Kel-Tec 2016 New Products

Bob Boyd

posted on January 21, 2016

Guns

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The Kel-Tec RDB-C bullpup rifle, the Sub-2000 Multi Mag carbine and the KSG-NR bullpup shotgun.

The RDB-C is a 50-states-legal 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington semi-automatic rifle, the Sub-2000 Multi Mag is an updated version of their folding pistol-caliber carbine and the the KSG-NR is an NFA-ready shotgun optimized for the short barrel treatment.

The RDB was designed to address one of the main disadvantages of bullpup rifles — case ejection — and is named for it. Short for Rifle, Downward-eject Bullpup, the RDB draws spent cases backwards over the top of the magazine and ejects them downward through a central chute. This prevents spent cases from flying through your field of vision when shooting left-handed and reduces the risk of being struck by hot brass.

Kel-Tec RDB-C

The RDB-C has ambidextrous controls including a reversible charging handle.

It sports a single fixed rail for optics.

This year Kel-Tec is introducing a Communist–er 50 state legal variant of the RDB, the RDB-C — although you don’t have to be behind enemy lines to appreciate this hybrid traditionalist design. Quite a bit was changed cosmetically to appeal to local laws.

The RDB-C has redesigned polymer furniture with a straight fixed stock with a traditional grip and forend. Kel-Tec’s gator checkering follows the lines of the stock, adding texture to the forend and grip for improved handling. The paddle magazine release has been replaced with a more conventional push-button system. It’s ambidextrous, with safety, magazine and bolt release buttons on both sides and a reversible forward charging handle.

Functionally the RDB-C is the same as the original model. Apart from the cosmetic changes to the stock, the RDB-C will be offered with different barrel options, including 17-, 20- and 24-inch barrels. All barrels have a 1-in-7 twist to stabilize the heaviest 5.56 and .223 loads. Other cartridges are in the works, specifically 6.5 Grendel.

The MSRP is expected to be around $1250 for the standard rifle and roughly $1350 for the 24-inch model, significantly less than the original RDB. Kel-Tec expects to have the RDB-C in full production by the end of the year. It will ship with 10-round magazines and uses standard AR-15-pattern mags. Stocks will be offered in black, flat dark earth and olive drab.

Specifications:

5.56 NATO/.223 Remington
Capacity: 10+1, compatible with AR-15 magazines
Weight: 7 pounds
Barrel length: 17, 20 and 24 inches
Overall length: 27, 30 and 34 inches
Trigger pull: 4 pounds

Kel-Tec Sub-2000 Multi Mag

The Multi Mag has all the features of the updated 2015 Sub 2K.

Only now it works with several magazine patterns.

It still folds away for storage and transportation.

Part No. SUB-2000-552, Heavy Weight Bolt

Kel-Tec is also updating their hugely-popular pistol caliber carbine line-up with the new Sub-2000 Multi Mag. The Sub-2000 Multi Mag accepts Smith & Wesson M&P magazines as well as Beretta 92 and SIG 226 magazines with adapter kits. The updated carbines will be chambered for 9mm Luger and .40 S&W and the MSRP will remain $500, while the kits will list between $30 to $50 and should be available very soon.

A quick note for older-generation Sub 2000 owners, Kel-Tec will also offer a bolt upgrade from now on. This simple drop-in replacement bolt is heavier and reduces felt recoil. Even though recoil is hardly an issue with the Sub 2000, it’s a nice touch.

Specifications:

9mm Luger and .40 S&W
Capacity: 10+1 and up, depending on magazine
Weight: 4.25 pounds
Barrel length: 16 inches
Overall length: 29.25-30.5 inches
Trigger pull: 9 pounds

Kel-Tec KSG-NR

Intended to be cut down to make an SBS, the KSG-NR “only” holds 11 rounds.

Lastly, Kel-Tec is giving people the option of buying a short-barreled shotgun-ready version of the KSG pump-action bullpup shotgun with the KSG-NR, for “NFA-Ready.” It’s the same popular design with a shortened forend and magazine tubes. Chambered for 2-3/4 shells the KSG-NR has a reduced capacity of 11 rounds, five in each tube plus one in the chamber.

Other neat features include an integral vertical foregrip and built-in flashlight. The flashlight runs on CR123 batteries and is rated at 420 lumens. These will be available through special order from your local gun shop, with MSRPs in the ballpark of $1100.

Specifications: