KELTEC RDB-17"
Posted May 19, 2023
The KELTEC RDB-17 is a 5.56x45mm NATO/.223 Remington semi-automatic rifle. Manufactured in the United States by KELTEC CNC Industries, the RDB-17 is a bold entry into the ever-growing AR market.
At first glance, the RDB-17 stands out among a sea of similar-looking ARs. The most striking element of the RDB-17 is the bullpup design, wherein the action and magazine are located behind the pistol grip. This unique design gives the RDB-17 a distinctive appearance and shorter overall length, while still maintaining the same barreled length and cartridge power of its peers.
The RDB-17’s polymer construction gives it a lightweight feel, yet its sturdiness is evident. Coming in at just over six and a half pounds (without magazine or optics), the RDB-17 is ideal for a variety of situations, from hunting to plinking to self-defense.
Aesthetically the KELTEC RDB-17 is striking, even by AR standards. The rifle is visually striking even with the naked eye. The matte black finish is complements a plethora of aftermarket furniture available for the RDB-17. A red dot sight, angled foregrip, or extended magazine enhance the RDB-17’s already attractive appearance.
Supporting this is the RDB-17’s excellent ergonomics. The polymer stock provides for a comfortable cheek weld, while the adjustable stock aids in fitment of shooters of all sizes and shapes. The trigger guard also provides ample room for gloved fingers, making it suitable for cold weather use. However, one minor issue with the trading is the lack of an ambidextrous safety selector. Though not a deal-breaker, it is an oversight, given the otherwise excellent setup.
Recoil on the RDB-17 is minimal. The gun is very controllable, and because of its ergonomic design and light weight, muzzle rise is negligible. Most importantly, the rifle’s free-floated, chrome lined barrel shoots accurately and consistently. This makes the RDB-17 a great choice for leisure shooting, competition, and home defense.
On the other hand, the RDB-17 has its weak spots. Its lack of a forward assist is a double-edged sword – it eliminates the gas and blowback associated with it, but it also means that in the event of a stoppage, the user must take the rifle apart to clear the issue. Additionally, the gun requires a tool to take down. It only takes a few seconds, but it is a step removed from the quick-magazine change or field strip of other AR platform rifles.
Overall, the KELTEC RDB-17 is an outstanding rifle for a variety of applications. Its bullpup design, lightweight construction, and ergonomic design make it an attractive option for a new gun owner or an experienced shooter looking for a high-quality AR-style rifle. The RDB-17 shoots accurately and consistently, and its minimal recoil make it easy to handle. The only thing it’s lacking is a forward assist and the ability to quickly field strip without a tool. Despite these minor issues, the RDB-17 is an excellent gun and certainly worth the investment.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Compact and lightweight design for easy carrying and storage
-Available in nine different calibers for a range of uses
-Rotating bolt system for increased accuracy
-Extensive level of customizability with internal and external parts
-Ambidextrous controls for right- or left-hand shooters
Cons:
-High price point compared to other firearm models
-Not ideal for beginners due to complexity of design and maintenance
-Can be difficult to source replacement parts for repair and customization
-Recoil can be strong depending on the caliber selected
-May not be suitable for prolonged use or rapid-fire shooting
Who Should Buy
People who should buy the KELTEC RDB-17 are those who are looking for an affordable yet reliable semi-automatic rifle that can be used for hunting, competitive shooting, or self-defense. It is lightweight and offers good accuracy in various weather conditions, making it ideal for those who need a dependable firearm.
People who should not buy the KELTEC RDB-17 are those who are looking for a gun for military or police tactical use. This rifle is not designed for those purposes and may not be a good choice for those applications. Additionally, those who have limited experience using firearms or do not know how to properly operate a semi-automatic rifle should avoid purchasing this rifle.
Comparisons
| Features | KELTEC RDB-17 | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 Remington | .223/5.56 NATO | .22 LR | .223 Remington |
| Capacity | 20 Rounds | 30 Rounds | 10 Rounds | 20 Rounds |
| Weight (unloaded) | 7.3 lbs | 8.9 lbs | 5.3 lbs | 6.9 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 16.1" | 16" | 18" | 16" |
| Overall Length | 26.4" | 33.6" | 29.1" | 35.7" |
| Trigger | Two-stage trigger | Single-stage trigger | Two-stage trigger | Single-stage trigger |
| Rate of Fire | 360 rounds/minute | 190 rounds/minute | 187 rounds/minute | N/A |
| Stock Type | Folding, retractable | Fixed | Collapsible | Folding, retractable |
Features / Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Capacity: 30 rounds
- Barrel Length: 17”
- Overall Length: 33.5”
- Weight: 7.8 lb
- Stock: Collapsible
- Sight System: Picatinny Rail
- Safety: Crossbolt manual safety
- Finish: “Tazmanian Tiger” Camo
- Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the KELTEC RDB-17 are sights, optics, magazines, grips, stocks, and muzzle devices. Other popular accessories for this rifle include lasers, flashlights, forends, angled foregrips, slings, and bipods.
Accuracy
The KELTEC RDB-17 is known to deliver accuracy that is hard to beat. The use of a top-notch design paired with quality parts and precise craftsmanship has resulted in exceptional accuracy with many users experiencing groups that are consistently about 1 MOA at 100 yards. Backed up with KELTEC’s reputation for quality and performance, the RDB-17 is a solid contender in the pistol-caliber carbine segment.
