Folding 9mm Carbine—Kel-Tec’s New SUB-2000 Gen II 9mm

Authors Gun Reviews Jon Hodoway Misc. Rifles Uncategorized

 

The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 GEn II delivers pistol-caliber firepower in a compact, folding design.

The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen II delivers pistol-caliber firepower in a compact, folding design.

For more information, visit https://www.keltecweapons.com/

To buy a Kel-Tec SUB-2000 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Sub%202000

I have sort of an affinity for small lightweight pistol caliber carbines, so I jumped at the chance to review the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen II. Carbines like these offer the ability to get some trigger time in circumstances under which a rifle caliber might not be feasible, due to restrictions at an indoor range or simply the cost of ammunition.

Kel-Tec has been manufacturing guns since 1995. Their current lineup includes seven handguns, one shotgun and 10 rifle models. This list doesn’t even take into account variations on the same platform such as caliber and magazine configurations.

With a simple press of a button, the SUB-2000 can be folded into a short 16.25-inch package.

With a simple press of a button, the SUB-2000 can be folded into a short 16.25-inch package.

SPECS

  • Chambering: 9mm
  • Barrel: 16.25 inches
  • OA Length: 30.5 inches; 16.5 inches (folded)
  • Weight: 4 pounds, 4 ounces
  • Stock: Adjustable
  • Sights: Windage and elevation adjustable post front; aperture rear
  • Action: Blowback-operated, semi-automatic
  • Finish: Matte-black
  • Capacity: 17+1 (Glock magazine, as tested)
  • MSRP: $500

I was looking through the latest gun manufacturer data available from the ATF and was surprised to learn that Kel-Tec is one of the top five pistol makers in the United States. They have achieved phenomenal success with a relatively simple formula. Kel-Tec manufactures uniquely designed guns that are reliable and carry a lifetime warranty. However simple this formula is, it is not easy to execute on by any stretch of the imagination.

This formula has, at times, caused demand to outstrip manufacturing capacity. Kel-Tec has responded to these growing pains by adding on to their facilities in Cocoa, Florida at an unprecedented rate.

First Look

The heart of the SUB-2000 is its simple, straight-blowback system of operation. Magazines fit into the pistol grip.

The heart of the SUB-2000 is its simple, straight-blowback system of operation. Magazines fit into the pistol grip.

I got my first brief look at the new SUB-2000 when I was at Shot Show this year. I was really intrigued by what the reps told me about the gun. They would be offering the rifle chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, and they would be making several variations to accept magazines from Glock, Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer. The idea was that you could buy a pistol-caliber carbine that took the same ammunition and magazine as your handgun. This serves not only to provide a commonality of reloads if necessary, but to further reduce the overall cost of owning and operating the platform.

The innovation certainly does not end there. By simply pulling on the trigger guard, one can pivot the barrel upwards 180 degrees, fold the firearm in half and reduce the overall length to 16.25 inches for storage and transport. The majority of the rifle is made from an impact modified glass reinforced Zytel. The single biggest request from customers was answered by the second generation (Gen II) version of this firearm, with the addition of two integrated Picatinny rails as standard fare. The fore-end has five additional mounting slots per side that accept M-LOK accessories, which is really going above and beyond.

A clip on the top of the buttstock locks the carbine in the folded position.

A clip on the top of the buttstock locks the carbine in the folded position.

The stock can be adjusted by removing a pin and moving the stock to one of the three positions available, then reinserting the pin. This provides 1.25 inches of adjustment to the shooter. The stock also has a single-point loop attachment built in and a standard 1.25-inch-wide slot that will accept a standard nylon sling. There is also a small Picatinny rail on the bottom of the stock. I will confess, I’m a little baffled as to what I would want to add to the bottom of the stock. However, I’m willing to go shopping immediately to find this new accessory.

