Which aftermarket parts for Sub 2000?

[Iron Sighted]

After telling myself I wasn't buying any firearms this year I had a moment of weakness when I saw TNA was selling these for $720, so I went ahead and ordered one.

I plan to shoot it a bit in stock configuration and see how I like it first, but presuming I get along well with it I'm curious to hear what other user have found be money well(or not) spent on aftermarket parts for this gun.

My initial thoughts were the MCarbo trigger kit, recoilless charging handle and the buffer. The flip away optic mounts look cool but they seem kinda bulky and heavy and quite pricey and the trigger kit itself is already a big investment for gun at this price point.

Anyway, interested in any info or opinions on this, thanks.

 

[Bubba Yugga]

1. The first thing people complain about is how hard it is to pull the charging handle. Get the extra long two finger charging handle from M*Carbo and wrap some big blue vegetable elastic around it for extra grippiness. Your 6 year old granddaughter will thank you.

2. If you're running hollowpoints, they'll cut down the plastic feed ramp like a woodworking chisel. M*Carbo - Stainless feed ramp.

3. Sighting is a pain. My best solution was to file flat the plastic "picatinny" rail surface at the back of the topside of the forend and mount a tall red dot with a QD lever. With practice, you'll develop a technique to minimize zero loss with repeated mountings.

4. If you're opening its guts, replace all the guts you can with the M*Carbo stuff. Yeah, I know that you're practically doubling the price of the gun, but you'll actually get a gun that's worth it. It'll be what it should've been, and a lot more dependable, as long as you're not splitting the main hinge while flicking it open like some shopping mall Rambo.

5. The buffer and the cheek sleeve are nice too.

 

[Can-down]

An off set picatinny rail can be used to run a red dot canted to the side and still allow the gun to fold.
This one is out of stock but I've seen it used with success.

https://www.gotenda.com/product/weaver-offset-rail-adapter-matte-black/

The other issue I noticed shooting sub 2000's is that the stock sights are a bit to low and make for an uncofortable cheek weld for most people. You can get around this by canting the gun inward a bit while shooting so that the line of the sights lines up better with your eye and you wont be angling your head and mashing your cheek bone on the recoil spring tube.

 

[Iron Sighted]

Thanks fellas. If I like the gun enough I may just put my Ruger PCC with backpacker stock up sale to recoup the cost of the Kel-Tec and most of the MCarbo upgrades. I know the trigger package replaces the trigger, all the springs, trigger guard, and feed ramp. Buffer and cheek sleeve are least cheap to add. The heavier charging handle is a possibility, along with the folding optic side mount. Lol, of course that is now probably an additional $650 or something to that effect.

 

[thegazelle]

Thanks fellas. If I like the gun enough I may just put my Ruger PCC with backpacker stock up sale to recoup the cost of the Kel-Trc and most of the MCarbo upgrades. I know the trigger package replaces the trigger, all the springs, trigger guard, and feed ramp. Buffer and cheek sleeve are least cheap to add. The heavier charging handle is a possibility, along with the folding optic side mount. Lol, of course that is now probably an additional $650 or something to that effect.

My suggestions:

1. Upgraded charging handle is a MUST. People say over time and with use that charging handle effort will be less stiff. I didn't find this at all and years later, it was just as stiff and awkward to operate (pull is too heavy in my opinion). Having a larger charging handle helps immensely.

2. The built in sights I found were severely lacking and with certain over the head ear muffs, it was very uncomfortable (I took it to the range and other range members experienced this). Replacement sights may help, but I don't have any experience with that. Rather, the MCarbo offset flip mount is good to keep an optic on it, though not sacrifice the folding function.

3. Depending on what caliber in which it is chambered, maybe a third party replacement butt piece/pad may help. Mine was in .40S&W and due to how light it was, it was noticeable felt recoil. A better buttpad/butt piece may help.

 

[Jon.]

The flip away optic mounts look cool but they seem kinda bulky and heavy and quite pricey

I bought the mcarbo flip away mount thinking it would make it easier to fold up and put away, or store in the vehicle or something. Nope, because the mount is too low for no riser on your red dot, you need a riser, and it makes the thing just as tall sideways now as it was opened up. Having the mcarbo one, I would and probably will switch to that other style one in the future where you just turn the whole mount, fold, and turn the mount back to keep a nice slim and trim profile. Someone else will have to help me on the brand name.

1. The first thing people complain about is how hard it is to pull the charging handle. Get the extra long two finger charging handle from M*Carbo and wrap some big blue vegetable elastic around it for extra grippiness. Your 6 year old granddaughter will thank you.
2. If you're running hollowpoints, they'll cut down the plastic feed ramp like a woodworking chisel. M*Carbo - Stainless feed ramp.
4. If you're opening its guts, replace all the guts you can with the M*Carbo stuff. Yeah, I know that you're practically doubling the price of the gun, but you'll actually get a gun that's worth it. It'll be what it should've been, and a lot more dependable, as long as you're not splitting the main hinge while flicking it open like some shopping mall Rambo.
5. The buffer and the cheek sleeve are nice too.

