A Kel-Tec SU-16 is fine, too.

[Panzercat]

My new year's resolution is to own two (2) new firearms. The first is a lever gun largely irrelevant to this discussion. The second will more than likely be a Keltec SU-16 of some flavor. Everything that I see says that after the break in period, the thing will do everything you ask of it.

I guess I'm just trying ot decide which one to get: a 16b or 16c? The 16b retains fully foldable, light weight portability and cain maintain two clips in the stock. The only drawback that I'm noting is that it has a thinner barrel and cannot fire fully stowed.

The 16c has a thicker barrel, same apparent light weight but with a foldable stock. While it doesn't collapse down into a similar orgami square, it can fire folded in a sub-machine gun format. Sorry California, you're out of luck there. In any case, I'm looking for some input from the more tactically minded members amongst us: An ultimately portable black gun, or a mostly portable one ready to rock at a moment's notice? Any else you would bring up in consideration? Leaning toward the 'B' varient atm, but I like the 'C' stock down ability to fire.

An SU-16b

An SU-16c

(if you don't see a pic, refresh. it's there).

 

[M2 Carbine]

I like my CA model.

 

[Alex23]

Like them both but I'd only get the B if I had to store the weapon somewhere very tight - like in a small vehicle with limited concealment options. Prefer the looks and simplicity of the C.

 

[george30]

Try to hold a C model before you think about buying it(If your gonna get it off the internet). I thought for sure I would like the C model better then I picked one up and it totally changed my mind. The stock is flimsy and the butt of it feels awful when you shoulder it. The stock was basically useless.

 

[shotgunjoel]

I have no experience with either but the B would seem to be exposing the guts to dirt/dust when it is folded. The C wouldn't have that issue. Just my observation of the design.

 

[Panzercat]

I have no experience with either but the B would seem to be exposing the guts to dirt/dust when it is folded. The C wouldn't have that issue. Just my observation of the design.

That was a concern I've seen broached as well. A certain fancy nut on youtube seems to be happy with the C variant, which doesn't expose itself in public. On that note, doesn't seem to have stock issues.

@George30
A fair enough point. I like the way the B and CA variant look in the stock. Just looks sturdier. Struggling with clip storage and fold down versus fold and fire :\

 

[Rshooter]

I myself would go with the CA model also.

 

[tactikel]

IMHO, if legal in your locale, the Su-16C is hard to beat. The sights are better, the barrel is heavier, and it folds to fit in a backpack while still retaining the ability to fire 30 rounds of .223- folded.
The stock is a bit lightweight, but can easily be changed if it is not to you liking (a folding E stock, or a A/B type). I have 6000+ rounds thru my Charlie and it is my favorite rifle. A great backpacking or SHTF rifle.

 

[Panzercat]

@ tactikel

And I guess that's my big concern-- The stock. Does the 'c' really fold down small enough for a backpack? Portability is my primary concern. Also, I'm assuming if you swap out to an a/b stock, you lose the ability to fire large cap mags when folded down? do you retain the ability to fire folded even with a smaller mag? I'm trying to see how a retrofit would work between the two designs, because while I like portability, I also like the ability to commit to action at a moment's notice.

Ah, decisions, decisions...

 

[shotgunjoel]

Also, I'm assuming if you swap out to an a/b stock, you lose the ability to fire large cap mags when folded down? do you retain the ability to fire folded even with a smaller mag? I'm trying to see how a retrofit would work between the two designs, because while I like portability, I also like the ability to commit to action at a moment's notice.

From what I understand the A and B models fold totally differently from the C model. They (A and B models) fold through partial disassembly. You take out one of the two receiver pins (kind of like an AR) and fold it. With the C model only the stock folds, not the receiver. That's why the C can be fired from its folded configuration.

 

[chieftain]

I set a C model up for my daughter with a Red Dot. She is 4'11" 100 lbs, and it is the light weight that she prefers to my SCAR, 556, XCR, M1A, (she didn't care for the M1 Carbine), M1 Garand etc....

Understand her primary handgun is a Colt Combat Elite in 45acp of course. She shoots steel, IDPA etc from time to time. No Wimp. Just a lack of upper body strength. I got her a 20ga double barrel hammer gun too, because it's lighter than the 12ga's.

Good luck.

Fred

 

[sappyg]

i just watched the same video yesterday that Panzercat mentioned. those are some impressive rifles. i like the C model. it looks easier and less cumbersome to use.

 

[Unistat]

I have a B, but if I could have found one I would have bought the CA for the better sights. For the reasons I bought mine, having it more compact was more important than firing while folded.