So many guns, not enough money. Well – this is true unless you know someone and can borrow theirs. A couple weeks ago I had the chance to borrow a friends Kel-Tec Sub-2000 9mm Carbine. I have been interested in owning one of these for the past coupe years but it just never happened.
Over a weekend I was able to take a look at the Kel-Tec, handle it, shoot it, and get an overall impression. I was not able to do a full-bore review but certainly got a feel for it.
The Kel-Tec Sub-2000 is a 9mm carbine which accepts all Glock 17 magazines (17 or 33 round). There are other models and calibers of the Sub-2000 available. One of the things that interested me in the Sub-2000 was that one could have a “long” gun and a side arm of not only the same caliber, but taking the same magazine as well. There is certainly an advantage there.
Many make decisions on firearms based on appearance. I certainly want to like the looks of a gun, but I gotta tell you – this thing is Ugly with a capital U. Know what? Don’t care. Beyond the fact its not mine so my money wasn’t involved – the thing works. More on that later.
One of the most attractive and unique features of the Kel-Tec is its ability to fold in half to a very compact and storable. When folded the carbine can easily fit in a backpack – even a small one. In fact – a backpack could hold the carbine, a couple of 33-rd magazines and a few 17 round mags as well. You’d still have room left for some other supplies.
If you haven’t gotten the sense yet – I like this gun. It is lightweight and quick handling. Grip feels good. This is no Remington 700 and pulling it up to cheek certainly is not as comfortable. For what it is – I had no problem getting a sight picture.
Speaking of site picture – take a look at those sights. Gotta say it – UGLY. They are functional but I do see them as a weakness. The rear sight sticks up and looks to be saying, “Please – hit me up against something so I will break!!” I am not saying the rear – or the front sight are delicate by any means – just say’n.
The mag well of course is in the grip. It is flared and accepts magazines easily. No issues.
Rear sight is of the peep variety. It is not adjustable and there is only one size available. For the guns range – it works. The front sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. The gun was right on when I received it so no adjustment were made. The front site is orange in color and gives a nice contrast when looking through the black peep hole.
My shooting was done entirely within 50 yards. Hitting center of mass? Easy. My brother shot it better than I and nailed 20-oz bottles and soda cans at 25 yards with ease and repeatedly.
I would like to be able to ad optics to the gun – but there is no easy method to do that without modification and purchase of other parts. Besides – adding and optic would negate being able to fold it.
I found the gun reliable, handy, compact, portable, and able to send rounds downrange in a hurry. So – what didn’t I like about it? There were a few things:
- The trigger could be much improved. It is heavy.
- The charging handle moves back and forth with the bolt. I see this could get caught on clothing while firing and potentially cause a malfunction or stoppage of some kind.
- I am a lefty – and the mag release is on the left side. When I first shot the gun the mag kept falling out of the gun until I realized the side of my left hand was hitting the mag release during firing. Once noticed – I changing my shooting position but this is a problem (for lefties).
That is about it. I like the Kel-Tec Sub-2000. If I can find one at a decent price I would like to pick one up.
– Rourke

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Rourke,
My experience with the sub 2000 is positive, too. Very accurate out of the box. Great price ~$300. Brilliant ideas: Glock mag 9mm interchangeability and ability to transport folded in half. Rave reviews also by other big hitters on You Tube.
But there’s one point upon which we disagree.
I think this gun is great looking!
To make it even better looking, check out the many ways this great carbine can be enhanced for looks and functionality–on YouTube.
Keep up the good work, Wayne
Thanks Wayne –
Rourke
I have owned one for 3 years and its a great little weapon. If you don’t want to spend a lot ,under $50, I have put a NEBO laser light and universal 1″ mount on the front end and it works well and still allows the gun to be folded. Also, Keltec has a fair selection of add ons. A great place to see what other owners have done theirs is the Keltec owners group. Good luck finding one you may have to get on a wait list. God Bless and Keep Your Powder Dry.
The Glock 17 configuration is the toughest to find. I’ve had standing paid orders for that one for over a year so if you see one buy it! I always buy 2 of the same model, but I have had a hell of a time finding my second G17 configuration.
For me these are trunk guns that go in the in the get home bag or the brief case. For now I’m using the G22 configurations and My wife has the G17 configuration. I will say the 9mm is more fun to shoot. The butt tends to dig in with the lower portion on the shoulder.
They say its good out to 150 yards, but I wouldn’t try to engage past 50 yards. I bought these guns in 2010 when we started seeing the violent flash mobs. My thinking was how do you defend your family against a flash mob of 50 to 200 people? Answer you can’t. That’s when I went heavy on my concealed carry and went back to full size Glocks with a min. of 2 extra Hi-cap mags.
When we are in larger crowds, festivals, flea markets; I can throw everything in a small civilian looking backpack and easily carry offensive and defensive capabilities with 300 rounds under 15lbs. To some people I guess that would seem extreme, but my family will be safe.
I agree with your points. It reminded of the 1800’s when a cowboy carried his six gun and lever action in (44-40, 45LC) this help him with ammo carry and dispatching bad guys and food. A dead medium sized game will know the difference between pistol munitions and high power if your accurate enough. This does lend it self good to ruck sack, close quarters and vehicle fire-arm.
I have looked at different carbines over the past 6 months or so. I considered a Marlin Camp Carbine in .45 ACP, but they seemed awful expensive for such a basic system. I noticed some older Ruger carbines on sale through GunsAmerica. They were all in .44 MAG, and since that is not a caliber that I stock, I did not pursue them. I like the concept, as Badger359 pointed out, there are advantages to using the same round in your long gun and hand gun. In a way, I am following this theory with a Rossi Circuit Judge and Governor (both shooting .45LC/.410 GA).
Irish-7,
I had a Marlin Camp 9 years ago. Loved it and wish I still had it.
Thanks – Rourke
just seen a new 50 rnd drum mag on youtube take a look. The last 30 seconds is hillarious. http://youtu.be/1KghkFluEoU
Carl –
Just watched that. Your right – that last 30 seconds is funny. I didn’t expect that!
Thanks for the tip.
Rourke