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Kel Tec Sub 2000

8K views 44 replies 18 participants last post by  youngridge 
#1 ·
okay. I am now in the market for another pack type rifle, this time in centerfire (Have plenty of them in .22 take down configurations already.) I currently have a G19 and a 92FS\M9, so 9 mm is the calber I'm after. Also already have a marlin Camp 9 and a Camp 45, but as non take down, they take up more space than most packs have.

So, those of you that own one, let me know the upsides and downsides to the Sub 2000 platform, other than the obvious of it being a "AW' in some states, and states with mag restrictions ( which keep me from taking the Marlins to NY, should I go there.)

IOW, you have one, would you buy it again, knowing what you know now, is it picky on ammo used in it, and what are it's quirks?

thanks.
 
#2 ·
I have shot a few and found them reliable and fairly accurate but awkward to shoot. That said a lot of the folks I know who had them sold/traded for a pistol length AR in 9mm. Quite a few of them have bought the Micro Roni Pistol braces as well. Both are much easier and more comfortable to shoot IMHO.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I have a few of them. The key is to break it in properly and use good mags. I ran 200 rounds of 147 grain after the initial cleaning. I had a couple malfunctions on the 1st mag on both my 9s. 1 is Glock gen 2 and the other is Beretta gen 1. I have not had any malfunctions since with any round or weights I have run through them. Use the heavy bullet to break them in. The sights are hard to get down on until you get used to them. I have a red dot on a quick release riser which makes it much easier. one thing on the Gen 2 rails. They have a slight crown and need to be flattened. I used a sanding block to very carefully flatten them out so the red dot quick release would be repeatable.
 
#4 ·
Basically waiting for my LGS to get one in with the mag well for the G19, they have had them for for 17, 92fs, and 40 caliber versions, when they get the 19 in they go off the shelf fast. Patience and timing. Every once in awhile I see PSA has them on sale for $400 I believe, the 19 sells out but I think you can back order it for that price if you wish to.

I will end up with one sooner or later lol.

All the review I have read seem to be good, I know I made a thread awhile back and I believe JTJ and some good info on it. I couldn't find it when I searched for some reason.
 
#25 ·
Made good on my word and bought a sub2k gen 2....I couldn't stand waiting around for a 19 so I opted for the 17 magwell. After I made up my mind on the 17 magwell I found one at the not so LGS but local to that area that I have bought from in the past....$350. I was very impressed with the price.

Took it shooting today, accuracy was iffy, the front post sight needs to be adjusted lately, got used to it and was hitting good at 75 or so yards. Trigger was what I kind of expected from reviews, I see MCARBO makes a trigger upgrade kit along with a different feed ramp that isn't plastic. Kind of expensive but really toying with that idea and the extended charge handle in the future. Up in the air on adding a red dot or not. I think I am going to wait on that for now.

I originally thought I would dremel the magwell for a G19 mag, but for now I am going to leave it. I can always do that later.

I truly did have a blast shooting it though, it is very light. I really enjoy this 9mm carbine. If anyone is on the fence like I was for the last year and half, the only thing I regret is not getting it sooner!
 
#7 ·
I actually have 4 or 5 G17 mags laying around, from a friend who had to move from Ohio to Ny for his job, so that's not an issue. Also have 3 of the 32 rounders from the guy who sold his 19 to the wife, which was my anniversary present after moving here. Mags won't be an issue either way, as I have for both the 17 and 19, and have 6 for the M9\92FS.

most of what I have seen review wise, has been mostly good, pointing out a few quirks, and a couple that were lemons, but KT wass good about service, and fixed the problems, or sent out a new one to replace the returned one. Sights tend to be the main complaint, so a red dot that's QD is something I'm considering.

Harker. while an AR is an option, and not a bad one, as I could even support a friend's company back in NY, (Just Right Carbines), I'm just not much of an AR person. Might have something to do with growing up on base, and having shot select fore versions back in the 80s. i also am more into TD rifles, which an AR could qualify as, that can be fit into the smallest possible configuration.

now, here's the issue with the Roni idea. An S2000 will get me in far less trouble, should I get stopped in NY with it, going to VT or NH, than an AR pistol would, which is part of the idea to picking one up, as it's small, compact, and essentially take down. And it is legal for me to have it with me, as long as it's cased, locked up, with no ammo in the mags or case, and I'm using 10 rounders.

