Kel-Tec’s SUB2000 9mm carbine is one of those firearms that those who are ‘in the know’ seem to own. Not necessarily experts or writers, but shooting folks who recognize a bargain-priced firearm with good performance. The Kel-Tec SUB2000 is one of those happy firearms designed around a narrow mission profile that is more versatile than first imagined.
The Kel-Tec carbine is a great home defender. It is a fine truck gun, a concept with many facets, and a great recreational firearm. You won’t win a 3-Gun Match with the SUB2000, but you won’t spend as much money. And, you’ll get a lot more use out of the Kel-Tec than you would many more expensive firearms.
Those who are not familiar with the SUB2000 may not realize how neat a trick the little carbine really is. Those who have owned first and second generation Kel-Tec carbines will understand the improvements in the Generation 3. Of course, others may have been waiting for a more optics-friendly carbine. These modifications are not earth shattering but they give the carbine greater utility.
What is a SUB2000?
In the past, most 9mm carbines were semi-automatic versions of submachine guns. Many were large, heavy, and expensive. They are not desirable for personal defense. A longer barrel and heavy trigger action make them a truly castrated SMG type.
Some carbines, such as the Beretta Storm and Ruger PCC, are purpose-designed carbines that work well enough for many chores. The Kel-Tec, like most Kel-Tec products, is an innovation. The SUB2000 is a blowback-operated carbine. Since it is an original effort — not based on a SMG with a massive bolt — the SUB2000 started out with a clean slate.
The Kel-Tec carbine is very compact. The receiver is scarcely larger than a compact pistol. The carbine features a 16-inch barrel. The ability to use Glock pistol magazines is a big plus. If you have ever attempted to find expensive metal magazines for popular carbines, you will understand the advantage of using common, reliable, and affordable magazines.
The SUB2000 has proven reliable with a wide range of ammunition. The SUB2000 is useful for home defense. It is especially attractive to those who may not have the time or inclination to master a handgun. Even if you are a good hand at handling and firing a handgun accurately, you will fire the carbine much more accurately — especially when it comes to rapid follow-up shots.
An advantage of the SUB2000 is that the carbine is designed to fold over into a neat package. Folding end-over-end into a small, highly-portable package, the Kel-Tec SUB2000 is a great force multiplier. There was a problem, however.
The SUB2000 featured folding sights which are OK for many chores. When folded, the carbine folded exactly over the part of the receiver that you would wish to reserve for a red dot sight. Kel-Tec addressed this issue with the new Generation 3 carbine.
Kel-Tec SUB2000 GEN3 Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Magazine capacity: Glock Magazines (10 to 33 rounds available)
- Overall length (extended): 30.45 inches
- Overall length (collapsed): 29.25 inches
- Length (folded): 16.15 inches
- Barrel length: 16.15 inches
- Twist rate: 1:10 inches
- Trigger pull weight: Approximately 5 pounds
The carbine still folds easily. As the forend is folded, you may simply press the forend to one side — allowing the mounted optic to swing to one side allowing easy storage. In other words, the Picatinny rail is offset as you fold the carbine.
There are no sights provided with the GEN3 carbine. The forend is a considerable improvement over the original, with a mix of picatinny and M-Lok attachment. The carbine is a simple blowback design with a bolt that recoils into the stock and a heavy recoil spring.
Racking the bolt requires some effort. It cannot be otherwise to ensure reliability with 9mm Luger ammunition. The bolt may be locked to the rear, if needed, in an ambidextrous slot. The handle is nicely textured in the trademark Kel-Tec Alligator pattern. A nice touch is a threaded barrel and thread cover.
The rearmost portion of the forend features an alligator gripping pattern. Overall, it is a nice package. The next step was to collect a good supply of Glock magazines and 9mm Luger ammunition for a test fire. I mounted a Holosun 506 tube-style red dot that I have had in the closet for some time.
This friendly RDS is a good sight for testing firearms and has never given anything but good results. The controls are simple enough. Turn on the sight and keep both eyes open when firing and you have a very fast combination.
I used CCI Blazer 124-grain for combat firing evaluation. I began firing from the bench to sight in the Holosun RDS. It wasn’t difficult, and I soon had the carbine sighted in, so it would fire just a little high at 25 yards. This allows firing to the point of aim at 50 yards.
