RMSC & Co Slide Cover for Kel-Tec P17

(VSMK0 "Classic" w/ VSMK0 Front Sight pictured)

No Artificial Intelligence was used in the creation of these files. Releasing as public domain, no branding on parts. Accreditation appreciated.

The RMSC & Co(-Witness) Slide Cover concept enables mounting of an RMSC footprint optic while also retaining mount location of the rear sight for back up, a combination of features not available on the market.

Slide Covers have additional rear sight spring retention holes for ease of assembly and quality of life, all while retaining compatibility with the standard-issue hardware from the Kel-Tec P17 Slide Cover (no additional hardware is needed if you already have the firearm).

Designed and tested using the Crimson Trace CTS-1550 Red Dot (The original Red Dot provided with the P17 Optic Slide before the switch to the Viridian RFX11 Red Dot), TruGlo fiber rods, standard and spec-matching aftermarket stainless steel screw hardware.

Contents

*VSMK0 "Classic" Slide Cover - has contours more closely matching the original slide cover.

*VSMK1 "Re-imagined" Slide Cover - has extended side paneling for enhanced grip. Slide cover will slightly protrude from rear of chassis.

*VSMK0&1 Custom Front and Rear Sight(s) - Designed to accept common 1mm (0.040") fiber optic rods for increased visibility, and to allow co-witness with Crimson Trace CTS-1550 (and presumably other RMSC Red Dots).

In The Flesh?

I am not an expert when it comes to printing, and I did not anneal for the most part. I read some threads on the internet and have been finding out, so settings listed below are just what I have used, your millage may vary, I found I liked 0.05mm layer height after trying .2mm and .1mm; it is slow, but when it comes out good the finish is very nice. Please leave suggestions in the comments. Models are a bit rough, I face-modeled them like I was making something for a video game, but they print smoother than they'd look.

-Slide Covers if you can support the print from only the inside while printing at 45° and 3mm off the bed with supports, it will be the easiest. I always have to drill out the holes for the optic, Screw holes are not threaded, not talented enough for that...
-Front Sight prints great flat.
-Rear Sight at 45° will probably require a 1mm drill bit to finish, but sometimes some irregularities if you print flat. I don't have the dimensions for the front pivot screw correct, so it may take some work.

*Polymaker PET-CF17 280°C, 100mm/s, 0.05mm layer height, FAN OFF!

-VSMK0 "Classic" Slide Cover- Stress tested to approximately 250 rounds (36gr and 45gr mix) fired without signs of wear, or issue on any part.

-VSMK1 "Re-imagined" Slide Cover - Untested, but similar results expected.

*Polymaker PolyLite PLA Pro 210°C, 100mm/s, 0.05mm layer height. you can probably go faster...

-VSMK0 "Classic" Slide Cover - Untested, but printed and worn IWB for 3 months with no signs of wear. After seeing examples by others, similar results compared to PET-CF17 expected as long as you are not in a hot or overly humid climate. I did test annealing and found deformation after 3 minutes at 230°F... Wonder about HT-PLA-GF.

*Assembly Tips & Notes
I find that during assembly, it is easy to over-tighten the slide cover. You should be able to release the slide from any point of travel along the rails and have it seat a round when applicable. Test travel along the rails thoroughly before mounting your optic or you may need to re-zero with a correction. Optic screws may also cause binding in this manor.

Please Note:
-Slide Covers are attaching to the firing pin housing block via the slide, and should not interfere with firearm operation.
-While testing Slider Covers with the Crimson Trace CTS-1550, there is an air gap for the CR2032 battery so it was not hemorrhaging energy.
-Some tools are required to finish the prints in this package.