KelTec Sub2kG

opaul · #1 10-26-2015, 05:15 PM

I know these aren't going to appeal to everyone but I've wanted one for a long time. I finally was able to get one and it's a second generation model.
I just picked it up today and haven't done anything other than open the box and read the owners manual.
For some reason the Sub2k's have been hard to come by and they don't show up very often.
This one will accept Glock G19 and 17 magazines.

jmark1651 · #2 10-26-2015, 05:51 PM

I think you are correct. I picked up a used one recently. Have not fired it, but understand they function well. It is an interesting weapon when folded up and placed in a briefcase.

tbgunner88 · #3 10-26-2015, 05:53 PM

Great find, the Kel Tec Sub 2k seem to be the hardest of the pistol caliber carbines to come by and usually carries a hefty price tag because of their limited availability. I have been looking at pistol caliber carbines the last couple years, everything from the Beretta Cx4 Storm to the Hi Point Carbine. If I ever came upon the Kel Tec in 9mm with the right price tag, it would be mine.

Muss Muggins · #4 10-26-2015, 05:55 PM

I've got the first generation 9mm that uses Glock magazines. Perfect truck gun, folded up in an old Doskocil four handgun hardside case. Smooth shooting and plenty accurate.

Collo Rosso · #5 10-26-2015, 06:56 PM

I had one 7 years ago or so. 100% reliable, accurate and fun to shoot. It used Glock mags and was 40S&W. I didn't reload then and sold it (made money on that one!) as it was expensive to feed. That and the charging knob would pull out beard hairs...talk about getting your attention!
I looked at the newest version and must say Kel Tec has made some great upgrades with the sights.

boykinlp · #6 10-26-2015, 07:06 PM

Many people think Kel Tec is junk. I disagree! I like the fact that they will push the envelope and come up with new products.

opaul,
Let us know how it shoots!!

Muss Muggins · #7 10-26-2015, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

Many people think Kel Tec is junk. I disagree! I like the fact that they will push the envelope and come up with new products.

opaul,
Let us know how it shoots!!

This is a little off topic, but their new double magazine tube bull pup shotgun is the bomb . . . Next thing on my list.

palmetto99 · #8 10-26-2015, 09:53 PM

I have always been intrigued by them and should have bought one years ago when they were a little cheaper. BTW, ran into a local deputy shooting one at the local public range a few years ago. He said that it was approved by his department and was set up to take Glock 40 S&W duty mags. He was also a K-9 officer and he said it was easier to haul around while working with a dog than a carbine.

JaPes · #9 10-26-2015, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opaul

I know these aren't going to appeal to everyone but I've wanted one for a long time. I finally was able to get one and it's a second generation model.
I just picked it up today and haven't done anything other than open the box and read the owners manual.
For some reason the Sub2k's have been hard to come by and they don't show up very often.
This one will accept Glock G19 and 17 magazines.

I agree with you 100% on every point.

I picked up mine on Saturday. I always wanted a Sub2K. Scarcity was part of the issue. The other is that I found the Gen1's odd. I'd find one, hold it, and couldn't bring myself to pay an outrageous premium for one. I'd hold a Gen1 and start thinking...

Need aftermarket forend. $150
Need tube cover. $20
Need aftermarket front sight. $50

Add in the inflated street prices and an inexpensive fun gun turns into an expensive not-so-fun gun.

When I saw videos and pictures of the Gen2's, I plunked down $100 and ordered one in February 2015. LGS couldn't quote me the final price because they didn't know.

Final price = $399 before tax. I was doing an inner happy dance at checkout.

I've discovered that the SUB2K Gen2 does not like the Magpul Glock Mags. With the bolt in battery, the magazine won't lock in place. With the bolt back, the magazine locks in place but the feed lips ride a little bit too high and induce feeding malfunctions. I tried to manually feed snap caps using the Magpul Glock mag and it was a no go.

OEM Glock mag is no problem. El-Cheap-O Korean manufacture Glock compatible mags worked. I ordered a 50 round Korean manufacture Glock compatible drum magazine, and will give that a try when it comes in.

I look forward to trading shooting impressions with you.

Congrats again!

-John

JaPes · #10 11-01-2015, 10:01 AM

Hey opaul,

I finally made it to the range yesterday. I put 200 rounds downrange. Here's my observations.

