Kel-Tec SUB-2000
Kel-Tec CNC Industries · Carbine · In Production · 2001
Also known as: SUB2000, SUB-2K
Overview
The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic carbine-caliber carbine that famously folds in half by pulling down on the trigger guard and pivoting the barrel up over the receiver, locking it to the buttstock. The folded package is just over 16 inches long, fitting easily inside a backpack. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, with model variants that accept Glock, Beretta 92, S&W 5900, or SIG P226 magazines, allowing owners to standardize ammo and mags with their handgun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1900 g (67.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 742 mm (29.21") |
| Folded Length | 410 mm (16.14") |
| Barrel Length | 410 mm (16.14") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 425 m/s (1394 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 670 J (494 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 250 m (273 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
- .40 S&W — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, .40 Cal
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Folds In Half, Uses Pistol Magazines, Operating Spring In Buttstock, M Lok Attachment Points, Picatinny Rail Gen3, Adjustable Stock, Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Variants
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen 1 — Original 2001
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen 2 — Improved Sights Rails
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Gen 3 — Rotating Optics Ready Forend
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 GLK — Glock Magazine
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 BRT — Beretta 92 Magazine
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 SW — Smith Wesson 5900 Magazine
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 SIG — Sig P226 Magazine
- Kel-Tec SUB-2000 10mm — 10mm Glock 20 Magazine
Service history
Operators
- U.S. civilian market · adopted 2001
Production
Production years: 2001-present
Kel-Tec's best-selling rifle; specific production figures not published.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: George Kellgren
Notes
The Gen 3, introduced around 2022, added a rotating forend so optics, lights, and lasers can stay mounted while the gun is folded. Operating spring is housed inside the tubular buttstock.
Background
When folded, the SUB-2000 is shorter than its own barrel - the barrel pivots up and lays flat against the receiver, making it one of the most genuinely concealable pistol-caliber carbines ever made. Its ability to share magazines with a shooter's handgun (Glock, Beretta, S&W, or SIG) inspired the entire modern PCC market.