Kel Tec SU16 CA VS. AR Parts

[BaysicRyan]

[2shotjoe]

I was told Kel Tec SU16 is pretty much a low low end AR not a great shooter.

[Boltz]

Never shot a SU16, so I can't speak to it, but I love ARs because of their ergonomics and versatility. So if you are happy with the controls on the SU16 and don't care about adding all manner of gadgets to it, go for it since it is cheaper.

On the other hand, if you do like gadgets, you might see something cool come out for the AR and regret not having picked one up and having a SU16 that has far less aftermarket support.

[socalpistolero]

ITS A FUN SHOOTER, LIGHT WEIGHT, BUT NOT AN AR. GOOD FOR HIKING IT FOLDS UP INTO A NICE SMALL PACKAGE OR AN EXCELLENT TRUNK GUN. CAN'T GO WRONG WITH ONE.

[morfeeis]

I was looking at getting one before i built my AR a while back, it's a great rifle from what I've read. That said just understand you'll still end up putting some money into the SU16 just like you would the AR.

SU16 = Happy now
AR15 = happier later

[BaysicRyan]

SO, would you guys recommend that I spend the money on my AR build or spend it on a ready to shoot rifle that I was going to buy anyways?

Keep in mind, if I spend the money on my AR build it still wont be ready to shoot.

[BaysicRyan]

SU16 = Happy now
AR15 = happier later

HAHAHA!! Thats whats being said over and over in my head.

[luvtolean]

SU-16CA has some nice features, particularly portability.

If you're not worried about portability, an AR will do everything an SU-16CA does better.

Sounds like you need to buy a MilSpec parts kit and a basic Stag or BCM upper and get shooting to me.

[mif_slim]

I have both rifles. Lots of AR's actually. Although I only have 1 SU-16, and te range see's a lot of my AR's the SU is wht brings meat to the table each an every time.

I take my AR hunting but for long treks and just plain lightweight the SU-16 comes on top every time. Not that Im a panzy I just trust my SU because its never jammed on me before while my AR has once in a blue moon. For food on the table, I trust my SU, for Awe factor AR hands down.

[BaysicRyan]

SU-16CA has some nice features, particularly portability.

If you're not worried about portability, an AR will do everything an SU-16CA does better.

Sounds like you need to buy a MilSpec parts kit and a basic Stag or BCM upper and get shooting to me.

The portability of the gun and its weight are what really attracted me to the gun. ALSO, its ability to use AR mags...THATS A HUGE PLUS!

I have both rifles. Lots of AR's actually. Although I only have 1 SU-16, and te range see's a lot of my AR's the SU is wht brings meat to the table each an every time.

I take my AR hunting but for long treks and just plain lightweight the SU-16 comes on top every time. Not that Im a panzy I just trust my SU because its never jammed on me before while my AR has once in a blue moon. For food on the table, I trust my SU, for Awe factor AR hands down.

That is really good information for me. Ive read alot of reviews on the SU and they say its reliable but to hear this is whole new level.

[BaysicRyan]

Sounds like you need to buy a MilSpec parts kit and a basic Stag or BCM upper and get shooting to me.

Where in the Bay are you located?

[Nathan Krynn]

I build AR's for a living, before that I did it for fun.

I bought a SU-16C for hiking and as a throw away for the truck.

I shot a few hundred rounds and never got it working 100%. It would jam the bullets in the case's on known good mags at least a few rounds a mag. It would jam up completely. It is a PITA to clean compared to an AR which I can do in less then 15 min easy. The rear sight broke and the screw stripped in the first week. Then there are no after market ones so I get a second original and that ones screw strips. The trigger is horrendous and even though I heard you can bring it to the factory and they will do a nice trigger job for you (maybe rumor) I don't feel its worth the hour or so drive. The plastic receiver is warped from heating it up to press in the barrel so the pic rail is canted so optics don't work as well and since the irons are less then worthless stripped I can't even do more then point shoot.

To be blunt I'd sell you mine for 1/2 what I paid for it but you cant accept that model.