Good:

Low perceived recoil.
Cycled inexpensive steel case and aluminum case ammo.
Confirmed that it is compatible with inexpensive Korean Manufacture magazines.
Confirmed that it is compatible with the 50-round Korean made drum mag.
The small amount of stock adjustment helps. I have mine extended as far out as possible.
The trigger isn't great or horrible. It's a decent trigger. I have no complaints.
The rifle is very precise. I hold on the same spot, and all the rounds go into a nice tight group.

Bad:

The rifle isn't accurate out of the box.
I haven't had to deal with front sight cant like this since I had a poorly made AK.

The factory assembler may not have installed the sight straight. If it passed QC and shot straight at the factory, then the issue is with that set screw. The barrel isn't dimpled where the set screw sits. Maybe they didn't use the right thread locker. Under live fire, the heat and vibration knocked the sight out of alignment.

I ran out of left windage adjustment trying to sight in the gun. At 50 and 75 ft. with the windage adjustment cranked full left, I had to hold off target left to print on paper. I didn't have my AR front sight adjustment tool to adjust elevation, but that was fine. I held off left at the same point and varied my elevation. I could draw a line right down the middle of the target. Right side showed impact, left none. I finally got the Kentucky Windage calibrated in my brain, then it started to shift again. I had to hold more left off paper and high. POA/POI started to creep. I stopped shooting.

The range I used is attached to the LGS where I purchsed my Sub2K. At the time of sale, that LGS offers their own lifetime warranty for an additional fee. When I bought the rifle, the checkout person offered the LGS warranty to me for $25. I told her, "Heck yes. This is a Kel-Tec. There's bound to be a problem with it."

Am I glad I bought that warranty. After the range session, I brought my targets to the checkout counter and explained the problem. One of the salesman walking by took a look and immediately started to allude that I was the problem. I pointed at my targets and politely told he had accredited expertise or authority to resolve this problem. The manager comes out. I am always calm and polite when I'm there. I've always had positive interactions with the Manager over the years.

"Do you want our gunsmith to look at it or do you want it sent back to KelTec?".

I told him when I bought the warranty, it was sold with the verbal reassurances that if anything goes wrong with it as long as I own it, the store would take care of it. I asked him how much it costs him to employ his gunsmith per hour. I then asked him how much it would cost to send back to KelTec so they could fix it under factory warranty. I then told him to decide which one made sense in context of the $25 I paid for the LGS warranty. I told him my criteria for what I expect:

The sight issue to be remedied so that I can shoot with both precision and accuracy. That the issue to hopefully be remedied permanently.
The rifle be returned to me in the same condition as it is now, but with the sights fixed. No dings, scratches, bubba marks, etc. I had it out of the box just one week and it is factory fresh.
If you choose to have your gunsmith try to remedy the issue, the gunsmith and yourself are the only ones to fire it. This isn't an opportunity for salespeople (I pointed at the salesman who tried to blame me for the problem) to all gang-bang my firearm.
I want a written report of the issue diagnosis and the fix to file with my records.
I want these assurances in writing on a copy of the intake receipt.

So it's with the LGS. I bought the Sub2K knowing that KelTec has a higher probablity of having issues. This is only a fun gun. I'm in no hurry.

JaPes · #11 11-01-2015, 10:05 AM

This Sub2K Gen2 owner made a video. It is the exact same issue I have.

opaul · #12 11-01-2015, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaPes

Hey opaul,

I finally made it to the range yesterday. I put 200 rounds downrange. Here's my observations.

Good:

Low perceived recoil.
Cycled inexpensive steel case and aluminum case ammo.
Confirmed that it is compatible with inexpensive Korean Manufacture magazines.
Confirmed that it is compatible with the 50-round Korean made drum mag.
The small amount of stock adjustment helps. I have mine extended as far out as possible.
The trigger isn't great or horrible. It's a decent trigger. I have no complaints.
The rifle is very precise. I hold on the same spot, and all the rounds go into a nice tight group.

Bad:

The rifle isn't accurate out of the box.
I haven't had to deal with front sight cant like this since I had a poorly made AK.

The factory assembler may not have installed the sight straight. If it passed QC and shot straight at the factory, then the issue is with that set screw. The barrel isn't dimpled where the set screw sits. Maybe they didn't use the right thread locker. Under live fire, the heat and vibration knocked the sight out of alignment.