An Ar pistol, or an Ak pistol, that's 2 felony counts, one on the Sulivan Act, one on the Unsafe Act, if it's with while travelling through NY. however, transporting the rifle is legal under NY laws and federal.

And FOPA in NY is no more than an affirmative defense there, when it comes to handguns. granted, I could always take the class again, pick up the application, go in and get my picture taken and finger printed, and pay another $300, if I am also willing to rent a place back there to keep a pistol, and lived there part year, as then I could just put a couple of the revolvers on my Permit, and then STILL have to lock the pistol and speed loaders in one case, and the Ammo in another, and not be able to carry there. o_O

With a rifle or shotgun, at least I have a chance of being capable of SD, and still being legal. With a handgun, i'm f#@%ed.

hence the idea of getting the S2000, as it is legal to have while just passing through, even in NY.
 
#8 ·
#9 ·
#12 ·
There is a major weight difference between the Sub2K @ 4.5 lbs and the PC9 @ 6.6 lbs if weight is a factor. It is also longer when assembled due to the forward magazine but it allows the use of shorter mags. The PC9 I think is a delayed blow back while the Sub2K is blow back. Legality in some states like the PRK could be a big factor. No evil pistol grip that causes people to go psycho :rolleyes:. I wonder how long it will take Magpul to bring out their Backpacker stock for it.
 
#16 ·
Remember also that I live right next to NY, so the threaded barrel would be out, if it was to be taken for a stay there. however, it's not as if I couldn't buy a second barrel section with that feature for use here in PA, as i am researching suppressors in 9 mm and .22LR at this time.

The main draw for me on the S2K is the folding aspect for compact storage, and it being slightly more legal of an option going through NY than a handgun is.

price is not so much of a concern for me. not saying things aren't tight, but i just set the money aside, look foir used options, and go from there, with items to trade more often than not. hell, I have un taxed income via paint\airbrush work that falls under art, which is non taxable, and I usually do a few bikes a week, sometimes pinstriping on a car in the same, so raising quick cash to make up the difference is not a huge deal.

Right now, the Ruger has my attention, as it is a conventional looking rifle, that will fit in a smaller case fro travel, and is not an "AW" in any state. It's not even a need, as I do have a Rossi Overland coach gun in 12 ga that will fit in a 20 inch case\pouch. just more of an "I want" type thing.

Figured I'd ask some of the others here first that have a S2K, to see what the likes and dislikes are, so maybe i won't be learning them the hard way.

RJF. I have looked at the CX4 Storm at a local shop, but just didn't find it that appealing. Put it to the shoulder, as the Hi Point 995 carbines struck me the same way until I shouldered one, but it just didn't work for me.
 
#13 ·
kfox, I have zero experience with the Sub2K, but I did study it for a bit for a PCC. In the end, I really didn't care for the exposed charging handle under the butt-stock: thought it might wind up hampering with winter clothing; and the plastic "irons". It also seemed to be a bit ugly.

About four months ago, I got a CX4 Storm that takes my 92FS/M9 mags. I personally thought it was butt-ugly but have gotten past that. It is a fine, light, comfortable shooter, but with a bit too much plastic in some of the operating parts (fixable with upgrades). Has been 100% after the first 15-round mag (one stovepipe, with crappy old corroded ammo). It was a bit tight initially but has loosened up with the round-count. It's a keeper for me and a joy to shoot. As a plus, my TRS-25 co-exists with the irons perfectly, with the red dot right at the top of the front sight. Almost like it was made for it!

The Ruger PC9 looks intriguing and looks like it will be less expensive than the CX4 Storm. It should take your Glock 9mm mags, but worth checking for compatibility. If I had any Glocks or Ruger 9mm, I would be doing a giant face-palm. But I don't, so I don't regret the CX4 purchase - even though it was darn near expensive as a new Mini-14. I'll probably plink with it more than my Minis because it is lighter and less expensive to shoot.

