Ket-tec RFB 18

[bkjeffrey]

Someone please tell me why I shouldnt be buying one of these......

The guys at Gunblast shot a 5/8 inch group using FGMM. Not bad a'tall in my book...especially for a 18" bullpup. Gas piston operated and adjustable for suppressed use. Takes FAL magazine and I haven't heard one bad work about reliability......

Thoughts?

 

[MachIVshooter]

Someone please tell me why I shouldnt be buying one of these

Because I don't have one yet?

They're a seriuosly cool rifle from an awesome company. If you can find one and have the coin, I say go for it.

 

[aubie515]

I have a hard time believing people who say they have shot sub MOA through the RFB. I have an RFB and I reload my ammo and I've never gotten below MOA with my RFB. The RFB is really a tough gun to shoot on the bench since the mag is rearward...it's hard to get a good rear rest on the RFB. I feel that the RFB is a solid 1-1.5MOA rifle, but it's not a precision rifle. If you want a precision rifle in a 308 and semi...look at the DPMS, SCAR17, OBR.

 

[Girodin]

Exploding gas blocks, but perhaps that has all been resolved by now. I also don't put a lot of stock in 3 shot groups and less so when they might simply be a cherry picked one.

I'm still yet to see one in a shop and the inflated prices that limited availability has caused is perhaps the biggest reason I haven't bought one. I like the idea on paper. I'm still slightly skeptical about Kel tecs execution.

 

[rbernie]

I handled one for a while recently, and it's bulk and balance left me seriously cold.

 

[TIMC]

I have one and do like it a lot but is it not the miricle rifle the OP seems to think. I will say I think it is a good solid rifle for what it is and it does shoot well but it is 1-1 1/4" shooter but not sub MOA. I had the gas blow up on mine the second round I fired out of the gun and it had to be sent back.. I have since put quite a few rounds through it with no issues.

I found the recoil and muzzle flip a bit much for rapid fire until I put the JP Enterprises Recoil Eliminator on it; she is now very easy to hold on target.

As far as a hunter the rifle will do the job and I have taken several pigs and deer with the rifle. Would I take this rifle over my AR-10? No way but I do like the little bullpup and intend to keep it.

 

[wally]

Just got one, what MIMC said although I haven't had any issues once I got the regulator setting correct.

I started out with a low mounted scope and immediately had to put on the highest rings I could find to get a meatier part of my cheek on the stock.

I think they'd sell a lot more in a lessor caliber like 7.62x39 where the accuracy expectations would be more reasonable, and it'd be a lot easier and cheaper to shoot!

 

[Ian]

I was really really gung-ho about them, until I got to shoot one. The balance isn't great, and the one I shot had a ton of malfunctions (it had trouble pushing empties into the ejection tube and as a result failed to feed every other shot or so. The malfs were fairly tricky to clear, thanks to the bullpup design. I have a bunch of video of it, which I haven't edited together yet.

Sadly, that range trip cured my lust for an RFB. I'll stock with my tanker M1 instead.

 

[bkjeffrey]

Ive noticed in quite a few videos that recoil seems a little jerkier than say an M1A or AR platform 308. I wonder if this is because alot of the reciprocating mass is behind the fulcrum (grip).....

Also, anyone who has one....hows the trigger?

 

[TIMC]

The trigger on the RFB is probably the best of any bullpup rifle, which all for the most part are crap due to the design but it is very workable in the field.

 

[wally]

the one I shot had a ton of malfunctions (it had trouble pushing empties into the ejection tube and as a result failed to feed every other shot or so

Sounds like the gas regulator wasn't adjusted correctly, as that is one mine was doing until I got it adjusted to fully cycle.

The malfs were fairly tricky to clear

I didn't find this to be the case at all. Drop the mag cycle the bolt, re-insert the mag. Same drill as an AK or AR.

The trigger on the RFB is probably the best of any bullpup rifle

I'd agree with this.

 

[Catalina]

Why not to buy one:

1) you care about minutes of angles - and actually know what they are

2) they trade for a premium currently

3) it comes in a cardboard box

4) recoil matters to you

5) you've read about them exploding

6) the manufacturer makes a $199 .380 that requires a buff n' polish

7) the trigger is not connected by a glass rod - and you know what a glass rod is

8) the one you buy could be the one I'm saving up for, and I would have to wait longer to find one.

 

[JustinJ]

While i'm a fan of the bullpup i'd say the model is still too new and from a company known for releasing products with bugs not yet worked out. I haven't seen one yet in person but i hope the finish looks better than other Keltek products.

"3) it comes in a cardboard box"

To be fair so did my HK USC.

 

[Sig88]

Not something I find appealing, never been much of a fan of Bullpups. Still interested to read about them but don't find them appealing.

 

[1stmarine]

Innovation has risks.
without risK there is no innovation.
W/o innovation there is no progress.
I think this is oriented to folks that actually like bullpups.
Should not expect MOA on a rifle of this characteristics. 1.5 MOA is more relistic.
Keltec is known to take goo care of customer and any issues. They know their products and want to make them better and more affordable all the time but they also know w/o the proper support to their customers they will not be where they are.
A .380 might require some buff but many of their products do not require anything. Talking about 380 a friend of mine go a brand new beretta and after first day he had to send it for repair. 8 months it took them w/o any explanation or apology. Only they reacted when the gun shop owner escalated real bad and customer asked for a full refund.
So brand doesn't always mean something these days.
I do not know the bullpuls but I will not surprised they could be taken to the next level. Only public interest and demand drives this.
Keltec is bringing an all new assortment of new ideas and cool products that do work well for the most part, are affordable (the bullpull is an exception) and are proudly made in the USA.
MADE IN THE USA. In case this still means something to someone.

 

[Panzercat]

I have one and do like it a lot but is it not the miricle rifle the OP seems to think....

Holy crap, somebody actually has one.
But seriously, that's the primary reason you won't be getting an RFB-- They're stupid rare.

 

[TIMC]

If one wants one then they are to be had. I counted 7 for sale on gunbroker.

All it takes is Moooooney!

 

[Panzercat]

But in an actual store where prices aren't overly inflated? Nah, won't happen.

 

[RX-178]

There was one on the wall behind the counter of Sportsman's Elite in El Paso TX in March this year. Didn't check the price though.