Several months ago I saw a deal on a Kel-Tec SU-16C ($515 from Bud’s) that I couldn’t pass up. Once I got it, it took awhile to find time to get to a rifle range and shoot it. But now that I’ve shot it, had it apart a few times, and done a few basic modifications, it’s time to review this carbine.
First what this rifle is and isn’t. At 4.7 lbs unloaded and just over five with an optic, with a folding stock (can shoot folded), using cheap and plentiful AR magazines, I consider this primarily a bug out weapon in 5.56 NATO. Excellent for a pack, trunk, toolbox, etc. Relatively inexpensive, few parts to break/replace, and a clean piston system. Picatinny rail on top for easy scope mounting options. Anything for bugging out is also fine for home defense. I don’t consider it a long-term survival weapon with hard use in mind – it’s not an AK or Mini-14 – and will cover that below.
There are several variants of the SU-16. I prefer the SU-16C for the thicker barrel and folding stock. If you have any of the other SU-16 versions, a folding stock can be added, if legal in your state.
The excellent Nutnfacny review of the SU-16C noted that the carbine might need a couple hundred rounds for breaking-in. I shot about 200 rounds of PMC 55 grain FMJ and 60 of Wolf 55 grain HP through mine with no malfunctions at all, so I was probably lucky and this one didn’t seem to need that. The Wolf HP was to verify it would eat cheap steel-cased ammo. Cleaning was easy, very little fouling, very clean shooting.
As part of the break-in process, I went through three 30 round magazines in rapid fire to see if I’d get any stringing when the barrel got hot. Didn’t notice any of that, but it did get hot enough that I was worried about some of the plastic parts melting, especially where the barrel connects to the stock. I did not have this concern with the Ruger Mini-14 Tactical carbine.
Accuracy was good for a break-in, but conditions at the range weren’t ideal. I was a bit rushed, the 100 yard area was in the shade, and it had rained recently so impacts didn’t cause any dust to appear. Excuses aside, I was able to sight it in with an EOTech 512 and hit a nine inch gong at 100 yards consistently. A little more time in better conditions and I’d have the iron sights dialed in, but that’ll have to be next time.
The reason I say, IMO, the SU-16C isn’t a long-term survival carbine with hard use is that I suspect the polymer stock isn’t up to it. Let me stress couple phrases here; long-term and hard use. Glocks have stood the test of time, but an SU-16 has a lot more surface area that needs to hold up. When TSHTF, I’ll be fine with the SU-16C for bugging out. When I get to the retreat, I want my Mini-14 Tactical. The SU-16C will remain for occasional use.
I changed three things on this carbine; added a Kel-Tec compact fore end, a Yankee Hill Phantom C2 flash hider, and a single point sling attachment. The flash hider was a pain because the SU-16C threads didn’t quite lend to easy installation. Took awhile, but I got it. The sling attachment was actually for a PLR – but works perfectly for the SU-16 (note to Kel-Tec, you need to market the PLR sling attachment for the SU-16).
The compact fore end installation was a real pain. I wanted this change so I could use a fore grip and to mount a bipod, and maybe a flashlight. First, the instructions from Kel-Tec absolutely suck. As did the PLR sling attachment instructions. This is a big Kel-Tec fail. So I looked online – this guy did it all wrong, should be a lot more solid.
And getting the compact fore end solid was the real problem. If a fore grip is mounted to it, it must be solid, not come off easily. Some people may add it to look cool, I did not, I wanted some function out of the picatinny rail underneath. My solution was to drill holes and cut/drill/tap four small strips of aluminum to hold the compact fore grip together solidly from the inside with some hex bolts. Took a few hours to get everything right, used blue Loc-Tite. End result, its rock solid.
Overall this is a perfect bug out carbine in 5.56mm NATO, has a clean piston operation, takes cheap AR mags, has good optics mounting options, is ultra light, clean shooting, and inexpensive. Not a major consideration, but looks cool and is fun to shot. Probably not for long-term, hard use, but fine for home defense.
I’ve had an SU-16CA for 3 years or so. I really like it. It is a combo of the C and A models – folding stock and the heavy barrel. It is also California legal, as it won’t fire when the stock is folded.
Like you, mine eats whatever I put through it. You mentioned the bi-pod – the CA came with the bi-pod already installed. With regards to the polymer holding up, I think the stock would hold up with little problem, but I’d worry about the forestock/bi-pod. Seems a little lightweight.
Great gun, that I’m happy I picked up.
Chief,
Good point I forgot to mention in the post. For those that don’t know, the factory fore end of all the SU-16 versions splits in two and swings down to form a somewhat flimsy and semi-functional bi-pod. A fore grip can’t be mounted to it (I thought it would be good due to the light weight of the weapon), nor can a normal bi-pod, which is why I changed mine out.
Glad to hear you’re happy with yours, I am with mine as well, it’s a keeper. I thought about the CA version, but with my potential bug out scenario thought it better to be able to fire with a folded stock. In cool/rainy weather, it could be concealed under a poncho, and otherwise hid in a pack, ready to go.
I own one. So here is my honest opion. How do I say this with out hurting peoples feelings. JUNK CRAP GARBAGE. The sights are off set and do not allign properly. It had feeding and operational problems when shot with a large and different group of ammo. I keep it to remind me of what not to buy. Between this and a rock I would take the rock.
