Kel-Tec RDB (series)

History of Kel-Tec RDB (Series)

Kel-Tec CNC Industries, founded in 1991 by George Lars Kellgren, has expanded its market and product range, introducing the RDB series in 2015. Designed by Kellgren, the RDB is a conventional rifle with a downward eject cartridge system in a "bullpup" configuration, offering advantages such as a full-length barrel in a compact overall length. Despite the bullpup design's benefits, it requires careful handling due to the proximity of the action to the shooter's face.

The RDB series includes variants like the RDB-17, featuring a 17.3" barrel, downward ejection system, and ambidextrous design. Weighing 7lbs, it supports left- and right-handed shooters, with standard features like a Zytel front bezel and an integrated Picatinny rail system. The modular design consists of four main parts—receiver assembly, grip assembly, bolt assembly, and barrel assembly.

The RDB Survival is a compact version with a 16" barrel, foldable sights, and stock for remote use. The RDB Defender offers a lighter tactical solution with M-LOK handguards, a foldable stock, and a 16-inch barrel. Lastly, the RDB Hunter adapts tactical features for hunting, including a solid stock, rotatable bipod, Picatinny rail, and a 20-inch threaded barrel. The M43 variant introduces parkerized steel or wood, replacing the original polymer shell, and includes a flip-up visor and heat shield.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 2015

Origins: United States

Categories: Semi-Auto Bull Rifle

Operators: United States

Distinctive features

Compact nature: The compact nature allows for relatively easy confusion.

BULLPUP configuration: The design sets the post-feed action, allowing for a more compact design while retaining the full-length or near-full-length barrel assembly.

Semi-automatic fire: Internal action allows triggering a single bullet per trigger, triggering a semi-automatic loading mechanism for continuous fire.

Repeated Shots: The system has built-in automatic or pseudo-automatic function, which can achieve repeated triggering.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids: Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Customizable: Design allows users to customize certain components for customization.

Adaptable: Design provides attachment points for external aftermarket hardware including laser sights, flashlights, scopes and grips.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 693mm (27.28 inches)

Barrel length: 439mm (17.28 inches)

Cured weight: 6.61 lbs (3.00 kg)

Action

Semi-automatic: One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Pivot: This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power: Proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 5. 56x45mm NATO / . 223 rem

Circle/Feed: 20-round detachable magazine.