I have fired a good number of Kel-Tec carbines with consistently good results. I have not fired a SUB2000 with a red dot. The tube type Holosun features a red dot with strata lines. The body of the sight fades away, and the holographic aiming point seems suspended in the air as you fire with both eyes open. Results were excellent — fast, very fast!
I simply tore the center out of the target at 10 and 15 yards — a long shot for home defense. Firing at 7 yards, I used the RDS sight and sometimes simply looked over the top of the sight. Recoil was light, trigger reset good, and you had to fire a very fast string to have a group outside of the X-ring.
Moving to 25 yards, I emptied a Glock 33-round magazine into the target and enjoyed excellent results. Firing for accuracy at 25 yards, I loaded a couple of likely defense loads — the Federal 124-grain Hydra Shok and Federal 147-grain HST. I fired slowly with the Holosun on the lowest setting, firing over the top of the shooting bag.
Each group went into .8 to 1.25 inches. I expected something like this at 25 yards with a carbine. A week later, I traveled to the outdoor range and fired for accuracy at 50 yards. This is more of a test of the carbine. This is a lightweight carbine, intended more for home defense than area defense. Just the same, the Kel-Tec is accurate enough to engage a threat well past 50 yards. I fired several loads from the bench, firing three-shot groups at 50 yards.
50-Yard Accuracy Test — Three-Shot Groups
Load | Group (in inches) |
| Federal 124-grain Hydra Shok | 2.5 |
| Federal 147-grain HST | 1.8 |
| Hornady 115-grain Hunter +P | 1.9 |
| Hornady 124-grain American Gunner +P | 2.4 |
| PMC Bronze 124-grain FMJ | 3.5 |
| Winchester 147-grain Defender | 3.0 |
| Fiocchi 124-grain Defense | 2.0 |
| Speer 124-grain Gold Dot | 2.4 |
I enjoy this type of shooting and probably need the exercise walking back and forth to the 50-yard line. Results were good and make the 9mm carbine useful for area defense. By the way, at 25 yards, 115-, 124-, and 147-grain loads pretty much land on top of each other. The difference in barrel rise and recoil in a pistol is a factor in different points of aim. This isn’t as great a concern with the carbine until you reach 50 yards.
Velocity Gain in a Carbine Barrel
The velocity gain in a carbine over a pistol is useful but not extreme. The 9mm Luger is a relatively high pressure number that uses a small charge of fast burning powder. Unlike the .357 Magnum, which may gain several hundred feet per second in velocity, gains in the 9mm are more modest.
Load | Glock M45 9mm | Kel-Tec Gen 3 |
| Hornady 124-grain American Gunner +P | 1,238 fps | 1,320 fps |
| Federal 124-grain HST | 1,159 fps | 1,203 fps |
| Federal 147-grain HST | 989 fps | 1,140 fps |
A fast stepping 124-grain JHP would seem ideal for home defense use. The Federal 147-grain HST picks up additional velocity and expansion in the Kel-Tec 16-inch barrel. This is a formidable loading and my favorite for outdoors use.
As to what the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 is good for, there are several answers. Home defense is a given. The carbine is much easier to fire and use than any handgun, offers greater wound potential, and provides those who don’t have time to master a handgun a powerful alternative.
For area defense or as a truck gun, the Kel-Tec offers good accuracy to at least 50 yards. I think it would do for pests at modest range. Light recoil invites practice. The Kel-Tec carbine has always been a fun gun. With the newly found ease of mounting optics it is even more so. Retailing for less than $500, the SUB2000 Gen 3 is a bargain.
What are your thoughts on Pistol Caliber Carbines? How would the ultra compact Kel-Tec SUB2000 fit in your self-defense plan? Share your answers in the Comment section.
Glock pistols make a good companion for the Kel-Tec Sub2000. 
Inforce combat lights make for an excellent addition to any modern carbine. 
A threaded barrel features a screw on muzzle cap. 
Holosun’s red dot easily mounted up. 
The new generation folding carbine features a moveable forend that accommodate an RDS sight. A redesigned cocking handle is fully ambidextrous. Note locking cut out. 
The Kel-Tec is ready for home defense with a RDS and Inforce combat light. Left to right: The carbine easily accepted Glock 33-, 19-, and 17-round magazines. Reliability is never in question. 
Kel-Tec designed a lightweight and ergonomic carbine. 
