As much as I like tinkering with my guns, there are very few times when an upgrade performs better than I ever expected. A Magpul stock might be better than a standard m4 stock, but it doesn’t blow my mind. A little company called MCarbo produces some of the most innovative additions and add-ons for a variety of firearms. My particular interest in their products boils down to the SUB2000.
KelTec’s SUB2000 is a pistol-caliber carbine that famously folds in half and uses popular pistol magazines. It’s a handy and fun little rifle that’s both made in America and quite affordable. The SUB2000 is one of my favorite little guns and my favorite bug-out blaster by far. However, the gun has a few problems.
The Blowback Problem
The KelTec SUB2000 uses a straight blowback principle to operate. Straight blowback works. In fact, it works rather well. This simplistic but reliable system allows the SUB-2000 to stay relatively trim and small and also affordable. The downside to blowback is an increased level of felt recoil. Every morning straight blowback systems wake up and choose violence.
The recoil isn’t painful like a ten gauge shotgun in the shoulder but does deliver a little snap. In fact, I’d say it’s snappier than most other blowback PCCs due to its minimalist design. Less recoil would make a more controllable platform.
The Optics Problem
KelTec’s little gun comes with a decent set of adjustable iron sights, but like any weapon, it could benefit from an optic. The problem is that adding an optic to the gun’s rails requires you to forfeit the handy folding design. Attaching optics of any kind is complex, and the weapon suffers for it.
A red dot makes PCCs easier to use. You don’t have to align sights, just put the dot on the target and go. A red dot is easier to see and easier to track between shots. If you want to max your speed and accuracy potential, a red dot is going to be the best way without going into the guts of the weapon.
The MCarbo Solutions
As mentioned, MCarbo provides some rather genius upgrades to the SUB2000. They make everything from an enhanced rear sight to an enhanced trigger kit to lighten and refine the pull a fair bit. They also make two simple and affordable products to solve the SUB2000’s most glaring problems.
First, the Recoilless Charging handle tames the snap. It’s a drop-in charging handle that’s thick but in a good way. The Recoilless charging handle weighs 3.2 ounces by itself and reduces recoil by slowly down the bolt as it flies backward.
The stock charging handle weighs an ounce, so the MCarbo charging handle only adds 2.2 ounces to the total design. That 2.2 ounce does a fantastic job of reducing recoil and stopping the bolt from slamming rearward with so much violence. To add weight, the charging handle is massive and does provide a better grip to allow easy charging of the weapon.
The recoiling spring in the SUB2000 is quite stiff, another problem with blowback guns, and the oversized charging handle makes it easier to grip and rip. Installation takes no time at all, and it just pops in, and the stainless steel locking pin ensures the MCarbo charging handle stays in place.
The Difference
You won’t believe the difference this charging handle makes. It truly does a fantastic job of reducing recoil and taming the SUB2000 a fair bit. I actually didn’t realize how much the SUB2000 recoiled until I installed the new charging handle. The difference is readily apparent and makes the SUB2000 much easier to shoot and much more comfortable.
Getting fast follow-up shots on target has never been easier. While the handle is heavier, the weight is minimal, and you don’t notice it. This is especially true when the weight sits near the rear of the weapon. Also, while you keep the weapon shouldered, the thicker charging handle is easier to work when reloading the gun.
MCarbo claims it reduces recoil by 68%. I’m not sure how exactly I can measure recoil reduction in a scientific way, but I can assure you the difference is immediately evident. I’d agree with MCarbo’s claim.
What About an Optic?
Adding an optic can be a little trickier when you want to retain the folding capability of the SUB2000. Yet, MCarbo found a way. They produced a spring-loaded optic mount that allows you instantly swing the optic to the side when the user wants to fold the SUB2000. Users get to choose between a left or right-handed configuration.
The MCarbo optic mount adds a small section of Picatinny rail that allows the user to mount nearly any red dot on the market. Mounting magnified optics is possible, but eye relief would be the main issue. Maybe a Scout scope or something could be used, but I think a red dot would be the better option.
Mounting the MCarbo optics mount requires you to replace four bolts in the side of the gun with four longer bolts to attach the mount to the gun. Once mounted, though, it’s a rock-solid fit. There is no movement, and it’s extremely tight.
Once mounted, a press of a top-mounted paddle sends the optic to the side and tosses it out of the way for easy folding capability. As long as you utilize a low mount, the MCarbo allows you to effectively co-witness with your iron sights. However, the sight picture might be crowded for some. A slightly higher mount offers a lower 1/3rd co-witness but compromises your good cheek weld.
Banging Away
The MCarbo optics mount and recoilless charging handle are must-have upgrades to your KelTec SUB2000. Both are simple, neither affects reliability, and both will make your SUB2000 an easier to use and a more effective platform.
Both work together to make you faster to engage targets, reduce the time between follow-up shots, and even make it easier to shoot your SUB2000 accurately. To me, these are must-haves, and I don’t plan on removing them for as long as I own my SUB2000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The ideal suppressor choice for the KelTec SUB2000 is the SilencerCo Omega 9K. Suppressed shooting is highly recommended as it offers numerous advantages. First and foremost, shooting with a suppressor minimizes the noise level, making it easier on the ears and less disruptive to those in the vicinity during training sessions. Moreover, once individuals experience shooting with a suppressor, they often find it difficult to return to unsuppressed shooting due to the unmatched comfort and reduced noise levels.
