Kel Tec Sub2000

Prof Young · June 30, 2020, 01:30 PM

I've been hankering for another gun that shoots 9mm. Guess I should not have sold off the Berretta 92fs. American Rifleman insider newsletter today featured the Kel Tec Sub2000. Looks like it could be a lot of fun and is a very popular gun.

If you have one or have shot one I'd like to hear about it.

Life is good.
Prof Young

mcb66 · July 1, 2020, 06:15 AM

I have one in .40 takes the Glock mag. It will be the last gun I ever get rid of. It is a phenomenal piece of work. Everyone needs one.

jonnyc · July 1, 2020, 10:07 AM

They are OK, a very usable and practical gun. I have never really 'enjoyed' shooting them as they have a poor cheek weld and awkward feel to them.

TBM900 · July 1, 2020, 10:32 AM

Find yourself a CX4 Storm
By far the best < $1000 9mm carbine out there today IMO
A CX4 paired with a 92FS or PX4 makes for an outstanding package
Personal defense and loads of fun

Mustang Jon · July 1, 2020, 11:13 AM

I have the 40 S&W Glock version and it eats everything including my powder coated lead hand loads. The 9mm version is also an awesome weapon. Very fun to shoot and folds and stows in a smallish backpack very easily. Just took it to the range Monday and it ran without a hiccup. I forget how much I like this gun until the next range day. Also sits by the bedside with the Mossberg 500.

cpt-t · July 2, 2020, 10:41 PM

Prof Young: My Son and I have 3 Kel Tec Sub2000`s. One in a 40mm & two in 9mm. Ours take the Glock Mags. We have both shot them quite a bit, and have not had any type of problems what so ever. They are really very accurate at 25yds to 50yds. And they are really fun to shoot. IMHO, all three of these little rifles make great Home Defense Gun`s.
ken

TiredTait · July 3, 2020, 10:57 AM

I've got one in 40 s&w, it's my current trunk gun. Recoil's a bit snappy, it would bruise my shoulder after a few mags until I got the sumo extra heavy bolt handle.

It's not my favorite gun to shoot but it's a fun gun to tinker with. I made a custom mount for a red dot so I can have a dot site and still fold it. Tried to make an ammo holder, but that one failed miserably. My current project is a custom molded foam lined briefcase for it.

44caliberkid · July 3, 2020, 07:20 PM

I have a 9mm, 2nd generation. Love it mechanically and it looks cool. The buffer tube slaps you in the face with every shot. I wrapped the tube with some foam rubber tubing and that softened the blow some. Lousy cheek weld, or not really any. Windage adjustment is by moving the front sight pin and mine doesn't adjust far enough to the right to get on center of target. Still pretty close for center mass hits. I tried a QD red dot but you have to detach it to fold it. The rail is made of soft plastic and it won't repeat zero when you reattach.
Several companies make folding sight mounts but I got into this really cheap, so I don't want to spend $100+ for a mount. It uses all Glock stick mags but it does not like the Korean made 40 round drum.
For close range defense inside 50 yards or in a house, it would be great. Also just a fun blaster.

kenny53 · July 4, 2020, 06:52 PM

I have a first gen Sub 2000 in 9mm. It takes Glock mags. I have a Glock 19 and the Kel Tec took G 17 mags. A little work with a coping saw and that was fixed. It is a fun gun and if attacked by a group of (insert threat here) it nice to 33 rounds of 9mm on hand. I believe you will enjoy it.

Txhillbilly · July 4, 2020, 07:00 PM

I've had a Gen 2 40 S&W S2K for awhile. It's a great little carbine,but if you really want one,buy the MCARBO series out of the gate because you'll end up buying/installing every part they make into a stock Sub 2k.

Cirdan · July 4, 2020, 10:23 PM

I have the 9mm. Good truck/bugout gun, paired with a Glock 19. Same mags as the Glock, and folds into a neat small package. Like any long gun, it's more accurate than a handgun.

I would recommend the wrap for the buffer tube. In it's natural state, it's a bit harsh. I also added a red dot.

TruthTellers · July 4, 2020, 10:29 PM

Given how light they are and the folding capability, the Sub 2000 is the only PCC out there outside the AR's that is worth getting. Well, those and the 10mm Hi Point. Only downside is the Kel Tec triggers are very meh and the recoil is hard.

candr44 · July 8, 2020, 09:53 PM

I have the first generation sub2000 and find it a fun gun to shoot. I also like the folding feature because I can put it in a computer case or back pack and take it out to my truck without the neighbors, their kids, or visitors at their house any the wiser that I keep guns in my house. I can also store it easily in my safe.

