Introduction
From plinking at the range to defending your home, a reliable firearm is a necessity. But what if your trusty companion’s performance is held back by a less-than-stellar trigger? For owners of the Kel Tec Sub 2000, this is a familiar concern. The Sub 2000, famed for its compact design and ability to fold for storage, often leaves something to be desired in the trigger department. A heavy pull, a mushy feel, and excessive travel can hinder accuracy and slow down follow-up shots. But fear not, fellow enthusiasts! Upgrading the Kel Tec Sub 2000 trigger is a relatively straightforward process that can transform your shooting experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the nuances of the stock trigger, explore several upgrade options, and provide the information you need to take your Sub 2000 to the next level.
The Kel Tec Sub 2000, in all its iterations, is a popular choice. Its ability to accept Glock magazines, combined with its folding design, makes it an attractive option for many shooters. However, the factory trigger mechanism is often cited as a weak point. While reliable, the stock trigger can feel sluggish and imprecise. This guide will help you get the most out of your Kel Tec Sub 2000 by improving the trigger.
Before we delve into the exciting world of trigger upgrades, let’s dissect the current trigger system. This understanding is crucial for knowing what to improve.
Understanding the Stock Kel Tec Sub 2000 Trigger
The stock trigger, while functional, has some characteristics that can be off-putting to experienced shooters. These shortcomings can be addressed and vastly improved through some well-chosen upgrades.
The stock trigger on the Kel Tec Sub 2000 often requires a significant amount of force to actuate. A heavy trigger pull translates to a higher chance of involuntarily moving the gun while you’re aiming, resulting in less precise shots. This heavy pull can also lead to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
The distance the trigger needs to travel before firing is also a concern. A long trigger travel diminishes the speed at which follow-up shots can be taken, as the trigger needs to move a greater distance before resetting. It can also affect your perception of control over the trigger.
A trigger that feels “mushy” or “gritty” can negatively impact your shooting accuracy. This lack of definition obscures the moment of the trigger’s break, making it challenging to predict when the gun will fire.
Understanding these weaknesses allows you to make informed choices about the best upgrade path for your particular shooting needs.
Trigger Upgrade Options
Now, let’s look at how to address these common issues. You can select what is best for you or do multiple upgrades for the best performance.
Trigger Springs Upgrade
The most basic and often most effective initial upgrade involves replacing the trigger spring. This is a cost-effective way to reduce the trigger pull weight and improve the overall feel of the trigger.
This is a relatively easy upgrade and requires some basic gunsmithing knowledge. Look for reputable manufacturers that have proven track records and parts designed for your Sub 2000. Some of the recommended brands include Wolff and MCarbo. Both offer excellent trigger springs designed to enhance the performance of your firearm. They will give you a lighter, more crisp trigger pull.
The installation process is generally straightforward. First, carefully disassemble the trigger group. This typically involves removing the lower receiver pins and carefully removing the trigger and related components. While some might offer a full guide of the disassembly, it is often better to check videos that have clear visuals of the process. You should always take photos during the process in case you get lost, and they can help you reassemble everything correctly.
Once the trigger group is disassembled, replace the factory trigger spring with the new, upgraded spring. Be sure to note the spring’s orientation during removal. Then, reassemble the trigger group. This often involves placing the new spring in the correct location and replacing the pins.
The expected results from a trigger spring upgrade are a reduction in trigger pull weight and, in some cases, a slight reduction in pre-travel. This will translate to a more responsive and easier-to-control trigger.
Trigger Shoe/Trigger Blade Replacement
Another approach to enhancing your Sub 2000 trigger is to replace the trigger shoe or trigger blade. This upgrade focuses on improving ergonomics and feel.
Trigger shoe replacements are often made from different materials and may have different profiles than the factory part. They are designed to give the shooter a more comfortable and possibly better grip on the trigger.
Installation involves disassembling the trigger group, removing the existing trigger shoe, and replacing it with the new, upgraded one. This is often a simple swap and can drastically improve the feel of the trigger.
This upgrade can lead to a more comfortable shooting experience, a better trigger feel, and a potentially shorter trigger pull length, which can help with faster and more accurate shooting.
Full Trigger Upgrade Kits
For those seeking a comprehensive approach, consider a full trigger upgrade kit. These kits provide all the necessary components to drastically improve your trigger’s performance.
Full trigger kits often include, springs, trigger shoes, and other parts like a sear. These kits will allow you to completely transform your Sub 2000 trigger.
Installation will be similar to replacing each part individually. However, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing a complete kit. These instructions will guide you through each step and minimize the risk of errors.
The expected results from a full trigger upgrade kit are significant improvements in trigger pull weight, trigger feel, and overall performance. It can provide a crisp, clean break and a much-improved shooting experience.
Installation Tips and Troubleshooting
Regardless of the chosen upgrade path, proper installation and attention to detail are paramount. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth upgrade process.
Safety is paramount when working with firearms. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed before starting any work. Double-check this. Work in a clean, well-lit workspace to avoid losing small parts.
Many trigger upgrades benefit from some cleaning and lubrication. Before reassembling the trigger group, clean all parts, removing any dirt or grime. Then, apply a quality gun lubricant to moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
When disassembling and reassembling the trigger group, use the correct tools. Using the right tools can avoid damaging any components.
Take your time and be patient. Don’t rush the process, as making a mistake can lead to malfunctions. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and any online resources if needed.
Even with careful planning, you may encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
If the trigger doesn’t reset after firing, it may be due to incorrect spring placement or sear engagement issues. Carefully inspect the trigger group, ensuring all components are correctly positioned, and that the sear is properly engaging the hammer.
If the firearm fails to fire, check the primer strike. If the primer strike is weak, the spring weight might be too low, preventing the firing pin from striking the primer with enough force. You may need to go back to your original springs if they performed better.
If the trigger feels bound up or sticky after installation, inspect all the moving parts for interference or binding. Re-lube the parts and make sure the pins are properly seated.
Testing and Evaluation
Once you’ve installed your new trigger components, it’s time to test and evaluate the results.
Use a trigger pull gauge to accurately measure the trigger pull weight. This will give you a baseline measurement and allow you to compare the before-and-after results.
Before heading to the range, dry-fire the firearm to evaluate the trigger’s feel. Practice dry-firing to get used to the new trigger feel and familiarise yourself with the break.
The ultimate test is to take your Sub 2000 to the range and conduct live-fire testing. Assess accuracy, follow-up shot speed, and the overall shooting experience. This will give you a solid impression of how effective your trigger upgrade has been.
Legal Considerations
Modifying a firearm can sometimes be subject to specific laws and regulations. Always check and comply with federal, state, and local regulations regarding firearms modifications.
You are solely responsible for ensuring that your firearm modifications are compliant with all applicable laws.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Kel Tec Sub 2000 trigger is an effective way to boost its performance and overall shooting experience.
By reducing the trigger pull weight, improving the feel, and potentially shortening the trigger travel, you can unlock the full potential of your Sub 2000. The upgrade can greatly increase your accuracy and confidence in your firearm.
Whether you choose to upgrade the trigger spring, the trigger shoe, or a full trigger kit, this guide has provided the necessary information. The journey of improving your trigger is about enjoying the precision and responsiveness that is possible.
Resources
Here are links to some of the components and brands that were listed above:
Wolff Gunsprings
MCarbo Trigger Spring and Upgrade Kits
By following these steps and recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a more accurate and enjoyable shooting experience with your Kel Tec Sub 2000. Remember to prioritize safety and have fun.
