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

SIG Sauer P320 pistol
SIG Sauer P320 pistol

Swiss Armed Forces Select SIG Sauer P320s

Swiss Armed Forces select a domestically sourced SIG Sauer P320 as standard issue.

Preview: Reptilia RECC-E Carbine Stock

Versatile and exceptionally lightweight, the polymer RECC-E SR-15/M4/AR-15 Carbine Stock from Reptilia provides a constant, uniform cheek weld across a generous range of settings for length-of-pull...

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.