Some things I don't like is its a pain to clean, no last shot bolt hold open, and the folding feature interferes with mounting a red dot sight. The factory sights on my rifle also suck. I modified mine by mounting a side plate with a AK47 scope mounting rail and put a quick disconnect scope mount on it.

I haven't tried this but I read that you can change the type of mag it takes by changing the mag catch. My rifle takes Smith and Wesson mags but could take Beretta mags if I change the mag catch.

Dred · July 9, 2020, 11:18 PM

Love mine. It's a tinkerers dream. Plenty of options to built it into a $1k blaster. Check out MCARBO, Performance Services, Red Lion, Midwest Industries and Tacticool to make it what you want it to be.

Mine is built to punch a hole 75 yards away within 10 seconds of touching the carry case. It's a truck gun that is meant to provide an opportunity to change a situation I had to escape.

Sent from my Lenovo YT3-X90F using Tapatalk

Sigkid79 · November 5, 2020, 03:10 PM

Picked on up yesterday after considering the Ruger pc carbine 9mm. The Kel Tec was much lighter than the ruger and easier to take down. Not to mention, it was a few hundred dollars cheaper.

I was surprised at how accurate it was to of the box. Kind of a PITA to use the sights with full sized ear protection as you have to hold it quite high and close to your face but that’s an easy fix.

Overall I’m very happy with my purchase. Put 100 rounds through her yesterday and not one hiccup.

mellow_c · November 5, 2020, 03:25 PM

I love the 2nd gen 9mm with glock mags. Same 1st gen gun gave me endless stove pipes no matter what I did and how many times customer service got their hands on it.

I think you would be very happy with a 2nd gen. They are reliable, simple, practical and very affordable. Nothing else really compares to it. It’s in its own category.

Scorch · November 6, 2020, 12:30 AM

A little food for thought:
As a gunsmith, I see a lot of guns that need attention. I see a lot of "good" guns, a lot of "problem" guns, and a few odd birds. I know there are a lot of Sub 2000s out there. I see people shooting them at the range, a lot of people have them in their cars, but I see very few of them in for repairs. Now, I know, all the SIG and Springfield guys tell me how great their guns are, but I see a lot of them cross my bench. A lot of Glocks, HKs, FNs, but very few KelTecs. I am not a fan of KelTecs personally, but they do seem to not require the attention of the gunsmith very often.

TruthTellers · November 6, 2020, 02:43 AM

The recoil is pretty stiff, so I advise getting a good recoil pad. IDK if the gen 2's trigger is improved, but it's it's the same as the gen 1, I would definitely look at upgrading that.

Sigkid79 · November 6, 2020, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruthTellers

The recoil is pretty stiff, so I advise getting a good recoil pad. IDK if the gen 2's trigger is improved, but it's it's the same as the gen 1, I would definitely look at upgrading that.

I heard about this company called Mcarbo that specializes in upgrades for Kel Tec sub2k’s amongst other firearms. After making my purchase I googled the company. Low and behold, their store is only 25 minutes from my house. Guess I lucked out. Tons of mods for very reasonable prices.

Bill DeShivs · November 6, 2020, 02:55 PM

I have a first generation and I love it.
As far as the recoil being stiff, it's a 9mm pistol cartridge. Try shooting a 30-06 or a 7.65 Mauser!

smee78 · November 15, 2020, 04:08 PM

I always wanted the Sub 2000 that used the S&W 59 series mag model. Never could fine one for sale. A friend has one that takes Glock mags in 40cal and it is fun to shoot, he uses his as a bedside gun.

Dred · January 16, 2023, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smee78

I always wanted the Sub 2000 that used the S&W 59 series mag model. Never could fine one for sale. A friend has one that takes Glock mags in 40cal and it is fun to shoot, he uses his as a bedside gun.

Mr. @smee78 ...

Kel Tec will sell you a SW59 mag catch that will fit any non Glock S2k for < $20.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Captains1911 · February 5, 2023, 08:07 PM

I owned 2 and sold them both. Just couldn’t really warm up to them, mainly because of my inability to get a red dot to work no matter how hard I tried.

jonnyc · February 5, 2023, 10:00 PM

Go for an HP995...you won't be disappointed.

SR420 · February 6, 2023, 09:09 AM

Quote:

I owned 2 and sold them both. Just couldn’t really warm up to them, mainly because of my inability to get a red dot to work no matter how hard I tried.

