KelTec SU22C .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle, Folding Stock
About this product
The KelTec SU22C .22 LR Semi-Auto Rifle with Folding Stock is a purpose-built, compact .22 LR rimfire rifle that bridges the gap between economical plinking and legitimate modular training. This isn't a nostalgic recreation; it's a modern polymer-and-steel platform designed from the start to mirror the manual of arms and accessory ecosystem of a centerfire carbine. I see it as a serious tool for building fundamental skills under $500.
What is the KelTec SU22C .22 LR used for?
This rifle is engineered for high-volume, low-cost training, varmint control, and introductory shooting sports. The primary application is building and maintaining fundamental carbine handling skills—sight picture, trigger control, reloads—without the recoil and cost of centerfire ammunition. With its 1/2x28 threaded muzzle, it’s also an excellent host for a .22 caliber suppressor, making for incredibly quiet backyard or farm use where legal.
How does the KelTec SU22C compare to the Stevens 334 rifle?
These are fundamentally different tools: the SU22C is a semi-auto trainer, while the Stevens 334 is a bolt-action hunting rifle. For pure mechanical precision from a static bench, the Stevens 334 in .243 Win will group tighter, often under 1 MOA with good ammunition. For dynamic, rapid-fire drills, malfunction practice, and teaching new shooters the feel of a semi-auto platform, the SU22C is the clearly superior choice despite its 3-4 MOA typical accuracy with bulk ammo.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SU22C weighs approximately 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 29.5 inches with the folded stock and 35.2 inches with it deployed. Its barrel is 16.1 inches long, the legal minimum for a non-NFA rifle, and features the critical 1/2x28 thread pitch. When folded, the package shrinks to a transport-friendly profile just under 17 inches in length, fitting easily into a compact backpack or standard firearms case.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this rifle if your goal is precision small-group benchrest shooting or collecting a heirloom-quality firearm. This is a polymer-framed utility gun; its 3-4 MOA accuracy ceiling with bulk ammo and utilitarian fit-and-finish won't satisfy a target purist. If you require sub-MOA accuracy or a polished wood-and-blue finish like you’d find on a classic Stevens 555 shotgun, look elsewhere.
What's in the box?
KelTec ships the rifle, one 25-round semi-transparent polymer magazine, and basic printed documentation. Notably absent is any thread protector for the muzzle, which is a $5 oversight. You must supply your own. For those considering optic mounting, remember the integrated Picatinny rail is 7.5 inches long, sufficient for most compact red dots but requiring a cantilever mount for longer scopes.
Is the KelTec SU22C worth it at $415.99?
At this price point in today's market, the SU22C represents strong value for its specific role as a modular trainer. You are paying for the folding stock mechanism, SU-16 accessory compatibility, and the threaded barrel—features often absent on basic .22 rifles at this price. If you need just a simple plinker, a Ruger 10/22 may be cheaper. But if you intend to run drills, add a suppressor, or use it as a backpack gun, the SU22C's feature set justifies the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 4.2 lbs — nearly 2 lbs lighter than many bolt-action .22 trainers.
- Folds to 17-inch transport length for discrete storage in a backpack.
- Threaded 1/2x28 muzzle ready for suppressor use out of the box.
- Shares manual of arms and many accessories with the larger SU-16 platform.
Trade-offs
- Does not include a thread protector—a $5-10 necessary add-on.
- Accuracy is typically 3-4 MOA with bulk ammo, limiting precision work.
- Proprietary magazine system lacks the aftermarket support of Ruger 10/22 magazines.
- Polymer receiver may show wear on the steel guide rails after several thousand rounds.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 640832000948 |
| manufacturer | KelTec |
| manufacturer part number | SU22CBLK |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 16" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 29.7500 |
| number of magazines | 1 15 rd. |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 10.3 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 6.05 |
| sights | Yes |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Ruger 10/22 magazines?
- No. The SU22C uses proprietary KelTec magazines. It ships with one 25-round magazine, and additional magazines are available directly from KelTec or retailers like MidwayUSA.
- Does it fit in a standard AR-15 case?
- With the stock folded, yes. The folded length is approximately 17 inches, which will fit in the main compartment of most 36-inch double-rifle cases, allowing it to be transported alongside another firearm.
- Can you mount a bipod on the SU22C?
- Not directly to the rifle, as there is no dedicated front rail or swivel stud. Mounting a bipod requires using an accessory like a Picatinny rail section clamped to the barrel via an aftermarket mount, which adds weight and can affect barrel harmonics.
- How long does Ironclad Armory take to ship?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders for in-stock items like the SU22C within 1-2 business days. Shipping time then depends on your selected carrier, typically 3-7 business days for ground service to an FFL holder.