Should I bother with a Kel-tec Sub 2000?

[ShooterMcGavin]

For a while, I have really liked this gun. It's light, it folds, it's more capable than a handgun (9mm version), and it's kinda neat/different. However, when does a gun like that really become necessary? I have a handgun for 'really light weight' and a small-ish 5.56mm for 'pretty light weight and very effective'. It does seem like a great option for hiking or for keeping in a trunk, but money is tight and there are a couple other guns I want. I'm just not sure. In your opinion, what will this gun do PERFECTLY, where another gun will be subpar? Anyone care to share any thoughts?

ETA: what is a "reasonable price" on one of them.

 

[lipadj46]

I think they are great. If my FFL could have ordered one for a reasonable price a couple months ago I would have owned one. They are crazy overpriced right now. I would wait until Kel-Tec starts making them in significant numbers again and the price comes down.

 

[gotmine]

I wish I could get my hands on one at a good price.

 

[Walkalong]

I really like mine. The kids shot it a lot when they were younger. It's small, light, easy to hit with, and is accurate. I have it in a laptop bag with some ammo. Very handy.

 

[tbtrout]

It is a fun gun to shoot.

 

[briansmithwins]

small-ish 5.56mm for 'pretty light weight and very effective'

And that's the reason everybody in the world switched to assault rifles. Intermediate cartridge rifles are in the same weight and size class as SMGs but have vastly superior capabilities.

That said, I have a semi auto Uzi. It's fun and I shoot matches where rifle rounds aren't allowed with it. OTOH, I have plenty of rifles and the Uzi would be the last long gun I would grab if I ever needed one.

Get the Kel-Tec if you really want it, and have plenty of mags and ammo for the rifle already. Otherwise, I'd pass.

BSW

 

[Ex-MA Hole]

Very accurate. Glock mags are cheap. A rifle that reliably shoots 9mm. What's not to love?

I think of it this way. You have the accuracy of a carbine rifle if you need one. Yet, said carbine folds up and fits into luggage, backpacks, under seats, etc...so no lugging around a rifle case.

 

[Deckard]

I'd say it depends on the other rifles on your list.

 

[The Deer Hunter]

For a while, I have really liked this gun. It's light, it folds, it's more capable than a handgun (9mm version), and it's kinda neat/different. However, when does a gun like that really become necessary? I have a handgun for 'really light weight' and a small-ish 5.56mm for 'pretty light weight and very effective'. It does seem like a great option for hiking or for keeping in a trunk, but money is tight and there are a couple other guns I want. I'm just not sure. In your opinion, what will this gun do PERFECTLY, where another gun will be subpar? Anyone care to share any thoughts?

Are you planning on using it a lot? Just because a gun you own is specifically a range rifle, doesn't mean it doesn't have a purpose, as target practice is a worthwhile activity.

I like how they fold to a very compact size and how it's like a 9mm pistol, only a carbine, but it's not like you're going to be walking around town with the thing in a briefcase folded in half.

I can imagine that any applications that you would carry, for example, it in woods, the whole compact-ness loses it's purpose and it's still only a 9mm. It would be a great truck gun, though. I'm still not really sure what you would shoot with 9mm besides people and small critters. I'm far to wary myself to ever keep a gun in my Jeep.

 

[Speedo66]

"It's light, it folds, it's more capable than a handgun"

I think you answered your own question. You left out it's a lot of fun.

Of course you need one.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

If my FFL could have ordered one for a reasonable price...

To anyone: what is a "reasonable price" on one of them.

 

[PaladinX13]

I wouldn't bother, personally, unless you spend a lot of time at the range. If you're there only occasionally, then you're better off continuing to bring up your handgun or rifle mastery than spamming pistol rounds out of gun you'll rarely use or have with you otherwise.

