Kel Tec SU 16
- Thread starter rudyod
- Start date
I have an SU16-C, on which I've added the "E" (or AR style) collapsing stock. I kept the folding "C" stock, and with the removal of two pins, can exchange stocks rapidly. In fact, with a little bit more work, the folding stock can become a pistol grip, although not necessarily a pretty one.
I love the gun. In fact, so far, I haven't found an AR I'd rather have (not yet an avid AR fan, but I suspect it's coming). The gas piston system is awesome, but even with a polishing job, when racking the bolt, it still sounds and feels as if it isn't as smooth and as loose as I'd like. On the other hand, it's never failed, and I've shot it lots.
Some won't like the plastic receiver rail, but it works, and when considering how much plastic there are in lots of other guns, presents no problem for me.
It uses AR mags, and I have a somewhat concealable set up for the gun. With the stock collapsed, I can put the gun inside a fishing gear bag, along with a hundred rounds in various magazines hidden therein.
I'm an AK fan, and dote upon my Saigas, both shotguns and rifles, but if it came down to it, and having to pack the gun every day, and it shooting to POA and reliably, I would probably pick it as my first line weapon.
I love the gun. In fact, so far, I haven't found an AR I'd rather have (not yet an avid AR fan, but I suspect it's coming). The gas piston system is awesome, but even with a polishing job, when racking the bolt, it still sounds and feels as if it isn't as smooth and as loose as I'd like. On the other hand, it's never failed, and I've shot it lots.
Some won't like the plastic receiver rail, but it works, and when considering how much plastic there are in lots of other guns, presents no problem for me.
It uses AR mags, and I have a somewhat concealable set up for the gun. With the stock collapsed, I can put the gun inside a fishing gear bag, along with a hundred rounds in various magazines hidden therein.
I'm an AK fan, and dote upon my Saigas, both shotguns and rifles, but if it came down to it, and having to pack the gun every day, and it shooting to POA and reliably, I would probably pick it as my first line weapon.
Sahagan, thanks for the response. From your report it sounds like the SU 16 is exactly what i'm looking for. I know Kel Tec has a reputation of making inexpensive, "plastic" guns (specifically rifles) but I think they're well engineered and do what they are designed to do. I want a rifle that I can use in almost any situation and the SU 16 seems to fit that bill. I, to, am an AK guy but I have nothing against AR's and this rifle may move me more in that direction. Glad you've had a good experience with it. I think it'll probably be my next purchase.
I've shot several owned by others. Accuracy is on par with a rack grade AR, Mini, or AK with rack grade ammo. Trigger is average, but very consistent. I'm told the rail doesn't seem to hold zero well with big heavy scopes, but works perfectly with lighter compact units that most people will put on it anyway. Iron sights are crude, but functional. One guy was crazy good with his so one can be accurate with the factory sights.
Biggest problems with the design are the factory take-down pins, hard to remove and easily lost, and the fact that it uses AR magazines. (I accidentally screwed up one mag when I inserted it with too much force and it jumped the catch, bending the feed lips on the bottom of the bolt or something. Didn't hurt the gun though.) The first problem is easily solvable by aftermarket pins, but the latter unfortunately is not.
It is VERY lightweight, but very shootable. Not a fan of the forearm bipod, but you don't have to use it and it doesn't add any extra weight. If one wanted a very lightweight backpacking gun, or wanted a cheap trunk gun, or just wanted an inexpensive 5.56 rifle, it would be a very good choice. Just get the aftermarket pins and be mindful not to screw up your magazines.
Biggest problems with the design are the factory take-down pins, hard to remove and easily lost, and the fact that it uses AR magazines. (I accidentally screwed up one mag when I inserted it with too much force and it jumped the catch, bending the feed lips on the bottom of the bolt or something. Didn't hurt the gun though.) The first problem is easily solvable by aftermarket pins, but the latter unfortunately is not.
It is VERY lightweight, but very shootable. Not a fan of the forearm bipod, but you don't have to use it and it doesn't add any extra weight. If one wanted a very lightweight backpacking gun, or wanted a cheap trunk gun, or just wanted an inexpensive 5.56 rifle, it would be a very good choice. Just get the aftermarket pins and be mindful not to screw up your magazines.
