The Kel-Tec RDB-C: A Comprehensive Guide to California-Compliant Bullpup Excellence

Are you a California resident seeking a modern, high-performance rifle that adheres to the state’s stringent firearm regulations without sacrificing capability or a cutting-edge design? Do you find yourself wondering, "What bullpup rifles are legal in California?" or "How can I own a compact, powerful rifle for sport shooting in my state?" Look no further. The Kel-Tec RDB-C, specifically the RDBC20BLK model, stands as an innovative answer, blending futuristic bullpup ergonomics with unwavering compliance, making it an ideal choice for the discerning shooter. This detailed overview will explore every facet of this remarkable rifle, from its unique design to its practical applications, ensuring you understand why it’s a premier option available at DEGuns.

Navigating California Compliance: Why the RDB-C is Your Go-To Rifle

For firearms enthusiasts in California, understanding and adhering to the state's complex assault weapon laws is paramount. The Kel-Tec RDB-C (Rifle, Downward-ejecting, Bullpup – Compliant) was meticulously engineered to meet these specific requirements, offering a truly featureless configuration that allows for legal ownership and enjoyment. Unlike many standard AR-platform rifles that require modifications like "bullet buttons" or fixed magazines, the RDB-C's design inherently sidesteps common pitfalls, providing a seamless and compliant shooting experience.

So, what makes the Kel-Tec RDB-C California-compliant?

• Fixed Bullpup Stock: The most prominent feature for compliance is its integrated, fixed bullpup stock, which eliminates the traditional pistol grip. California law generally restricts rifles with detachable magazines and certain "evil features," including pistol grips, unless the rifle has a fixed magazine. By adopting a featureless design, the RDB-C allows for the use of standard capacity-limited (10-round) detachable magazines, offering convenience without compromising legality. This fixed stock configuration is integral to the model designation RDBC20BLK.
• No Flash Suppressor: The RDB-C comes equipped with a simple muzzle device or often a crowned barrel, avoiding the problematic flash suppressors that can classify a rifle as an "assault weapon" in California.
• Overall Length: With a 20-inch barrel, the Kel-Tec RDB-C maintains an overall length of approximately 30.5 inches, comfortably exceeding California's minimum rifle length requirement of 30 inches, further ensuring its legal status.
• 10+1 Round Capacity: It accommodates standard AR-15 pattern magazines, but for California residents, it’s designed to be used with 10-round magazines, fitting seamlessly into state regulations regarding magazine capacity.

For any California gun owner or prospective owner, the RDB-C alleviates the stress of legal ambiguity. It’s a firearm designed from the ground up to offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your shooting skills rather than legal technicalities.

The Bullpup Advantage: Compact Power, Superior Balance

One of the most compelling reasons to consider the Kel-Tec RDB-C is its bullpup configuration. What exactly is a bullpup, and why should it matter to you? In a bullpup rifle, the action and magazine are located behind the trigger, typically within the stock. This design allows for a significantly shorter overall firearm length while retaining a full-length barrel.

For the Kel-Tec RDB-C with its 20-inch barrel, this translates into several key advantages:

• Unmatched Compactness: Despite having a long, velocity-optimizing 20-inch barrel, the RDB-C maintains an incredibly compact profile, similar to that of a conventional rifle with a much shorter barrel (e.g., a 10-12 inch AR-15). This makes it exceptionally maneuverable in confined spaces, easier to transport, and more comfortable to handle on the range, especially if you're shooting from a bench or in tighter bay configurations.
• Superior Balance and Handling: By shifting the rifle's weight rearward, towards the shooter's shoulder, bullpup designs are often renowned for their exceptional balance. The RDB-C feels remarkably agile and less front-heavy than many conventional rifles, leading to faster target acquisition, reduced shooter fatigue during extended sessions, and enhanced control. This improved balance translates directly into a more stable shooting platform and potentially greater accuracy.
• Optimal Ballistics: The 20-inch barrel is crucial for maximizing the ballistic potential of the .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges. A longer barrel allows for more complete powder burn, resulting in higher muzzle velocities, flatter trajectories, and increased energy transfer downrange. For target shooters, this means better precision at longer distances. For those interested in varmint hunting or other practical applications where legal, this increased velocity and energy can be highly beneficial.

Performance Prowess: Power, Precision, and Reliability

The Kel-Tec RDB-C is chambered in the versatile .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO, making it compatible with a wide array of ammunition types for various shooting applications. Whether you're plinking with inexpensive range ammunition, practicing precision shots, or stocking up for other purposes, the rifle handles both calibers with ease.

