Kel-Tec SUB-2000 G2 Glock 19 Magazine Semi-Automatic Centerfire Rifle

The KelTec Sub 2000

As those that can recall, the year 1999 was filled with skepticism as Y2K on the horizon was a huge mystery and full of the unknown for most of the world.

Once wall clocks, Blackberry’s, and PCs everywhere rolled over from ‘99 to ‘00, the folks at KelTec were diligently working on the Gen I version of the kel tec Sub2000.

To be officially released the following year, the Sub 2000 would be given the “2000” moniker. It’s a good fit as the Sub 2000 would break from traditional designs, and have lines and features not normally seen on guns from this time period and definitely not at this price point.

As the years passed things began to change. Trends in the firearm world turned more tactical, and the squared-off blocky forend of the KelTec Sub2000 had no way of attaching any of the gear or gadgets, so it needed a change, too.

The KelTec Sub2000 Gen II was released in 2015. The updated model brought to market some much-needed refreshment in both form and function.

KelTec 2000 Sub Design

Pistol Caliber Carbine

Let’s start off by defining a term that some people might not be familiar with. A Pistol Caliber Carbine, or PCC, by definition, is a shoulder-mounted long gun chambered in a pistol caliber cartridge. The KelTec Sub 2000 is a PCC. Its barrel is 16”, it is chambered in pistol caliber cartridges, and it has a stock so it is shoulderable like a rifle.

keltec 2000 sub

keltec 2000 sub

sub2000 keltec

keltec sub 2000

Materials

The KelTec Sub2000 keeps with KelTec’s theme of using glass filled polymer and steel components. The application of these materials on the KelTec Sub2000 help to keep the overall weight down and strength up in the necessary areas such as the folding mechanism and the breach of the gun. It just so happens that these two locations are in the same area.

Some would fault KelTec for use of their glass filled polymer and to be honest, it does have a less than quality feel when directly compared to other companies, but you have to keep in mind that KelTec does not aim to directly compete with these more mainstream manufacturers.

Once you understand that KelTec has carved out their own niche in the gun market over the years and that they pride themselves on designing and manufacturing unique firearms over all else, it makes sense.

Construction

KelTec also keeps with their trend of their chosen method of construction for the Sub2000. I will state that the overall feel of the Sub 2000 Gen II is a far cry better than that of the original Sub 2000. I also believe the construction feels more solid than that of the forearm section of the KelTec KSG that we reviewed earlier. This may be because there are no large sections of polymer that have to be moved to cycle the Sub 2000.

KelTec uses their two-half clamshell construction on the forearm of the Sub2000, on the covering of the chamber area, and the pistol grip. As mentioned before, the application of this design does not bother me as much as it does with KelTec’s KSG. The forearm is very solid and does not flex when locked in the firing position.

The only place where this design can be seen as a weakness is in the magwell located in the pistol grip, and as when compared to any other mag well located in the same place, there is always a degree of flex when squeezed. With the magazine inserted, the flex goes away from this area altogether.

The cocking handle is located in a non-traditional area but this is what I’ve come to expect with KelTec. Located directly behind the pistol grip, and on the buffer tube, there is a cutout for the charging handle to ride back and forth as the Sub 2000 cycles. There is also a notch to place the charging handle in to manually lock the bolt to the rear.

The stock is triangular and also made from KelTec’s glass-filled polymer. The surface area of the stock is satisfactory, and KelTec even includes a small section of pic rail to the bottom of the stock.

Located on the top of the stock is the latch for holding the Kel Tec Sub2000 in its folded position. Also located on the top of the stock are three holes and a pin that can be removed and then adjusted for the length of pull.

keltec 2000 sub

keltec 2000 sub

sub2000 keltec

keltec sub 2000

KelTec Sub 2000 Operation

Feeding the Sub 2000

The key to shooting any gun is feeding it. Without ammunition, all a gun is a fancy, expensive paperweight.

The KelTec Sub2000 I have is a Glock magazine, 40 cal model. Yes, that’s right, it DOES take Glock mags.

This is where most variations of this sub gun come into play. There are models that take Glock 19 mags, Glock 17 mags, Glock 23 mags, and Glock 22 mags.

Then you have the models that take the not-so-popular or requested magazines. All in all, you should be able to find a KelTec Sub2000 to share magazines with your favorite pistol.

While it seems obvious that a gun that takes pistol mags should be loaded through the pistol grip, it isn’t always safe to assume that is the case.

Guns like the Ruger PC Charger or the Marlin Camp Carbine locate the pistol magazines further up and in a more traditional place for a long gun.

The Kel-Tec Sub 2000 however located its magazine well in the grip of the gun.

This aids in faster reloads and makes training easier since you will be mimicking the same motions for loading your pistol.  Muscle memory means faster and more efficient times.

Safety

The safety on the Kel Tec Sub 2000 is very simple to use. It is a classic cross-bolt style push-button safety. It is located above the web of the trigger hand and is actuated by pressing it across from right to left to turn it on and left to right to disengage.

The safety is round and has ridges on its face so that your finger does not slip while pushing it either way.

keltec2000 sub

The safety has a visible red ring to show when it is on “fire”. The safety also has a detent which makes the actuation very crisp.

Trigger

The trigger on the KelTec Sub2000 is one of the weak points in my opinion. It is made of their “glass-filled polymer” and feels like it flexes a little when pulled. It is serviceable, though.

sub2000 keltec

sub2000 keltec

The Sub 2000 is not a high precision rifle or even a high-cost sub-gun. The trigger can be swapped out with parts from Mcarbo if you desire.

The trigger hits a false wall at about 3-4 mm of free travel then a second wall after another approximate 3 mm of travel.

The trigger then breaks after this second wall. It is very crisp when it does break. The reset travels about 4 mm and is audible and tactile.

Follow-up shots are quick and once you start shooting, you will not notice the travel of the trigger.

Take Down

This is where the Kel Tec Sub 2000 really shines. It can be folded in half for storage or transport.

This is something that other designs have approached, but few have achieved. Many other subguns such as the scorpion or Stribog have folding stocks but the Sub 2000 folds at the breach of the gun.

This is accomplished by pushing the trigger guard that also doubles as a lever, down and lifting the front of the barrel up and rotating it back 180 degrees to where the front of the barrel then meets the rear of the stock.

When this is done, both the chamber and bolt face will separate and you will be able to visibly inspect both at the same time one on top of the other.

When folded, the Sub 2000 will not fire for obvious reasons.

The semi-automatic Sub-2000 is designed to be the most convenient 9mm or .40 caliber rifle available. It’s adjustable and foldable to 16.25 x 7 inches for easy storage. Plus it can easily be disassembled for cleaning or inspection without tools. Ideal for backpacking trips and situations where space and convenience are paramount.

keltec 2000 sub

Features

• 1:10″ twist
• 1/2-28 threaded muzzle
• 3-position adjustable stock
• “Gator Grip” texture
• Top & bottom Picatinny rails
• 5 Magpul M-Lok slots per side
• Removable front sight (adjustable for windage & elevation)
• Single point sling attachment
• Webbing sling loop