Maximize Your Kel-Tec SUB-2000: A Comprehensive Guide to Optic Mounts
The Kel-Tec SUB-2000 is a popular and versatile pistol-caliber carbine known for its compact size and folding design. However, its factory iron sights leave something to be desired for many shooters. Upgrading to an optic significantly enhances accuracy and target acquisition speed. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of kel-tec sub-2000 optic mount options, helping you choose the best solution to optimize your shooting experience. We’ll cover different types of mounts, installation considerations, and factors to consider when selecting the perfect optic for your SUB-2000.
Understanding the Importance of a Quality Optic Mount for Your SUB-2000
A solid optic mount is crucial for maintaining zero and ensuring consistent accuracy. The SUB-2000’s unique design and polymer construction can present challenges when mounting optics. A poorly designed or flimsy mount can shift under recoil, leading to inaccurate shots and frustration. Investing in a high-quality SUB-2000 optic mount is essential for maximizing the potential of your carbine.
Think of the optic mount as the bridge between your firearm and the optic itself. Any instability in this bridge will translate into inaccuracy downrange. The mount must be robust enough to withstand the vibrations and recoil generated during firing, and it must provide a secure and repeatable attachment point for the optic. Furthermore, the mount should ideally allow for co-witnessing with the iron sights, providing a backup aiming solution in case the optic fails.
Beyond just stability, a good optic mount also contributes to the overall ergonomics and handling of the SUB-2000. It should be low-profile and lightweight to minimize added bulk and weight. The mount should also be designed to allow for easy access to the SUB-2000’s folding mechanism, ensuring that the carbine can still be folded and stored compactly.
Types of Kel-Tec SUB-2000 Optic Mounts: A Detailed Comparison
Several types of optic mounts are available for the Kel-Tec SUB-2000, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
- Picatinny Rail Mounts: These mounts attach to the SUB-2000’s receiver and provide a Picatinny rail for mounting a wide variety of optics. They are generally the most versatile option, allowing you to use red dot sights, holographic sights, and even magnified optics.
- Red Dot Specific Mounts: Designed specifically for certain red dot sight models (e.g., Aimpoint Micro, Trijicon RMR), these mounts offer a lower profile and more streamlined appearance. They often allow for direct attachment of the red dot sight, eliminating the need for a separate Picatinny rail section.
- Handguard Rail Systems: These systems replace the SUB-2000’s factory handguard with a railed handguard, providing more real estate for mounting optics and accessories. They are a good option for those who want to add a foregrip, weapon light, or other accessories in addition to an optic.
- Receiver Top Mounts: These mounts attach directly to the top of the receiver, often replacing the rear sight. They are typically low-profile and lightweight, but they may not be compatible with all optics.
The choice of mount depends on your specific needs and preferences. Picatinny rail mounts offer the most versatility, while red dot specific mounts provide a more streamlined appearance. Handguard rail systems are ideal for those who want to add multiple accessories, while receiver top mounts are a good option for those who prioritize a low-profile setup.
The M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount: An Expert Overview
Among the various options available, the M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount stands out as a popular and well-regarded choice. M*CARBO is known for producing high-quality aftermarket parts for Kel-Tec firearms, and their SUB-2000 optic mount is no exception. It is designed to provide a stable and reliable platform for mounting optics on the SUB-2000.
The M*CARBO mount is typically constructed from lightweight yet durable materials like 6061 aluminum, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. The mount features a Picatinny rail, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of optics. It is designed to be easy to install, often requiring only basic tools. Furthermore, the M*CARBO mount is designed to allow for co-witnessing with the iron sights, providing a backup aiming solution.
What sets the M*CARBO mount apart is its focus on quality and durability. It is designed to be a robust and reliable platform for mounting optics, ensuring that the optic remains securely attached and maintains zero even under heavy recoil. Many users appreciate the mount’s ease of installation and its ability to co-witness with the iron sights. According to user reviews, it is considered a significant upgrade over the factory iron sights and other less robust optic mount options.
Key Features of the M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount: A Detailed Analysis
The M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount boasts several key features that make it a popular choice among SUB-2000 owners:
- Durable Construction: Typically made from 6061 aluminum, the mount is built to withstand the recoil and vibrations of the SUB-2000. This ensures that the optic remains securely attached and maintains zero.
- Picatinny Rail: The mount features a Picatinny rail, providing compatibility with a wide range of optics, including red dot sights, holographic sights, and even magnified optics.
- Easy Installation: The mount is designed to be easy to install, often requiring only basic tools. This makes it a user-friendly upgrade for SUB-2000 owners of all skill levels.
- Co-Witnessing Capability: The mount is designed to allow for co-witnessing with the iron sights. This provides a backup aiming solution in case the optic fails.