The simplicity that I spoke of earlier in the platform becomes evident when you look at the operation of the gun. The stock is mounted to a tube in which the bolt reciprocates. It is a straight-blowback design, which furthers the theme of simplicity. The operating handle protrudes through the bottom of the tube, and features a slot that allows you to lock the bolt in the open position. Dropping the bolt requires a quick slap of the hand, sending it forward and chambering a round. I found this to be reminiscent of the mechanism on the forearm of an MP5. The safety is a simple push-bolt button located behind and above the trigger on the grip assembly. I had no issues operating the safety, but I would have preferred it to be accessible both to engage and release while maintaining my grip in a firing position. I found that releasing the safety was no issue when shooting right-handed, but to engage the safety required coming off the grip almost completely.

The rear sight is a simple peep aperture unit that sits atop the receiver.

The rear sight is a simple folding peep aperture unit that sits atop the receiver.

The rear sight is a circular aperture that folds down when the gun is in the storage position, which I consider a quite ingenious design. My only issue is that the sight is made out of the same polymer material as the gun. Even with a moderate amount of hand pressure on the sight it appeared that it was bending, which over time could decrease the accuracy. The front sight is both windage and elevation adjustable. It’s an all-metal assembly and actually quite robust. If you’re familiar with an AR-style front sight, you will be right at home with the one provided.

At the end of the barrel is a removable thread protector that covers the 1/2″-28 threads (9mm model) or 9/16″-24 threads (.40 cal S&W).

The trigger is a polymer, and it’s located with a fairly short distance from the rear of the grip, allowing even small hands to reach it. The pull is a fairly significant 9 lbs., 5 oz. You will not accidentally pull this trigger. The magazine release is located on the top front of the grip and is easily accessible with your thumb while maintaining a secure grip.

On the Range

I received a Glock magazine variant for testing. I grabbed a variety of ammunition and my box of Glock 17 magazines before heading out to the range with it. One of the really nice things about this gun is the fact that I was already equipped with multiple magazines and ammunition.

The author fitted an Aimpoint H1 on the carbine's plastic rail.

The author fitted an Aimpoint H1 on the carbine’s plastic rail.

I decided that on a relatively inexpensive gun like this I would have a couple of particular testing objectives while at the range. The first would be accuracy at an acceptable distance, and the second would be functioning with multiple types of ammunition. Since I had already grabbed a virtual cornucopia of ammunition, I decided to equip the rifle with an Aimpoint H1 optic to ensure that I was able to get a true picture of the capabilities of this gun.

After arriving, I began loading magazines with different kinds of ammunition. I mostly used 115 grain but I did venture all the way up to 147 grain. I used both round nose and hollow point ammunition. I even had some reloads that I used to shoot competition with that didn’t quite case gauge the way I wanted them to, but would fire reliably in a Glock 17. I fully expected this little rifle to choke at some point, but it didn’t even so much as cough. I even picked up a few volunteer testers at the range to do some mag dumps; both left-handed and right-handed shooters enjoyed the gun. The lefties did complain that they experienced some blowback from the gases and unburnt powder, but nothing that was unbearable.

[one_half]

The author set up at the range for testing with the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 GenII from the bench.

The author set up at the range for testing with the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen II from the bench.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

The author tested the carbine with Sig Sauer's 9mm Elite Performance ammunition.

The author tested the carbine with Sig Sauer’s 9mm Elite Performance ammunition.

[/one_half_last]

After that, I wanted to go after the accuracy question. I put the Sub-2000 in my trusty lead sled and moved a fresh Shoot-N-C Target out to 50 yards. Then I loaded the Sig Elite Performance 115 grain round-nose ammunition. I’ve had particularly good results in terms of accuracy from that round, and it exactly matches their carry ammunition, which has delivered phenomenal results in ballistic gel. I like the idea of being able to practice with something that exactly mimics my carry ammunition.

The author found that he struggled a bit with a "walking zero" with the carbine, although were still usable.

