Kel Tec carbines?

[PAofficer]

I am looking into the Kel tec line of carbines for patrol work. Has anyone used or tested this line of products. My first interest in these came several years ago when we had a contract in several apartment complex. Gun shots were heard most every night and about once a month shots orginated in our complex. We had a good PD to work with and they treated us with respect and support. We would work in a proactive fashion and at times would set up in empty apartments and gather info instead of just plain patrol work. It was than I started considering the Kel tec carbines. The Kel tec's nice selling point was that it could be folded in half and carried into a apartment slung under my uniform jacket. This would have enabled us to be ready for anything we observed and possible been drawn into. This contract was lost when the apartments management changed and they removed all security. Has anyone tried one of these carbines out, carried one or heard anything. Good, bad, whatever let's hear about them.

Thanks

PAofficer

[ACP01]

PA officer,
First off welcome to the forums.

I haven't had the chance to use one of their carbines but like you I am interested in them especially the C model which can be fired while folded.
I have also thought about the 9" and 12" Short barrells. You must have the ATF "Short Barrelled Rifle" permit to even buy it tho.

On another site I have read that no Kel Tec used in rifle classes have ever finished the course, then I read that others say there are no problems....go figure.

Also they have the fold out bi-pod built in...another consideration. True you would most likely never be in a situation to need the bi-pod but..

As far as carrying it under your jacket folded I can see a problem if you are in and out of a car or are seated much. If I remember correctly they are about the same weight as the AR-15 which is relatively light but I don't think I would want it under my jacket.

Have you looked at their "pistol" in 5.56/.223? That may be more in line with duty carry for you. You do not have the recoil mech sticking out the back as the AR-15 pistol variant does and it can be slung. Effective range is stated to be about 300 meters or about 330 yards.

If I sound like an ad for Kel Tec I am sorry. I have no relations with them. Just an interested individual.

Corbett

[Rooney]

I have fired both the Kel-Tec rifle and pistol (my brother-in-law's). I would go for an m4 or something along that line. The Kel-Tec would be fine in a close situation but the accuracy soon fades away. The bi-pod feature is pretty cool but weak. Take into consideration that you are buying a plastic rifle. I know the price reflects that but they are not heavy duty. They are however built for the price range they are sold at. They are good plincking rifles, but, I would'nt stake my life on one.

[PAofficer]

Thanks

I just wanted to clear up the carry option I was thinking of. Yes carring it under the uniform jacket, but note for patrol. I was looking at leaving the office carring the carbine and going to the unit in which we were setting up a fixed post for information gathering. I was not looking to carry it all the time. Also the carbine you fired, was it a 5.56 or a pistol caliber model? Thanks

[N. A. Corbier]

Why are you looking into the carbine, exactly? Are you after the .223 round, or the large capacity, or another factor?

[PAofficer]

My original thought was to have the carbine for two reasons. 1. I was looking at a tool to use from a fixed location and wished to have a more accurate stable shot at somewhat increased range (40 to 50 yards). 2. A intimidation factor if it came to that. My idea was to have it set up to use the same mags as my sidearm (9mm).

[N. A. Corbier]

For intimidation, I would go with the full carbine, either Kel-Tec or another 9mm variant that accepts your mags. This is usually a paired deal. Beretta Storm + Storm Carbine, Kel-Tec Carbine + Handgun, Ruger P90 series + Ruger Carbine... (You get the idea.)

I wouldn't bother putting it under the jacket coat. That increases the time you need to deploy it. It then becomes the same draw and presentation speed (if not a little longer) than the sidearm.

Carefully weigh the fact that a long gun hanging from your uniform frightens some people, makes others feel safe, and makes even more people feel "they are in a war zone if the security guard needs a rifle."

[Rooney]

I just wanted to clear up the carry option I was thinking of. Yes carring it under the uniform jacket, but note for patrol. I was looking at leaving the office carring the carbine and going to the unit in which we were setting up a fixed post for information gathering. I was not looking to carry it all the time. Also the carbine you fired, was it a 5.56 or a pistol caliber model? Thanks

The one I fired was the 5.56. I have not fired the 9mm. Depending on your size you should not have any problems concealing under the coat. I would keep in mind what N.A. said about draw time and the area residents. I think he has a valuable point. Also if you are set up in room in which you will be observing through the windows, keep in mind what people might think if they happen to see someone looking through the window with a rifle on a bipod facing out the window. It could cause alarm by the residents and unwanted publicity. It could also ruin your day if an unwanted happen to hear where you were observing from. One way mirror like film (reflective on the outside) on the windows works well. Alot of people use it to keep the sun out of thier apartments. Just a thought.

[ACP01]

My original thought was to have the carbine for two reasons. 1. I was looking at a tool to use from a fixed location and wished to have a more accurate stable shot at somewhat increased range (40 to 50 yards). 2. A intimidation factor if it came to that. My idea was to have it set up to use the same mags as my sidearm (9mm).

The Sub 2000 Kel Tec uses standard pistol mags. I think you can get it in either Glock, S&W and another one can't remember which.
I think it wou;d be a good choice to have available but still wouldn't want to carry it.

[PAofficer]

Kel Tec

Rooney, how was the one you handled? Any problems? Also the aspect of carring it under a jacket was just to go from the office to the apartment units. We were in and out of empty units on a routine basis, if we carried a longarm into a unit everyone would have know something was up. Never concidered carring it while on actice patrol. The intimidation factor was only to come into play was when and if something happened. It would have been sitting in a corner or under the window never to be seen unless an armed event happened while we were watching. Hope that clears up a few things.

[Rooney]

The handling wasn't bad. It jammed on me once after about 20 rounds. After that I didn't have any problems. I shot about 100 rounds through it in about 2 hours. Cleaning it wasn't bad but have cleaned simpler rifles to take down. The bipod feature I thought was a little flimsy and the fact that it is not adjustable is a down side. I would mount an adjustable harris bipod and make the forgrip bipod hard mounted in the closed position. The concealed carry doesn't seem like it would be a problem. If you sling it under a loose coat it should be pretty concealed. Overall the Kel-teks are good for the price. I'm one of those people that goes for overall function and design. Thats why I'm more of an AR type person. I like the idea of configuring the weapon for the task, i.e. optics, grips, accessories, etc.