Introduction
The Kel Tec Sub 2000 has carved a niche for itself in the firearms world. Its unique folding design and chambering options make it a popular choice for both recreational shooting and self-defense. A crucial element of the Sub 2000’s effectiveness lies in its magazine; the component that ensures a reliable supply of ammunition. This article delves into the world of the Kel Tec Sub 2000 magazine, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding compatibility, exploring available options, and offering advice on how to maximize performance.
The functionality of the Kel Tec Sub 2000 hinges on a dependable magazine. Without a properly functioning magazine, the rifle becomes useless. This guide aims to arm you with the knowledge necessary to select, maintain, and troubleshoot your magazines, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the platform, understanding the ins and outs of the Kel Tec Sub 2000 magazine is essential.
Overview of Magazine Compatibility
Understanding your specific Sub 2000 model is the first and most critical step in ensuring magazine compatibility. Kel Tec cleverly designed the Sub 2000 to accept magazines from popular handguns, enhancing its versatility and allowing for shared ammunition compatibility with existing sidearms. This clever design significantly simplifies the logistics of ammunition procurement and management.
Magazine Variants
The primary factor determining magazine compatibility is the generation and variant of your Sub 2000. Different models are engineered to work seamlessly with different handgun magazines. For example, some Sub 2000s are built to accept Glock magazines, specifically those from the Glock 17 or Glock 19. This is a very popular option, leveraging the widespread availability and reputation for reliability of Glock magazines. Other models are configured to accept Smith & Wesson M&P magazines, while others might use Beretta or Sig Sauer magazines. Therefore, knowing which magazine type your Sub 2000 is designed for is the single most important consideration. You can typically identify the magazine compatibility by looking at the markings on the gun itself or referencing the manufacturer’s documentation.
Specific Magazine Brands and Types
Beyond the core compatibility with handgun magazines, many aftermarket magazines exist, often offering alternative features and capacities.
The selection of a magazine brand significantly impacts performance. While original equipment manufacturer (OEM) magazines, those produced by Kel Tec themselves, offer a guaranteed fit and proven reliability, the aftermarket provides diverse options. Magazines from reputable brands such as Magpul and ETS are widely popular, known for their durability and competitive prices. These alternatives often feature upgrades in materials and construction. Evaluating reviews and comparing performance characteristics of various brands can help you identify which magazines best suit your needs.
Magazine Materials and Capacity
The materials used in magazine construction impact the durability, longevity, and overall performance of the magazine. Polymer magazines, typically made from reinforced polymer composites, have become a popular choice. These magazines are lightweight, resist corrosion, and often feature a durable construction that holds up well to heavy use. Metal magazines, commonly manufactured from steel or aluminum, also offer excellent durability. Metal magazines are known for their ruggedness and resistance to damage. The choice between polymer and metal often comes down to personal preference, with polymer often offering a cost-effective and robust option.
Magazine capacity is another critical element. The Sub 2000 is often offered in configurations to accept standard capacity handgun magazines. However, be mindful of local laws and regulations pertaining to magazine capacity. Several jurisdictions restrict magazine capacity for various reasons, and it’s essential to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Higher capacity magazines may be legal in some areas, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloading.
Caliber Considerations
The caliber of ammunition used in the Sub 2000 directly impacts the type of magazine needed. The Sub 2000 is available in popular pistol calibers, primarily 9mm and .40 S&W. Ensuring your magazines are designed for the specific caliber of your firearm is crucial for proper feeding and function. A 9mm magazine, for example, will not reliably feed .40 S&W ammunition.
Magazine Features and Specifications
A deeper understanding of magazine features further enhances the selection process. Magazine construction directly affects how it performs.