The author found that he struggled a bit with a “walking zero” with the carbine, although results were still usable.

As noted earlier, the trigger on this gun is a quite stiff 9 lbs., 5 ozs. I actually believe that the polymer trigger was bending as I depressed the trigger. The combination of a heavy trigger and the polymer construction made this a particularly difficult gun to shoot accurately. The results that I achieved from a five-shot group left me scratching my head. I had two groups of two rounds, each practically touching, and the fifth round was off on its own. I’m usually quick to attribute the anomalies to myself, but in this case the results seem to be replicated no matter how I changed the variables or even the shooters. I have a suspicion that the quick-detach mount that I used on the Aimpoint was being allowed to flex on the polymer upper rail. The gun, although not hot, had been shot a few hundred rounds prior to the accuracy test. I want to be clear here: There were no shots that were off the target the size of a pie plate at 50 yards. In fact, the group was probably closer to 6 inches. I was able to place all the hits on an IDPA-sized target at 25 yards while firing as fast as the trigger could be operated. I also suspect that this is the actual distance and cadence this rifle will probably be shot by most who purchase this gun.

The one quirk that I found is that mounting any optic on the top rail without utilizing an offset prevents the rifle from being fully folded and stored. I quickly research this online and found multiple companies that offer an offset for mounting the optic of your choice. Although I didn’t get a chance to try these out, I have used an offset optic on rifles in the past for competition and found them to be quite functional.

The Bottom Line

This is a rifle with an MSRP of $500. With this street price, once availability is not an issue, it will probably be closer to $400 than $500. This represents half or even a third of the price of many comparable pistol caliber carbines being manufactured. The SUB-2000 offers a lot of gun for your money, and the ability to put it in a compact package, all while using your existing magazines.

There is definitely room for improvement, specifically with the trigger and the rear sight. The good news is that there are already people making aftermarket parts at reasonable prices that can cure these annoying little issues. I use the word annoying because these are certainly not deal breakers. The accuracy of this gun is not what I would prefer, but I believe it to be acceptable to get the job done.

This gun definitely has some cool factors: The Picatinny rails, the adjustable stock, the threaded barrel and the fact that it is super lightweight. All of these things add up to a rifle that you’re likely to keep with you rather than in your gun safe.

The bottom line for me is this: I plan on buying this gun and ordering a few upgrades. If you have realistic expectations, this gun will meet them.

[one_half]

The carbine buttstock's length of pull has three adjustments.

The carbine buttstock’s length of pull has three adjustments.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

The cocking handle runs in a channel with a notch that allows the action to be locked open.

The cocking handle runs in a channel with a notch that allows the action to be locked open.

[/one_half_last]

[one_half]

The muzzle of the SUB-2000 is threaded and covered with a barrel nut.

The muzzle of the SUB-2000 is threaded and covered with a barrel nut.

[/one_half]

[one_half_last]

The author did note that the rear sight is plastic and can be bent.

The author did note that the rear sight is plastic and can be bent.

[/one_half_last]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Frank Smith January 21, 2019, 10:16 pm

    Worst piece of junk I have ever seen. When you see a threaded collar used to hold the two piece receiver cover which it screws onto absolutely nothing you might wonder what kind of idiot designed this “rifle”. When you see a $0.10 spring controlling the sear/fire control group which is held in place only by a friction fit between a soft aluminum pillar and a pece of plastic, you know the people that designed this “rifle” are truly morons.

  • Mike November 11, 2017, 12:14 am

    I have a gen 2 sub2k. I have loved it. Really accurate and was shooting federal HST really well. I took it out today to check the zero since my red dot mount came loose and it blew up in my face. I have put about 800 rounds through it and was really excited to start using it for self defense. Not now!!!!

    • sam January 19, 2018, 12:04 pm

      the gun blew up or the optic blew up…and what was the cause of the malfunction if it was the firearm that blew up in your face?