Get an AR!

[D.M.C.]

Dunno about Nathan's information regarding the SU as to my knowledge there are both after-market and factory parts available for the Su-16 in regards to sights and accessories. The Kel-Tec Owner's Group is a good resource for asking about the rifle. My SU-16 works fine with my USGI magazines, though I need to replace a few followers owing to age. If you get a Bravo model, be prepared to realize that it it is prone to heating up after rapid fire because of the lightweight barrel. The A and CA models should be fine for most plinking, hunting, and recreational shooting. That being said, it's not meant for Tactical Carbine courses. It's more of a lightweight 'scout' rifle.

As far as complaints about cleaning goes, it's about the same amount of effort IMO though a bit harder to reach than an AR- I suggest using a 'reach' toothbrush. And anyone who claims to be able to thoroughly clean their rifle in fifteen minutes probably would not have withstood an inspection under my NCO cadre- AR or otherwise. Fact is, a rifle -like anything else- needs time spent on it to function optimally.

Anyhow- there's a fanbase to be found for the rifle, and there are those that hate it. Your mileage may vary.

I do think that $590 might be a bit high in price considering you can find the occasional one crop up here in the Marketplace for around $450 plus extras -such as mags, railed fore-ends, and new sights being the most common. Take a bit of time, save up and hope for a good bargain to crop up.

*Edited Because of typo in suggested price range*

[BaysicRyan]

I shot a few hundred rounds and never got it working 100%. It would jam the bullets in the case's on known good mags at least a few rounds a mag. It would jam up completely. It is a PITA to clean compared to an AR which I can do in less then 15 min easy. The rear sight broke and the screw stripped in the first week. Then there are no after market ones so I get a second original and that ones screw strips. The trigger is horrendous and even though I heard you can bring it to the factory and they will do a nice trigger job for you (maybe rumor) I don't feel its worth the hour or so drive. The plastic receiver is warped from heating it up to press in the barrel so the pic rail is canted so optics don't work as well and since the irons are less then worthless stripped I can't even do more then point shoot.

To be blunt I'd sell you mine for 1/2 what I paid for it but you cant accept that model.

Get an AR!

Getting an AR is no question. Its being built as we speak.

But since the quality of your SU was so horrible, is there a gun that you can recommend to me that is NOT an AR, is around the same price as the SU, higher quality than the SU, and around the same weight and portability as the SU?

I guess there is also an underlying question to my thread. Can anyone recommend me a semi-auto, low-priced, and portable NON AR rifle?

I dont want to start an AR vs. ALL OTHER GUNS thread...because I really do love ARs and I plan to build a few (many) and buy some complete ones but would I like variety in my gun collection.

[BaysicRyan]

Dunno about Nathan's information regarding the SU as to my knowledge there are both after-market and factory parts available for the Su-16 in regards to sights and accessories. The Kel-Tec Owner's Group is a good resource for asking about the rifle. My SU-16 works fine with my USGI magazines, though I need to replace a few followers owing to age. If you get a Bravo model, be prepared to realize that it it is prone to heating up after rapid fire because of the lightweight barrel. The A and CA models should be fine for most plinking, hunting, and recreational shooting. That being said, it's not meant for Tactical Carbine courses. It's more of a lightweight 'scout' rifle.

As far as complaints about cleaning goes, it's about the same amount of effort IMO though a bit harder to reach than an AR- I suggest using a 'reach' toothbrush. And anyone who claims to be able to thoroughly clean their rifle in fifteen minutes probably would not have withstood an inspection under my NCO cadre- AR or otherwise. Fact is, a rifle -like anything else- needs time spent on it to function optimally.

Anyhow- there's a fanbase to be found for the rifle, and there are those that hate it. Your mileage may vary.

I do think that $590 might be a bit high in price considering you can find the occasional one crop up here in the Marketplace for around $50 plus extras -such as mags, railed fore-ends, and new sights being the most common. Take a bit of time, save up and hope for a good bargain to crop up.

THANKS FOR THE GREAT INFO!