SU16

Todd Bayliss · 11-13-2008, 01:46 PM

No Keltec Forum would be complete without the SU16. Here's mine. It started out as an Alpha, then I added the pistol grip and ACE side folding stock. It bangs the 110 yard gong every time.

azguy · 01-07-2009, 11:47 PM

Nice gun. I have been thinking of getting one, the bravo looks good. I have not gotten it yet. Is it easy to put the pistol grip on. How did you come by the folding stock. Is it an accurate shooter?

GlockMeister · 01-08-2009, 12:09 AM

That's in .223 isn't it?

And do you know if they come in any other caliber?

Todd Bayliss · 01-09-2009, 07:19 PM

It took me one evening to install the pistol grip kit and folding stock (from ACE Products BTW). The pistol grip kit comes with 2 different adapters that let you mount the stock low or high as is your preference. Its more accurate than me. Our range has an 18" gong at 110 yards, and I can ding it every time with the factory sights.

Currently it only comes in 5.56x45, but I've heard they are considering other calibers.

Here's a link to all things SU16:
KTOG Forum - SU-16

The user "KTWM" is a Keltec employee (involved in product development I believe).

blat · 01-20-2009, 02:43 PM

I had an SU16B last year, was dumb enough to trade it off. Excellent piece. I did get a PLR16 last week, though. I like it! Everyone said to buy an AR. Fine! But a retired mechanic has to get what he can afford!

Todd Bayliss · 01-24-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torasperry

Daddyo, If you don't mind me asking, How much did you have to pay for the SU?
I have seen the pictures and I'm impressed, Just PO is the problem, LOL.
And are you pleased with the rifle? What caliber did you get?
Regards,

Bob

How much did I pay? Don't remember exactly, and I'm too lazy to look it up. I want to say $512 Out-the-door. That's certainly within $20 of it anyway. That didn't include the pistol grip kit and folding stock.

Caliber: 5.56x45. I got it a little over a year ago and that was the only caliber. There has been some talk of pistol caliber SU's, but I haven't heard anything definite yet.

Pleased? Ohhh Yeaah. I can bang a 18" gong at 110yards all day with the open sights off hand. Its half the price of a basic AR and shoots rings around it. Rod operated means I can clean it when I get time, not as a matter of religion.

Here's what really sold me on it:
KTOG Forum - Kel-Tec SU 16 Model "C" Review/Torture Test!
Check out the video a few posts down where he throws it in the puddle to cool it off!

torasperry · 01-27-2009, 10:02 AM

Hey Daddyo,
Great lookin and shootin iron, Looks very similar to the PLR, LOL
evidently there are some of the same parts used!
I will be starting to save some $'s to get one if WE are allowed by BO!
Thanks for the info.

Bob

EtherialOne · 02-01-2009, 12:34 AM

I just picked up an "A" model a month or so ago used for around $350.. haven't had the chance to shoot it yet but love the concept.. Just wish I could have found a "C" model instead. As it stands I need to either pick up a rear sight or put some optics on it (rear sight was missing), but really like the utility of it esp with being able to store it with 30rd mag.

Todd Bayliss · 02-01-2009, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EtherialOne

I just picked up an "A" model a month or so ago used for around $350.. haven't had the chance to shoot it yet but love the concept.. Just wish I could have found a "C" model instead. As it stands I need to either pick up a rear sight or put some optics on it (rear sight was missing), but really like the utility of it esp with being able to store it with 30rd mag.

Iron sights are always good to have. Give Keltec a call. They might just hook you up with a replacement rear sight or even better, you could spring for the "B" model sight where the rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. Factory Alpha sight is just a hole.

cb671 · 02-26-2009, 04:51 AM

Anyone have issues with the SU16's? I plan on getting the SU16CA after I sell my Remington 710 or may just get the Sub2000

Todd Bayliss · 02-26-2009, 01:07 PM

Problems that I've heard of are mostly limited to an occasional fail-to-feed or fail-to-extract. These have all been solved with a good polishing of the chamber and bottom of the bolt carrier. That's for a new one.

On older ones the op-rod can work loose where it attaches to the bolt carrier and there was some trouble with broken extractor. Both problems have been eliminated in new production versions. The very latest ones have chrome lined barrels.

One quirk about the CA is the "case deflecting" charging handle. It basically works by the handle whacking the ejected case to send it forward instead of to the side, but quite often it "deflects" it back into the receiver plus it puts pretty good dents in the brass (if you reload). A little quality time with a Dremel to cut the plastic off of it will make it a standard handle. I have a strap-on AR15 brass catcher that works fairly well, can't use it with the bipod extended though.

EtherialOne · 04-14-2009, 08:25 PM

Added another SU-16, now have a CA modle too (which is what I would have picked up in the first place had it been available), but think I lost it to my Fiance as she loves the feel of it. The CA does seem lighter, but both are definitely keepers!