  • bob August 15, 2017, 8:52 am

    Do you need a license or a blue card for a Gen2 sub 2000!

  • Montana Free Man May 9, 2017, 12:27 am

    I own 3, yes 3 PMR 30’s and a Gen 2 Sub 9mm, flawless. I have a true love for heavy duty firepower that performs and Keltec has produced at reasonable prices. No issues yet with any of these firearms I’d recommend to anyone looking for inexpensive dependable, plain fun weapons.!

  • John February 18, 2017, 9:41 pm

    Hope I don’t sound like a homer here. I’ve got an Aero AR15 and AR10, a Glock, Sig, Browning, Winchester, and Springfield, so enough guns and experience to make a decent comparison.. Have the Glock 17 9mm Gen2 Sub. Bought it after a lot of reading and talking a bunch with my brother, a very organized, disciplined, and critical shooter. Had many of the same concerns going in that some of the posters here have, but have to say this is a great gun, for the money, and for it’s purpose. It shoots everything, zero issues in maybe 1000 rounds, is very accurate at 50-75 yds, and is a dream gun for backpacking and the truck.. There is all sorts of aftermarket stuff that you can add and still keep the basic form and function, a foldable light weight pistol caliber carbine. That includes 2 aftermarket triggers that I know of, and before anybody says you should not have to replace a trigger on a $500 gun, think about that for a second. I don’t know anybody running a generic lower parts kit trigger in any AR15 or AR10, nobody. The trigger kits are relatively inexpensive and cut the trigger pull in half. One more thing, this is very easy to work on, much easier than building an AR lower (which is pretty easy in itself). There are not a bunch of springs and detents waiting to hide in your carpet. One last thing though, the sights. They are too low or my head’s too big. Fixed that with a red dot and rotating MI mount.

    Anyway, my opinion.

  • Corey January 11, 2017, 10:02 am

    Plastic receiver. The whole things plastic basically. Shot less than 100 rounds through mine front sight post fell out and lost it. Get what you pay for to me it’s not worth the price. Cool concept, horrible design. What you expect it’s a kel Tec lol.

    • Wayne Keller May 15, 2018, 1:15 pm

      Sounds like the operator to me.

      • Jay December 5, 2020, 3:48 pm

        Shot one this weekend 500 rounds steel and had zero problems. Great gun.

  • Jaf December 26, 2016, 5:58 pm

    I shot my first Kel Tec gen 2 a few weeks ago and loved it. Action was good and my grouping was very small. Went to a gun show soon after and found a few between 300-400.00. Wasnt ready to pick it up then but if i find it again i will not miss that chance. The idea of this weapon if perfect for both myself aandmd my girl to fit into our BOBs.

    Not a replacement for the ARs but still and excellent back up.

  • Arturo September 18, 2016, 5:59 pm

    Good review. Not sure what you mean by writing “actual” and “actually” so much when they aren’t needed, though. Perhaps having an editor look at your work afterwords. Or, should I say actually having an actual editor actually editing your actual work afterwords?

    • paul swift March 14, 2017, 8:23 am

      Perhaps your editor would change “afterwords” to afterwards

      • Wayne Keller May 15, 2018, 1:16 pm

        Very funny

  • CT July 28, 2016, 6:11 pm

    I’ve had a gen 1 Sub2000 for about 9-10 years now. Mine takes the S&W 5906 mags. I’ve never had one single issue with this gun. It is accurate, reliable, and the trigger pull is nowhere near 9lbs. I paid $235 for it, brand new, with the factory 10 round mag., and an aftermarket 15 rounder thrown in. I also have a Kel-Tec P11 9mm pistol, a S&W 5906, and a Marlin Camp 9. All of these guns will interchange mags, except the P11 mags won’t work in the S&W. All the Kel-Tecs I’ve owned have been accurate and reliable. That’s not to say you can’t get a bad one. I’ve had brand new guns from 2 major manufacturers that had to be returned for repair after their first trip to the range. It happens. I applaud Kel-Tec for the ingenuity of their designs.