The grip features the trademark Alligator texture. A modern picatinny rail allows easy mounting of all types of RDS sights. The first step in folding the SUB2000 is to unhinge the trigger guard. The rifle is easily folded for ready storage. 
The Kel-Tec SUB2000 G3 carbine is accurate, reliable, fast handling, and easily accessorized.
Hey.
Since this weapon is more of a pistol this laser mounted on the bottom rail might just be the best option. I bought one for a 223 pistol and it’s the brightest green I have ever seen. Kid’s pointers for the cat have always been brighter than the usual Chinese lasers but this one is very bright, has a built in flashlight, mounts away from the sights and can stay mounted and aligned. Face it, this weapon is kinda short for a rifle and if you plan on maybe needing it for short range and indoor use, a decent laser might be a lot faster to get on target. It has a built in battery and a USB Charger.
Mr. pea…. I mean Giant Brain. Mormon is spelled Mormon. Please keep your religious bigotry
off these posts. Some of my best and most cool friends are Mormons.
I owned a Gen 1 SUB2000 in .40. The only problem I had was stove pipes every 3rd shot. Examined the spent brass and the fix was simple, if time consuming – polish the feed ramp and chamber using 800 grit and higher.
I loved the versatility of the SUB2000. I could fire a .40 from it and sounded about the same as a subsonic .22 in a rifle.
Looking into the Gen 3. The only way I could attach an optic on the Gen 1 was give up folding or add a laser sight to the side of the forearm. I opted for the latter.
Seriously fun, inexpensive carbine that is really quiet.
A previous reader questioned the need for PCCs like theSub 2000 when an inexpensive AR would be more effective. Maybe, but how about ammo expenses, muzzle blast and flash and over-penetration? Guns like the 2000 are just FUN to shoot! I used to have a blast with my old Marlin Camp Carbine back in the day. Also, though velocity increases in a 16″ barrel may not be dramatic with most ammo, if you reload and use a slow burning pistol powder like Blue Dot, you WILL see dramatic increases. I remember getting 1500-1600 fps with 124g projectiles in my Camp Carbine using Blue Dot and Accurate #7 The one factory load I found that DOES show a dramatic velocity increase was Speer Gold Dot 124 and 124+P.
To Jerry in Illinois:
See if the CZ Scorpion 3+ is on your list of heinous items. Same basic principles as the sub2000, but shorter. Classified as a pistol.
And to answer your question, YES. It is time. Was for me 30+ years ago and only happier every year that goes by.
I want one. I think the semi-auto pistol-caliber carbine is the ideal platform for home defense. The factors of noise, over-penetration and performance/accuracy under stress are all mitigated by that design. Unfortunately, I live in Illinois and this rifle is on the banned list. Why banned? I guess it is that deadly pistol grip or maybe the abominable barrel shroud? I had to spend over $250 more and got a Henry Homesteader carbine. You can get a Glock magazine adapter for $50 more (if you can find one). The HiPoint carbine is also on the list. Time to leave Illinois? Stay safe.
I am a retired 22 + year Vet of the CT. State Police. I have seen it all. From parking tickets, to homicides. From teaching at the academy to Governor’s Security. I absolutely LOVE my Kel-Tec sub2000 as it is lightweight compact and easy to clean. Not only that the 6 Kel-Tec 33 round mags that I own are interchangeable with my Glock 17. So, if 1 goes down I will transition to the other. I refer to my Kel-Tek Sub-2000 as “MY TRUNK MONKEY”.
Someone asked about 40? Yes
https://www.keltecweapons.com/firearm/rifles/sub2000g2/
Just a suggestion: Not just the Sub 2000, but any rifle, for those who either desire or need to, remove an optic, and then remount it, I highly recommend using A.R.M.S. mounts. Yes, they cost a little more but here is what you get for that extra $$. Picitinny Quick Release Mount, unlike others, when attaching to the Pic rail on say an AR, push down and forward when locking the lever, counter acting for recoil, in that once the optic is zeroed on a respective rifle, or carbine, it can be removed and replaced, agin by pushing down and forward each time, it accurately returns to its preset zero. Sounds like the perfect mount system for a pre 3 Gen Sub 2000. Note: I noticed on a Ruger PCC, because of the rather heavy bolt, and in recoil mode it is padded internally, however on the bolts forward return, it is not padded, making it like tapping with a hammer (think reverse recoil), in this case, the A.R.M.S. mount needs to be pushed down, and rearward, when locking down, for a repeat Zero result. A.R.M.S. makes these for a wide verity of optics.
