Opinions on Kel Tec rifles

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Bigfatts

New member
I'm selling off some of my big boomers and I'm thinking about picking up a Kel Tec SU-16, specifically the CA model as I dislike the AK-esque front sight on some of the other models. It seems like a handy little carbine that would be light to tote around and would be easy to grab and go. If I did go with one I would mount a low power fixed scope on it, maybe a 2.5 or 3x. Anyways, I'm looking for opinions on these rifles, I only have experience with their pistols and they were decent enough. First of all, let me tell you what I'm looking for from this rifle. What I want is just a general purpose utility rifle. Simething with decent accuracy- doesn't have to be a tack driver, but could be used to take game out to 150 yds or so IF NEEDED. It must also be very reliable. So these are the pros/cons as I see them:

Pros:
-Light
-Stock stores mags
-Chambered in a readily available and widely used caliber
-Uses AR mags
-Easy to mount optics
-Chrome lined for easy maintenance
-Gas piston operated
-Relatively inexpensive

Cons:
-Hinged/folding receiver
-Sights look a little cheesie- but it will likely be scoped
-Questionable accuracy (I just don't know)

Now, I've had ARs, AKs, Mini 14s, etc and none of them really grabbed me. I also don't want the price tag associated with those. This rifle likely won't get a ton of use. Maybe plinking at the range, something my wife could shoot. Maybe sitting in the swamp waiting for a pig. So what do you think? Any input is appreciated.
 
A friend of mine has one and I have shot it several times. it seems to be a reliable accurate rifle as he takes as many yotes as any one else. He only had one issue that I remember with it but I am pretty sure it was an ammo issue rather than a rifle issue.
 
I have a SU-16B and I like it a lot for the "pros" you listed. The "hinged receiver" aspect is actually a "pro" for me, not a con, due to Michigan's transport rules.

The accuracy has not been an issue with me, but I am not shooting out very far with it, around 200 meters mostly. I'm using the iron sights and, yes, they are cheesy. That is probably why I'm not bothering to shoot farther out. I've been think about putting an inexpensive low power scope on it.

A word about storing mags in the stock. 30 rounders can fit, but the weight is a little much for the springs to hold and they tend to drop out. 20 rounders work best in the stock. Magpul P-Mags are a no-go for storing in the stock, but they work just fine in the gun.

My wife likes it a lot. It is a very light, handy rifle that doesn't have too much length of pull for her.
 
Ah, glad to hear from people who have actually handled them. See, I've never seen one locally, only one of the .22 models. Since you own one, what di you think of the construction of the rifle? Do you foresee any problems with the polymer construction as far as durability or anything like that?

I have wanted a sort of "scout" type rifle for a while and this seems like a low cost answer. And I'll probably judt keep the 10 rounders it comes with in the stock.
 
There is no denying it, the rifle feels "cheap" compared to AR type rifles. I am not deterred by that however, because I don't plan on kicking down any doors or butt-stroking bad guys with my SU-16.

Really, it is a solid rifle. They only thing that is not so hot is the "bi-pod" feature. When the hand guards are down in bi-pod mode, they are wobbly and feel like a wrong twist could break them off. I do not use bi-pod mode at all.

IMO, it was an after thought "feature." I think Kel-Tec said "Since these hand guards need to come off for disassembly and cleaning, lets make it a bi-pod."
 
Ha, honestly the bipod feature is the one I care the least about. In fact, if they made a model with a one piece receiver and solid forend I think it would be about perfect. I also do not plan on beating people with it so no big deal, as long as I'm not going to break it or something.
 
Huh, well that's pretty cool. Looks like it would be a little more solid. Well thanks everyone for the responses. Hopefully the Dinosaur Canon sells soon so I'll have funding.
 
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