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That is exactly what I was asking myself before I won this brand new Kel Tec RDB bull-pup style rifle.
I used to brush off the word "Kel Tec" as something of quality on par with "Hi-Point", "NC Star" or any other myriad of budget brand firearm related goods. I think it's a stigma that Kel Tec has had attached to it's name for a very long time. It has become apparent to me recently that the Kel Tec brand has been diligently working very hard toward shaking that tenacious stigma that many firearm enthusiasts still perceive of them.
Kel Tec's latest offering, the RDB 223/556 bull-pup style rifle is a clear sign of the innovation and design that Kel Tec is putting forth in their products these days. Once I got past the Kel Tec name and stigma, I was able to actually research information and physically experience the RDB in my hands. I was very pleasantly surprised at the positive reviews that the RDB was receiving as well as the very natural feeling I experienced when holding and shouldering the RDB. The first thing I noticed was that it did not have that "plastic toy" type of feel that I was expecting. It felt heavier than I thought it would, but not too heavy to like. It was just heavy enough to let you know it wasn't some kind of joke but actually a well thought out piece of hardware that was designed with functionality and purpose in mind. I knew I could conduct business with this tool in a serious way. The balance of the RDB is astonishing and it feels very natural as you snuggle it into your shoulder and achieve a cheek weld. It was similar to the feeling I get when I put on my 15 year old Danner boots that I've had resoled three times, like a comfortable old friend with a very personal, tailored fit. I haven't had the RDB to the range yet but at this point I am very confident that this rifle will be growing on me. It has certainly changed the way my brain reacts when I hear the name Kel Tec.
I had been waiting until I could get some sights or an optic for the RDB before getting it to the range. I didn't want to plunder the sighting equipment from one of my other rifles, as I would usually have done to facilitate instant gratification in a new rifle that I'm anxious to shoot. I knew after fondling the RDB that I would want to put an optic on it that would remain on it. A clear sign that I intended the RDB to be a keeper for me. I ended up buying another (I have two now) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 for the RDB as I've been impressed with how affordable, utilitarian and versatile this Vortex product has proven itself to be. I mounted the Strike Eagle to the RDB in an American Defense Recon 30mm with quick disconnect levers. It is now ready for a range trip I have planned for Monday with Jukk0u (Jim) and sinus211 (Mike) if they are willing to bless me with their presence. I want to see and hear what their impression of the RDB will be as well.
I'll leave you with this range ready image of the RDB as I eagerly anticipate Monday morning at MRC.
I used to brush off the word "Kel Tec" as something of quality on par with "Hi-Point", "NC Star" or any other myriad of budget brand firearm related goods. I think it's a stigma that Kel Tec has had attached to it's name for a very long time. It has become apparent to me recently that the Kel Tec brand has been diligently working very hard toward shaking that tenacious stigma that many firearm enthusiasts still perceive of them.
Kel Tec's latest offering, the RDB 223/556 bull-pup style rifle is a clear sign of the innovation and design that Kel Tec is putting forth in their products these days. Once I got past the Kel Tec name and stigma, I was able to actually research information and physically experience the RDB in my hands. I was very pleasantly surprised at the positive reviews that the RDB was receiving as well as the very natural feeling I experienced when holding and shouldering the RDB. The first thing I noticed was that it did not have that "plastic toy" type of feel that I was expecting. It felt heavier than I thought it would, but not too heavy to like. It was just heavy enough to let you know it wasn't some kind of joke but actually a well thought out piece of hardware that was designed with functionality and purpose in mind. I knew I could conduct business with this tool in a serious way. The balance of the RDB is astonishing and it feels very natural as you snuggle it into your shoulder and achieve a cheek weld. It was similar to the feeling I get when I put on my 15 year old Danner boots that I've had resoled three times, like a comfortable old friend with a very personal, tailored fit. I haven't had the RDB to the range yet but at this point I am very confident that this rifle will be growing on me. It has certainly changed the way my brain reacts when I hear the name Kel Tec.
I had been waiting until I could get some sights or an optic for the RDB before getting it to the range. I didn't want to plunder the sighting equipment from one of my other rifles, as I would usually have done to facilitate instant gratification in a new rifle that I'm anxious to shoot. I knew after fondling the RDB that I would want to put an optic on it that would remain on it. A clear sign that I intended the RDB to be a keeper for me. I ended up buying another (I have two now) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 for the RDB as I've been impressed with how affordable, utilitarian and versatile this Vortex product has proven itself to be. I mounted the Strike Eagle to the RDB in an American Defense Recon 30mm with quick disconnect levers. It is now ready for a range trip I have planned for Monday with Jukk0u (Jim) and sinus211 (Mike) if they are willing to bless me with their presence. I want to see and hear what their impression of the RDB will be as well.
I'll leave you with this range ready image of the RDB as I eagerly anticipate Monday morning at MRC.
