308 Kel Tec RFB Bulpup

[Huntolive]

I saw an interesting option in local gun shop today: Kel Tec RFB in 308 bulpup style, with mag rear of trigger, and 18" barrel. It is also Piston driven, which i like.

The entire rifle is extreemly compact, and w/ this design the 18" barrel looks as though it could only be 10". But you would still get 18" type velocity in a very portable, manuverable design. Seems like a powerful, convenient option for everything from hunting to bug-out.

Please provide any experiences with Kel Tec rifles and specifically with the RFB, and advice, etc.

For me, i already have 2 good AR10 DI full size rifles, one w/ 16" barrel, one w/ 18". I am choosing btwn this Kel Tec piston bulpup style, and the Adams Arms Alpha-s (which is also piston, but otherwise is full size standard configuration AR10)

 

[TIMC]

I had one of the first 600 guns off the line. I did have a gas block failure on the second round fired which was promptly repaired by the manufacturer, after that there were zero issues with the gun. I took several deer and pigs with it over the few years I owned it.
I can say the gun really shines with a suppressor! If you want a .30 cal bullpup then this is a nice one.

 

[Desolo]

I love mine... One of the few bullups a left handed shooter can enjoy, just by picking it up!
The gas system is a great feature, and one that sours many on the RFB. It requires one to adjust it for it's ammunition, you cant just take an unknown round and charge it and let it rip... You have to make sure it gets adjusted properly or it will have some very strange malfunctions. Its ejection system is a mite odd to those who have not watched it work ( ever see a gun that doesn't eject any brass for 4 shots, then throws out 5 cases in front of you? Its WEIRD to see for the first time!) But in return for all it's weirdness, and very adjustable gas system, once it is set up it has amazingly light recoil for 7.62 NATO/ .308 WIN. Mine kicks less then my SLR 107 in 7.62x39!

If your willing to pay the price... And deal with it's oddity... It is an amazing rifle. But it's not for everyone.

 

[Sun Tzu warrior]

I have a pair of CMR 30 carbines and couldn't be happier.
Their customer service is stellar! (I know this because of pistols)
STW

 

[barnbwt]

Supposedly there will be a 308 RDB...someday

 

[bikemutt]

I owned an RFB, a Gen II if that's the correct nomenclature.

It taught me a valuable lesson: I never want a 308 muzzle that close to my face when shooting. The lesson has much less to do with the RFB per se, it's just too much blast, too close.

As for the RFB, once it was returned from Kel-Tec for a myriad of issues, it ran fine for a while then resumed the antics that got it sent back there in the first place.

The only ammo it would shoot with a modicum of accuracy was steel cased. There is a reason for this which an Internet search should reveal.

I'd hoped mine would be a good suppressor host; after trying that several times, I'd much rather schedule an unneeded root canal.

I'm not a Kel-Tec hater or anything of the sort, I have many of their weapons of which I'm a proud owner, the RFB is not one of them.

 

[bikemutt]

While it may well be vaporware at this point, if I was ever tempted to consider a 308 bullpup again, it'd be the Desert Tech MDR.

 

[Huntolive]

Thanks to all, THR is the Best

Much appreciated, yeah that would b alot of blast up close and personal.
Maybe will go w/ a Tavor x95 instead. Thoughts/experience on the tavor x95?

 

[barnbwt]

Supposedly it can't hit the broad side of a barn (j/k, but it does seem like its barrel attachment or light profile or something is limiting its accuracy potential vs. the previous Tavor model, or other AR-style designs like the AUG or RDB)

TCB

 

[bikemutt]

Much appreciated, yeah that would b alot of blast up close and personal.
Maybe will go w/ a Tavor x95 instead. Thoughts/experience on the tavor x95?

I own the Tavor X95 and love the rifle. I have found it to be very finicky, as of now, as to how it's held/supported while firing. If I'm consistent I can pull <2" groups at 100 yards with it using PMC green tip. Keep in mind I was using it as a benchrest rifle which is not really what it was designed for. I find it to be about as accurate as my Aug but the Aug will shoot <2" with green tip regardless of how I hold/support it.

I need to do some more work with the X95 to really get a better handle on how to handle it. Ergonomically, for me, IWI hit it out of the ballpark with the X95. It is quite a challenge to field strip the rifle compared to the Aug, especially barrel removal. But, for a guy with 10 thumbs I was able to change out the trigger pack and the trigger for Geiselles and end up with just the right amount of left over parts