Is a Folding stock worthwhile?

[randallhilton]

As a protection item in case of civil unrest or similar problems I'm thinking of adding a Kel-Tec sub 2000 (or two or three) to the family. My thinking is that since it folds up compactly, I could more easily have it at hand without attracting too much attention.

This Kel-Tec rifle would fit under my car seat or in my tote bag and even though it doesn't pack the punch of a .223 it still throws more power with more accuracy at a longer range than the carry piece I always have in my pocket. Sharing the same magazines and ammo as my carry piece (Glock 40sw) brings several benefits as well.

I'm just wondering if any of you have thought this one through. I wouldn't consider this a primary "go to" tool but if I had to choose between a small rifle that's handy vs. a BAR or something that's sitting at the house I'll choose the one that's close by.

[kawalekm]

I went with the same concept but in the Ruger platform. I got the Ruger 40 pistol and the Ruger PC4 rifle. It's very handy to have two guns that interchange magazines. Mine doesn't fold of course, so it's just as unwieldy as any other rifle in the car.

[hunter63]

I guess I never really thought about it too much,
I am "traditinal" and don't really go for all the in the add-on stuff.
Even bought a "Bull-pup stock" for the 10/22, had it on for a while, now it's just sitting on top of the gun cabinet. (for sale $50 bucks, 1/2price)

The closest to a folding stock would be the collapsible on the bushmaster, and honestly I have played with it a couple of times, but it's been in the extended position for quite a while.

The truck gun is a Mossberg 500 with short barrel/factory style stock, but a pistol grip and/or folding stock would make the "thicker", so as to not fit in a nice slender, stash behind the seat, case.

As far as your intention on using it as a "truck gun", and making it more compact, I would think it would work slick, so I guess it's sorta up to you to spend the money.

[jim]

It will work if you're a paratrooper or in and out of a car alot. Even if you just "want" that's cool too. That might make it easier to stuff into a backpack though.

jim

[docsoos]

The only true folding stock I've ever had was on a 10/22, a Butler Creek composite/stainless number. It was great to fit behind the seat during transport (really compact), and when folded out, it was as comfortable as the regular stock.

One of my AR's has a collapsible mil-spec stock, but it's actually a little short when extended; guess I need to see what's out there to extend it out a tad further.

But, for ease of storage and transport, you can't beat the folders or collapsibles. Just make sure they fit ya when they're all the way out.

DocSoos

[Backwoods_Bob]

I've played with a few folding stocks on AKs, SKSs and shotguns.
All things considerd, I'll pass!
Never found one that was comfortable or provided a decent cheek weld for proper shooting.

But the idea of a compact easily stashed and portable weapon certainly has merit.
The Kel-Tec folding carbine is very compact indeed, and if it takes the same mags as your carry gun, well, what do you have to loose?
Although, I am not certain about the reliability of the kel-Tec carbines. I have heard rumors that some like FMJ but not HP ammo.
Maybe it would be wise to research this a bit first.

Now a pistol caliber carbine itself is often debated -
Some say, if yer gonna carry a rifle, carry a real rifle!
And I certainly can't fault that logic.
If I'm gonna load myself down with a 6-1/2 pound, almost 40 inch long rifle, I'd rather it be a 30-30, not a 9mm.

But the kel-Tec Sub-2000 carbine is only four pounds, and folds to only 16" inches...

So we're not talking apples to apples here. The Winchester 30-30 is about the handiest traditional rifle around, yet the Kel-Tec is in a whole different class of portability.
Folded, it can be carred descreatly in all sorts of bags, and not attract attention.
Out of sight, out of mind. That's a very good thing these days!

But still, is it worth the trouble? don't you already have a gun in the same caliber on you?
Yes, it certinly is worth it, especially given that it comes in a compact lightweight form, and takes the same mags.
The carbine is easier to shoot accuratly than a pistol. It has a much longer sight radius, and a stock that offers a more stable shooting platform. The longer barrel gives the very same ammo a good bit more velocity.
The carbine is very easy to shoot with minimal recoil. What may be as much power as you can handle well in compact pistol, becomes a pussycat in the carbine.

These factors combine to offer decided advantages over the pistol.
Higher capacity magazines can be carried for the carbine, and now we have a real advantage in firepower, accuracy and ranger over the sidearm, which cost us only about two additional pounds weight.

Carry the carbine, and I bet you'll wind up carrying a good deal more ammo, that can also feed your side arm. That's also good thing.

Other pistol caliber carbines that I feel deserve mention are the .357 and .44 lever guns. While not as compact or lightweight as the Kel-tec, these calibers really shine out of carbine lenth barrels.
I own a .44 lever gun, and although it's as long and heavy as some more powerfull rifles, the .44 mag outta that gun is quite powerfull thank you, and the advantage of sharing ammo with my six-guns can be a deciding factor.
To bad no one makes take down lever guns any more!

I myself have recently come across an old Remington M29 take down shotgun in a pawn shop. The price tag said 140 bucks.
I got to thinking that I could shorten the barrel to 18-1/2", and stick the thing in a case under the seat of my tiny car!
Hmmm.

[Scout]

I see no need for a folding stock on most rifles. However, I am going to try and pick up a Kel-Tec SUB-2000 tomorrow at the gunshow. I want it as a backpacking gun, and something I can stuff under my seat. I am no fan of the 9mm cartridge, but I chose it over the .40 because I can use 33-round magazines versus 15-rounders. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Incoming]

Unless the barrel is cut down to an illegal or tax required length I don't see the point in it.

[Wyobuckaroo]

Guess the few firearms I have handled and shot with a folding stock, I would not spend money on..............

I think the 90% rule applies here.
That being if it is going to be stored under the car seat, or in a pack of one kind or another 90% of the time, then it is a good idea.