I can’t get my head down against the stock far enough to see the front sight.
Is the Sub2000 Gen 3 available in .40 S&W, or will if be? I’m standardized on ,40, and don’t need another caliber.
I am going to say that I love my Sub2000-17. I had an issue with some brazer ammo. it Misfired and instead of breaking it down and checking I chambered another round. Little did I know that the pervious round did NOT clear the barrel. Bang. weapon damaged. I called and talk to the customer service rep *I won’t give out her name* but she was very informative and said that they can repair the weapon for me. They sent a shipping label and off my weapon went. Within less than a week, I recieved an email that my weapon will be shipped back, the armorer/ Gun smith fixed the weapon and test fired it. this was all done FREE OF COST to me. I explained to them that it wasn’t the weapons fault for the misfire and they still repaired the weapon for free. Went to the range and the weapon fired excellent. With regards to bling for the Kel-Tec. such as scope etc, you really don’t need it. It is very accurate. The ONLY thing I would suggest is getting a recoil pad to lessen recoil going into your shoulder. So far I have put roughly 400 rounds thru the platform and really enjoy it. Had some coworkers from Germany come and visit and they shot it as well and LOVED IT. Especially how smooth and accurate the weapon performed. So, my suggestion, get it. it’s fun to shoot, easy to clean and maintain. Plus if you are a prepper or survivalist, it can fit into your BOB as well. Thanks for reading and be well, stay stafe.
Scott K.
I’ve owned the 25. KELTEC SUB2K 9mm G17 Tan since 11/2022. The weapon has been up graded with aftermarket parts. I would not hesitate to use the weapon in a home defense situation. It has some 500 rounds put through it w/o issue. Being that it holds G17 Magazines it pares well with my G17.
Bought my Gen2 Sub2k in 2019… Two things I was looking for at the time: (1) something lighter than my AR; (2) something that accepts mags I already have. The Sub2k is light–I don’t get tired holding it up at the range (I also took off most “accessories” on my AR over the years, so it is lighter now, but still not as good as the Sub2k). And I got the mag well adapter for Beretta 92 mags, which works for me.
I also got various after-market upgrades. Some recommendations:
If you are left-handed as I am, you’ll quickly notice that the shell ejects close to your face. They make a shell deflector that shields you nicely. No more powder on the face. Highly recommend this.
Recoil left my shoulder bruised the first time I took it to the range. There are rubber buffers you can get and a “recoilless charging handle.” I got both. Recoil is much more tolerable now. Again, highly recommend.
I also replaced the plastic feed ramp with a stainless steel one. I’ve had feeding problems with other guns before, so while this upgrade falls more into “personal preference,” the motivation behind it was “prevention” (BTW, *never* actually had a feed or ejection problem with my Sub2k). Changing out the feed ramp basically means taking everything apart… so, since I was at it anyway, I decided to upgrade springs, trigger handle, and mag release–all personal preference. End product is very comfortable to shoot.
Finally, I added a muzzle-break. It’s supposed to reduce recoil… I’m not sure if there is a huge difference, but it certainly adds to the “coolness” look of the gun.
Re: Gen3 changes… It seems the biggest change is the rails now twist on folding, so you can actually now use the top rail! **Applause**
For my Gen2, anything I mount on the top rail makes folding impractical, so I’ve resigned myself a long time ago to simply not fold my Gen2 (except for cleaning–BTW, I have yet to find a review that mentions how the ability to fold makes cleaning this gun super easy!).
For home defense, I mount a laser on the bottom rail. Makes aiming much easier in a stressful situation. BTW, if that’s all you do, you can still fold the Gen2.
I have had one of these for about 5 years now. It shoots OK but I did find that if I slammed in the Glock mag, there could be mis-feeds. Being more reasonable with the mag insertion and that problem is gone. Folded it fits in any 16″ laptop bag. Six thirty round mags also fit and a red dot is wrapped in a towel with it but it needs a quick disconnect as you cannot fold the carbine to put it in the laptop case with any kind of optic connected to the top rail. It’s a cheap but reliable gun and having it look like a laptop slung over your shoulder is the big plus. It is a preferred trunk gun errrr laptop.
