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The KelTec Sub2000 has been met with wide acceptance in the shooting community. This neat little 9mm is affordable, useful and reliable. The 9mm carbine makes a lot of sense as a home defender. Everyone doesn’t have the time, funds and determination to master a handgun. Even those who do will find they are a better shot moving faster and getting more hits on a combat course with a 9mm carbine.
The shotgun terrifies some shooters. The harsh recoil of a shotgun can be mastered, but it takes more effort. A rifle offers more muzzle blast and more expense in most cases. For many of us, the 9mm carbine is ideal for home defense. As for myself I cannot criticize 9mm AR-type carbines as the ergonomics are sound and the AR carbine handles well. The Ruger PCC is reliable, and so is the Beretta Storm. The KelTec Sub2000, however, is very light at just over four pounds. The KelTec neatly folds over into a compact package, and it accepts Glock magazines. But is there nothing not to like? Sure, there are always some shortcomings depending on what type of performance or function we are expecting from a particular firearm.
![](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1-700x239.jpg)
To start, the original carbine did not accept optics well. The fold-up sights are OK and get the job done, but more and more today, many shooters want an optics-ready carbine.
The new Gen3, however, offers plenty of space for mounting optics or combat lights. Another shortcoming of the overall design—only noticed after red-dot sights became more widely accepted and if you were able to mount a red dot on the original carbine—the folding mechanism would fold right over your RDS.
You could have a red dot but you gave up the folding option. (Mcarbo.com offers a well-designed RDS mount that solves these problems if you own a pre-Gen3 Sub2000.) The new Gen3 carbine, however, does not feature back-up sights and the rail easily accepts red-dot sights, something that makes the design more utilitarian for a broader audience of today’s shooters.
Meanwhile, the grip and forend make for an excellent hold when firing. The carbine accepts 9mm Glock pistol magazines, which is a big plus. Being able to use the most reliable pistol magazine on the planet simply makes sense with the design.
The new folding mechanism required some redesign without changing the barrel and receiver, but KelTec’s engineers achieved that. The carbine still folds on itself. Simply, unhinge the action by pressing forward and down on the trigger guard. The barrel rises up and then folds over the receiver. A latch on the buttstock captures the barrel. The difference in the Gen3 is that the forend moves to one side under hand pressure as the stock is folded. This neatly moves the RDS and any accessories out of the way as the carbine is folded.
![](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KelTec-Sub2000-Gen3-2-700x467.jpg)
The detail changes in the Gen3 are well thought out for sure. The carbine retains the original 16-inch barrel (which keeps it compact and legal), crossbolt safety and blowback action of the Gen1 and Gen2 carbines. The trigger action breaks cleanly at 5.2 pounds. KelTec claims to have lowered the cocking force needed to rack the bolt. This is a blowback action with a heavy spring. I cannot tell the difference in performance, but then I don’t have an original Sub2000 to compare.
Shots Fired
I loaded up a number of magazines for the initial firing tests. Glock 19, Glock 17, Glock +2 magazines and of course one of the reliable and useful Glock 33-round magazines. I added one of the new MagPul 21-round magazines. The MagPul proved completely reliable and is just the right size for some types of duty. I used a mix of FMJ ammunition.
Every Sub2000 I have fired has been reliable, no surprises there. The KelTec was topped with a SIG Romeo 5 RDS. I found this red-dot sight in the used case at a local indoor range. It was like new with a few scuffs on the mounting screws, but it worked well with the KelTec, offering good adjustments and speed on target. A 9mm carbine with an RDS is very fast and accurate on man-sized targets. Keep both eyes open and follow the dot to a hit.
I sighted the carbine to fire slightly high at 25 yards with a look toward later doing some 50-yard testing. It shot well.
All of the weights of 9mm I tested were reliable, including 115-, 124- and 147-grain loads. The accuracy came in as expected. At 25 yards, it isn’t difficult to tear apart the X-ring and make one ragged hole. Recoil isn’t even a consideration. The differences in the point of impact with a carbine are not too severe as bullet dwell time in the barrel and muzzle lift follow different rules than a pistol.
![](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KelTec-Sub2000-Gen3-6-700x408.jpg)
Ammunition Performance
I fired a number of groups, shooting three-shot groups at the 25-yard bullseye with four different loads. Twenty-five yards isn’t much of a challenge with this gun, I admit, but it is longer than the usual home-defense situation. It is perhaps getting into fox or coyote in the henhouse range. The results were very good as I had expected.
Load 3-shot group, 25 yards
Federal 115-gr. Train and Defend .95 inch.
Federal American Eagle 124-gr. FMJ .8 inch
Federal Hydra Shock 124-gr. 1.0 inch
Speer Gold Dot 147-gr. 1.1 inch
More importantly, the carbine handles well when addressing multiple targets in speed drills. A gang or a takeover robbery are sadly concerns in this day and age, and the KelTec carbine offers real speed and accuracy against multiple targets. I fired several drills with solid results. I also collected a couple of carbine-specific loads for evaluation.
The 9mm Luger does not develop a startling amount of velocity in a carbine compared to a pistol. The 9mm uses fast burning powder and makes for a full powder burn and efficiency in handguns. Velocity increase in a carbine is useful at 100-150 fps on average. In comparison, a .357 Magnum loading may exhibit a velocity increase of 600-700 fps in a carbine. But that is a cartridge using large charges of slow-burning powder.