  • John K. July 28, 2016, 10:43 am

    I haven’t seen a Kel Tec yet that was available within two or three years AFTER introduction. So far, I’ve developed a strong liking to three Kel Tec products. So far, I own none. After a couple of years, I lost interest or something else came along to make me forget Kel Tec.

  • loupgarous July 26, 2016, 3:10 am

    I’m actually sort of intrigued by the folding action. I’d be even more intrigued to know how headspacing works on an action that folds up like that after a few thousand rounds. I wouldn’t want to be the local gun dealer who had to cope with the kind of odd things one can imagine happening on a brand-new design that folds that way. Perhaps my reservations are entirely misplaced.

    • John Curry May 24, 2017, 8:42 am

      I took a long look at the 9mm gen 2 yesterday (May 23, 2017). The description given in this article is spot-on regarding this pcc. Other than that top sight, this feels like it’s exactly what it’s job is… a bug-out bag/backpack folding carbine. This doesn’t seem to be the range rifle you’re going to be pumping thousands upon thousands of rounds through.
      It’s a simple blowback carbine. I’ve never had blowback firearms encounter headspace problems regardless if the quantities of rounds spit out. As for the folding design and headspace? That was one thing I paid A LOT of attention to when I was examining it yesterday. The one I looked over locked up TIGHT and the mechanism that locks it is sturdy and has no play at all.
      I’ve never owned a Kel-tec but one thing I know from friends of mine is exactly what is stated in the article: the lifetime warranty is phenomenal. Anything at all that goes wrong with this is rectified by sending it in and they fix it. Period.
      For a disclaimer: I’m not a Kel-tec fanboy. I’ve never owned one or even given one (of any type) a second glance. Yesterday’s look-see was literally the first time I held a Kel-tec and I loved it. No, it’s not my folding stock AK or my dad’s AR, but even my parents (who were with me) BOTH wanted one of these after feeling how tight this carbine locks up and feels.
      The quality is there… and the warranty covers anything, any time if something does go wrong.
      I wouldn’t consider headspace problems to be an issue – when it locks up, it’s metal on metal where the critical parts connect.

  • loupgarous July 26, 2016, 2:51 am

    A hinged action? I do believe, if I ever saw the need for a pistol-caliber carbine (.40 S&W might be suitable) that I’d wait a year or two until whatever inevitably breaks on Kel-Tecs breaks and is replaced by a properly made part. And the “flexing 9-lb pull trigger” would have to be fixed by Kel-Tec themselves, not by some aftermarket guy for more money. It’s not a “$500 gun” if you have to drop a new trigger group into it and who knows what else for more money.

  • Ross Walters July 26, 2016, 1:22 am

    My Marlin Camp does everything the Kel Tec does after installation of a folding stock. Picatinny rails and foregrips etc. but I have the option of re-installing the beautiful Maple stock that came with it. Takes about 5 minutes to switch.
    With the wood stock it looks like a BB gun. With the folding stock it resembles an ‘assault rifle’.
    Uses S&W 59 mags which are cheap and plentiful. I’ve had it since 1989 and it’s never failed to fire…ever.
    Marlin used to make some good guns and they were inexpensive – I bought mine at Kmart.
    But since they quit making the Camp 9 decades ago it’s nice to see other manufacturers still making these kinds of home-defense rifles in pistol calibers.

  • Mikail July 26, 2016, 12:15 am

    I have a first Gen SUB 2000 in 9mm Beretta and it works like a champ. My wife and I both have Berettas and the SUB is a great carbine to compliment them. Might get the latest model someday, but the one I have has never had any problems at all.