1. Yes 100%
2. Didn't know this, I'll have to keep an eye on mine thanks.
4. Keltecs are fun for this. 100% again, if you're opening it, try to only do it once, they aren't really meant to be opened up by amateurs. Youtube videos are your best friend for this.
5. I didn't get one yet, but get a cheek sleeve, if you don't and you have a beard, it will pull your hairs out one at a time and is quite uncomfortable.

The other issue I noticed shooting sub 2000's is that the stock sights are a bit to low and make for an uncofortable cheek weld for most people.

Yes, for the third time, 100%. I think it's just a keltec thing as my ks7 sights are like a half inch lower than they should be as well. Too low to be comfortable, as this funny little thing kicks much harder than it really has any business to, being only 9mm.


My advice for anyone looking to get one, mcarbo the balls out of it, or don't bother buying one. Stock it's a fun novelty, but not that much fun to shoot.

 

[Can-down]

Way more fun once you figure out how much better it feels shooting the gun canted towards the center line of your head.... and or a red dot.

The sub2K's are supper nice for a lightweight packable just in case type gun, the Ruger is a better long term blaster.

 

[Iron Sighted]

Way more fun once you figure out how much better it feels shooting the gun canted towards the center line of your head.... and or a red dot.

The sub2K's are supper nice for a lightweight packable just in case type gun, the Ruger is a better long term blaster.

Regarding the Ruger, I am honestly just having a hard time reconciling the weight of that gun for a 9mm, it's such a brick. I have so many other guns that are as light, or lighter, chambered in a (much) more powerful cartridge that I'll never carry it in the woods, it's never going anywhere but the range, particularly as it doesn't break down all that small even with the backpacker stock. Seems likely that I'll just deck out the Sub 2K as it'll probably be more what I wanted from a PCC than the Ruger, even if it's going to cost more than it probably should. Guess I'll have a better idea once I get it and shoot it a bit however it seems the dislikes are pretty universal so I can probably expect the same.

 

[Can-down]

Regarding the Ruger, I am honestly just having a hard time reconciling the weight of that gun for a 9mm, it's such a brick. I have so many other guns that are as light, or lighter, chambered in a (much) more powerful cartridge that I'll never carry it in the woods, it's never going anywhere but the range, particularly as it doesn't break down all that small even with the backpacker stock. Seems likely that I'll just deck out the Sub 2K as it'll probably be more what I wanted from a PCC than the Ruger, even if it's going to cost more than it probably should. Guess I'll have a better idea once I get it and shoot it a bit however it seems the dislikes are pretty universal so I can probably expect the same.

It's definitely the least heavy and most compact option. With a few Mcarbo parts and an offset mount for a red dot it will be super fun... most people don't like the recoil impulse because they have their face mashed into the recoil spring tube trying to get lined up with their sights.......

Once you avoid that problem it's a blast to shoot.

 

[Jahnj0584]

I printed out new sights and a angled grip that holds a spare mag for a local owner.

 

[BeezerChris]

I went with the trigger kit, and used the company video, the heavy charging handle and their taller metal rear sight. World of a difference.
This gun will be top of the list for banning so we shall see how often I get to take it to the range.

 

[Iron Sighted]

It's definitely the least heavy and most compact option. With a few Mcarbo parts and an offset mount for a red dot it will be super fun... most people don't like the recoil impulse because they have their face mashed into the recoil spring tube trying to get lined up with their sights.......

Once you avoid that problem it's a blast to shoot.

Thanks, I'll definitely try slightly canting the gun for aiming.

 

[Iron Sighted]

I went with the trigger kit, and used the company video, the heavy charging handle and their taller metal rear sight. World of a difference.
This gun will be top of the list for banning so we shall see how often I get to take it to the range.

With the folding capability it'll be easy to get in to the woods anyways......lol.

 

[alpining]

...I plan to shoot it a bit in stock configuration and see how I like it first, but presuming I get along well with it I'm curious to hear what other user have found be money well(or not) spent on aftermarket parts for this gun....

Depending on what you want out of your Sub, there is a lot of good advice here already. But OP you have the best idea here in your first post: Shoot it and see if you like it. If you like it, THEN decide what you'd change about it. Everyone is different, and I'm sure you know this but some people's "must-haves" are useless to others. For example, lots of people say you must replace the charging handle, but I have no problem with the factory version at all. It's light weight and low profile.

I'm a big fan of the latest GEN2 Sub 2000 (I assume that's what you bought). Personally, I think that if you're going to use it for what it was designed for (lots of carry, and a little bit of shooting), there's a good chance that you'll be happy with it in factory configuration. It's perfect for what it is: The most compact, lightweight, and handy non-restricted semiauto centerfire rifle currently distributed in Canada. If you want it to be something else, then of course we're all happy to help you spend your money! Whatever else, I don't recommend the full MCARBO "performance" kit as it's only a few bucks cheaper than the individual items, and includes too many items of dubious value (particularly if you have the latest version of the Sub2000).

