TINCANBANDIT's Gunsmithing : Featured Gun: Kel-Tec PLR22

Today we take a look at an affordable lightweight .22 pistol from Kel-Tec.

The PLR22 is based on its larger brother the PLR16. The PLR16 is a gas operated AR-15 based pistol chambered in 5.56 NATO. Introduced in November of 2005 the gun was made of 4140 steel and impact resistant zytel, a reinforced polymer.

A few years after the introduction of the PLR16, came the PLR22. While the pistols look similar and even share some parts, the PLR22 is chambered in 22 Long Rifle. It uses the now standard AR22/Atchison style magazines.

The PLR22 also has a rifle version, called the SU22.

The rear portion of the receiver separates from the rest of the gun, making it easy to build the rifle and pistol using the same platform....it should be noted that adding the SU22 stock to the PLR22 frame would be a violation of the beta bois in DC.

Take down is facilitated by one pin, located just above the trigger.

once removed the pistol grip portion is swung forward which allows the removal of the bolt.

The barrel has the typical .22LR 1 in 16 twist with a length of 10.2". The guns overall length coming in at 18.5", makes it easily stowable. Fans of cans will be happy to know that the barrel comes factory threaded in 1/2" x 28 tpi.

The weight is what most would call light, just 45 ounces (2.8lbs).

The rear sight is not adjustable the front post, however, is adjustable for elevation. The top of the receiver has a picatinny rail for mounting your choice of optics.

The trigger is not the best, 7lbs +/- many complain it is a bit too heavy for this light of a gun.

Kel-Tec makes their guns in sunny Cocoa, Florida and provide their buyers with a limited lifetime warranty.

Kel-Tec offers few accessories, one deemed important is the forend cover.

The forend has a picatinny rail at the six o'clock position for installing lights or angled fore grips....just don't put a grip that is 90 degrees or you might hurt those beta DC bois feelings.

Another great factory accessory is the sling kit, mounted at the receiver in a factory screw hole.

When I purchased my PLR22 the factory mags were produced by Black Dog Machine. I am not sure if that is still the case, but Kel-tec offers both a 10 round (for those behind enemy lines) and 25 round standard capacity mags.

Black Dog also makes a 32 round, a 50 round drum and colored magazines.....of course you don't have to buy the BD brand, as the PLR22 and SU22 take any standard AR22 magazines.