I have been shooting the sub 2000 for several years. I work on a large ranch along the Mexican border in west Texas where we have serious issues with cartels bringing in armed militants from Russia, China, and the middle east into the United States. We are not allowed onto the ranch unless we are heavily armed and I like that my sub 2000 and glock both use the same mags.
I’m trying to understand the appeal of PCCs. For the same size, you can have an AR platform.
Maybe I’m missing something.
The one negative I found with the SUB-2000 is the safety. The safety works in reverse from all other safeties of this kind, meaning that the safety when moved to the right puts it in the firing position, on all other firearms moving the safety to the right is the safe position. Maybe I’m too picky but in a stressful situation you may forget and mistakenly think your firearm is on safe and have an accidental discharge.
I like the KEL-TECH Sub 2000. I probably have spent more for upgrades from M*CARBO than I spent for the basic SUB 2000.
I finely found an excellent load using a 124 gr. Speer gold dot along with Bullseye powder at 50 yards and got the same results when using a Hornady 124 gr. XTP bullet.
I have owned 2 over the years and always enjoyed them.
40 S&W with Beretta receiver
9×19 with Glock receiver
It’s time to get another one
Richard
The new GEN 3 WILL Fold with a scope attached, part of the point of the introduction.
Your .40 is a potent firearm. You are well armed
Bob
YES. Purchased the Kel Tek Sub 2000 a couple of years ago. Ordered the weapon in .40 S&W because I own “Glock pistols in .40 S&W”. 10, 15, 20 and 32 round magazines for Glock all fit this carbine. Installed a Red Dot lighted scope and a red laser sight. ( note:: the weapon will not fold with a scope installed on top. No Problem for me.) A tactical sling and this is a weapon to carry. Light weight and accurate, and a Glock with same caliber and you are ready…!!
I bought a CZ scorpion 3+ 7.8” barrel 9mm carbine for many of the same positive reasons mentioned. Put a green laser finger guard on it that looks just like a regular finger guard, operates at a touch of the support hand. Shooting 2 inch groups rapid fire at 15 yards FROM THE HIP. Simple blowback operation, no feed problems at all with 3 kinds of ammo so far. Recoil is like a pellet gun. And the whole thing is at least 50% the length of the sub2000. And it was $650 new.
Hard to imagine something easier/faster/simpler to grab for short range purposes or fun that does not sacrifice adequate accuracy.
Junk. Spend another $100 and buy a real rifle caliber carbine. For the record, I love pistol caliber carbines and submachine guns and have many, too many to count readily
@WR
“If you are laying your hand on the magazine release you are holding the gun wrong.” Pretty hard to avoid hitting the magazine release on a Sub 2000, when your dominant hand is the left one. If you believe one would have to concentrate on the perfect curve of the finger on the trigger, to avoid hitting a poorly designed magazine release, under duress, then you will probably be holding a gun without a magazine in it, as it sounds like you have never picked up a Sub 2000 left-handed. 🙁
WR, I truly considered the Sub 2000 when researching the best options for a correct-handed person, for a PCC, and unfortunately the rather extended magazine release location on the Sub 2000 was a deal breaker for me. It is unfortunate because Kel-Tec is smarter than this, and are quite capable of designing a simple reversible magazine release, similar to any Glock. Problem solved, bigger market. 🙂
Rockit
If you are laying your hand on the magazine release you are holding the gun wrong.
Crook the finger and reach the trigger otherwise part of your trigger pull force is applied to the frame instead of the tripper.
WR
Bought it at Sportsmans Warewhouse in GI Ne. Magazine was used & gun opened real hard. They originally took charged my credit card but no comformation till I call the moron morman & treatened them with our great attorney general then weeks later they said your gun is in. Kel-Tec needs to sell direct & loose the multi-wife beaters.
“The bolt may be locked to the rear, if needed, in an ambidextrous slot.” ,and one has to wonder why Kel-Tec didn’t finish the job by making the magazine release “reversible”, like a Glock, so Correct-Handed people could enjoy the Sub 2000?
For those who don’t know, just pick a Sub 2000 up in your left-hand, and you will immediately feel your left-index knuckle is resting directly on the magazine release. A reversible magazine release seems like such an easy update for such talented people as Kel-Tec.
Maybe TandemKross [TK] could offer an ambidextrous AR style safety update, like they do for the the Ruger PCC, and 10/22?