 

[WC145]

I think they're great little guns. Light, handy, and much easier to shoot accurately than a pistol, plus you pick up 15+% more velocity depending on the load. I keep one in my gear bag in the passenger seat as an intermediate range back up when I'm working. If I need more range and accuracy than my sidearm but can't get to my AR-15 it is quick into action and I can make off hand head shots at 50yds all day. I had no trouble qualifying with it on the patrol rifle course, including shooting at 100yds. Mine has been extremely reliable and is not ammo sensitive. I paid $300 for it at a gun show last year.

 

[PeteyPete]

They used to go for $350 around here in NJ when I was looking into picking one up two years ago...I'd guess much more than that right now.

 

[Girodin]

but it's not like you're going to be walking around town with the thing in a briefcase folded in half.

I actually know people who do. Put it in a lap top bag, brief case, etc and it is a truck gun you dont have to leave in the truck. Not as good as a rifle round carbine but better than a pistol. Harder to carry around than a pistol but easier than other rifles. It has a niche it feels well.

 

[ZombiesAhead]

I'm not sure this should just be considered a "range toy." Mine shoots steel case ammunition all day and has never had a problem. It takes the same mags as my carry pistol. Why is this relegated to "toy" status?

 

[mgregg85]

I love mine, awesome reliability and I can legally carry it loaded in my car in MI with my CCW liscense.

There are some neat new aftermarket accesories coming out for the SUB-2000 too.

 

[KSCCHTrainer]

I had one for a while and had to get rid of it. Nothing against the gun at all, but I'm left handed and the Sub2000 is a straight blowback action. I simply got tired of getting crap blown back in my face from cartridge blow by. The hot particles messed up a good set of prescription polycarbonate safety glasses. DO NOT EVEN SHOOT this carbine without wearing safety glasses, especially if you shoot it left handed.

Accuracy wise, it was reasonable. I got 2" groups with it at 50 yards using WWB 9mm FMJ's.

The one I had took Glock magazines and never malfunctioned once during the month or so I had it. I did put about 500 rounds downrange even with it being unfriendly to lefties.

 

[browningguy]

It's an excellent briefcase gun, I can fit the sub with four 33 round mags and still have room for a sandwich.

By the way mgregg, where are those accessories for sale?

 

[gga357]

Of course you need it.

 

[wnycollector]

I have the .40 flavor...its a very sweet little carbine. I couldnt agree more that it is a great rifle to bring along while traveling or camping.

As far as a price goes, I saw 2 sub2k's at a local gun show last month one was $329 and the other $349 IIRC. Both were 9mm's.

 

[tbtrout]

I just shot mine this morning. I forgot how accurate it is. I tried a new handload in it today.Same light target load I use in my CZ and it shot beautifully out to the 25yd line.Indoor range. Very low recoil and easy to control. Mine is a 9mm. It is the same round an MP5 uses and every one wants one of those. So it definately fits a HD carbine slot. Great for kids and new shooters to try. And because you can.

 

[lipadj46]

To anyone: what is a "reasonable price" on one of them.

They are a $250 - $300 rifle that is going for $500 these days on Gunbroker because the supply is low and demand is high. Hopefully kel-tec with start another large batch one of these days.

 

[aubie515]

I just picked up my third S2K back in October for $299 it was the Glock 17 version. They are neat little carbines, but I wouldn't say they are extremely accurate. For the money, it's hard to pass up since most version of the S2K have hi cap mags.

 

[Speedo66]

I'm also a lefty, and yes, there is a certain amount of gas and debris that hits you.

BUT, I've found that certain brands are much cleaner than others, with lots less particles, etc.

Wolf is the absolute worst, Privi Part. much much cleaner, as is Rem and Win.

After shooting Wolf first when I got it, I thought the gun was terrible, but now I'd never get rid of it.

The action is a blowback design, Wolf also dirtied up the action pretty quickly, again, other brands are much cleaner in that area too.

I'm not down on Wolf, it's cheap and it works, just not the best in this application.

As far as price, even at the new inflated prices, you still get a lot for your money. Barettas are nice, but expensive, and they don't fold.