New for 2020: Kel-Tec RDB Defender

by
posted on August 2, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
keltec_rdb_defender.jpg

Building off the success of the earlier Rifle Downward-ejecting Bullpup, or RDB, rifle design Kel-Tec unveiled a new variant for 2020, The RDB Defender. The Defender features a blend of the original RDB layout with the lighter weight of the RDB Survival model into one package. Its key features include a 16” pencil-profile barrel, adjustable butt, and the inclusion of a new aluminum M-LOK handguard.

Chambered in 5.56x45 mm NATO, the RDB Defender has the same basic controls as the previous tactical version of the RDB. The safety selectors are ambidextrous as well as the bolt and magazine release. The bolt and magazine release are located behind the pistol grip around the magazine-well. A Picatinny rail sits on top of the receiver to allow the mounting of sights and accessories like the previous version as well.

The RDB defender does have some key differences, with the first being a slightly shorter and lighter barrel. The Defender’s barrel is 16” versus the 17” barrel present on the normal model and has a slimmer profile to reduce weight. The barrel’s twist rate is 1:7” and comes with an attached A2 style flash-hider. Another key difference of the Defender is the collapsible buttstock. On the original RDB, the butt is at a fixed length with no option for adjustment.

On the Defender, the butt can be adjusted for length-of-pull by pressing a tab hidden on the underside of the butt piece. The butt on the Defender is also smaller in profile than the original RDB and lacks the rubber molding and sling swivel. Another feature of the Defender is the inclusion of an aluminum M-LOK compatible handguard in place of the polymer Zytel handguard found on the original RDB.

This handguard has M-LOK slots on the sides, bottom and 45-degree positions in-between to allow the attachment of rail segments or other accessories. Despite the handguard’s metal construction, the Defender’s entire weight is 6.7 lbs. unloaded versus the 7 lbs. of the original version. It is also slightly shorter than the original adding to the design’s compact nature. The defender is compatible with AR-15 style magazines and has a suggested retail price starting at $1,072. For more information on the RDB Defender visit keltecweapons.com   

Latest

NOAA Small
NOAA Small

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Gun Of The Week: TriStar Arms Raptor II

For this week's range session, we’ve got a 20-ga. semi-automatic shotgun from TriStar Arms. And this latest iteration of the Raptor is sure to impress.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 3, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.