2024 has brought us a number of new guns as well as refreshed models. KelTec just announced an updated Sub2000. This new Gen3 looks pretty similar to the Gen2, but looks can be deceiving. In the prior generations you would have an issue folding the gun with a red-dot installed since the optic would get sandwiched between the top of the receiver and the top of the handguard. An option on the Gen2 would be adding a swivel mount that would flip the optic out of the way to fold the gun, but that adds extra cost, extra weight, and a mount that could cause your zero to shift as the optic swings back and forth. To avoid that mess, the Sub2000 Gen3 now has a swiveling forend to so your red dot can be permanantly mounted to the top of the forend, twist to the side, and then fold against the receiver.
The optic setup was really my biggest gripe with the prior versions and the main reason I didn't buy one. This one change is a big update that will appeal to a lot of people considering Smith & Wesson's FPC. That side-folding 9mm allows for a permanantly attached optic, but locks you into using their M&P magazines. That's not to say this gun is perfect. It has a lot of lightweight plastic like most Keltec offerings so I wouldn't expect the same sturdy feel of a B&T. That being said, the Sub2000 is a good choice if you want a compact 9mm rifle you can throw into a small backpack and the Gen3 really fixes only major downside of the prior models with the 90 degree twist on the top rail. If you don't need a folding rifle there's certainly better options, but the Sub2000 Gen3 is a definite buy if you really want the smallest profile 9mm rifle possible.