Personally, here are my top recommendations IF you want to spend on it:

1. Red dot on a riser. The stock iron sights are not very comfortable to use for most people (but this depends on your bone structure and technique). An RDS on the right riser makes the shooting position more comfortable, and of course there are all the usual benefits of an RDS over irons. If you go this route, think hard about whether you really need it to fold. Folding is a cool feature and a selling point for some people, but I have literally never folded mine since I first got it (I open it halfway for cleaning the barrel). If you don't need it to fold, a fixed optic mount is much stronger, lighter, smaller, and cheaper.

2. Low profile covers for the forend rails and MLOK slots. These will keep the rifle cleaner in woods carry conditions, and if you're carrying the rifle much more than you are shooting it, you'll probably appreciate the improved feel in hand.

3. Recoil buffer (MCARBO). It may be debatable whether this will improve the longevity of the rifle, but for straight blowback firearm designs I like the theory and I think it's cheap insurance. Subjectively, I think it also makes the recoil impulse less harsh for the shooter.

4. Stainless hammer bushing (MCARBO). The factory one has a plastic sleeve, and I have seen photos of damage to these - Probably not an issue unless you're putting a lot of ammo through it though.

5. Stainless feed ramp (MCARBO). IF your ammunition proves to be a problem for the stock plastic feed ramp. I'm not convinced that this problem happens anywhere other than on the internet.

6. Spare KelTec small parts (if you're the kind of person to keep spares). It would be pretty easy to lose a small spring or detent during full disassembly, rendering the firearm non functional. And, stuff can break if you use it long enough. The Canadian distributor (Vault) seems to have most, at pretty good prices last I checked.

 

[alpining]

And how about the "elbow grease" upgrades? For $0 and some effort, you can make some significant improvements to the Sub 2000:

1. If you're keeping the iron sights, you can use a drill bit to carefully open up the rear aperture to ghost ring size. I found this makes it a bit easier to shoot comfortably (and I prefer a larger rear aperture on a rifle like this).

2. Do a complete disassembly and give everything that slides or rotates in the fire control system a good light polishing (true and stone, too, if you have the tools). It doesn't improve things as much as the MCARBO trigger kit, but it is a definite improvement from factory and there are some advantages to keeping the factory (heavier) weight springs.

3. While you have everything apart doing #2 above, use some fine grit sandpaper on a sanding block to remove the sharp injection mold flash from the edges of the plastic parts. This just improves the feel in the hand - I do this with all plastic stocked firearms.

4. If you put a red dot on and you don't need or want backup open sights, the irons can be removed pretty easily. Or remove just the rear sight if you prefer - In a pinch you can use the front sight with the tube of your RDS as a rough aperture sight.


Other ideas?

 

[Can-down]

The one thing I really noticed shooting my buddy's sub2k is that the plastic trigger flexes a lot and is makes the pull feel mushy, I've never tried a Mcarbo trigger but I can help thinking it would make the trigger feel better as the actual break felt good other then the flex in the plastic trigger.

 

[Iron Sighted]

Thanks guys, I'll definitely take the above in to consideration. Looking forward to it hopefully shipping soon and getting an opportunity to take it out and put some rounds through it.

 

[joemanco]

IMO S2K is one of those pure designs where more toys means less wow. It's smallest and lightest in class, don't break that uniqueness - avoid electronics. Add a recoiless charging handle and buffer tube cover, then stop and enjoy it in its purest form. If it's your only PCC then consider doing all the MCARBO internals in one go and call it Gucci. Enjoy.

 

[Bubba Yugga]

The one thing I really noticed shooting my buddy's sub2k is that the plastic trigger flexes a lot and is makes the pull feel mushy, I've never tried a Mcarbo trigger but I can help thinking it would make the trigger feel better as the actual break felt good other then the flex in the plastic trigger.

Not just mushy, but wiggly waggly too. The metal trigger is night'n'day better.
Also, the plastic trigger guard feels like it's threatening to snap off. The M*Carbo one is rock solid and seems to lock the rifle together just that much more firmly.

 

[thegazelle]

Not just mushy, but wiggly waggly too. The metal trigger is night'n'day better.
Also, the plastic trigger guard feels like it's threatening to snap off. The M*Carbo one is rock solid and seems to lock the rifle together just that much more firmly.

100% agree. When it was time to fold mine, I always had to hold my breath and hope for the best as I pulled on that trigger guard. I swear, every time in my mind, I was bracing for it to snap. The plastic really makes it feel cheap and flimsy. I actually never knew there was an MCarbo metal replacement. That would have been a compelling upgrade, for sure.