Dragunov · 05-01-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azguy

Nice gun. I have been thinking of getting one, the bravo looks good. I have not gotten it yet. Is it easy to put the pistol grip on. How did you come by the folding stock. Is it an accurate shooter?

I have the B model. GREAT rifle. expect a 2 cto 2.5 MOA but will improve with tweaking. Mine will shoot 1to1.25MOA all day.

notofnow · 10-28-2009, 04:58 PM

Todd, i was entertaining the idea of putting on a side folder from ace like yours on my su-16. did you have to make any other modications to put on the folder beside the pg? When you close the stock is there any gap between the end of the stock and the foregrip or does it line up like it should. I guess they sell different lengths of pull, what length do you suggest? I'm 5'7 with average length arms. thanks

BluesStringer · 01-18-2010, 09:49 AM

I realize this thread is more than a year old, but since I just finished my SU-16, I thought some of y'all might like to see what's possible with them.

This is an Alpha. I've shot thousands of rounds through it before making these changes. Never had a single FTE or FTF in somewhere around 9,000 to 10,000 of rounds over the five or so years I've had it. Made all the changes mostly to prepare for an advanced tactical rifle course that my wife and I just completed. She used the AR and I used the Kel-Tec in anticipation of the KT perhaps being more prone to a failure of some sort, and myself being better-equipped to deal with it if it did. Never happened though. 1300 rounds each without a failure of any kind in either rifle.

Anyway, here she is:

You'll notice two extra rails attached to the Kel-Tec Compact Forend. That is a mod that was actually easier to install than either of the KT mods (forend and pistol grip), and WAY cheaper too (less than $15 total!). They're 5" x 12-slot rails that add tons of flexibility for accessory mounting and positioning. Best $15 bucks I ever spent!

Here's a close-up of the rail mod:

The adjustable buttstock is a Command Arms with the buffer tube included. The design allows for storage of four CR123A batteries on the left side, and the adjustable cheek-weld is mounted via a 6-slot picatinny rail on the right side. The vertical fore-grip holds another two CR123A's, but I won't need more than the four in the buttstock, so that storage compartment is not currently being used for anything.

Mods still to be made:

Chop off that horrendously useless and butt-ugly front sight! I am considering shortening the barrel to 16" when I do that, but haven't decided yet. The 5.65/.223 round benefits greatly from longer barrels in their ballistic profiles, not to mention accuracy. Regardless, when the front sight comes off, a quality flash suppressor/hider will go on.

Replace the cheap, though so far working great, NCStar scope with a high quality scope and Aimpoint (or equivalent) red dot sight mounted on top.

Add rail-mounted sling swivel on left side add-on rail.

I have already added a Beamshot-style barrel-mounted laser and a Spec-Ops "Sling 101" 3-Point sling.

That's it! It was easy and fairly cheap, and the rifle continues to perform flawlessly. All the mods and the rifle cost about the same as a basic, bare-bones AR would cost.

Blues

11-13-2008, 01:46 PM	#1
Todd Bayliss Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 591 Blog Entries: 1	SU16 No Keltec Forum would be complete without the SU16. Here's mine. It started out as an Alpha, then I added the pistol grip and ACE side folding stock. It bangs the 110 yard gong every time. __________________ "Victim Selection Error"- Available at Amazon.com http://www.mtoddbayliss.com

01-08-2009, 12:09 AM	#3
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 10,704	That's in .223 isn't it? And do you know if they come in any other caliber? __________________ "The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion." "Edmond Burke"

01-09-2009, 07:19 PM	#4
Todd Bayliss Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 591 Blog Entries: 1	It took me one evening to install the pistol grip kit and folding stock (from ACE Products BTW). The pistol grip kit comes with 2 different adapters that let you mount the stock low or high as is your preference. Its more accurate than me. Our range has an 18" gong at 110 yards, and I can ding it every time with the factory sights. Currently it only comes in 5.56x45, but I've heard they are considering other calibers. Here's a link to all things SU16: KTOG Forum - SU-16 The user "KTWM" is a Keltec employee (involved in product development I believe). __________________ "Victim Selection Error"- Available at Amazon.com http://www.mtoddbayliss.com

02-01-2009, 12:34 AM	#8
EtherialOne Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rural NC Posts: 66	Picked up a SU-16a recently.. I just picked up an "A" model a month or so ago used for around $350.. haven't had the chance to shoot it yet but love the concept.. Just wish I could have found a "C" model instead. As it stands I need to either pick up a rear sight or put some optics on it (rear sight was missing), but really like the utility of it esp with being able to store it with 30rd mag.