I ran out of left windage adjustment trying to sight in the gun. At 50 and 75 ft. with the windage adjustment cranked full left, I had to hold off target left to print on paper. I didn't have my AR front sight adjustment tool to adjust elevation, but that was fine. I held off left at the same point and varied my elevation. I could draw a line right down the middle of the target. Right side showed impact, left none. I finally got the Kentucky Windage calibrated in my brain, then it started to shift again. I had to hold more left off paper and high. POA/POI started to creep. I stopped shooting.

The range I used is attached to the LGS where I purchsed my Sub2K. At the time of sale, that LGS offers their own lifetime warranty for an additional fee. When I bought the rifle, the checkout person offered the LGS warranty to me for $25. I told her, "Heck yes. This is a Kel-Tec. There's bound to be a problem with it."

Am I glad I bought that warranty. After the range session, I brought my targets to the checkout counter and explained the problem. One of the salesman walking by took a look and immediately started to allude that I was the problem. I pointed at my targets and politely told he had accredited expertise or authority to resolve this problem. The manager comes out. I am always calm and polite when I'm there. I've always had positive interactions with the Manager over the years.

"Do you want our gunsmith to look at it or do you want it sent back to KelTec?".

I told him when I bought the warranty, it was sold with the verbal reassurances that if anything goes wrong with it as long as I own it, the store would take care of it. I asked him how much it costs him to employ his gunsmith per hour. I then asked him how much it would cost to send back to KelTec so they could fix it under factory warranty. I then told him to decide which one made sense in context of the $25 I paid for the LGS warranty. I told him my criteria for what I expect:

The sight issue to be remedied so that I can shoot with both precision and accuracy. That the issue to hopefully be remedied permanently.
The rifle be returned to me in the same condition as it is now, but with the sights fixed. No dings, scratches, bubba marks, etc. I had it out of the box just one week and it is factory fresh.
If you choose to have your gunsmith try to remedy the issue, the gunsmith and yourself are the only ones to fire it. This isn't an opportunity for salespeople (I pointed at the salesman who tried to blame me for the problem) to all gang-bang my firearm.
I want a written report of the issue diagnosis and the fix to file with my records.
I want these assurances in writing on a copy of the intake receipt.

So it's with the LGS. I bought the Sub2K knowing that KelTec has a higher probablity of having issues. This is only a fun gun. I'm in no hurry.

Thanks for the follow up. Seems like the front sight could be the gremlin.......?

JaPes · #13 11-01-2015, 10:43 PM

The front sight has always been the Sub2K's gremlin.

RobzGuns · #14 11-01-2015, 11:30 PM

I have a 5y/o Gen1 Sub2K and it's been great.
For in depth discussion and questions about them, go to 'thektog.org' Forum. They have a Sub-Forum for them.

I like the new Fore-grip and need to check if it would work on my Gen1.

Oh yeah... Make sure you do NOT pull the trigger while it's in the Folded position.

If you do... make sure you have a broom handle close by (something to look up on the KTOG Forum.

litenlarry · #15 11-02-2015, 11:04 AM

To the OP, are you sure you subby will take G19 mag's ? Normally they only accept the longer G17 mag..

I own a first gen 2k...I have had good luck with it and really appreciated Kel Tec customer service on all my KT's...UNTIL recently..In the past you would call KT and request a damaged part for your pistol/rifle..They would send you the part free...
That was then, this is now, you have to pay for the part and shipping....That sux !! Your only alternative is to sen the weapon back to KT at your own cost...

I have bought my last Kel Tec product......

opaul · #16 11-02-2015, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litenlarry

To the OP, are you sure you subby will take G19 mag's ? Normally they only accept the longer G17 mag..

I own a first gen 2k...I have had good luck with it and really appreciated Kel Tec customer service on all my KT's...UNTIL recently..In the past you would call KT and request a damaged part for your pistol/rifle..They would send you the part free...
That was then, this is now, you have to pay for the part and shipping....That sux !! Your only alternative is to sen the weapon back to KT at your own cost...

I have bought my last Kel Tec product......

Yes it takes the G19 magazine. I was just reading on another forum about the parts issue with KT.

litenlarry · #17 11-02-2015, 04:13 PM

In the beginning ,when KT started producing weapon's, they had issues...QC and just a hit or miss on the weapons reliability ...
We the original owners, were nothing more than "test pilot's " to see if it would fly...KT used our request's for part's that did not function or were not to spec's to improve their product..Good for them, to a point...
Fast forward, now, we the test monkey's must pay for their screw up's...
Yeah, I am po'ed..

