With inflation still soaring in the U.S. and with many people dealing with employment challenges and struggling to keep their financial head above water, staying within a budget may be more vital now than at any other time in our lifetimes. On the flip side, though, as the economy continues to struggle, that means more people are becoming desperate which is driving at least part of the increasing crime statistics in various types of theft (and murder rates still higher than before COVID) that we’re seeing across the country now.

So, what do you do to make sure that you can protect your family without breaking the bank?

Answer: You buy (and train with) firearms that fit within your budget. And, it should go without saying, that you don’t skimp on quality to save money.

With that in mind, one writer decided to figure out what are the best 9mm carbines on the U.S. market today, and during that process, while they identified nine that they liked for various reasons, they named one their “Best Budget Carbine.” Elwood Shelton writes,

Compact as they come, Kel-Tec may have cooked up the ultimate backpack gun in the SUB-2000. It certainly created among the most unique 9mm carbines (also available in .40 S&W) at the end of the market already known for being idiosyncratic. Honestly, despite any faults, I can’t help but love this design.

What makes the SUB-2000 so intriguing is its unique folding design. Hinged at the fore of the receiver, the carbine folds into a neat 16-inch package, ideal for keeping it handy in a rucksack, sports bag or vehicle. And its even gotten better as the gun enters it third generation. The Gen3 carbine’s barrel twist as it folds, meaning you can reduce it to its maximum size, while keeping an optic on the top rail. Like many shooters, this was one of my main complaints with the first to generations of the SUB-2000.

Deployment is still quick on the carbine even with the modification and it’s as light as ever — a mere 4 pounds. This is thanks to the extensive use of fiberglass-filled nylon that makes up a majority of the gun. Additionally, Kel-Tec designed flexibility into the system, given your choice of magazine compatibility: Smith & Wesson, SIG Sauer, Beretta and Glock. Likely this has you covered, no matter what pistol you carry.

Adding to its appeal are easy and intuitive controls, such as the under-the-buttstock charging handle. Not to mention plenty of extras – ample rail space, fiber optic front sight, sling mounts and a wealth of aftermarket upgrades. MSRP: $499.

You can see a short Kel-Tec promo video for it below.

So, for under $500 MSRP (meaning less than that for the street price), you can have a foldable backpack pistol caliber carbine (PCC) that likely uses the same type of ammunition as your carry pistol (another budget saving plus).

Of course, whether the SUB-2000 is the right PCC for you is going to depend on your preferences and budget, but if you’re in the market for one, this may be a PCC to consider.