Kel-Tec Sub-2000 Review

September 23, 2013 By David Fortier

There are times it pays to be discreet, and it's usually more often than some may realize. This is especially true when it comes to transporting a long gun. While a long gun is generally to be preferred for self-protection, it invariably takes a backseat to the handgun — simply because handguns are easier to carry and conceal when going about our daily lives. They are also much quicker into action than a stealthily cased long gun.

However, that doesn't mean long guns should be discounted altogether. After all, rifles offer greater range, terminal performance and are generally easier to hit with. For certain scenarios a long gun would be a better option.

The problem is trying to find the right balance between size and performance. A number of solutions have been developed through the years. Among these are the stocked pistol, short-barreled carbine and various types of takedown guns.

Simply adding a shoulder stock to a service pistol does indeed make it easier to hit with. For decades designs such as Mauser's famous C-96 pistol with detachable shoulder stock were popular. While generally looked down upon today as neither fish nor fowl, a stocked pistol does offer certain advantages over a standard piece. A very short barreled carbine, especially one fitted with a folding stock, can also be a useful tool.

The problem with both of these options today is simply the required tax stamp and lengthy National Firearms Act registration paperwork and approval process. If you want to add a stock to your Glock 17 or 10.5-inch upper to your AR-15, then you have to jump through the legal hoops.

It seems the vast majority of shooters would prefer to steer clear of NFA registration paperwork. Luckily another possible solution is available in Kel-Tec's SUB-2000 folding carbine. This takedown design seems purpose-built to solve the problem of discreetly carrying a long gun. Better still it accomplishes this in a compact 16x7-inch package that requires no NFA paperwork or tax stamp. Since it was first introduced in 2001, this handy little carbine has achieved a cult following.

The SUB-2000 itself is fairly simple and straight forward. It utilizes the well-proven blowback method of operation and fires from the closed bolt position. It's built on a pistol-shaped glass-reinforced Zytel receiver. Attached to the rear of this is a tubular steel receiver extension that doubles as a stock. This extension houses the two-piece bolt assembly, captive recoil-spring, buffer and charging handle.

This model is available chambered for either 9mm Luger or .40 S&W. The 9mm models are available in configurations that can handle Glock 17/19, S&W 59, Beretta 92 or SIG P226 magazines. Models in .40 S&W can be configured to accept Glock 22/23, S&W 4006, Beretta 96 or SIG P226 mags. So you can match a SUB-2000 to feed from the same magazines as your favorite carry pistol.

The magazine well is located in the receiver's pistol grip to reduce length. Housed inside the receiver is a single-action trigger mechanism with a positive disconnector. The safety is a cross-bolt type that interlocks the sear and hammer while disengaging the trigger bar. The magazine release is where you'd find it on a pistol; it's slightly extended to allow sure operation.

Fitted to the front is a 16.1-inch steel barrel. This is held securely by a hinge-block at the front of the receiver. The non-adjustable aperture rear sight is also mounted to this block, and it automatically rotates into position when the barrel is locked into place. Mounted to the end of the barrel is a fully adjustable, protected front sight.

Weight is a light and handy four pounds. A slot for a sling is incorporated in the butt, and while the bolt does not lock to the rear on the last shot it can be manually locked open. Finish on the metal parts is a simple but attractive bluing.

What makes the SUB-2000 so desirable, though, is its unusual ability to fold neatly in half. Overall length of the carbine, ready to fire, is just 29.5 inches, but this can be reduced to just 16 inches — without tools or removing any parts or pieces — in a matter of a couple seconds. This allows it to be easily stowed for discreet carry. It can then be put into action in a matter of seconds by merely unfolding it and chambering a round.

Recoil and report are mild. The design, with its long bolt travel, allows for reliable operation using loads varying greatly in pressure. Just keep in mind the bolt does not lock on the last shot. Original OEM Glock magazines ejected cleanly, but aftermarket Korean 33 round magazines needed to be pulled free.

Accuracy-wise, my SUB-2000 proved a bit picky. With loads it likes it averages two to three inches at 50 yards and four to five inches at 100 yards. This is acceptable for a four-pound pistol caliber carbine with iron sights. Reliability is flawless with zero issues.

While a bit homely, this handy piece tucks neatly away until needed and at just $409 is blue-collar affordable. Just understand that due to their popularity they can be difficult to find.