Sorry you got a lemon. The sights are difficult to adjust, but once you get them set (suggest blue Loc-Tite) they work. Vast majority of reviews are positive;
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=894&q=su-16+review&aq=0&aqi=g1g-m1&aql=f&oq=su-16+revi
As said above, I was expecting a few issues with break in, but had no issues with PMC or Wolf.
I think Stephen has ordered the same weapon. I’m not familiar with it myself, but he knows a great deal about modern guns and seems to think well of it. His has not yet arrived but when it does I’ll send you the link so you can read his review of it. I don’t have his URL in my head but the blog name is “Standing on the Outside Looking In”. I’m not sure I got the capitols right.
The stock folds twice and will fold over a 30 round magazine. The stock actually folds ‘twice’ and it will fire after the first fold, but not the second. With the stock folded it is a great CQB tool.
good review. I bumped into your site looking for accurizing info for old mini-14′s.
I also have had a CA model Kel Tec for about 3 years.I love it. It shoots MUCH better than older mini 14s. I never had the guts to put Wolf steel cases through her. Nice to know I could if I had to, though i hope times never get that hard!
Just pulled my first couple triggers on a CA legal SU last week. Good stuff! Although the action is on trigger finger side for right-handers, still a great firing carbine…
Thx
Why doesn’t somebody just make a good 30-06 carbine . Screw all this 7.62×39 , 5.whatever , foreign calibers . 30-06 has always been a nasty customer , think about that for a min . picture what you are looking at : small , compact , semi auto carbine and give it at least a 20 round magazine in a heavy pounder caliber . Wouldn’t that just make you salivate ? it would me !
I’ve never seen a .30-06 carbine and wonder if the 63mm of casing has too much powder to burn down a carbine barrel. Would probably have five foot flames shooting out.
Ruger recently introduced a .308 scout rifle, bolt action, 18″ barrel (I think), and 20 round detachable magazines. Also with regular Ruger scope mounts and scout scope options.
Great review. I have one and I love it. You said you had trouble with the yankee hill flash hider. What did you do to get it to fit the barrel? Did the flash hider help? Thanks for your help.
I have a 17 inch 30-06, bought it that way and only did so because the original barrel came with it. The thing kicks harder than my second wife. I have to shoot reduced loads in it. If you want a 30-06 carbine you will have to shoot loads that are ballisticaly the same as a 30-30. Some day I will unbubba it.
Never had a problem. Thousands of rounds -no malfunctions. This is a great rifle. I would use it long term with confidence. Only drawback is that it is not super easy to strip down and put back together for a detailed cleaning job. I can put an AK or AR15 back together after disassembly in a fraction of the time. The good news it stays clean after shooting. You really have to put some serious amount of rounds downrange before it needs a detailed strip. The sights it comes with could be better but they are functional. I replaced mine with a scope. A red dot sight , Eotech, aimpoint would work great. It is very accurate with a scope. I put 1 inch groups on paper from a 100 yards with no problem. It eats any ammo you feed it. Super light weight. The trigger is a bit tough, probably six or seven pounds but it breaks clean no creep. Overall a great piston rifle for the money.
I made a recent visit to Gun Broker.com, Cabela’s, and Gander Mountain, still not finding the Kel Tec SU – 16C. I am very interested in purchasing this carbine. Any suggestions on tracking one down?
Can you provide more details/pics on the mods you made to firm up the fore grip?
Also, you mentioned the YouTube video on how not to install the grip, but have you found any that do a good job explaining how to install it?
Never mind. I just installed one and it’s rock solid and the installation was nothing like the guy showed in the video.
I’m on the hunt for a rifle and I’ve been back and forth on various platforms. Your review was helpful and I appreciate you posting your experience with this rifle. The Mini14 was a close second, but I really like the option to stuff the SU into a pack for hiking. I’ll follow-up in a few months with my findings. Thanks again!
I have deputy friend in Alabama, carries the SU 16 c in his patrol truck. He likes that he could-if need be- grab it with his right hand only and shoot (folded stock) at a threat through the passenger side door. And obviously for other applications as well.
Everybody want’s to feel good about a purchase hence the good reviews. This is a cheap piece of crap that needs so many mods and money you might as well buy a DPMS, which is also cheap but accurate and you don’t have spend alot of money bringing it up to snuff.
Dave,
It is inexpensive (rather than cheap) and, as I note in the review, it’s not a long-term survival rifle. But it’s very light, compact, and accurate, so excellent for bugging out. Not sure what mods you think it needs. I did a few upgrades for my personal preferences, but IMO it can be used out of the box with mods with the exception of sling mounts (Kel-Tec should provide that). If I had to do it over again, I’d skip the compact forend and just put a small section of rail on the barrel for mounting a bipod.
I have a model A. at first, accuracy was all over the place. after 200 rounds and a barrel cleaning, my groups are less than 1 inch at 100 yards with a 3×9 scope. This gun is light and I like the stock configuration. The AR-15 stocks are uncomfortable for me (65 yrs. old). Most people will never face a zombie, commie, or grizzly bear. This is an INEXPENSIVE rifle that is fun to shoot, cheap ammo, can be taken in your car, and serves all of my needs.