Keltec Sub2K 3rd Gen: Upholding Gold

Published on March 7, 2025
Duration: 38:12

This review of the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 3rd Generation in 5.7x28mm highlights its compact, foldable design and the new rotating optic capability. The reviewer, with nearly 20 years of experience, discusses its philosophy of use as a vehicle or home defense gun, its cost-effectiveness, and provides detailed insights into its features, accuracy, and reliability, including specific ballistics data and potential issues with certain ammunition types.

Quick Summary

The Kel-Tec Sub 2000 3rd Generation in 5.7x28mm offers a unique rotating optic mount for folding with a red dot attached. While ammunition is costly, it provides manageable recoil and limited penetration suitable for home defense. The reviewer noted excellent accuracy but experienced some first-round extraction issues with specific loads.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: P90 vs. Sub 2000 Desire
  2. 00:32The Appeal of the P90 and PS90
  3. 01:26Warming Up to the 5.7x28 Cartridge
  4. 02:33Introducing the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 3rd Gen
  5. 03:06Long-Term Donor Request & Sub 2000 History
  6. 04:00Acquiring the Sub 2000 & Ammunition Cost
  7. 05:03Reviewer's Unique Testing Challenges
  8. 05:38Sub 2000's Popularity and History
  9. 06:26Is the Sub 2000 Still Awesome?
  10. 07:13Sub 2000's Low Entry Fee and Price
  11. 07:47Philosophy of Use for the Sub 2000
  12. 08:12Ideal Use Cases: Vehicle, Home Defense
  13. 09:18Philosophy of Use Without Rule of Law
  14. 09:49Wife Gun Use Case for Sub 2000
  15. 10:17Gen 2 vs. Gen 3: Key Differences
  16. 10:28Rotating Optic Capability Explained
  17. 10:55Absence of Sights on Gen 3
  18. 11:46Gen 2 Front Sight Blade vs. Gen 3 Cleanliness
  19. 12:14Gen 2 Rotational Problem & Fix
  20. 12:31Recommended Red Dot: Holosun HS403C
  21. 12:52Accuracy Testing with a Scope
  22. 13:53Handguard Construction and Rail System
  23. 14:03Adding a Vertical Grip
  24. 14:13Criticism: Picatinny vs. M-LOK Bottom Rail
  25. 15:22M-LOK Capability on Handguard Sides
  26. 15:55Stock Castle Nut Difference (Gen 2 vs. Gen 3)
  27. 16:09Steel Tube Stock: Three-Position Adjustable
  28. 16:27Minor Criticism: Cheek Rest Irritation
  29. 17:01Potential Solution: Tube Cover
  30. 17:27Butt Stock Features and Sling Attachment
  31. 17:31M-Carbo Accessories for Sub 2000
  32. 18:21M-Carbo Return To Zero Optics Mount
  33. 18:55Polymer Handguard Accuracy Concerns
  34. 19:29Grip and Magazine Release
  35. 19:32Trigger Feel and Performance
  36. 19:57Magazine Compatibility: FN 5.7 Pistol
  37. 20:23Need for 5.7x28 Magazine Industry Standard
  38. 21:13Internal Components and Lubrication
  39. 21:27Disassembly Process
  40. 21:45Charging Handle Notches: A Gotcha
  41. 22:25No Last Shot Hold Open
  42. 22:30Crossbolt Safety
  43. 22:45Overall Presentation and Feel
  44. 22:53Suppressor Considerations
  45. 23:15Features Summary
  46. 23:28Optic Mount Height Recommendation
  47. 23:40How Did It Shoot? Performance Insights
  48. 23:50Ammunition Performance: SS 197 vs. Range Dynamics
  49. 24:35American Eagle 40 Grain Load
  50. 25:07Weird First Round Issues
  51. 25:54Further Investigation into Ammunition Issues
  52. 26:07Standard Deviation and First Round Velocity
  53. 26:29Malfunction: Round Not Seating Properly
  54. 27:01American Eagle Bullet Separation Issue
  55. 27:34Cocked and Unfired Round Example
  56. 27:41Significance of First Shot Reliability
  57. 28:01Chamber Cleaning and Lubrication Importance
  58. 28:18Improved Performance After Maintenance
  59. 28:22Overall Shooting Experience
  60. 29:22Shooting Footage
  61. 29:35Fun Factor and Recoil Comparison
  62. 29:53Accuracy Testing Results (with Scope)
  63. 30:07Recommended Zero Distance: 50 Yards
  64. 30:25Long-Range Accuracy (200-250 Yards)
  65. 30:47Red Dot Accuracy Testing
  66. 31:33Concentrate on SS 197 Load Accuracy
  67. 31:45Accuracy Borderline Outstanding
  68. 32:02Potential Accuracy Impact in Hot Weather
  69. 32:13Reliability Assessment (Excluding First Round Issues)
  70. 32:28Would You Buy One?
  71. 32:40Contacting Kel-Tec About Issues
  72. 32:50Highly Recommended with Asterisk
  73. 33:035.7x28 PCC Market Leadership
  74. 33:16Potential Competitor: Palmetto State Armory
  75. 33:35Call to Action: Increase 5.7x28 Ammunition Production
  76. 33:55Competitive Options: 9mm vs. 5.7x28
  77. 34:27Featured Products: Piranha Pocket Model Knife
  78. 34:39Featured Products: A1 Wilderness Knife
  79. 35:00Featured Collectible: God of War Mech
  80. 35:32Thanks to Supporters & Channel Future
  81. 36:21Monetization Challenges for Gun Reviews
  82. 36:27Call to Action: Subscribe & Rumble
  83. 36:31Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the 3rd Generation Kel-Tec Sub 2000?

The 3rd Generation Kel-Tec Sub 2000's standout feature is its rotating optic mount, allowing it to fold with a red dot sight attached. It also boasts a compact, foldable design, a lightweight polymer construction, and is available in various calibers, including the 5.7x28mm reviewed here.

How does the 5.7x28mm cartridge perform in the Kel-Tec Sub 2000?

In the Sub 2000, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a unique balance of low recoil and manageable penetration, making it a viable option for home defense. While ammunition is expensive, it provides a distinct performance profile for this compact carbine platform.

What were the main criticisms or issues found during the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 3 review?

The reviewer noted potential first-round extraction issues with certain ammunition, a desire for an M-LOK handguard instead of Picatinny on the bottom, and a slight cheek weld discomfort. The high cost of 5.7x28mm ammunition was also highlighted as a significant drawback.

What is the philosophy of use for the Kel-Tec Sub 2000?

The primary philosophy of use for the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 is as a vehicle gun or a compact home defense option. Its foldable design makes it easy to store and transport discreetly, and its pistol-caliber nature reduces over-penetration risks in a home environment.

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