Ditto.

The only method I found to mount a red dot in a fashion that had me trusting it would remain zeroed meant that I could not ever fold the gun, I didn't lose money selling them - so that's a good thing.

June 30, 2020, 01:30 PM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Kel Tec Sub2000 I've been hankering for another gun that shoots 9mm. Guess I should not have sold off the Berretta 92fs. American Rifleman insider newsletter today featured the Kel Tec Sub2000. Looks like it could be a lot of fun and is a very popular gun. If you have one or have shot one I'd like to hear about it. Life is good. Prof Young

July 1, 2020, 10:07 AM	#3
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	They are OK, a very usable and practical gun. I have never really 'enjoyed' shooting them as they have a poor cheek weld and awkward feel to them. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

July 1, 2020, 10:32 AM	#4
TBM900 Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2015 Posts: 777	Find yourself a CX4 Storm By far the best < $1000 9mm carbine out there today IMO A CX4 paired with a 92FS or PX4 makes for an outstanding package Personal defense and loads of fun __________________ Playboy billionaire Retired Colonial Marine 1st to walk on the moon without a spacesuit

July 2, 2020, 10:41 PM	#6
cpt-t Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2012 Location: South Central Kansas Posts: 125	Prof Young: My Son and I have 3 Kel Tec Sub2000`s. One in a 40mm & two in 9mm. Ours take the Glock Mags. We have both shot them quite a bit, and have not had any type of problems what so ever. They are really very accurate at 25yds to 50yds. And they are really fun to shoot. IMHO, all three of these little rifles make great Home Defense Gun`s. ken __________________ THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS NOT FREE:

July 4, 2020, 10:29 PM	#12
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	Given how light they are and the folding capability, the Sub 2000 is the only PCC out there outside the AR's that is worth getting. Well, those and the 10mm Hi Point. Only downside is the Kel Tec triggers are very meh and the recoil is hard. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

July 1, 2020, 06:15 AM	#2
mcb66 Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2013 Posts: 117	I have one in .40 takes the Glock mag. It will be the last gun I ever get rid of. It is a phenomenal piece of work. Everyone needs one.

July 1, 2020, 11:13 AM	#5
Mustang Jon Junior Member Join Date: May 13, 2018 Posts: 9	I have the 40 S&W Glock version and it eats everything including my powder coated lead hand loads. The 9mm version is also an awesome weapon. Very fun to shoot and folds and stows in a smallish backpack very easily. Just took it to the range Monday and it ran without a hiccup. I forget how much I like this gun until the next range day. Also sits by the bedside with the Mossberg 500.

July 3, 2020, 10:57 AM	#7
TiredTait Junior Member Join Date: June 30, 2020 Posts: 1	I've got one in 40 s&w, it's my current trunk gun. Recoil's a bit snappy, it would bruise my shoulder after a few mags until I got the sumo extra heavy bolt handle. It's not my favorite gun to shoot but it's a fun gun to tinker with. I made a custom mount for a red dot so I can have a dot site and still fold it. Tried to make an ammo holder, but that one failed miserably. My current project is a custom molded foam lined briefcase for it.

July 3, 2020, 07:20 PM	#8
44caliberkid Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2017 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,104	I have a 9mm, 2nd generation. Love it mechanically and it looks cool. The buffer tube slaps you in the face with every shot. I wrapped the tube with some foam rubber tubing and that softened the blow some. Lousy cheek weld, or not really any. Windage adjustment is by moving the front sight pin and mine doesn't adjust far enough to the right to get on center of target. Still pretty close for center mass hits. I tried a QD red dot but you have to detach it to fold it. The rail is made of soft plastic and it won't repeat zero when you reattach. Several companies make folding sight mounts but I got into this really cheap, so I don't want to spend $100+ for a mount. It uses all Glock stick mags but it does not like the Korean made 40 round drum. For close range defense inside 50 yards or in a house, it would be great. Also just a fun blaster.

July 4, 2020, 06:52 PM	#9
kenny53 Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2015 Location: My back yard Posts: 971	I have a first gen Sub 2000 in 9mm. It takes Glock mags. I have a Glock 19 and the Kel Tec took G 17 mags. A little work with a coping saw and that was fixed. It is a fun gun and if attacked by a group of (insert threat here) it nice to 33 rounds of 9mm on hand. I believe you will enjoy it.

