With the increasingly pro-gun era and appearance of shall-issue concealed carry permitting, the firearms industry has seen a rapid increase in technological advances. Long guns have become popular during this time for providing higher utility than a handgun, and pistol-caliber carbines even more so.
Regardless of brand, the 9mm pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) has some universal advantages. For one, the 9mm Luger cartridge is the most popular mid-range defensive cartridge, so supply is nearly always available. It is also a relatively inexpensive cartridge with low recoil, making a great option for newer shooters. The 9mm is accurate enough for competitive use with enough power for self-defense. Most important, 9mm PCCs can use the same magazines as some of the most popular 9mm pistols, such as Glock. And folding PCCs offer the ability to be stored in compact spaces.
Kel-Tec Pistol-Caliber Carbines
The Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 is the latest evolution of one of the most innovative 9mm PCCs on the market. Known for its compact, foldable design and compatibility with popular handgun magazines, the SUB2000 has been a favorite among concealed carriers and home defenders.
With the Gen 3, Kel-Tec has addressed key user feedback from the SUB2000 Gen 2, introducing significant upgrades such as a twist-fold locking mechanism, full-length Picatinny rails, M-Lok slots and a suppressor-ready threaded barrel. Let’s break down the SUB2000 Gen 3’s new features, performance and practical applications — whether you’re considering it for self-defense, survival or recreational shooting.
Kel-Tec SUB 2000 Gen 3 vs. Gen 2
The new Gen 3 version of the Kel-Tec SUB2000 9mm PCC carbine offers significant improvements over the previous Gen 2 version. Kel-Tec’s Gen 3 looks very similar to the Gen 2 when unfolded and in firing position; however, the Gen 3 has a twist/fold opening and closing system. Other additions include full-length Picatinny rails to the top and bottom of the forend and M-Lok slots on the sides.
This new forend along with the upgraded opening and closing system allow for mounting optics, lights or lasers when the SUB2000 is open or closed. The Gen 2 could not accommodate Picatinny rails or M-Loks due to how the forend was folded. The Gen 3’s closed profile beats that of the Gen 2, hands down.
| Feature | Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 2 | Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 |
| Folding Mechanism | Hinged folding over stock | Twist-fold mechanism |
| Rail System | No integrated rail | Full-length Picatinny rail (top & bottom) |
| M-Lok Compatibility | No M-Lok slots | M-Lok slots on sides |
| Suppressor-Ready | No threaded barrel | Threaded barrel with knurled cap |
| Magazine Compatibility | Glock, S&W, SIG, Beretta (varies) | Glock, S&W, SIG, Beretta (varies) |
| Caliber Options | 9mm, .40 S&W | 9mm, 5.7x28mm |
| Sights | Fixed iron sights | No sights included (optics-ready) |
| Trigger Pull | 5 pounds | 5 pounds |
| Barrel Length | 16.25 inches | 16.15 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 4.2 pounds | 4.2 pounds (9mm), 4.36 pounds (5.7x28mm) |
| Stock Adjustment | Limited adjustability | Adjustable for length of pull |
| Overall Length | 30.5 inches | 30.45 inches |
| Folded Length | 16.25 inches | 16.15 inches |
| Price | ~$400-$500 | $511 |
The Gen 3 is also suppressor-ready, with a threaded muzzle and knurled protective muzzle cap. While the Gen 2 was available in 9mm and .40 S&W calibers, the Gen 3 is available in 9mm and the newly revitalized 5.7x28mm. Accommodating the longer 5.7×28 cartridge did not require many changes, resulting in very similar specifications and cost savings for buyers.
| Kel-Tec SUB 2000 Gen 3 Carbine | 9mm | 5.7x28mm |
| Weight unloaded | 4.2 pounds | 4.36 pounds |
| Magazine capacity | Varies by magazine | 20-round FN Pro Mag |
| Overall length | 30.45 inches | 30.45 inches |
| Length with stock collapsed | 29.25 inches | 29.2 inches |
| Length folded | 16.15 inches | 16.15 inches |
| Barrel length | 16.15 inches | 16.15 inches |
| Twist rate | 1:14 | 1:7 |
| Trigger pull | 5 pounds | 5 pounds |
| Stock | Adjustable for length of pull | Adjustable for length of
pull |
| Price | $511 | $511 |
Operating the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3
The SUB2000s are shipped in their folded condition in a very compact box. To open the Gen 3 SUB 2000 from the folded position:
- Press in the barrel release button found at the top of the stock’s buttplate. Push in firmly until you feel the latch release the front sight that it is locked into it.