  • Mel H July 25, 2016, 7:12 pm

    Bought my Kel-Tec Sub2000 4 years ago. Got the Glock magazine in 40 caliber version. Added the quad rail and a sling to it. Have run over 6000 rounds through it ( I have some high capacity mags and the 10 round mag that came with it ) and the only problem I’ve had is a brand of remanufactured ammunition would not work in it. (FTF and FTE) Sights have never failed me. Everyone that has shot it loves it. Had to buy the quad rail so I could add a handle, flashlight, and a laser. Top rail is useless if you want to fold gun for transport. I like this firearm so much that I also bought the PLR-22. Hate that some folks have had problems, but mine functions perfectly.

  • CW Tuggle July 25, 2016, 5:07 pm

    When they make a trigger that is not plastic and is around 5 lb. trigger pull then I will consider one. 9.5 lbs. that is really bad.

    • Tom July 26, 2016, 10:48 am

      MCARBO offers a trigger spring kit and a replacement Trigger, I can’t say enough good about both of these that I added to my GENH2 SUB2K!
      MWI makes an awesome rotating red dot mount set up for the Gen 2SUB2K as well. I have over 2000 res thru my Glock Mag G19 version of the SUB2K GEN 2 with ZERO issues!

      • Keith Randolph July 27, 2016, 3:36 pm

        How do you get the rotating mount from MWI? Everytime I click on the link into only brings up the you tube video about it.

  • Lenny R July 25, 2016, 3:32 pm

    What do you guys think of the inexpensive Hi Point carbine ?

    • Mikail July 26, 2016, 12:13 am

      I have both a Hi Point in .45 and a first generation SUB 2000 in 9mm. I’ve had a few issues with the Hi Point but none with the SUB 2000. Not bashing Hi Point, I’ve owned several and like them and own two now, but not as tight as the Kel Tec (I currently have 3 Kel Tecs). I have a lot of other more expensive guns like Glocks, Springfield, Jericho, Beretta and so on, but noth the SUB 2000 and Hi Point make good guns at a very low cost.

  • Robert Okray July 25, 2016, 1:36 pm

    Keltec has good ideas and piss poor execution. I have owned some of their products and walked away longing for what might have been. Quit manufacturing to the lowest price point and make something worth buying.

    • Paul Helinski July 25, 2016, 1:48 pm

      That isn’t true at all. You probably bought something 20 years ago. These days we have never found one that didn’t work perfect.

      • loupgarous July 26, 2016, 2:53 am

        There was that shotgun of theirs you people reviewed a while back, the slide rails tended to flex a bit too, didn’t they?

  • Richard C July 25, 2016, 1:16 pm

    You cannot find kel tech anything. I have given up on these guys. I’d rather SBR and AR with a folding stock.

  • Paul D July 25, 2016, 12:47 pm

    How would this work in a 357 sig?
    Ammo a little expensive but if you reload no problem.

  • Mike July 25, 2016, 12:35 pm

    Very hard to find.Would love to see one in 45ACP,10mm.Been looking for a .223 but cant find one.

  • Dave July 25, 2016, 12:29 pm

    I have owned I sub2k that is a bit on the rare side for awhile. It is factory chrome. It is a great gun. I think the authors gun with a hard trigger is not the norm. Of course the GENII may have different trigger geometry. Mine will lay them in there out to 50 yards with excellent accuracy. I wish it was a bit easier toad a red dot but not a lot of good options. I don’t want to loose the folding feature. One of the guns I hope to never have to get rid of.

