Kel-Tec RDB: A Unique Bullpup Rifle Design

by
posted on December 9, 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. **
kel-tec-rdb.jpg

To say the Kel-Tec’s RDB is an unusual take on a bullpup is understatement. The firearm’s initials—which stand for Rifle, Downward-Ejecting Bullpup—tell only part of the story. It was a big hit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in 2014, where it was first unveiled to enthusiasts.

Bullpup designs traditionally eject up top or compromise ambidextrous use by tossing empty cases to one side or the other. In this rifle they leave from behind the magazine well and head toward the ground. The piston-driven RDB is semi-automatic and uses a short-stroke, gas-operattion system.

Versatility is key in the gun, and includes a regulator on the barrel that allows owners to adjust the amount of pressure tapped off for cycling (for suppressor work or when using light loads). It’s also modular, consisting of four assembly groups—bolt group, barrel group, grip group and where the serialized component resides, the receiver group. H&K-style push pins make disassembly for maintenance, repair or replacement fast and easy. Dual ejectors on the bolt ensure operation from unconventional shooting positions, even upside down.

All four versions available today are chambered in 5.56 NATO, feature 1:7" rifling, have a rail on top for optics and accept standard AR-15 magazines. That’s a huge advantage for enthusiasts who already own a modern sporting rifle.

Last year the Kel-Tec RDB was the seventh-most-poplar semi-auto rifle in sales on GunBroker.com. It’s gaining steam, too, because it was No. 8 in 2018.

You can expect it to move up in the rankings when this year’s totals are in, thanks to the company’s introduction of the new Defender RDB model. Its barrel is 16.1" in length, the buttstock is adjustable and it comes with an M-LOK-compatible aluminum handguard. MSRP is $1,072 to $1,142, depending on options.

The RDB Defender version has the same length barrel, but ships with folding sights and no pistol grip. Price varies from $1,036 to $1,108.

If you’re after hogs or hoping to fill a tag on opening day the Hunter model may be more to your liking. With a sleek fore-end, 20.5" barrel and swivel stud up front, expect it to set you back $930 to $1,002.

And finally, the RDB 17 wears a 17.3" barrel. It has a Zytel fore-end, Pitatinny on the bottom for accessories and MSRP is $930.

Latest

Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main
Stuart 45 Pistol Pre War Manuevers Web Main

Guns Of The U.S. Tankers In World War II

Since the end of World War II, debates have raged about the effectiveness of American armored fighting vehicles in that conflict. Despite all the Monday morning armored quarterbacking, American AFVs were war-winners, driven to victory by some the finest fighting men our nation has ever produced.

MidwayUSA Foundation Awards Over $14 Million In Cash Grants In 2025

In honor of National Shooting Sports Month—held annually in August—along with the growing popularity of the sport with new participants, MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has distributed more than $14.2 million in cash grants to support youth shooting sports in 2025.

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.