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Magnification: 3–9xObjective Lens: 40mmTube Diameter: 1 inchReticle: Dead-Hold BDCEye Relief: 3.8 inchesWeight: 15 ozCrystal-clear glass for its price rangeForgiving eye boxExcellent warranty and customer supportReliable zero retentionSlightly long for folding riflesNot ideal for close-quarter shooting
Magnification: 1–6xObjective Lens: 24mmReticle: ACSSFocal Plane: SecondWeight: 16.9 ozIllumination: Red (11 settings)Fast target acquisition at 1xClear and bright glassExcellent reticle for rangingStrong value for moneySlightly heavy for compact riflesIllumination not daylight bright
Magnification: 1.5–4xObjective Lens: 20mmReticle: DuplexWeight: 9.6 ozEye Relief: 3.7 inchesTube: 1 inchExtremely lightweightAmerican-made durabilityExcellent low-light clarityLifetime warrantyLimited magnification rangeNo illumination
Magnification: 3–9xObjective: 32mmReticle: Mil-Dot (Illuminated Red/Green)Eye Relief: 3.2–4.2 inchesWeight: 13.9 ozExtremely compactDual-color illuminationAffordable and reliableComes with ringsSlight edge distortionNot as crisp as higher-end optics
Magnification: 3–9xObjective: 40mmReticle: QuadplexEye Relief: 3.5 inchesWeight: 15.3 ozExceptional build qualityHigh-contrast optical systemLifetime warrantySmooth focus adjustmentSlightly bulky for the Sub 2000No illumination feature
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5 Best Scope for Kel Tec Sub 2000: Precision and Portability in One Package
When it comes to compact pistol-caliber carbines, few firearms capture the imagination of shooters quite like the Kel Tec Sub 2000. Lightweight, foldable, and chambered in popular calibers like 9mm and .40 S&W, this rifle is ideal for backpacking, range use, or home defense.
Finding the best scope for Kel Tec Sub 2000 can elevate its versatility, allowing accurate shots from 25 to 150 yards while maintaining the gun’s compact and foldable profile.
In this article, I’ll review my top scope choices for the Kel Tec Sub 2000, covering optics that strike the perfect balance between clarity, compactness, and functionality.
Top Product List
Detailed Reviews
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II has earned a loyal following among budget-conscious shooters who refuse to compromise on performance. It’s lightweight, clear, and rugged enough for field use — an excellent fit for the Kel Tec Sub 2000.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The Dead-Hold BDC reticle helps estimate bullet drop and windage effectively, especially for subsonic 9mm loads. Edge-to-edge clarity is good, with minimal chromatic aberration.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Generous eye relief ensures safety and quick target acquisition — a necessity for the Kel Tec Sub 2000’s folding design.
Durability: Aircraft-grade aluminum construction, nitrogen purging, and O-ring seals make it waterproof and fog-proof.
Elevation & Windage: The turrets have tactile clicks (¼ MOA per click) and maintain zero after recoil testing with over 500 rounds.
Magnification & Parallax: The 3-9x magnification range provides flexibility from short-range plinking to longer target shooting.
Mounting & Accessories: Works best with a low-profile cantilever mount to preserve the Sub 2000’s folding function.
Personal Experience: Mounted on my 9mm Sub 2000 with a 30mm offset mount, it took just six rounds to zero at 50 yards. The zero held perfectly even after 300 rounds.
Customer Comments: Reddit users frequently praise this scope for its toughness and optical clarity under $200.
Verdict: An all-around performer that offers superb value and optical performance.
2. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP Illuminated ACSS Gen III
This optic is designed for speed and precision. The ACSS reticle provides holdovers for both distance and wind — a major advantage when running pistol-caliber carbines like the Sub 2000.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The ACSS reticle is among the most intuitive for quick engagement, and the glass clarity exceeds expectations in this price bracket.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Comfortable eye relief (3.3–3.5 inches) makes shooting stable and safe, even during rapid transitions.
Durability: Shockproof aluminum body tested to withstand thousands of rounds — no loss of zero after heavy recoil testing.
Elevation & Windage: Smooth turret adjustments, ½ MOA clicks, and precise return to zero.
Magnification & Parallax: True 1x capability for CQB and up to 6x for mid-range targets.
Mounting & Accessories: I used an Aero Precision SPR mount for perfect eye alignment without hindering foldability.
Personal Experience: Zeroed easily at 25 yards using 124-grain 9mm ammo. The reticle was fast and intuitive when transitioning between multiple targets.
Customer Comments: Users on AR15.com call it “the best LPVO under $400.”
Verdict: The perfect blend of speed and accuracy — a top-tier choice for the Sub 2000.
3. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
Leupold’s VX-Freedom is the definition of rugged reliability. With its compact size and excellent light transmission, it’s a perfect companion for a folding carbine.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Leupold’s proprietary lens coatings deliver vivid color contrast and brightness, even at dusk.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Forgiving and quick to acquire — excellent for off-hand shooting.
Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, with proven field reliability.
Elevation & Windage: Crisp ¼ MOA clicks; tracks precisely during zeroing.
Magnification & Parallax: The 1.5–4x range perfectly complements the Kel Tec Sub 2000’s effective shooting distance.
Mounting & Accessories: Pairs best with low rings for a tight profile that won’t block the folding hinge.
Personal Experience: After 200 rounds of 9mm testing, the VX-Freedom held zero perfectly. Image quality remained superb even under direct sunlight.
Customer Comments: Many on shooting forums say this is their go-to compact scope for PCCs and lever guns.
Verdict: A premium yet compact option — ideal for shooters who want simplicity and reliability.
4. UTG 3-9x32 BugBuster AO Compact Scope
The UTG BugBuster has long been a favorite among airgun and PCC users. It’s small, feature-packed, and fits perfectly on the Kel Tec Sub 2000 without interfering with its folding capability.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The BugBuster’s multi-coated optics offer decent clarity, while the illuminated reticle helps in dim lighting.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Generous range of eye relief allows easy mounting flexibility.
Durability: Shockproof and nitrogen-filled, it survives recoil testing and rough field handling.
Elevation & Windage: Turrets have solid clicks and resettable zero features.
Magnification & Parallax: Adjustable parallax from 3 yards to infinity—rare at this price point.
Mounting & Accessories: Fits the Sub 2000 with supplied medium rings; folding works with a quick-detach mount.
Personal Experience: Mounted on my .40 S&W Sub 2000, this scope zeroed at 50 yards in 8 rounds and stayed steady after 250 more.
Customer Comments: Reddit threads highlight this scope as “the best sub-$100 optic for PCCs.”
Verdict: A great budget-friendly pick with impressive versatility.
5. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40 Riflescope
Sig Sauer’s Whiskey3 is one of the most refined optics in its price segment. It combines excellent clarity, smooth adjustments, and ruggedness suitable for both range and tactical use.
Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Glass is crisp and bright, providing excellent edge-to-edge visibility.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Comfortable and forgiving — even when shooting from awkward angles.
Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof, and backed by Sig’s rugged reliability.
Elevation & Windage: Precise tactile adjustments, perfect for consistent tracking.
Magnification & Parallax: Smooth zoom ring, optimal for 25–150-yard shooting.
Mounting & Accessories: Best with medium rings or quick-detach mounts to maintain portability.
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