  • Dactime July 25, 2016, 11:19 am

    I own one of the Gen II’s in 9mm Glock. Had it almost a year now, and paid $389.00 for it new. I have put a little more than 1500 rounds through it and the only issue I had was the front site did come loose. I contacted KEL TEC and they sent me a new one and I haven’t had any more problems with it. As far as ammo, I have used mostly ball and some hollow points from 115 to 147 grain and have not had any problems with feeding or failure to eject so far. Accuracy is very good as well. It is really enjoyable to shoot and just a fun gun to take out and plink around with. My wife really enjoys it as well. The trigger is not a pistol trigger but I don’t find it to be an issue or uncomfortable. Yes, they can be hard find at a good price, but they are out there if you are willing to search a little bit, and can wait until you find one at the price that works for you. Mine was purchased on line and I bid on several of them over a period of a couple of weeks or so before I was able to get one at $389.00 As to the claims here from Mike P. of them breaking and being hard to repair, as I stated I’ve only had the site issue. I can’t speak for all owners of this gun but unlike Mike P. I can definitely speak as an owner of one them and not stories from my buddy’s gun shop. The gun does come with a lifetime warrantee on material and workmanship for the lifetime of the product from Kel Tec to the original owner. So I’m not sure why you wouldn’t send it to Kel Tec for a free repair instead of your buddy’s gun shop? These are my actual experiences with the gun and there plenty of other actual owner’s experiences out there as well.

  • chris vangor July 25, 2016, 11:04 am

    Make this in 10mm and then we will have something

  • Marcelino July 25, 2016, 10:55 am

    Been shooting the Sub 2000 gen 2 Glock 17 mag 9mm for a year now. Shot blowing pins, steel plates and some targets. Almost 600 rounds. Very accurate, shoots all kinds: good, bad and ugly factory ammo. Folds neatly in its case for carry everywhere and discreetly. Trigger no problem (practice makes perfect). Side note: The SO at range does not like folding rifle. I had to buy a rifle case to participate at the shoots. No problem I comply. Also, since my dominate eye is left, I shoot it left handed and do get back the blow back and been hit once by an empty case. I enjoy shooting this carbine. As hickok45 says; fun! fun!.

    • yourSOisaretard October 25, 2017, 1:37 am

      The SO at your range is a real retard. Rather than go spend money on a case you don’t need, should have been spent on telling him to go fuck himself.

  • Predator July 25, 2016, 10:33 am

    I really wish they would consider the next generation redesign with the weapon folding to the side instead of over the top. Then it would be much easier to put an optic sight and have it stay on when folded. That would make this rifle much more usable, and easier to store. Just some food for thought Kel Tec. I have shot one and really like it but not being able to store it folded with my optic really limits it use.

  • Mike July 25, 2016, 8:42 am

    Kel-tec is missing a great opportunity! They should greatly consider looking into a sub-2000 platform in 30 M1 cal. This would be the preppers dream gun!

    • Paul O. July 25, 2016, 10:53 am

      It would need to be a complete redesign to accommodate 30 carbine. You’d need a gas system.

    • L E Henson July 25, 2016, 11:16 am

      To quote my father; I shot a jap, at least SIX times, with the M1 – he still ran to me, over 150 feet, through his rifle at me, then I shot him with my 45 (1911) to kill him”. Meaning; that caliber is WORTHLESS. Even a standard 9 MM (not my choice) has EXTREME penetrating force – Through a 16″ Barrel! From 25′ a 9MM from a 4″ barrel went less than 4″ into a tree. With a 16″ barrel, it went THROUGH a 1′ thick tree and flew over 100′ into a car door – denting it. A standard 40 Caliber is superior to both the 9MM and 45 – because the Manufacturers MUST “download” the power of the cartridge to the “lowest common denominator”, forearm = oldest). Example: a 30-06 GENERALLY has less power than the same, shorter case 308 Caliber .MAKE MINE – a side-folding 40 Caliber , using Glock magazines!
      In the meantime ALL should WATCH “HILARYS AMERICA” LEARN the TRUTH! TRUMP 2016

      • 2ndKentucky October 9, 2016, 7:02 pm

        A few million Japs and Krauts fell to this rifle with round lead ball during WW2.
        Korea came and went – suddenly everybody has a I hate it story to pass down.
        I agree the rifle in that instance with your dad – was probably a certified bad-ass
        who refused to die with wounds that would kill lesser men and needed the 30-06!
        I thank your dad for his service and I am glad your here today!!!