Sad commentary to a once great CS company...

wingriderz · #18 11-03-2015, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

Many people think Kel Tec is junk. I disagree! I like the fact that they will push the envelope and come up with new products.

opaul,
Let us know how it shoots!!

Kel tech. Not junk by any means, have their .380. 32, & 9mm all flawless, thousands of rounds threw. Them. I live about 30 minutes from plant in cocoa. My neighbor. Had a trigger. Issue with a 380. I went up to plant with him. Walked. In no appointment, they took gun in imediality, told have a seat in waiting room. With in 30 minutes very polite tech came out with gun
Cleaned up graded and 100 rounds run threw it and its good to go. World class. Service. Yes I would buy one ,

opaul · #19 11-13-2015, 02:15 PM

Ok, so I had a chance to finally take the KelTec Sub2k Gen2 out back and shoot it.
I'm glad to report that 70 rounds went down range without any issues with feeding or ejection problems and no loosening of the front sight.
The gun functioned perfectly with both Winchester white box and Federal aluminum cased ammo.
Of course, that's not many rounds but I think it's off on the right track.

RobzGuns · #20 11-13-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opaul

The gun functioned perfectly with both Winchester white box and Federal aluminum cased ammo.

If you haven't visited 'thektog.org' yet, do so, for tips and hints about KT products.

It's good to hear that yours worked well with aluminum cased rounds, but for the record, Kel-Tec does not recommend either Steel, Polymer Coated, or Aluminum cased ammunition in their products. (see circled portion in the pic of one of my service slips)

opaul · #21 11-13-2015, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobzGuns

If you haven't visited 'thektog.org' yet, do so, for tips and hints about KT products.

It's good to hear that yours worked well with aluminum cased rounds, but for the record, Kel-Tec does not recommend either Steel, Polymer Coated, or Aluminum cased ammunition in their products. (see circled portion in the pic of one of my service slips)

Thank you! I appreciate the heads up! I'll only be loading brass from now on!

JaPes · #22 11-14-2015, 06:41 PM

Mine is still in repair limbo. It's only been 15 days. If it gets to be 3+ months, then I'll start complaining.

Rule3 · #23 11-14-2015, 07:02 PM

I looked at one the other day. Pretty clever. But the Bolt halt kinda scared me I just visualized my hand sliding down under it and mashing my hand or finger. Probably not a issue but made me think of it happening.

Had that happen on a Remington Speedmaster 22lr with the bolt on the left side. Mashed my thumb

Heck I can just stick a 30 round Mag in a G19 and have the same thing.

Might loos 100 FPS velocity.

Anyone have the PLR16 ?(I posted a thread) I kinda like that one better.

JaPes · #24 11-14-2015, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rule3

I looked at one the other day. Pretty clever. But the Bolt halt kinda scared me I just visualized my hand sliding down under it and mashing my hand or finger.

The charging handle? It does reciprocate. It is out of the way.

JaPes · #25 12-07-2015, 09:00 PM

Forgot to update. The LGS received my Sub2K back from Kel-Tec repair last week. The sight is straight and true to a laser bore sight. I haven't had the opportunity to test the repair under live fire at the range.

That LGS warranty was the best $25 I spent. They took care of everything from calling Kel-Tec, shipping, and receiving. It saved me a bunch of headaches.

opaul · #26 12-07-2015, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaPes

Forgot to update. The LGS received my Sub2K back from Kel-Tec repair last week. The sight is straight and true to a laser bore sight. I haven't had the opportunity to test the repair under live fire at the range.

That LGS warranty was the best $25 I spent. They took care of everything from calling Kel-Tec, shipping, and receiving. It saved me a bunch of headaches.

Thanks for the update

opaul · #27 10-24-2016, 07:05 PM

Bringing up a long dead post. Evidently the early 2nd generation has issues with the front sight working loose; I believe they have since revamped the later models with a lock nut arrangement.
Anyway, I ordered a replacement sight from RedLion and replaced the factory sight and it is awesome. To remove the original sight all I had to do was loosen the set screw and unscrew the sight......took no effort at all - not surprising it came loose after shooting a few times.
I'll try to post up a picture later.