Key performance features include:

• Gas-Piston Operating System: Unlike direct impingement systems common in many AR-15s, the RDB-C utilizes a short-stroke gas-piston system. This design significantly enhances reliability by keeping hot, corrosive gases out of the receiver, resulting in a much cleaner operating action. This means less fouling buildup, reduced maintenance, and more consistent performance, even during high-volume shooting. Users often report the RDB-C requires less frequent and less intensive cleaning compared to direct impingement rifles, a significant advantage for regular shooters.
• Innovative Downward Ejection: One of the Kel-Tec RDB’s most distinctive and celebrated features is its unique downward shell ejection. Spent casings are ejected directly downwards, behind the magazine well, rather than to the side. This ingenious design provides true ambidextrous operation, eliminating concerns about hot brass flying into the face of left-handed shooters or those shooting from alternative positions. It also ensures that brass doesn't interfere with optics or other accessories mounted above the receiver.
• Exceptional Trigger Pull: Bullpup rifles have historically faced criticism for their triggers, often due to the long linkage required between the trigger and the hammer. However, Kel-Tec has masterfully engineered the RDB-C to defy this stereotype. It boasts one of the best trigger pulls found on any bullpup rifle, characterized by a smooth take-up, a crisp break, and minimal overtravel. This contributes significantly to the rifle's shootability and potential for accuracy.
• Robust Construction: The RDB-C features a durable polymer frame combined with a steel-lined barrel and critical internal components, ensuring longevity and reliable performance under various conditions. Its construction is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use while maintaining a relatively light overall weight of around 6.7 pounds (unloaded), contributing to its excellent handling characteristics.
• Optics Ready: The rifle comes equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail on top, ready to accept a wide range of optics, including red dot sights, holographic sights, and magnified scopes. This versatility allows shooters to customize their sighting system to their specific needs and preferences, whether for fast target acquisition or precision shooting at longer distances.

Who Is the Kel-Tec RDB-C For? Answering Your Needs

The Kel-Tec RDB-C is an ideal solution for a diverse range of shooters, particularly those within California who desire a high-quality, legally compliant rifle.

• California Residents: If you live in California and want a modern, semi-automatic rifle in a common and effective caliber without the complexities or limitations of fixed magazine designs or "featureless" builds that compromise ergonomics, the RDB-C is precisely what you need. It provides a straightforward path to legal ownership of a formidable firearm.
• Sport Shooters & Range Enthusiasts: Its excellent balance, light weight, and a superb trigger make it a joy to shoot for extended periods at the range. The 20-inch barrel capitalizes on the .223/5.56 cartridge's capabilities for accuracy, making it suitable for both casual plinking and more serious target practice.
• Individuals Seeking a Compact Rifle: For those with limited storage space, or who prioritize ease of transport without sacrificing barrel length and ballistic performance, the bullpup design of the RDB-C is a game-changer.
• Collectors & Innovators: The RDB-C represents a significant advancement in bullpup design and compliance. Its unique downward ejection system and ergonomic features make it a noteworthy addition to any collection and a point of interest for those who appreciate firearm innovation.
• New Rifle Owners in CA: If you’re a new shooter in California looking to purchase your first semi-automatic rifle, the RDB-C offers an accessible and compliant entry point into the world of modern sporting rifles, simplifying the ownership process.

Maintaining Your RDB-C: Simple Care for Peak Performance

Like any precision instrument, the Kel-Tec RDB-C benefits from regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Thanks to its gas-piston system, cleaning is generally less arduous than with direct impingement systems.

• Disassembly: Field stripping the RDB-C is straightforward, allowing access to key components for cleaning. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
• Cleaning the Barrel and Chamber: Use appropriate bore brushes, patches, and a cleaning solvent to remove carbon and copper fouling.
• Cleaning the Gas Piston System: The piston and gas cylinder will accumulate carbon, but generally less than a direct impingement system. A nylon brush and carbon solvent can make quick work of these areas.
• Lubrication: Apply a light coat of high-quality firearm lubricant to all moving parts, especially the bolt carrier, charging handle, and any friction points as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Magazine Care: Keep your 10-round magazines clean and free of debris to ensure reliable feeding.

Consistent maintenance will ensure your Kel-Tec RDB-C performs flawlessly every time you take it to the range.

Experience the Difference with Kel-Tec and DEGuns

The Kel-Tec RDB-C, model RDBC20BLK, is more than just a compliant rifle; it’s a testament to innovative firearm engineering. It addresses the critical needs of California residents by offering a legal, high-performance bullpup that is both compact and powerful. Its blend of a 20-inch barrel for superior ballistics, a clean gas-piston system, and the ingenious downward ejection mechanism sets it apart in the crowded rifle market. When you choose the Kel-Tec RDB-C, you're investing in a rifle renowned for its reliability, excellent balance, and user-friendly design. Discover the future of compliant firearms at DEGuns, where the Kel-Tec RDBC20BLK is available to elevate your shooting experience.

Key Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	Kel-Tec RDB-C (RDBC20BLK)
Caliber	.223 Remington, 5.56x45mm NATO
Barrel Length	20 inches
Capacity	10+1 Rounds (compatible with 10-round AR-15 magazines)
Stock	Black, Fixed Bullpup Stock (CA Compliant)
Operating System	Short-Stroke Gas Piston
Ejection	Downward
Overall Length	Approximately 30.5 inches
Weight (Unloaded)	Approximately 6.7 lbs
MSRP	Consult DEGuns for current pricing
UPC	640832007052