- Rotate the barrel/forend assembly forward away from the buttstock. As the forend is moved, you will find that it is now capable of rotating/twisting left or right. Bring the barrel assembly down until the end of the barrel and chamber are mated together.
- The trigger guard has now moved away from the pistol grip, leaving a gap about the width of an index finger.
- In order to lock the forend and the stock-end together, you have to push the trigger guard back into place. It may take more pressure on the lower, curved end of the trigger guard than expected.
The Gen 3 SUB2000 can be folded with the magazine in place, so be sure the carbine is unloaded before folding. To return the SUB2000 Gen 3 to its original position:
- Pull the trigger guard down and away from the pistol grip until it locks open with a click.
- Push the barrel up and back toward the rear of the buttstock.
- Now the forend will twist, allowing you to lock it across the top on whichever side is most convenient to you or that fits your optic best.
- Push the forend down until the M-Lok snaps over the receiver latch.
The SUB2000 does not include sights. Kel-Tec assumes most purchasers will have a preferred red-dot sight to mount instead. I mounted my reliable though somewhat bulky Aimpoint Comp ML2 Red Dot for my test. The length of this sight illustrates well that you can mount nearly any sight onto this folding carbine.
Even with the added diameter (~2 inches) and height (~3 inches) of the optic tube, I was able to easily carry the Gen 3 SUB2000 in an old Maxpedition sling pack that was 17 inches long by 11 inches wide.
Shooting the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 Pistol Caliber Carbine
I tested the PCC with three boxes of Federal ammunition: 147-grain 9mm Gold Medal Action Pistol with a muzzle velocity of 900 feet per second and 264 foot-pounds of muzzle energy, Federal Premium Personal Defense 9mm 124-grain HST with a muzzle velocity of 1,150 feet per second and 364 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and Federal 124-grain Personal Defense Punch JHP ammunition with muzzle velocity of 1,150 feet per second and 364 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Though complicated at first, the operation of this PCC will become second nature with a bit of practice. The Glock-style magazine loads into the pistol grip. The magazine release button is located in the standard position on the left side of the grip. The manual safety is a large, easy-to-reach pushbutton safety, located just above the grip panel area. To put the safety on, push the button from the right side all the way through to the left side, and vice-versa to release the safety. A red ring appears when the safety is pushed to its full release position. Make sure it is pushed all the way through until you hear the loud “click” of the safety clear.
The recoil spring is located in the carbine stock tube. On the underside of the tube is a substantial cylindrical charging handle. While there is not an automatic bolt lock that engages when the magazine is empty, users can pull the charging handle to the rear and flip it into the locking slot. After re-inserting a fresh magazine, tap the charging handle with your hand. The bolt will run forward, chambering a fresh round.
I shot the SUB2000 right out of the box without lubrication starting with the Gold Medal 147 Action Pistol rounds. With 10 rounds in the magazine, I fired from 30 feet in a standing position using two hands. There was a failure to fire at the sixth round but no further problems after I cleared, recovered and reloaded the round. The result was a 10-shot group on the B27 PROS silhouette target measuring 5.5 inches.
With the Federal 9mm 124-grain HST ammo, I dropped 10 rounds into the head, and the group measured 1 ¾ inches. The final group was the Federal Punch load, and, as expected, it functioned properly, delivering a 2-inch nine-round group with a single flyer that opened the group up to 3 inches.
How the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 Stacks Up
The trigger pull was decent at 5 pounds, and the Gen 3’s polymer grip portion of the forend was positioned well, remaining comfortable in the hand during firing. This carbine was very easy to handle even when using the more powerful Federal self-defense loads. And the recoil of the 5.7×28 round would be even less than that of the 9mm round.
The Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while addressing some of the most common criticisms of the Gen 2. The addition of a twist-fold mechanism, full-length Picatinny rails, M-Lok compatibility and a suppressor-ready threaded barrel makes this carbine more versatile than ever. The Gen 3’s refinements make it a clear winner for those looking for a modern, adaptable pistol-caliber carbine.
It retains its lightweight, compact and magazine-compatible design. The Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 carbine would excel as a trunk gun, survival pack gun, or camper and boat gun in addition to being a fun gun for plinking or informal competition gun, offering a unique combination of portability, reliability and affordability. For those in the market for a foldable 9mm PCC, the Kel-Tec SUB2000 Gen 3 is a compelling option that delivers serious upgrades in a familiar package.
Sources
Kel-Tec: KelTecWeapons.com
Aimpoint Optics: Aimpoint.us
Federal Ammunition: FederalPremium.com
Maxpedition: Maxpedition.com
