Fear & Loading: Small Number of Kel-Tec Sub-2000s Recalled

by
posted on April 9, 2018
** 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. **
kel_tec_recall.jpg

A limited number of Kel-Tec Sub-2000 rifles with a third-party manufacturer’s steel tubes have a heat-treatment issue that creates the potential for the barrel rupturing when the gun is fired. Serious personal injury could result and the company initiated a safety recall.

Only those Sub-2000 rifles manufactured in 2017 are affected. Owners of guns made that year should discontinue use immediately and visit the company’s special web page to determine if their firearm is subject to the recall. Simply enter your gun’s serial number in the indicated field to ascertain whether the questionable component was used in its construction. A complete list of serial numbers has also been made available (pdf). Kel-Tec will replace the tube for free and cover expenses associated with the improvement, including shipping.  

The Sub-2000 was introduced in 2001 and models chambering 9 mm and .40 S&W are now available. Its different versions accept select Smith & Wesson, Glock, Beretta and SIG Sauer magazines, making it a popular choice for handgun enthusiasts looking for a sibling carbine.

With the stock folded it measures 16 1/4 inches, but deployed overall length grows to between 30 1/2 or 29 1/4 inches—depending on the adjustable stock’s setting. Barrel length is 16 1/4 inches on all models, 

If you haven’t seen one in action, here’s a look from back in February, 2016, and another from the 2014 SHOT Show. For a full review of the 9 mm version using Glock magazines, Field Editor B. Gil Horman’s range session and results provide more details.  

                                                    

Latest

Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1
Smith Wesson Academy Artv 1

The Smith & Wesson Academy Reopens

One of the latest expansions at S&W's new Maryville facility is the addition of an entirely new training ground, the new home of the legendary Smith & Wesson Academy.

New for 2026: EAA Balikli BLK Bolt-Action Rifles

This year, EAA Corp. expanded its catalog with a new hunting rifle, the Balikli BLK bolt-action, which has high-end features for its price, as well as compatibility with broad aftermarket.

HOUSTON 2026 | The 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA.

Shotshell Basics: Understanding Payloads, Pressures & Performance

A shotgun can be supremely versatile, depending on how it’s loaded. Understanding how shotshells work is difficult, but crucial.

Rock River Arms Celebrates 30 Years in Business

While the company's beginnings go back to 1994, the Rock River Arms story officially started in 1996, meaning that it is celebrating 30 years in business in 2026.

Review: Daniel Defense H9

Is the third time the charm? Daniel Defense has introduced a third version of the Hudson H9 pistol. Smaller, lighter and less radical, it could be “the one.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.