Kel-Tec SUB2000: A Folding Pistol-Caliber Carbine

by
posted on December 25, 2021
** 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 Sub2000

Kel-Tec’s blowback-operated SUB2000 hit the market in 2001 with some innovative features. Subsequent improvements on the semi-automatic, pistol-caliber carbine have made it even more impressive. Gen 2 versions stamped with “Multi Mag,” for example, adapt to a variety of popular pistol magazines, a virtue made possible by a simple replacement of the magazine catch.

Providing that versatility is the variety of aftermarket magazine catches, which are available directly from the company for the modest investment of $12.50. Owners who can work a hex key and install the two bolts that anchor the catch can adapt their gun to accept magazines from a variety of widely owned Beretta, Canink, CZ, SIG Sauer and Smith & Wesson pistols. A Glock-magazine-only version is also available.

A folding stock, adjustable for lengt-of-pull, piles onto the carbine’s advantages. With it deployed and fully extended the gun measures 30.5". The figure drops to 29.25" when the stock is compressed for shorter reach to the trigger. Folded, the gun stows in a compact 16.25". That, along with a weight of only 4.25 lbs.—loaded—makes it a viable option for backpackers, fishermen or any outdoorsmen who need to worry about four legged predators. That space savings aren’t lost on enthusiasts whose gun safes are getting a little crowded or those looking for a compact “truck gun.” 

Kel-Tec SUB2000s are available in either 9 mm or .40 S&W chamberings. Barrels on both models measure 16.25", with 1:10" and 1:16" rifling twists respectively. With the operating spring located in the buttstock, field stripping and routine maintenance chores are a breeze. A folding aperture sight at the rear combines with a blade up front to make getting on target fast and intuitive.

The pistol grip and fore-end are polymer, with the latter wearing M-LOK compatible slots at the 3- and 9-o’clock sides for mounting accessories. Picatinny rail segments are molded in on the top and bottom of the fore-end as well. The company has a long history of innovation, and it shows in the Kel-Tec SUB2000. MSRPs run from $578 to $621.

Latest

SW 1854 30 30 01
SW 1854 30 30 01

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Now Available In .30-30 Win.

Smith & Wesson expanded its Model 1854 series of lever-action rifles with several .30-30 Win.-chambered variants, just in time for deer season.

Preview: Making The Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket

In Making The Enfield Pattern 1853 Rifle-Musket, author Peter Smithurst details the tools and processes used to produce this historically significant firearm.

Gun Of The Week: Charter Arms Double Dog

For this Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with a convertible wheelgun from Charter Arms, and it’s one that goes from .357 Mag to 9 mm Luger quickly and easily. Welcome to the Double Dog.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 17, 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.

The Robbins & Lawrence Story: Pioneers Of Mass Production

The Robbins & Lawrence company of Windsor, Vt., was an early pioneer in the field of mass production, using machine tools and interchangeable parts to produce firearms for both the U.S. and British governments.

CMP Auctions Move To GunBroker.com

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has moved its popular auctions to GunBroker.com, an online firearm marketplace that launched in 1999, to further support the future of the shooting sports and firearm ownership.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.