New Products From Kel-Tec: Gen2 Sub-2000 and CMR-30

Jeremy S.

9 years ago

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The Sub-2000 is a semi-automatic folding carbine that comes with many handgun magazine options, most notably Glock 17 magazines in 9mm. Other 9mm magazine compatibility includes Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P, S&W 59, Beretta 92, and SIG Sauer 226. The other chambering is 40 S&W. Oddly, a 45 ACP chambering isn’t available. The 9mm Glock version is a favorite at gun shops, in part because it accepts extended-round magazines. The Cocoa, Florida manufacturer popularized the P3AT pistol, along with other interesting self-defense designs, including the Kel-Tec RFB bullpup in 7.62 NATO.

Kel-Tec has made some pretty significant changes to its folding 9mm pistol caliber carbine, the SUB-2000, now releasing a Gen 2 version. Despite the additional features and upgrades, it’s apparently easier to manufacture and production is doubling, so this truck gun favorite seems to be improving.

Also new and already beginning to ship out is the Kel-Tec CMR-30, the matching carbine to the PMR-30 pistol in 22WMR. I’m excited to get my hands on one of those as soon as possible, as I own a PMR-30 (review here) and six mags, an AAC Element 2 suppressor, and almost 1,000 rounds of .22 WMR so I’m ready to put it to the test! Gen2 SUB-2000 and CMR-30 video tours with Kris from Kel-Tec, plus some photos and highlights follow. . .

Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen2 Semi-Automatic Changes:

Front sight accepts AR-15 front sight posts, is adjustable for windage and elevation, and removes to expose 1/2×28 barrel threads on 9mm versions and 9/16×24 on .40 S&W.
New handguard with top and bottom rails plus Magpul M-LOK slots on the sides
40% larger ejection port
The Gen2 Sub2k has a more ergonomic grip
3-position adjustable buttstock
More sling attachment options
When folded, it’s locked on the Picatinny rail rather than the front sight post
Addition of version for M&P magazines
Better safety detent
Production volume up from 200-300 per week to 500-700 units
Short top Picatinny rail for red dots; fiber optic sights available
MSRP $450-$500

Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen2 Specs

Caliber: 9x19mm or .40 S&W, blowback operation

Weight Unloaded: 4.25 lbs.

Magazine Capacity: Varies by magazine; accepts extended versions of Glock mags

Overall Length: 30.5 inches

Length Collapsed: 29.25 inches

Length Folded: 16.25 inches

Barrel Length: 16.25 inches

Twist Rate: 1:10 or 1:16

Trigger Pull: 9.5 lbs.

Kel-Tec CMR-30 Notable Features:

It weighs just 3.8 lbs. Felt incredibly light and maneuverable
Same 30rd 22 Magnum polymer ammo mags as the Kel-Tec PMR-30, which employ a pretty novel design.
Ambi, non-reciprocating charging handles.
1/2×28 threaded barrel, barrel length of 16 inches
Comes with Magpul MBUS
4-position collapsible stock
“Ever so fantastic”

I asked Kris if it was accurate enough to justify me slapping on that new 6-24×50 LUCID scope that I picked up and shooting it from a rest for groups at 50 or 100 yards. An enthusiastic “oh absolutely!” was the response, so I’ll definitely be doing that for the review with 3 or 4 brands of .22 WMR from Remington, Winchester, and others on the wishlist.

Kel-Tec CMR-30 Specs

Caliber: .22WMR

Weight Unloaded: 3.8 lbs.

Magazine Capacity: 30

Overall Length: 29.9 inches

Length Collapsed: 22.5 inches

Length Folded: 16.25 inches

Barrel Length: 16 inches

Twist Rate: 1:14

Trigger Pull: 5 lbs.