Kel-Tec RFB: Redefining the Ambidextrous Bullpup Rifle Experience

For shooters who demand an uncompromising blend of power, precision, and revolutionary design, the Kel-Tec Rifle, Forward-Ejecting Bullpup (RFB) stands as a testament to American innovation. The RFB is not merely another rifle; it's a meticulously engineered solution addressing the long-standing challenges associated with traditional bullpup firearms. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast seeking a compact, high-performance .308 Winchester platform, a left-handed shooter tired of brass ejecting across your face, or a tactical professional requiring superior maneuverability without sacrificing stopping power, the RFB offers a unique and compelling answer. This rifle truly redefines expectations for what a modern, ambidextrous bullpup can achieve, making it an excellent choice for a diverse range of applications, from competitive shooting and personal defense to hunting medium-sized game.

Why Choose a Bullpup? The RFB Advantage

What exactly is a bullpup rifle, and why would one choose it over a conventional design? A bullpup configuration places the action and magazine behind the trigger group, significantly shortening the overall length of the firearm while maintaining a full-length barrel. This ingenious design results in a remarkably compact weapon that's easier to handle in confined spaces, more nimble in dynamic shooting scenarios, and less cumbersome to transport. The Kel-Tec RFB exemplifies these benefits, boasting an 18-inch barrel yet an astonishingly short overall length of just 26.1 inches. This means you get the ballistic performance and range associated with a longer barrel, but in a package that rivals many submachine guns or short-barreled rifles in terms of footprint.

However, traditional bullpup designs often come with trade-offs, particularly for left-handed shooters, due to side-ejecting brass. This is where the RFB truly shines as a game-changer. Kel-Tec engineered the RFB to be the first truly ambidextrous 7.62 NATO/.308 WIN bullpup rifle ever developed. This is made possible by its innovative forward-ejecting mechanism, which channels spent casings through a chute above the magazine well, directing them cleanly away from the shooter's face, regardless of which shoulder the rifle is fired from. This forward-ejection system is a crucial feature that enhances user comfort, safety, and operational versatility for all shooters, eliminating the need for modifications or awkward shooting positions.

Unparalleled Safety and Robust Construction

When considering any firearm, safety is paramount. The Kel-Tec RFB sets a new standard for bullpup safety, offering peace of mind to its operators. Unlike many bullpup designs where the shooter's face is in close proximity to the breech, the RFB incorporates a unique, robust safety design. The breech, the critical area where cartridge ignition occurs, is separated from the shooter's face by two layers of 1.6mm steel. This substantial barrier provides an added layer of protection in the extremely unlikely event of a case rupture. Furthermore, Kel-Tec's meticulous engineering directs any gas expansion downwards through the magazine well if such an incident were to occur, channeling energy away from the shooter's head and face. This thoughtful design showcases Kel-Tec’s commitment to user protection and makes the RFB one of the safest bullpup platforms available on the market.

Beyond its innovative safety features, the RFB is built to withstand rigorous use. Its construction emphasizes durability and reliability, ensuring consistent performance in demanding conditions. The rifle's robust internal components and quality materials contribute to a long service life, making it a reliable choice for both recreational shooting and more critical applications.

Precision Engineering and Superior Performance

At the heart of the RFB's performance is its short-stroke gas piston operation mechanism. This system is renowned for its reliability and cleaner operation compared to direct impingement systems. By preventing hot gasses and carbon fouling from entering the receiver, the gas piston system significantly reduces maintenance requirements and enhances the rifle's longevity and consistent function, even during extended firing sessions. This makes the RFB a more dependable companion in various environments and shooting scenarios.

The 18-inch barrel is a key component contributing to the RFB's accuracy and ballistic efficiency. It features a chrome-lined chamber and bore, which offers multiple advantages: superior corrosion resistance, extended barrel life, and easier cleaning. These properties are particularly beneficial for a rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 WIN, a caliber known for its power and versatility. Furthermore, the barrel is threaded to 5/8x24 TPI (threads per inch), a common standard for muzzle devices such as suppressors, flash hiders, and muzzle brakes. This threading allows for effortless customization and optimization of the rifle's recoil management and sound signature, catering to individual shooter preferences and legal requirements.

