While KelTec can claim to have made the original folding, semi-automatic, pistol-caliber carbine (the predecessor to the SUB2000, the SUB-9 was introduced in 1997), it has gotten some competition in this market niche as of late. Competition breeds innovation, and KelTec responded with the GEN3 version of the SUB2000, including a variant chambered in 5.7 x 28 mm. New for 2025, KelTec is expanding its GEN3 SUB2000 lineup with a model chambered for 10 mm Auto.
Though a complete update to the overall design, the GEN3 SUB2000’s most obvious new feature was that the barrel and fore-end assembly rotates 90 degrees as it folds, allowing for attached optics or fore-end accessories to remain in place when folded. The new 10 mm Auto model has all the features of this latest version of the SUB2000. At its heart is a blowback-operated action that feeds from full-size Glock (Model 20) magazines. The fore-end has a Picatinny rail for attaching optics and accessories in the 12- and 6-o’clock positions and M-Lok slots in the 3- and 9-o’clock positions. No iron sights are supplied, and the barrel is threaded for suppressors or other muzzle accessories.
While the overall package is the same size as the 9 mm Luger and 5.7 x 28 mm chambered SUB2000s (29.2” extended, 16.15” folded) the 10 mm Auto version is about 1.4 lbs. heftier, with an unloaded weight of 5.6 lbs. The KelTec SUB2000 in 10 mm Auto has an MSRP of $599. It is scheduled to be on dealers’ shelves late summer of 2025. For more information, see the company’s website.