Materials and Construction
The materials employed in magazine construction contribute to its lifespan and operational consistency. High-quality polymer magazines, often constructed with reinforced polymer blends, exhibit excellent durability and resistance to environmental stressors such as temperature fluctuations and moisture. This resistance extends the magazine’s operational life and ensures that it functions effectively across varied conditions. Metal magazines, constructed from steel or aluminum, also demonstrate excellent resistance to wear and tear. The construction of the follower, the component that pushes rounds upwards, also impacts performance. A well-designed follower minimizes jams and promotes reliable feeding. The spring, responsible for providing the force that pushes rounds towards the action, plays a critical role. A strong, well-maintained spring contributes to reliable cycling, while a worn spring can lead to feeding problems.
Beyond the selection of materials, design features, such as the base plate design and the presence of anti-tilt followers, can enhance the magazine’s overall performance. A robust base plate ensures the magazine withstands impacts and prevents the internal components from being damaged, further adding to the longevity of the magazine. Anti-tilt followers prevent the cartridges from tilting within the magazine, contributing to smoother and more reliable feeding. These carefully considered design features play a crucial role in the magazine’s reliability and overall contribution to the shooting experience.
Choosing the Right Magazine
Understanding what you require from your magazine is important when making a purchase. The appropriate choice depends on your specific needs and shooting style.
Factors to Consider
Consider your specific model. As mentioned before, your Sub 2000’s compatibility is determined by the handgun magazine type it accepts. Choosing the correct type from the start is imperative.
The intended use dictates the features needed. Are you primarily using your Sub 2000 for self-defense, range shooting, or competitive shooting? For self-defense, reliability is paramount. For range use, capacity and ease of loading might be more critical. For competitive shooting, features like rapid loading and ease of identification may be important.
The cost of a magazine and the features you require are also something to consider. OEM magazines are usually a safe bet. Aftermarket brands frequently offer comparable features with variations in price, so it’s important to assess the value you are receiving.
Recommendations and Advice
When looking to purchase magazines, research is your ally. Read reviews of magazines, especially those from other Sub 2000 owners. Seek out information on various brands, focusing on their reputation for reliability and quality. Consider the intended use. If your priority is self-defense, choose magazines known for flawless feeding. If cost is a major consideration, explore cost-effective yet reliable options.
Also, consider when you should replace your magazines. Magazines are wear items. Over time, the spring tension can weaken, followers can become worn, and the magazine body can sustain damage. Periodic inspection is recommended to identify any degradation in performance. If you observe any feeding problems, erratic cycling, or visible damage, it’s time to replace the magazine. A good rule of thumb is to replace springs after a specified number of rounds or if they are subject to constant compression.
Magazine Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Proper magazine maintenance will guarantee extended use and reliable function.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Regular cleaning is crucial. Disassemble your magazines periodically to remove dirt, debris, and residue. Use a magazine disassembly tool to assist with this process. Clean the magazine body, follower, and spring with a suitable cleaning solution, and pay particular attention to the feed lips, where ammunition makes contact with the magazine. Use a brush to remove any stubborn debris. After cleaning, ensure the magazine is completely dry.
Lubrication plays an important role. Apply a small amount of high-quality lubricant to the spring and other moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and lead to malfunctions. Using a lubricant designed for firearms will help protect the parts from corrosion.
Common Issues and Solutions
Common problems associated with magazines can disrupt the shooting experience. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix them is beneficial.
Failure to feed is a common issue. It might be caused by a weak spring, a dirty magazine, or damage to the feed lips. Inspect the magazine for these problems. Replace the spring if the tension is insufficient. Clean the magazine thoroughly and replace any damaged components.
Jams can occur. The magazine may be improperly seated or the rounds may not be correctly aligned. Ensure the magazine is properly seated and locked into the firearm. Also, inspect the rounds for any damage.
Conclusion
In summary, the Kel Tec Sub 2000 magazine is far more than a simple container for ammunition. It’s a critical component that directly impacts the weapon’s reliability and performance. Prioritizing the purchase of high-quality magazines and practicing regular maintenance are key to a positive shooting experience.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Kel Tec Sub 2000 magazine, consult reliable sources and resources. Prioritize understanding the function of your firearm.