I always found this kind of stock, in any form, hard to get a good cheek weld on and shoot well.

Give a report on what you get, what you use it on, and how it works.

Good luck
Wyo

[Mr.B]

I had a Kel-Tec Sub-2000, there came a point where I could not find ammo for it.

It was great and handy, the sights where pretty crude, basically a plastic peep hole with a front sight post thats suppose to be adjustable but I found it hard to work with.

I ended up trading it in, traded it for a surplus pistol and some ammo, I know the gun shop came out on top on the deal. Oh well I suppose if you get one hold on to it.

Like mentioned above you might want to pick up a used .30-30 or another type of lever gun and save some money. I got a buddy that has a .357 lever gun and its great to shoot, plus you can put .38 out of it also.

-B

[Shoden]

The Kel-tec Sub2000 is a bit more than just a folding stock, since it actually folds between the barrel and the action. I've got a 9mm that uses the Glock magazines and it fits nicely in my Maxpedition Gearslinger Sitka, which functions as my GHB.

Like others have said, the sights aren't the greatest, but it's accurate enough out to 50 yards. I haven't had a chance to shoot further than that since adjusting the sights.

It hasn't been as reliable as I would like, jamming frequently after I first bought it, but I bought it used and the previous owner hadn't cleaned it well. After my first cleaning it got better, but still jammed a few times, so a few weeks ago I took it apart and cleaned it thoroughly... there was still sand and gunk in there from the first owner. Once again though, I haven't had a chance to go shooting since giving it a good cleaning.

As a truck/car/GHB gun and keeping it folded and unloaded, it's not much use in a surprise situation like a car jacking, but it's intended for something with a bit more warning... like a zombie apocalypse :)

For a weapon with a normal folding stock, I've got a Yugo MB70 underfolder. Ultra-reliable and can be fired with the stock in either position, although it's not the most comfortable gun to shoot. Even with the stock folder, it's still longer than the Kel-tec Sub2000. Of course, the Kel-tec is about as short as a folding rifle can be while still keeping the barrel over 16" to avoid being a class 3 weapon.

[gunsmoke]

It all depends on your purpose and the design of the folder which range from "DANGEROUS NINJA FANTSAY GARBAGE" to a "SERIOUS and EFFECTIVE SOLUTION." and everything in between.

Of my four primary rifles three have folders 2 are FALs and the 3rd is a Galil ARM. The Galil ARM is a copy of the Belgian FAL. Those are serious stocks.

In secondary rifles one a Polytech Legend is a typical AK under folder which is very basic and is suited for the sole purpose of stabilixing the rifle, using it as a secondary weapon is out of the question because that would eliminate all further use for its primary purpose.

My folding stocks are mostly to have room to utilize those rifles from inside of a vehicle should the need for something more than a hangun arise

[ArmySGT.]

As a protection item in case of civil unrest or similar problems I'm thinking of adding a Kel-Tec sub 2000 (or two or three) to the family. My thinking is that since it folds up compactly, I could more easily have it at hand without attracting too much attention.

This Kel-Tec rifle would fit under my car seat or in my tote bag and even though it doesn't pack the punch of a .223 it still throws more power with more accuracy at a longer range than the carry piece I always have in my pocket. Sharing the same magazines and ammo as my carry piece (Glock 40sw) brings several benefits as well.

I'm just wondering if any of you have thought this one through. I wouldn't consider this a primary "go to" tool but if I had to choose between a small rifle that's handy vs. a BAR or something that's sitting at the house I'll choose the one that's close by.


the thread title does not match the firearm. A Keltec Sub200 doesn't have a folding stock. It is a weapon that breaks down by folding in two at the action. A weapon with a folding stock can still be fired with the stock folded (such as an AK-47 para), a Keltec cannot be fired folded.

I like my Keltec Sub 2000, it is neatly folded in a Laptop bag with six 33 rd mags. Sheep just see a laptop bag and I could walk around with it through malls and not get a look.

[Kilroy]

I've always found some kind of wobble in any folding stock I've tried. The collapsible or telescoping stocks seem to be less prone to the wobble in the elbow joint.

I'm a Sig armorer and do not like their new 556 rifle folding stock, either. You have to shim the wobble out of it and then it won't latch properly. The folks at Exeter are trying to fix it. My guess is it will get binned after the "cool" factor wears out.

[gunsmoke]

I've always found some kind of wobble in any folding stock I've tried. The collapsible or telescoping stocks seem to be less prone to the wobble in the elbow joint.

I'm a Sig armorer and do not like their new 556 rifle folding stock, either. You have to shim the wobble out of it and then it won't latch properly. The folks at Exeter are trying to fix it. My guess is it will get binned after the "cool" factor wears out.

Have you ever used an FAL or Galil? When they lock they lock like a vise and there is no wobble or play.

I have a half dozen FALs built on well-used Rhodesian folding lowers and as well used as they are they are as rock solid as the Belgian Gs and the Galil. As far as I am concerned they are the only folders that are serious stocks with all the capabilities of a fixed stock.

[Kilroy]

I've only used the fixed stocks on FAL or Galil. Now ya got me thinkin'...

[gunsmoke]

I've only used the fixed stocks on FAL or Galil. Now ya got me thinkin'...

Some of the aftermarket high dollar AR telescopin, notably from MAGPUL and VLTOR stronger and rocksolid more so than the mil spec 4 position telescoping stock but even with them you have to be concerned about damaging the buffer tube.

The FAL was so innovayive and well designed Galil copied it.

[Stinger]

To quote (Yes, I'm going to say it again!) FerFAL; 'During any period of civil unrest, everyone's favorite target is going to be the guy who's carrying a VISIBLE assault rifle.'

Need I say more! ;)