    • loupgarous July 26, 2016, 3:02 am

      .30 carbine isn’t reliable for knockdown. And I like the reviewer’s idea of going with the same caliber as the pistols the wife and I carry. (That makes us a two-caliber household, she finds .40 S&W a little much, but she can sign her name with a 9mm para.) I don’t see the advantage .30 carbine has over a good hollowpoint service load in 9mm, much less a proper load in .40 S&W.

      For prepping, where logistics are key, it’s just not to worth having to stock a third (or fourth) caliber of cartridge, when you can buy lots of what your hide-out carbine and pistol both shoot. You come out cheaper and in the event you have to fire in anger, perhaps you’re still firing my way and out of ammo with that .30 carbine and a pistol.

    • CT July 28, 2016, 6:17 pm

      The biggest problem with the .30 Carbine in military use was that it was hardball. Just like 9mm, in hardball it’s a lousy stopper. In a good hollow-point, the .30 would probably be a very effective round, especially out of a 16.25″ barrel. I have to agree with the people who’ve said that they would like to see this carbine in .45acp, or 10mm.

  • Mike Price July 25, 2016, 7:49 am

    I don’t know why you run an article on a gun that you cannot hardly find. I don’t know what the deal is with the company that can’t seem to get the product out the door. They have that much trouble with it. Now have the gen two. Several issues with the gen 1 gun. The gun retails at $278 but you can’t find one. If you do it is $550 or more. What an over price piece of molded plastic. I was going to try one out but everybody that I talked to that had one said they fall apart after about 500 rounds through the gun. My buddy owns a gun shop and does gun repair. The hate the gun. Everybody brings them in to be fixed and they are so cheap inside being mostly plastic, they are hard to repair. Why somebody pays twice the money for the gun is beyond me. Not me!

    • Cea July 25, 2016, 10:06 am

      I paid $299 + tax four years ago, for my new Gen 1 in 9mm (Glock 17 config). That was when most that could could be found, went for $400 or so. I was on a waiting list for just over a year. But the price made it worth it.

  • Greg July 25, 2016, 7:29 am

    I bought one for $385 that uses glock mags in 9mm. It works very well, fit is excellent. The trigger…hurts. I had to put a piece of tubing for an aquarium over the trigger (the bottom of it pinches).

    It’s reliable and pretty accurate. The front sight adjusts like an AR-15, not bad at all. It lives in the car as a “crowd gun”…small, light and lots of bullets.

    • Mike Price July 25, 2016, 7:50 am

      Does the front sight stay on it straight? They had trouble with front sight coming lose and sliding around.

      • Paul O. July 25, 2016, 10:55 am

        The front sight has a hex screw that I check after shooting. Haven’t had a problem so far.

  • Carter July 25, 2016, 6:11 am

    I have a Generation II Sub 2000 40 caliber. It is very accurate. The problem is after 50-60 rounds, the jams begin. Spend 30 minutes cleaning, it works again. This is not some cheap foreign ammo either. Trust me it does the same thing on the god stuff.
    It is a fun little carbine but this jamming issue is very frustrating. Perhaps this problem is more prevalent in the 40 caliber version?

    • Mike Price July 25, 2016, 7:53 am

      This is what I have heard talking to other owners. I was thinking about one but several that bought my CT9 mags from me said they owned one of the Kel Tec’s and it was junk gun after several hundred rounds. They bought the Taurus CT9 for less and it is one solid well made gun.

    • Paul O. July 25, 2016, 10:57 am

      I shoot super steel matches with a gen 2 9mm and it’s been reliable so far. About 250-300 rounds per match.

  • Mahatma Muhjesbude July 22, 2016, 12:15 pm

    If it’s function is reliable they’ll sell a lot of these. The price is right, Has high capacity, Light, Good take down compact bug out back pack gun.

Send this to a friend