02-26-2009, 04:51 AM	#10
cb671 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Guam Posts: 1,850	Anyone have issues with the SU16's? I plan on getting the SU16CA after I sell my Remington 710 or may just get the Sub2000 __________________ Shooting at Coconut's

01-07-2009, 11:47 PM	#2
azguy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 317	Nice gun. I have been thinking of getting one, the bravo looks good. I have not gotten it yet. Is it easy to put the pistol grip on. How did you come by the folding stock. Is it an accurate shooter?

01-20-2009, 02:43 PM	#5
blat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Western NC Posts: 386	I had an SU16B last year, was dumb enough to trade it off. Excellent piece. I did get a PLR16 last week, though. I like it! Everyone said to buy an AR. Fine! But a retired mechanic has to get what he can afford!

01-27-2009, 10:02 AM	#7
torasperry Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Medina,Tennessee Posts: 57	Hey Daddyo, Great lookin and shootin iron, Looks very similar to the PLR, LOL evidently there are some of the same parts used! I will be starting to save some $'s to get one if WE are allowed by BO! Thanks for the info. Bob

02-26-2009, 01:07 PM	#11
Todd Bayliss Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 591 Blog Entries: 1	Problems that I've heard of are mostly limited to an occasional fail-to-feed or fail-to-extract. These have all been solved with a good polishing of the chamber and bottom of the bolt carrier. That's for a new one. On older ones the op-rod can work loose where it attaches to the bolt carrier and there was some trouble with broken extractor. Both problems have been eliminated in new production versions. The very latest ones have chrome lined barrels. One quirk about the CA is the "case deflecting" charging handle. It basically works by the handle whacking the ejected case to send it forward instead of to the side, but quite often it "deflects" it back into the receiver plus it puts pretty good dents in the brass (if you reload). A little quality time with a Dremel to cut the plastic off of it will make it a standard handle. I have a strap-on AR15 brass catcher that works fairly well, can't use it with the bipod extended though. __________________ "Victim Selection Error"- Available at Amazon.com http://www.mtoddbayliss.com

04-14-2009, 08:25 PM	#12
EtherialOne Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Rural NC Posts: 66	Added another SU-16, now have a CA modle too (which is what I would have picked up in the first place had it been available), but think I lost it to my Fiance as she loves the feel of it. The CA does seem lighter, but both are definitely keepers!

10-28-2009, 04:58 PM	#14
notofnow Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1	Todd, i was entertaining the idea of putting on a side folder from ace like yours on my su-16. did you have to make any other modications to put on the folder beside the pg? When you close the stock is there any gap between the end of the stock and the foregrip or does it line up like it should. I guess they sell different lengths of pull, what length do you suggest? I'm 5'7 with average length arms. thanks

01-18-2010, 09:49 AM	#15
BluesStringer Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 39	I realize this thread is more than a year old, but since I just finished my SU-16, I thought some of y'all might like to see what's possible with them. This is an Alpha. I've shot thousands of rounds through it before making these changes. Never had a single FTE or FTF in somewhere around 9,000 to 10,000 of rounds over the five or so years I've had it. Made all the changes mostly to prepare for an advanced tactical rifle course that my wife and I just completed. She used the AR and I used the Kel-Tec in anticipation of the KT perhaps being more prone to a failure of some sort, and myself being better-equipped to deal with it if it did. Never happened though. 1300 rounds each without a failure of any kind in either rifle. Anyway, here she is: You'll notice two extra rails attached to the Kel-Tec Compact Forend. That is a mod that was actually easier to install than either of the KT mods (forend and pistol grip), and WAY cheaper too (less than $15 total!). They're 5" x 12-slot rails that add tons of flexibility for accessory mounting and positioning. Best $15 bucks I ever spent! Here's a close-up of the rail mod: The adjustable buttstock is a Command Arms with the buffer tube included. The design allows for storage of four CR123A batteries on the left side, and the adjustable cheek-weld is mounted via a 6-slot picatinny rail on the right side. The vertical fore-grip holds another two CR123A's, but I won't need more than the four in the buttstock, so that storage compartment is not currently being used for anything. Mods still to be made: Chop off that horrendously useless and butt-ugly front sight! I am considering shortening the barrel to 16" when I do that, but haven't decided yet. The 5.65/.223 round benefits greatly from longer barrels in their ballistic profiles, not to mention accuracy. Regardless, when the front sight comes off, a quality flash suppressor/hider will go on. Replace the cheap, though so far working great, NCStar scope with a high quality scope and Aimpoint (or equivalent) red dot sight mounted on top. Add rail-mounted sling swivel on left side add-on rail. I have already added a Beamshot-style barrel-mounted laser and a Spec-Ops "Sling 101" 3-Point sling. That's it! It was easy and fairly cheap, and the rifle continues to perform flawlessly. All the mods and the rifle cost about the same as a basic, bare-bones AR would cost. Blues