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

Staccato HD P4.5
Staccato HD P4.5

Review: Staccato HD P4.5

Combining an exclusive pistol design with a ubiquitous magazine makes the Staccato HD P4.5 practical and desirable.

Skills Check: Rifle Standard Gold

Here’s how to improve your close-range carbine handling.

Caracal USA Awarded Government Contract in the Bahamas for CMP9K

Caracal USA announced it would be supplying its CMP9K platform to various government agencies in the Bahamas.

The Short Life of America’s Anti-Tank Rifles

At the dawn of mechanized warfare, the U.S. Military contended with the reality that infantrymen would need an effective arm to defeat tanks. Their idea? Bring more gun.

Springfield Armory's XD Mod.4 OSP: Anything But Basic

For nearly 25 years, Springfield Armory has offered its affordable and reliable XD series of handguns, and for 2026, that design has now entered its fourth generation with the Mod.4 OSP.

The Armed Citizen® March 23, 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.