The "Nub Sub:" KelTec's Ultra-Compact SUB-SDP

by
posted on July 24, 2026
** 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. **
Keltec Sub Sdp 1

KelTec's SUB2000, first introduced in 2001, has been one of the most popular and affordable pistol-caliber carbines on the market, and recently, the design has undergone several updates, most notably with its GEN3 improvement introduced in 2024. Now, KelTec is expanding its SUB2000 line yet again with the SUB-SDP, a foldable, braced pistol that KelTec folks colloquially refer to as the "Nub Sub."

With the SUB-SDP, KelTec takes the already-compact SUB2000 platform to a new level of compactness. When deployed with the brace fully extended, the design measures just 17.7 inches long and is equipped with a 6-inch barrel chambered for the 9 mm Luger cartridge. With the brace in its forward position and the firearm stowed in its folded configuration, the entire package measures only 10 inches in length. Its width at the widest point across the firearm measures 1.94 inches.

As with other models in KelTec's SUB2000 lineup, the SUB-SDP accepts all Glock-pattern detachable box magazines, and one flush-fit, 17-round magazine ships with the gun. Unloaded, the pistol weighs just 3 pounds, 9 ounces. Control-wise, the gun features a two-stage trigger with a factory pull weight measuring at about 5 pounds. A single-sided, push-button magazine release is located on the left side of the grip, and a charging handle is located centrally at the bottom of the receiver extension.

Folding the SUB-SDP into its storage configuration involves pulling down on the trigger guard, which allows the barrel and handguard to fold up and back across the top of the receiver. The SUB-SDP incorporates KelTec's GEN3 improvements to the design, which allows the forward assembly to pivot to the side to accommodate a mounted optic. The top of the barrel features a six-slot section of Picatinny rail for optics. The barrel is also threaded 1/2-28 TPI for the addition of suppressors or other muzzle devices.

Along with the standard SUB-SDP model, KelTec also created its SUB-SDP Defender package. Each Defender model includes a Vortex Crossfire red-dot optic, KelTec's new angled magazine holder that mounts to the bottom of the handguard, a specially designed SUB2000 compensator mounted to the barrel and two 27-round Magpul PMags.

Suggested retail pricing on the KelTec SUB-SDP is $599, and the SUB-SDP Defender model retails for $799. For more information, visit the KelTec website here.

Latest

IHTOG Lee Metford 1
IHTOG Lee Metford 1

I Have This Old Gun: The British Lee-Metford Rifle

In the late 1880s, the British military adopted its first bolt-action rifle chambered for the .303 British cartridge. This is the Lee-Metford, the first step on the way to the iconic Lee-Enfield.

Colt Delivers M4A1 Rifles to Guatemala Through Foreign Military Sales Program

Guatemala’s military recently acquired more than 2,000 Colt M4A1 rifles through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program as part of the country's ongoing military modernization efforts.

Going Pro: Springfield Armory's Echelon Pro Comp

Springfield Armory has expanded its Echelon line of handguns with several new Echelon Pro Comp offerings, bringing a number of what the company calls "performance-oriented enhancements" to the platform.

Steel Yourselves—Metal is Back

These days, it’s safe to say that injection-molded polymer of some sort is the most prevalent material from which to construct a pistol frame, but lately, that trend seems to be reversing. Metal is back.

NRA-ILA Names National Shooting Sports Foundation Official Partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour

This sponsorship through NSSF’s Protect Liberty PAC puts the firearms industry trade association on the road through Election Day.

Ori-gun-i: The ZEV Technologies FDP Carbine

The American art of folding polymer and steel into a working firearm reaches what might be its zenith with the Zev Technologies/Magpul FDP.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.