The SilencerCo Omega 9K stands out as a compact 9mm suppressor with a tri-lug rear cap, enabling quick-detach functionality. Transitioning from regular shooting to suppressed shooting is effortless with the tri-lug end cap and tri-lug muzzle device, allowing the KelTec SUB2000 to switch from speaking loudly to speaking softly in a matter of seconds.
One of the notable advantages of the Omega 9K is its versatility and compatibility with various threaded 9mm firearms. By utilizing the tri-lug mount system, users can easily move the suppressor between different firearms, making it a practical and cost-effective option.
In essence, the recommendation for the SilencerCo Omega 9K for the KelTec SUB2000 is further enforced by the convenience, modularity, and overall positive shooting experience that a suppressor provides.
The recommended sling option for the KelTec SUB2000 is the Magpul MS3 single-point QD sling. This sling is known for its comfort due to the nylon material used, metal clips for durability, and versatile mounting options for both single and two-point retention. Although the SUB2000 has mounts for a standard sling on the buttstock, there is no forward-mounted attachment included. To address this, the recommendation is to attach a Magpul RSA QD rail sling attachment on the top rail to match it with the QD attachment on the sling.
In terms of the recommended weapon light for the KelTec SUB2000, the Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0 is suggested. This powerful light boasts 1,250 lumens and a 100,000-candela peak beam intensity, allowing for excellent spot lighting capabilities beyond 50 yards. The Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0 also comes equipped with a pressure switch, enabling the user to easily control the light output with their support hand, making it an ideal choice for target identification.
The two most crucial attachments recommended for utilizing the KelTec SUB2000 in serious roles such as home defense, backpacking, and training are a sling and a weapon light. These accessories play vital roles in enhancing the functionality and effectiveness of the firearm in various scenarios.
Firstly, a sling is essential for maintaining control and retention of the firearm, allowing the user to have their hands free if needed for other tasks while ensuring that the weapon remains within reach at all times.
Secondly, a weapon light is indispensable for identifying potential targets, particularly in low-light or no-light situations, providing critical visibility and enhancing target acquisition and accuracy during crucial moments. Both the sling and the weapon light are valuable assets that significantly enhance the overall performance and usability of the KelTec SUB2000 in serious applications.
I have the fully Mcarbo Sub2000 1170.00bucks and worth every penny. The fully modified Mcarbo keltech sub2000 can easily compete with more expensive carbines like the cmmg banshee and daniel defense.
Yeah i think the hey day of the old plastic fantastic is over thanks to new s&w fpc. of course the sub2k still takes a variety of mags, more than any other pcc. its still the thinnest wo a rds mount but its got too many drawbacks now. namely the trigger and the folding mech. which allows for no permanent rds, plus a plethora of cheap plastic parts. if u still want one my advice is to just buy one direct from mcarbo for 850? way better than stock keltec but that doesnt include the rds side mount above, which i think is expensive, awkward and bulky. better off w a rds w aquik release mount maybe but might lose zero after taking off. newer trending stuff on the market are side folders(trailblazer) u can leave a rds on and this more than anything makes it a dinosaur. the fpc has a better trigger too and 3 mags. its a better quality gun overall for around $600 w last round bolt hold and no recip charge handle. all modern pcc’s should have these features now. keltec needs a new model/gen 3 to keep up.
Hey you all, to get an almost free scope mount get an large (4 or 5 inch) spring close heavy door hinge and check instructions on youtube, mine took less than an hour!
I still prefer the Red Lion Precision replacement forearm that rotates allowing you to mount things on 3 sides while still being able to fold it up. I would have said its only draw back was it is a little pricey but then seeing the price of the MCarbo mount it really is not that much more. Plus they have versions for both Gen 1 and 2.
i agree, i checked it out. same price as the mcarbo rds mount. this forearm allows u to keep rds on and thin profile. only draw back is u cant keep stuff on bottom 6 rail bc then it wont fold. and you have to destroy your stock front sight taking off to install, but easily replaceable w mbus. i think its better solution than the m carbo. more metal for the money anyway. keltec just needs a redesign w something similar, which i think they already did w a suppressor. or make it a side folder.
and rlp doesnt come w rails. so factor in cost of those and new front sight i guess its not same price.
Great information. Let me add a little more, join the McCarbo blog forum, and the Kel-Tec forum. Many personal experiences.
I have run thousands and thousands of rounds thru multiple SUB2Ks with Mcarbo upgrades and every one especially the trigger kit and optic mount were vast improvements over stock parts!
One would think after so many years, Kel Tec would have done a few minor low cost upgrades to this second generation rifle ? I had one for a while and did add a Mid West swing away red dot set up which made concealed storage cumbersome and I could no longer use a laptop bag for concealed carry. This rifle is by no means expected to be a long or even a medium range rifle. With that in mind the rear peep sight “hole” is way to small and yes the after market has a better replacement for that as well. Me? I prefer true buck horn type V open sight, similar to what the AK47’s come with for a snap sighting picture. Muzzle brakes can help with recoil but then again make the rifle cumbersome due to added length.
That said spending hundreds of $ to upgrade with many options is a stone in your shoe.
I already bought the scope mounting plate seems their products are on the pricey side but they do work and Mcarbo seels to be the only company offering up grades for the sub 2k