two side-by-side stacks of .22 LR ammo lead to a single feed ramp. The pistol has no feed ramp of its own. When I first saw this, I thought, ”‘Jam-a-Matic' – this thing will never work!” Well, I was wrong. It works well.
Loading the magazine can be a chore. Each round must be carefully pushed into the feed lips so that the rims overlap – a crucial step for proper function. The clear polymer allows you to see inside and ensure correct fit. Spring pressure increases as you add more rounds.
KelTec anticipated this frustration and markets a CP33 speedloader. This device is great! It makes it easy to load each round correctly and quickly every time, saving your fingers and preventing jams due to misaligned cartridges. I highly recommend one if you own this pistol.
THE SUPPRESSOR
The CP33 comes standard with a threaded muzzle that easily accepts my Tactical Solutions .22 LR Cascade. It is 5 inches long, 1 inch in diameter, and weighs only a few ounces. Once installed, it is not noticeable and does not interfere with the sight picture at all. I love this option for adding my can, which saves my hearing and that of those around me.
Some contend that a suppressor can increase accuracy by stabilizing the exhaust gases behind each bullet – I have not tested this, but it sounds reasonable. With the suppressor on and standard velocity ammo, this pistol is quiet, yet all the best features of the gun are unchanged.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall length: 10.5 inches
Barrel length: 5.5 inches
Threaded muzzle height: 6 inches; Width: 1 inch
Sight radius: 9 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds empty
Trigger: 5 pounds
Sights: Micro adjustable bright dots
Magazine: High-strength polymer – capacity: 33 .22 LR rimfire
RANGE TIME
When I shoot the CP33, I notice its smooth action and lack of kick. I have tried various brands and types of ammunition. Most work well with this pistol, but I recommend high-velocity for the best function. This gun seems to be made for shooting pop cans! Kick-the-can is more fun with a CP33.
To load the gun, insert a full magazine into the grip well. Then pull the charging handle back all the way and release it. The breech is open and visible, allowing me to see the first round entering the chamber and to clear an unlikely jam. Pull the safety down, and the gun will fire 33 rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger.
CONCLUSION
I love this pistol. Made in America and designed by a brilliant immigrant success-story, the CP33 is a fun, versatile gun that should appeal to casual shooters as well as competitors. I have owned mine for a few years and find the design and fit superb. It points well and functions as well as the ammo you give it. Applications are broad: hunting, plinking, competition, or even self-defense. The CP33 takes a huge step away from the ordinary, and it delivers.
