Thoughts on the condition of this ?supposedly? new Sub 2000 / 9mm

[Kenk]

I recently bought a (supposedly) new Kel-Tec Sub 2000 9mm. Once home I disassembled it for a good cleaning and lubrication, only to find a filthy barrel and extensive ware on the bolt assembly. The general manager of the shop assured me that it came that way from Kel-Tec, and is working with them on how to proceed. It?s almost like Kel-Tec had this just sitting around their factory used for break time target practice, and was accidentally shipped out as new.  The response from the shop manager regarding the filthy barrel was, you know Ken, they do test fire these at the factory. I told him, absolutely, but not enough to gunk up the barrel to that degree, let alone the ware on the bolt assembly. My hope is that they will just send out a brand spanking new one once they get this one back.

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[Kenk]

It just kinda ticks me off, plus the bore mops were brand new when I started cleaning the barrel. When you buy something new, it should be just that, new

[The_Shadow]

Test fired for function

[Kenk]

Hey Wade, that?s what I thought also, but that?s a lot of crud in the barrel for just a few rd?s, even if it was some really cheap dirty ammo. It just seems odd

[John A.]

I bought the gun new in 1978, still in the box never fired.

Or

Shot two mags, then put in the closet until I came across it the other day and decided to sell it.

or

untested. 
*That way when you take it home and it won't fire a single mag without a malfunction, it wasn't the sellers fault.

I heard that all the time when I had a gun store.

[Kenk]

It?s just weird to buy something new and have that much crud in the barrel. I?m sure it?s just fine, and depending on what Kel-Tec?s response is, I?ll get over it just fine, I guess it?s more of a principle thing than anything else

[John A.]

Fouling doesn't bother me in the least.

I used to be really anal about keeping my guns spotless and as near NIB as I could, until the last few years.  Now I clean them occasionally.   I guess I've just gotten crotchety.

[Kenk]

I?ve just never bought a brand new weapon that was this dirty. Most all will have a small amount from test firing, but nothing like this

[sqlbullet]

Doesn't bother me at all, and here is why.

I want the gun tested before it is sold to me as functional.  Ideally that test is more than 2-3 rounds.  A full magazine would be great.

I want a good price. I own a bunch of AR-15's and there is not a Daniel Defense, nor any other "top" tier gun in that mix.  I buy budget, and usually only when it is on sale.

I want the actual firearm to be in "new" condition.  Fouling from required test firing doesn't detract from that for me.

But, the kind of employee they could afford to clean the gun at the price I want to pay is not likely to care very much on his 97th gun cleaning of the day.  I would rather get a fouled gun in proper condition than a clean gun with a dinged muzzle.  Improper cleaning technique can definitely damage the gun.

So, fouled is fine with me at the prices I pay.  Kel-Tec is definitely a "budget" option, so this doesn't surprise me much, and I would be equally, perhaps even more, concerned if a budget gun did arrive spotless.  That would suggest that it either wasn't tested or it was questionably cleaned.

[Graybeard]

Hi Ken. Not the first time I've seen that sort of thing. It may have not run properly during testing and required some tweaking. It may have been fired more than usual for some other reason.

Like a car that is "new" until it is titled to the first owner, guns are "new" until they've been sold to the retail customer. Most cars have less than 10 miles when you buy them, some have a couple of hundred because they were pulled out and run around a track for QC evaluation.

Like Sqlbullet, I too have purchased some budget ARs and one had an absolutely filthy barrel. Had to flood it with bore cleaner and bronze brush it for half an hour to get it clean. Runs like a champ and had good accuracy. I would have been much less happy if it didn't run.

Good luck with yours. Just my opinion but anything from Kel-Tec is a crapshoot. If this one runs perfectly, keep it.

[Kenk]

Thanks guys, I think my perspective was a little whacked. It?s not like I spent $2,500 on something from JP Enterprises. The good part is it will likely run just fine, and if not, it?s been documented from the start

[Kenk]

I have to say, after working with Kel-Tec?s customer service on this, I?m pretty impressed. The Sub 2000 is on its way back to the factory, what they will do or replace, if anything, I have no idea, but will feel better knowing they have looked at it. Either way, it should be a fun little carbine

[Kenk]

Per the Tech?s notes that were emailed to me earlier today, this is what they did. Glad I sent it in, and should be back to me in 4 or 5 days 😀

Hello Ken,
Here is what the technician has put for what all was done.
-De-burred & cleaned Bolt Tube/Receiver and replaced damaged Bolt
-Replaced Barrel Assembly (hand-picked from newest production batch)
-Proofed & test fired
- +1 complimentary 15rd Magazine

[Current Resident]

I'm going to side with Ken on this one. When I buy something new I will do the breaking in.
Depending on how much business you did with the vendor I would have reconciled with an hour of range time or a box of ammo.
It looked to me like it was shot prior. I own three of these and that was ridden hard and put away wet.
Keltec service has always been good, I knew they would help you out.
Mine is in .40sw, my only gripe is the height on the sights. Other than that I love it.

[Kenk]

What a fun project, between the M*Carbo upgrades, Red Lion folding front sight, and the optic, it?s gotten really expensive really fast for what it is, but that?s ok I guess, plus it?s such a fun weapon to shoot 😀