Before you jump to the Sub2K, do some research on the new Ruger offering: it just might be for you as it takes Glock mags; particularly the take-down part.
 
#15 ·
Shot one just today. ..
With the stock sights, it's hard to get a cheek weld AND gain a sight picture. I found if I move my cheek forward to the receiver extension, it worked well.
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While we had no problems with the S2K, we did have problems with the genuine Glock 33 binding and providing zero feed pressure.
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I think the $400 price point is attractive and it's ability to use the Glock mags is a plus.
 
#19 ·
kfox, variety is the spice of life!:) I really liked the feel and fit, but then again, at 5'10 and struggling to get up to 130 pounds, my interests vary. What I really like (discovered after I bought it) is a perfect co-witness of my TRS-25 and the irons. Red dot is exactly on top of the front post, so if I forget to turn it on or the battery goes dead, I'm still right on. I also like the fully-enclosed mag well in the pistol grip and similar placement of various controls with my 92FS. Of course, after I got it, I invested in four 30-rounders from Beretta at a big discount (so much for fully-enclosed)...

I don't travel anywhere other than to shopping and med appointments, and have only once carried a carbine in my truck (a Mini-14) when heading toward a high risk (aka gun-free zone) place (parking lot okay, so that is where it stayed). It is a fun gun for me and an easy carry around the farm should I need to confront a poacher or threat to me, my wife, or my horses. Not as lethal as one of my Minis, but like a CCW: doesn't do you much good if you don't have it with you...

Would have preferred a threaded barrel, but can have a 'smith do that for me should the suppressor NFA rule ever get fixed.

No regrets and would recommend it.
 
#20 ·
Freedom Ordinance has the FX 9MM carbine and pistol. Glock mags. It looks like an AR but is built from the ground up to be a 9mm. I got to handle both today at an LGS. The Carbine is 6.3 lbs with a happy stick. The pistol is of course lighter. Both break down like an AR. Pistol was 25" overall with a Shockwave blade and 8" barrel. NO sights on either but lots of top rail. I was surprised at how good it felt. Pistol was $645 and Carbine was $615 + tax of course. They both felt really good but the pistol has me more interested. Still have not seen the PC.
https://freedomordnance.com/fx-9-9mm-carbine/
https://freedomordnance.com/fx-9-pistol/
 
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#22 ·
After looking at the FX pistol I took out my Sub2K. The Sub2K is only 4" longer than the pistol with the Shockwave even though the barrel is 16". With the red dot just above the irons it is very easy get on the Sub's sights. Quick release mounts allow the red dot to be removed for folding and it is faster to get into action than reassembling The FX. I am not seeing replacing the Sub with an FX pistol. The FX rifle is the same size as an AR so you might as well have an AR. The FX pistol would be very attractive as a suppressor platform. Maybe if they get the Hearing Protection Act passed.
 
#27 ·
I have owned the Gen 1 when it came out and sold it, and then owned twice the Gen 2s when they came out and sold them too. I seem to not learn as each time I bought them, and liked them, had no issues, but came to realize that for me, why on earth do I need them? Anyway, I recommend them if you have a use for the folding carbine, I did not (it seems to be a lesson I have to relearn). Mine was for a Glock 19 in the Gen 1 and Glock 17 and then a 19 in the Gen 2s. I referring to the magazines they were sized for. As you probably know, you can always use the longer mags, for instance, the 17 and the 18 mags work like champs in the Glock 19 sized Sub 2K, just like they do on the Glocks.
 
#30 ·
I had an earlier generation Sub2000, that a friend of mine talked me out of. After I sold it to him, I realized just how handy it had been for it’s compact size for storage and transport.

I found a new generation one in a local shop and bought it on the spot. It’s been reliable, and more comfortable than the ea4lier generation one I had. Easier to make 50 to 100 ya hits with than a handgun. The extra barrel length squeezes a bit more velocity/energy out of the pistol caliber cartridges.
 
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#33 ·
I had a gen2 with G17 and a gen2 with G19 mag well at one time. Sold both before I even fired a round from either one. They were neat though since they could be folded up and stored in a small space such as in an under the seat space in a vehicle.
 
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