KelTec SU16B rifle opinion

[Greg F.]

I was just wondering what the general opinion is of these rifles? I bought one a couple of years ago becaause it was the only gun of it's type available in the PRK, and also as a SHTF type of gun. In the time I've had it I've never shot it since I don't have a rifle range near me any more. So are these guns any good? Should I just keep it in my safe in case of zombie attack or riots or should I sell it and use the money to help finance a new shotgun?

[MrMurphy]

I have yet to shoot one, though I've handled the B and C models.

They seem decent for what they're intended for (lightweight, storable rifles for a plane, car, hiking, etc). Sights are "ok" and they take AR mags (a plus) though the rifle is not as tough in general feel as an AR, AK or a Mini, I think they would do the job.

I'd keep it "just in case". I've regretted selling most of the guns I have sold ( a considerable number).

[M2 Carbine]

Personally I like the CA better than the B or C.

Of my three SU16 type actions, two PLR pistols and the CA, two needed a short breaking in shooting period.
So, I would be a little concerned about the reliability of the SU, or most any other gun, without having shot it some.

I'm not a fan of safe queens.
I'd get whatever it is than you can practice with.

CA model.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/KTSU16.jpg

[Greg F.]

Thanks for the advice guys. I thought if I slept on it I might have a better idea of whether I wanted to keep it or not, but I still no idea. I'm just not sure I like it's rather odd looks, compared to a real AR. I hate to just have it sitting in my safe not getting used. If I sell it, then just my luck there will be some natural disaster or riots occur and I'll be kicking myself for getting rid of it. I guess I'm going to think about it some more. Anyone else have an opinion on what I should do?

[mitchshrader]

shoot it some and clean it and put it back away.

[Greg F.]

Mitch- Unfortunately I don't have any rifle ranges near me. Only handgun and shotgun ranges. The only rifle range we had closed down last year.

[Novocaine]

Greg, I don't think it's a good idea to assign SHTF duty to a firearm that had never been shot by you let alone by anyone. You need to break it in, check for reliability and zero it in at very least. You need to find out what kind of mags and ammo it likes. You need to find out how straight how fast and how far you can hit things with it. You need to learn what the gun can and cannot do and what YOU can and cannot do with this gun. It would be a bummer to load up bunch of thirty-rounders to fend of those zombies only to discover that you can't hold the forearm without a glove after couple of mags. It would be a bummer to discover that built in bipod is next to useless. That loaded mags are falling out of the stock. That sights are not regulated. That stock is ok when shooting from the bench but is too long when shooting prone. That you have to take the optics off every time you take the gun apart for routine cleaning. That factory tech forgot to put the spring under the extractor. If we'd be talking Saiga or Mini at least there's a very good chance reliability will not be an issue. Not so with Kel-Tec. It's a hit or miss. M2 doesn't seem to have problems with his while mine is crap after three trips to the factory. Keep it if you wish just don't reach for it in emergency until you put it through some paces. Unless of course it's the only firearm available to you at the time. And if sometimes down the line you'll get a chance to practice with it and find out it's reliable- do not sell. Every time somebody sells a stone cold reliable firearm puppy dies.

[mitchshrader]

shoot it some. clean it. put it away. :)

regularly.

i will for free point out your problem isn't the rifle, it's not having gotten off your butt and found a place to shoot it, and that's NOT your apparent focus and it ought to be.

if you were wearing a helmet on the firing line, I'd be the DI with the safety sign hitting you on your helmet.

GO SHOOT YOUR RIFLE. how frigging loud do i have to HOLLER at you?

[TacticalBling]

For what it's worth, Greg, he'd be clobbering me on the helmet too! :wavey:

[moeman]

I own a SU-16b and I think its OK--no more.

Plus side
It's light, handy and can fold.
Takes common mags and the gas system seems to be a good design.

Minus side
Accuracy goes down quickly as it heats up.
Constuction is spotty. Example: The "bipod" foregrip is flimsy--very cheap.

Bottom line: Unless you reall think a folding gun is the own you have to own you are way better off w/ an AR (or AK, SKS, late model mini14...).

[Glenn E. Meyer]

I've seen one fail disasterously in a carbine class. Literally fell apart. YMMV.

[Parkshow30]

Not having a rifle range near you is a lame excuse for not having shot a gun that you have owned for a couple of years. How far away is the nearest rifle range? Even if it is several hours, take a trip and go have some fun. I have posted before that I would never use a gun that I have not shot before. If something DID happen, you would be better off with a pistol or shotgun that you have shot, so if you are never going to shoot this gun until the SHTF, then you should sell it and buy something you will shoot.
A good example of why not to keep a gun to use in emergency situations that you have never shot.
I have a bushmaster AR-15. I have shot it a TON. I got 2 new mags in, loaded them up and they sat around for a while before I got to shooting them. When I went out the next time I shot a full 30 rounds though an old mag, no problems, then grabbed my new mag and bam, I could not fire 2 rounds in a row without a jam. If this had been an emergency situation and I had reached for the new mag first I would have been in trouble. Prior to this I had ZERO malfunctiuons with the rifle, so not only do you need to shoot every gun you have, you need to shoot with every mag as well.