Kel-Tec RFB Carbine?

[Greg8098]

I saw this today on the Kel-Tec website, and it looks like it will be a pretty neat .308. The only thing that I don't like is the forward ejection system . I'm wondering if anybody here will buy one when they become available. I'm thinking about it. Anyone know about how much it will cost?


http://www.kel-tec.com/videos/rfbteaser.wmv

Here's the link if you haven't already seen it.

 

[browningguy]

Suggested retail is supposed to be over $2000, I won't be buying. Personally I'd go for a DPMS and a decent scope with a case of ammo thrown in for that amount.

And I should have added, I own two SU16's and a Sub2000 that I really enjoy. I'm definately not a KT hater, they are just moving out of my price range for fun guns.

 

[fletcher]

That would be fun, if it didn't have the price tag.

 

[Harry Paget Flashman]

I don't think the forward ejection system would put me off. The shooters in the video maintained good control of the weapons but the recoil looked brutal in such a small rifle. I had a KelTec SU-16B before and it shot well enough, though it didn't like Wolf steel case ammo. I traded it off because I just wasn't that sure of it's durability and life span. I liked shooting it a lot. A lot.
Also, I went through the disappointment of two KelTec P3AT's were unreliable right out of the box. I've got a nice Sub2000 that's G17 compatible and it has run great from day one. I just don't see another KelTec in my future unless I come out of retirement or they stand the test of time for durability.

If I want an affordable .308 I'd go with a Saiga I think. Meantime, I have my Mosin Nagant's.

 

[Greg8098]

$2000+ !!! I see a dark future for Kel-Tec !!! I wont be buying that!

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I'd rather invest in some ocean front property in Nevada.

 

[inherentical]

$2k+? Right. I love my Kel-Tecs, but if they weren't cheap I wouldn't be buying them.

 

[Ian]

The forward ejection is one of the best parts of the guns. That is about the only way to make a bullpup ambidextrous (downward ejection is out because you've got a box magazine below the chamber). I plan to get one, as long as they function reliably.

 

[HorseSoldier]

The price tag is a deal breaker for me as well, on an otherwise interesting design.

 

[Wes Janson]

Realistically, the price is expected to be about $1500. And honestly, that's about the same as a mid-range Springfield Armory M1A. I've shot the RFB: recoil wasn't an issue. It's always a matter of perception, and honestly I recall it having less kick, if anything, than my M1A.

These comments about Kel-Tec's pricing seem really backwards to me. If the RFB was being developed by FN, I guarantee that everyone would be cheering about how it'll be cheaper than the FS2000. The fact of the matter is that for a quality, current production, American-made semi-auto .308 battle rifle, $1500 is a fair market value. M1As run from $1200-2500+, bare-bones DSA FALs start at $1200, and PTR-91s go from $1000 up to $2000. The RFB falls squarely into the middle of that range...and it hasn't been in production for years and years either. It's also possible that in time the RFB's pricing will drop some as well thanks to economies of scale.

I love my M1A, and I'd like to get a FAL, but after having tried out the RFB, nothing can really compare.

 

[MassMark]

Good points Wes. Sometimes people 'resist the force' when it comes to forward thinking design concepts. It's difficult to fathom for some how forward ejection could be anything but a novelty. Then stare that the MSRP and the the eyes go elsewhere. Truth is, if I had $1500.00 to spend on another gun, it would likely be another M1A. That said, if I was all up on my desire for 3 M1A's, I'd absolutely jump. I'd also have an FS2000 - as I was really impressed with the example I fired at a local shoot. I think Kel-Tec has a potential winner on it's hands and when MSRP and actual dealer cost cross paths, I think a lot of people will take the plunge into what looks like a well-thought, powerful and handy compact rifle...

 

[Ian]

Wes - If you have any say at KelTec, please make sure they don't change the magazines for the RFB. I already went and bought a couple dozen metric FAL mags in anticipation.

 

[browningguy]

These comments about Kel-Tec's pricing seem really backwards to me. If the RFB was being developed by FN, I guarantee that everyone would be cheering about how it'll be cheaper than the FS2000. The fact of the matter is that for a quality, current production, American-made semi-auto .308 battle rifle, $1500 is a fair market value.

I'd agree with most of those statements, but here is an example of the real competition:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=79751494
Thats a new DPMS in .308, buy it now for $999.

As I said, I like my SU's and Sub2000, but they ain't no FS2000. KT has no experience that I can see building high end weapons, everything has been built to a price (low). I love their engineering skills and ability to deliver a good product for the money, but I'm not sure about paying more for a KT than an equivalent DPMS.

If it was going to be priced in the $1000-1200 range I'd have a deposit on one, but all their announcements and interviews at Shot when they introduced it talked about $2K.

 

[cvb]

Wait till comes out and see if a bullpup 308 doesnt appeal tp you.
I mean this things short with a full 16inch bbl.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Actual retail will probably be closer to $1,700, and I will definitely buy one. The reason I've been told for the higher price tag is simply the same reason that so many other 7.62mm rifles are spendy-lots and lots of machining steel parts. The RFB is light, but at 8 lbs there's still a significant amount of metal in there.

Look at it this way, you can always buy one of the other bullpup .308's..............

 

[jpwilly]

For $1500 I'd have to consider it. BUT The SA SOCOM II seems to handle recoil much better and can be had for a similar cost.

 

[GunTech]

We'll have to wait and see what happens with the new Keltec. Gun buyers are a conservative lot. Look how long it took for polymer pistols to be accepted. I'm not a fan of bullpups myself, but will wait an see. The sniper version with the 32 inch barrel is interesting. Particularly given it's length in comparison to conventional rifles. Looks like a 200fps gain easy.

The bullpup definitely has size on it's side, andf the forewards ejection takes care of the 'handedness' issue

I'm just sorry Keltec never built their 223 bullpup.

As for the FS2000. Shot it. Yuck. They need gun designers who know wbout ergonomics, not fashion designers. Reminds me of a prop from a batman movie.