![](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KelTec-Sub2000-Gen3-7-630x700.jpg)
A concern voiced by some is that a load that offers good expansion and penetration in a pistol barrel may over expand or fragment in a carbine. Not in this generation of defense and service loads. On average, loads such as the Federal HST or Hydra Shock and Speer Gold Dot will expand slightly more (.002 to .004 more) and penetrate a couple extra inches. Actually testing ammunition helps discover different conclusions than guess work.
I determined to test fire the KelTec at 50 yards. I used the Federal Syntech 130-grain carbine load. Intended for competition use, this load clocks 1190 fps in the KelTec. I also tested the new Speer Gold Dot 135-grain Carbine Dot. This load has great promise. I am looking forward to more ballistic testing. The load clocked faster than advertised at 1238 fps.
I settled down on the MTM Caseguard Simple Shooting Rest and clocked the SIG Romeo 5 down to its smallest dot. I took careful aim at a 50-yard target. The Syntech load put three shots into 2.2 inches, the 135-grain Gold Dot load went into 2.25 inches, probably all I am good for with a 9mm carbine. For home defense and area defense, even for defense against some dangerous animals, the KelTec Sub2000 Gen3 offers a meaningful improvement, while keeping the price at what knowing shooters will consider reasonable.
![](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/KelTec-Sub2000-Gen3-10-700x472.jpg)
Specifications
- Manufacturer: KelTec
- Model: Sub2000 Gen3
- Weight: 4.2 lbs.
- Magazine Capacity: Glock Magazine, 10 to 33 rounds available
- Overall Length (Extended): 30.45 in.
- Overall Length (Collapsed): 29.25 in.
- Length (Folded): 16.15 in.
- Barrel Length: 16.15 in.
- Twist Rate: 1:10 in.
- Trigger Pull Weight: Approximately 5 lbs.
- MSRP: $458
Where To Buy
![Kel-Tec-SUB-2000-SUB2K9MPBGRNHC-640832006568](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kel-Tec-SUB-2000-SUB2K9MPBGRNHC-640832006568.jpg-700x176.jpg)
Rating
Reliability ***** Faultless and expected from this humble blowback action.
Accuracy **** In the 9mm carbine league, this gun delivers plenty of accuracy.
Handling ***** This is a fast handling and effective carbine.
Concealment ***** We don’t usually rate carbines on concealment. But a 4-pound carbine that folds easily is a neat trick to store in the home or truck.
For more stories and gun reviews by Michael Irwin Collins click here.
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Lost me at Kel Tech. If they were free I wouldn’t sign the 4473.
Same.
Never owned any KelTec, but every one I’ve had the opportunity to fire (range buddies allowing me to fire theirs as they brag about their KTs) has had inferior ergonomics and just didn’t feel right.
Free? Perhaps…if I didn’t have to sign any paperwork. Otherwise…pass.
Some people put optics on Red Ryders…
Me either Gadsen. Had a gen 1. Startling lack of QC. Also had a PF9. It made my hand bleed even with a Handall Jr.(I still have Jr. It’s on a Taurus Slim which my wife commandeered.)I was interested in the rifle variants in 223/556 but ILL annoy thinks they’re aSsAult weapons🙄
This thing was on it’s deathbed when braced pistols were available (especially by the Extar EP9).
The stupid new brace laws and the Keltec upgrade of native RDS support gives this plastic mess a new lease on life.
Costs more and doesn’t include built-in sights.
That’s a hard pass. Good thing there are a lot of used ones out there for sale for decent prices.
It’d be nice if it could be fired in the folded position.
Make it a shotgunm.
And then gift that gunm to a president of some country
I have a Gen 2 sub 2K and yes, it is covered in polymer, it’s fugly, The plastic “rail” Is a warped joke for direct mount of an optic, but after just a few of the MCarbo upgrades, including a better trigger and higher rear sight, I enjoy shooting it, I trust it to go bang, and it has been utterly, boringly reliable. Not a single malfunction with multiple Glock style mags, multiple brands and weights of ammunition. It’s not a 100 yard tack driver and not designed to be. With or without a red dot, and I do have the MCarbo pivot mount which holds zero well, I trust it as an additional personal defense firearm. Riding a motorcycle frequently I can’t fold my AR 🙂
The gen 2 works well for me, so the gen 3 doesn’t have that much attraction. Plus I live in a state (WA) where it is classified as a weapon of mass destruction and I wouldn’t be able to purchase it even if I wanted to.
A person cannot shoot that gun at all if you’re a lefty.
It ejects directly into my face.
So that is a problem
Agree. I want to love it but It is a no go as a lefty. About half the time I accidentally hit the mag release as i pull the trigger, not to mention the severe blast dust in my face which is even worse in .40.
I would be interested to know if this is better than Gen 2.
I owned a Gen 1 and it did not blow anything into my face. Gen2 blows all kinds of gas and powder into my face.
I’d much rather have my ruger charger take down. In 22 lr.
One Tiny Gun Club Is Fighting To Protect Them All.
Shocking News: 74% of All Magazines Produced Hold More Than 10 Rounds of Ammo > https://www.shootingnewsweekly.com/2024/04/12/shocking-news-74-of-all-magazines-produced-hold-more-than-10-rounds-of-ammo/
S&W FPC. Enough said.
After the Ukraine craziness, KelTec has cemented my negative view of them. Was it worth it? I remain of the view that the ONLY way for Ukraine to win is for Putin to simply give up. I just don’t see that happening.
After the US arms contractors make some mega bucks Ukraine will fold.
This all goes back to after Chernobyl blew up and the US used wheat sanctions against Russia.
Now the ground ain’t hot the wheat can grow and Putin said fool me once.
keltec reliable….. LOLOLOLOLOLOL
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