- Lightweight Design: The mount is designed to be lightweight, minimizing added bulk and weight to the SUB-2000. This ensures that the carbine remains easy to handle and maneuver.
- Low Profile: The mount is designed to be low-profile, keeping the optic close to the bore axis. This improves accuracy and reduces parallax.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: The mount is designed to complement the aesthetics of the SUB-2000, providing a clean and integrated look.
Each of these features contributes to the overall performance and value of the M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount. The durable construction ensures that the mount can withstand the rigors of regular use, while the Picatinny rail provides compatibility with a wide range of optics. The easy installation makes it a user-friendly upgrade, and the co-witnessing capability provides a backup aiming solution. The lightweight and low-profile design ensures that the carbine remains easy to handle and maneuver, and the enhanced aesthetics provide a clean and integrated look.
Unlocking the Potential: Advantages of Upgrading to an Optic Mount on Your SUB-2000
Upgrading to an optic mount on your Kel-Tec SUB-2000 offers several significant advantages:
- Improved Accuracy: Optics provide a clearer and more precise aiming point than iron sights, leading to improved accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
- Faster Target Acquisition: Red dot sights and holographic sights allow for faster target acquisition, making it easier to engage targets quickly and efficiently.
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance: Many optics feature illuminated reticles, which improve visibility in low-light conditions.
- Increased Versatility: Optics allow you to engage targets at a wider range of distances, making the SUB-2000 more versatile.
- Customization Options: Optic mounts allow you to customize your SUB-2000 to your specific needs and preferences.
The real-world value of these advantages is significant. Improved accuracy can make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity. Faster target acquisition can be crucial in self-defense situations. Enhanced low-light performance can improve your ability to navigate and engage targets in challenging environments. Increased versatility allows you to use the SUB-2000 for a wider range of activities, and customization options allow you to tailor the carbine to your specific needs and preferences. Users consistently report a noticeable improvement in their shooting performance after upgrading to an optic mount and optic.
In-Depth Review: M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount
The M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount has garnered significant attention in the Kel-Tec community, and for good reason. It presents a solid upgrade path for those looking to enhance their SUB-2000’s capabilities. This review offers a balanced perspective, drawing from user experiences and expert opinions.
User Experience & Usability: Installation is generally straightforward, with most users reporting a hassle-free process using basic tools. The mount sits securely on the receiver, providing a stable platform for optics. The co-witnessing feature is particularly appreciated, allowing users to maintain their iron sights as a backup. The low-profile design doesn’t interfere with the SUB-2000’s folding capability, a crucial aspect for this carbine.
Performance & Effectiveness: The mount performs as expected, holding zero consistently even after extended shooting sessions. The Picatinny rail accepts a wide variety of optics, providing flexibility in choosing the right optic for your needs. The lightweight construction doesn’t add noticeable weight to the carbine, maintaining its maneuverability.
Pros:
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality aluminum, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process.
- Co-Witnessing Capability: Allows for co-witnessing with iron sights.
- Low-Profile Design: Doesn’t interfere with the SUB-2000’s folding capability.
- Wide Compatibility: Accepts a wide variety of optics.
Cons/Limitations:
- Price: It’s pricier than some other options on the market.
- Finish: Some users have reported minor inconsistencies in the finish.
- Availability: Can sometimes be difficult to find in stock.
Ideal User Profile: The M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount is best suited for SUB-2000 owners who are looking for a high-quality, reliable, and easy-to-install optic mount. It’s a good choice for those who value durability, co-witnessing capability, and a low-profile design.
Key Alternatives: Some popular alternatives include the Midwest Industries SUB-2000 Rail and the Red Lion Precision R4 Rail. The Midwest Industries rail offers a longer Picatinny rail for mounting multiple accessories, while the Red Lion Precision R4 Rail is a low-profile option that replaces the rear sight.
Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The M*CARBO SUB-2000 Optic Mount is a highly recommended upgrade for SUB-2000 owners. Its durable construction, easy installation, and co-witnessing capability make it a worthwhile investment. While it may be pricier than some other options, its quality and performance justify the cost. We highly recommend this mount to anyone looking to improve the accuracy and versatility of their SUB-2000.
Optimizing Your SUB-2000: Final Thoughts on Optic Mounts
Choosing the right kel-tec sub-2000 optic mount is a crucial step in maximizing the potential of your carbine. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can select a mount that provides a stable and reliable platform for your optic, improving accuracy, target acquisition speed, and overall shooting experience. Remember to prioritize quality and durability to ensure that your mount can withstand the rigors of regular use. With the right optic mount, your SUB-2000 will be ready for anything.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to choose the perfect optic mount, we encourage you to share your own experiences and insights in the comments below. Your contributions can help other SUB-2000 owners make informed decisions and optimize their carbines.