A while back, Doug did a review of the Kel-Tec SU-16; this included the SU-16A and SU-16B.

I am curious to know if any one (especially Doug) has tried any of the other Kel-Tec SU-16s since they have come out. It appears that there is now a 16A, 16B, 16C, 16CA, and 16D.

How do these newer models compare to the original SU-16A and SU-16B? Would Doug still prefer one of the originals or are their new models actually "improved"?

Finally, does Doug still prefer Kel-Tec as his semi-automatic chambered in .223 or has he moved to something new altogether?

I don't think anyone can speak for what Doug feels, except Doug.

However, you might be better off asking your questions over on the KelTec Owners Group forums. Here is the link to the SU-16 specific forum:

http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=105

I would go for a C or a CA myself. The C can be fired with the stock folded. The CA cannot. The CA can hold a spare mag or two in it's stock. The C cannot. The only difference between the C and the CA is the stock.

An A would be OK too. That is the original. The A's sights were improved for the C and CA models. Also, the C/CA models have a closed ejection port and a shell deflecting bolt handle. So yes, the C/CA can be considered "improved" models, but it's not such a great improvement that the A is undesireable. The A is cheaper than the C/CA.

The B is the lightweight model. It has a thin barrel. You don't seem many people chosing the B option (at least I haven't)

The D's barrel is shorter than 16", therfore you need special government approval and pay for a $200 tax stamp to own it. The D is cute, but it's considered an SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) and you don't see many average Joe's willing to put up with the extra hassle and cost of owning something like that.

All the SU-16's I have fired have been excellent. They are extemely lightweight. So lightweight that the first time you pick one up you think it's a cheap toy. It certainly is not.

Um, no, doug did not do the review. It says review by Ed Whiting

there is also link typo: http://www.equipped.org/http://www.equipped.org/Kel-Tec_SU-16_Review.htm

I reviewed a SU-16 a long time ago here. The review does not seem to be findable in the search function. (over 3 years ago).

Basically I found the gun to be wildly inaccurate. Depending on how I held the fore stock, the point of impact would change. I put a laser sighting device in the barrel and played with it one night. As I gripped the rifle I could see the point of aim remained fixed, but the point of impact moved. The barrel is just too thin and mounted to the fore stock in a manner that transmits force to the barrel causing it to bend slightly.

I sold mine.

Nomad

I own an SU-16B and I've put several hundred rounds through it. It's been accurate and reliable; I like it a lot. The one thing I don't like is that the picatinny rail on it appears to be crooked, it's just about impossible to zero a red-dot sight. I have been able to zero the iron sights, but I had to file down the front sight after adjusting it all the way down to get a good zero.

Look for barely used AR-15s if you want a semi auto. Some will only shoot .223 and some will do 5.56/.223.

They are a much more heavy duty gun than the Kel-Tec IMHO, and with the collapsible stock get pretty darn small.

Keep in mind if you are in certain states you may need a "Bullet Button" and low capacity magazines. Know your local laws.

I want to get a Savage bolt action with Accu-Trigger in .223 in the future. I have one in 17HMR and it's an awesome rifle/trigger setup.

For wilderness survival I would avoid the 5.56mm, incorrectly called .223 (which is related but different) entirely. The cartridge is overkill for small game, a major long-term food source, while it is too light for deer, a good source of meat that lasts as long as it lasts.

I reload 5.56 military and 223 factory brass. No difference
except the crimp on the primer. Some of the mil brass is
lighter than factory.

Helped a friend sight in his CA variant.

About 5 shots in 6" was as good as we could get off a bench at
100 yards. Minute of deer at 100 yards. Legal for deer in CA too.

They are very light. Much lighter than any other rifle I have seen.

An old school similar set up for hunting survival would be a short lever action 357 mag or 30/30. Probably more accurate than the Kel-tec.

I own an SU-16C. Not sure where you live, but I would recommend the C if your state allows it. I bought mine so I could fire it with the stock folded, if necessary. Mine has been accurate enough for me. You can use 5.56 or .223 in this weapon.

I second going to the KTOG site http://www.ktog.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=105 to get information and questions answered. These folks have a tremendous amount of experience with the SU-16.

Good luck with your quest.

I agree the .223/5.56 is on the small side for deer but it's legal in my state and I wouldn't hesitate to use it. I've seen a lot of deer dropped with .223s (and even more with 22/250s).