Ergonomics and User Experience: A Truly Ambidextrous Design

One of the most praised aspects of the Kel-Tec RFB is its truly ambidextrous nature. Every critical control on the RFB has been designed to be fully accessible and operable from either side of the rifle, eliminating the compromises often faced by left-handed shooters or those who prefer to switch shoulders. The reciprocating operating handle, for instance, can be quickly and easily switched to either the left or right side, adapting to the user's dominant hand or shooting style. The magazine release and safety selector are also positioned for intuitive access by both right and left-handed shooters, ensuring smooth and rapid manipulation during critical moments.

Perhaps one of the most surprising and frequently lauded features of the RFB is its trigger mechanism. Bullpup rifles are often criticized for their heavy, spongy, or otherwise inferior triggers due to the inherent linkage required between the trigger and the distant hammer group. However, Kel-Tec engineers defied this stereotype with the RFB. The trigger mechanism is widely considered to be second to no other bullpup ever built, and impressively, it outperforms the triggers found on nearly all commercial semi-automatic rifles, regardless of configuration. This crisp, predictable trigger pull allows for greater precision and shot placement, making the RFB a joy to shoot and enhancing its practical accuracy. The safety mechanism itself disconnects the trigger and blocks the hammer action, providing a positive and reliable engagement.

Customization and Accessories for Every Need

The Kel-Tec RFB comes ready for customization to suit any shooter's specific needs and preferences. A Mil-Spec Picatinny rail is rigidly attached to the barrel, providing a stable and reliable platform for mounting a wide array of optics and sighting systems. Recognizing that shooters have diverse needs, Kel-Tec intentionally provides no open sights, empowering users to select from the very best and newest red dot sights, magnified optics, thermal scopes, or night vision devices available on the market. This allows for optimal tailoring of the rifle for its intended use, whether that's long-range precision, rapid target acquisition, or low-light operations.

The RFB also ships with a versatile two-point sling that can be easily configured to suit the user's preference for carry and stability. For those looking to further enhance the rifle's capabilities, a comprehensive range of available accessories allows for truly personalized setups. These include:

• Free-Floating, Four-Sided Picatinny Forend: This accessory offers additional rail space for mounting tactical lights, lasers, vertical grips, and other rail-mounted accessories, enhancing the rifle's tactical versatility.
• Bipod Mounts: Essential for stable long-range shooting, these mounts allow for the attachment of a bipod, providing a steady platform for precision shots from prone or bench positions.
• Removable Bayonet Lug: For users with historical or tactical interests, this lug allows for the attachment of NATO-style bayonets, including Kel-Tec’s own innovative Folding Bayonet, providing an additional utility for the rifle.

Beyond these, common accessories that users often pair with their RFB include high-quality rifle scopes, robust carrying cases, cleaning kits tailored for .308 WIN/7.62x51mm NATO, and various magazines. The RFB accepts standard metric FAL type magazines, which are widely available and work in a "drop free" manner, meaning they fall freely when released and do not need to be rocked in, speeding up reloads. This common magazine type also simplifies logistics for owners who may already possess FAL magazines.

The Kel-Tec RFB Experience

The Kel-Tec RFB represents a significant leap forward in bullpup rifle design, offering a compelling package for shooters seeking a high-performance, compact, and truly ambidextrous rifle. Its unique forward-ejection system, robust safety features, crisp trigger, and compatibility with widely available FAL magazines make it a stand-out option in the crowded rifle market. Whether you're looking for a rifle that excels in tight quarters, offers unparalleled comfort for left-handed shooters, or simply provides a highly reliable and accurate .308 WIN platform, the RFB delivers. Kel-Tec's reputation for innovative, outside-the-box designs is truly embodied in the RFB, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of firearm engineering. Discover the revolutionary design and superior performance of the Kel-Tec RFB, available for your shooting needs at DEGuns.

Kel-Tec RFB 18" Model Specifications

Feature	Specification
Caliber	7.62x51mm NATO / .308 WIN
Weight Unloaded	8.1 Pounds
Overall Length	26.1 inches
Barrel Length	18 inches
Magazine	1-10 Round (Included)
Practical Range	600 meters
SKU	RFB18
UPC	640832003178