July 4, 2020, 07:00 PM	#10
Txhillbilly Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2008 Posts: 512	I've had a Gen 2 40 S&W S2K for awhile. It's a great little carbine,but if you really want one,buy the MCARBO series out of the gate because you'll end up buying/installing every part they make into a stock Sub 2k.

July 4, 2020, 10:23 PM	#11
Cirdan Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2013 Location: Tahoe Posts: 363	I have the 9mm. Good truck/bugout gun, paired with a Glock 19. Same mags as the Glock, and folds into a neat small package. Like any long gun, it's more accurate than a handgun. I would recommend the wrap for the buffer tube. In it's natural state, it's a bit harsh. I also added a red dot.

July 8, 2020, 09:53 PM	#13
candr44 Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2006 Posts: 481	I have the first generation sub2000 and find it a fun gun to shoot. I also like the folding feature because I can put it in a computer case or back pack and take it out to my truck without the neighbors, their kids, or visitors at their house any the wiser that I keep guns in my house. I can also store it easily in my safe. Some things I don't like is its a pain to clean, no last shot bolt hold open, and the folding feature interferes with mounting a red dot sight. The factory sights on my rifle also suck. I modified mine by mounting a side plate with a AK47 scope mounting rail and put a quick disconnect scope mount on it. I haven't tried this but I read that you can change the type of mag it takes by changing the mag catch. My rifle takes Smith and Wesson mags but could take Beretta mags if I change the mag catch.

July 9, 2020, 11:18 PM	#14
Dred Member Join Date: June 3, 2012 Posts: 28	Love mine. It's a tinkerers dream. Plenty of options to built it into a $1k blaster. Check out MCARBO, Performance Services, Red Lion, Midwest Industries and Tacticool to make it what you want it to be. Mine is built to punch a hole 75 yards away within 10 seconds of touching the carry case. It's a truck gun that is meant to provide an opportunity to change a situation I had to escape. Sent from my Lenovo YT3-X90F using Tapatalk

November 5, 2020, 03:10 PM	#15
Sigkid79 Member Join Date: November 5, 2020 Location: Tampa, fl Posts: 60	Picked on up yesterday after considering the Ruger pc carbine 9mm. The Kel Tec was much lighter than the ruger and easier to take down. Not to mention, it was a few hundred dollars cheaper. I was surprised at how accurate it was to of the box. Kind of a PITA to use the sights with full sized ear protection as you have to hold it quite high and close to your face but that’s an easy fix. Overall I’m very happy with my purchase. Put 100 rounds through her yesterday and not one hiccup.

November 5, 2020, 03:25 PM	#16
mellow_c Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,862	I love the 2nd gen 9mm with glock mags. Same 1st gen gun gave me endless stove pipes no matter what I did and how many times customer service got their hands on it. I think you would be very happy with a 2nd gen. They are reliable, simple, practical and very affordable. Nothing else really compares to it. It’s in its own category.

November 6, 2020, 12:30 AM	#17
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	A little food for thought: As a gunsmith, I see a lot of guns that need attention. I see a lot of "good" guns, a lot of "problem" guns, and a few odd birds. I know there are a lot of Sub 2000s out there. I see people shooting them at the range, a lot of people have them in their cars, but I see very few of them in for repairs. Now, I know, all the SIG and Springfield guys tell me how great their guns are, but I see a lot of them cross my bench. A lot of Glocks, HKs, FNs, but very few KelTecs. I am not a fan of KelTecs personally, but they do seem to not require the attention of the gunsmith very often. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 6, 2020, 02:43 AM	#18
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,888	The recoil is pretty stiff, so I advise getting a good recoil pad. IDK if the gen 2's trigger is improved, but it's it's the same as the gen 1, I would definitely look at upgrading that. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

November 6, 2020, 02:55 PM	#20
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	I have a first generation and I love it. As far as the recoil being stiff, it's a 9mm pistol cartridge. Try shooting a 30-06 or a 7.65 Mauser! __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

November 15, 2020, 04:08 PM	#21
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I always wanted the Sub 2000 that used the S&W 59 series mag model. Never could fine one for sale. A friend has one that takes Glock mags in 40cal and it is fun to shoot, he uses his as a bedside gun. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

February 5, 2023, 08:07 PM	#23
Captains1911 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: West of the Blue Ridge, VA Posts: 684	I owned 2 and sold them both. Just couldn’t really warm up to them, mainly because of my inability to get a red dot to work no matter how hard I tried.

February 5, 2023, 10:00 PM	#24
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Go for an HP995...you won't be disappointed. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.