Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 3 review. Updated handy carbine.

Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 3 review.

One thing about Kel-Tec is that they are constantly innovating. Some folks like Kel-Tec, and some not so much, but almost all folks like their Sub 2000 9mm carbine. While very popular, adding an optic to the Sub 2000 interferes with complete folding. The only solution was to remove the optic and risk losing zero.

Kel-Tec has answered with the new Gen 3 Sub 2000, which allows the handguard to be rotated ninety degrees as the carbine folds. This keeps the optic mounted but rotates it out of the way for secure folding, allowing you to retain zero. Note the Meprolight Tru-Vision mounted. This red dot proved to be an excellent option for this type of carbine. You ca read the full review on the Tru Vision by following this link.

The top is adorned with a full length of Picatinny Rail, while the rest of the handguard is populated with MLok slots. The barrel terminates in 1/2×24 threads.

The charging handle is in the buffer tube. A cross-bolt safety is standard, and the trigger pull was a solid five pounds. A very simple manual of arms makes this carbine easy to manipulate safely.

A tab at the butt stock locks into the MLok when folded, even if you have adjusted the stock. While shipped with the Magpul PMag for a Glock 19, the Sub 2000 uses 9mm Glock magazines from the Glock 19 size on up. Throughout the review, we used the Liberty Suppressors Centurion and Infinity X. 

Accuracy 3 rounds from a rest at 30 yards with the Meprolight Tre-Vision red dot.

Conclusions 

With about 400 various rounds downrange with numerous shooters suppressed and unsuppressed the Sub 2000 Gen 3 had no malfunctions or misfeeds. Accuracy was excellent, in my opinion, with no one having problems keeping rounds on steel, even during rapid fire. While I see a lot of practical uses for such a foldable carbine, most folks commented on the fun factor more than anything. Banging steel with the carbine suppressed is indeed a lot of fun. For home defense, a truck gun, a camping gun, or the like, the Sub 2000 Gen 3 would undoubtedly fill that role. If your preferred sidearm is a 9mm or especially a 9mm Glock, the Sub 2000 makes even more sense with ammo and magazine interchangeability. If you own a 9mm Glock, it would be a good idea to have such a carbine on hand “just in case “. After all was said and done, I am confident the direct blowback Sub 2000 Gen 3 is reliable enough to be considered for self-defense and easy enough to shoot for almost anyone, even new shooters, to be comfortable with.

Specifications 

Acknowledgments 

Kel-Tec

Hornady 

AmmoToGo.com 

Defender Ammunition 

Doubletap Ammunition 

HoleShot Ammunition