Kel-Tec Sub2000: A Popular Pistol-Caliber Carbine

by
posted on June 27, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
no-3-kel-tec.jpg

The Kel-Tec Sub2000 comes chambered in either 9 mm or .40 S&W, but its 16 1/4-inch barrel puts it squarely into the semi-automatic rifle category, where it claimed third-place honors last year among the retailers on Gunbroker.com. In both 2018 and 2017 it was tops, besting some tough competition that includes other pistol carbines and the ever-popular AR-15 platform.

It’s a perennial in the rankings, too—second in 2016, third for 2015 and squarely in the top-10 long before, despite the fact it’s been available since 2001. It’s hard to satisfy the appetite for an adjustable stocked carbine that folds to a more stowable 16 1/4 inches. Unloaded it weighs only 4 1/4 pounds, which means it could be doing backpacking and survival duty, although the volume indicates there’s more to the popularity than overnight campers and preppers.

For one thing, it uses Glock magazines. Or you can go with the Multi-Mag version that uses almost any other popular magazine on the market. That’s Old West self-defense versatility—no need to carry extra weight when your handgun and rifle use the same cartridge. If one gun goes the advantage is potentially lifesaving.

The blowback semi-automatic rifle uses a spring in its stock to operate, and field stripping is fast and easy. The MLOK-ready fore-end—with Picatinny rails at the 6- and 12-o’clock positions—makes mounting accessories a breeze. The blade front sight is adjustable and the rear aperture sight folds down.

Magazines ride in the pistol grip. Rifling is six-groove, with a 1:10- or 1:16-inch twist rate, depending on chambering.

Finish is matte black and the grip and fore-end are made of polymer. Despite the Sub2000 approaching its second decade of production, enthusiasts continue to add them to their gun safes, backpacks and bug-out gear. The trend doesn’t show much sign of slowing, either. MSRP is $524.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.