KELTEC RDB Carbine 5.56 NATO/223 Rem 17.4" Blued - $937.89 (Free S/H on Firearms)

These need to come down to $800 - $850

Truth is I like bullpup rifles and "had" to have this when it was first announced at SHOT. Problem is, Kel-Tec is notorious for having limited production and so I way overpaid for mine due to lack of supply - actually about what this retailer is selling this one for. They can be had on Gunbroker hundreds cheaper than this.

Now the fun begins - I get the rifle and while getting it sighted in it starts exhibiting FTE problems across the board. I try making adjustments to the gas system, changing ammo and same problem. Not until later when I get back and break the rifle down do I realize the ejector pin has come out and shredded inside the gun. On top of that, my bolt carrier is peened from the pin bouncing around inside while cycling. Top that off with the fact only certain magazines will stay inserted (STANAG mags drop out after the first shot) and the piston weld letting loose - this gun is a pile of crap despite having so much potential. Call their support and they act like they could care less and tell you to send the gun in - but they're running 1-2 months behind on repairs. Already I'm getting the feeling quality is an afterthought here and customer service is lackluster.

They love to show pictures with a scope and Magpul AFG, however, no sights or AFG are included. You get a basic cardboard box and the rifle with 20 round magazine. The price point is too high for this rifle and the cool factor quickly went away when it failed out of the gate. A cheap AR will get the job done but this thing can leave you high and dry when you need it most.

Furthermore - think twice about buying one used as you won't have a "lifetime warranty" so if someone gets rid of theirs to you - you'll be footing the repair bills.

Apart from failures encountered, I still say the rifle has potential but realistically should be around $600-$700 best case once the bugs have been worked out. Some glaring improvements would be addition of M-Lok or KeyMod side rail mounting points as well as an extended 1913 top rail further toward the back. The safety selector could be redesigned and more robust in order to not rotate past "Fire". The mag release could be improved and external parts nitride finished.

I'd say this is based on the Chinese QBZ. Hopefully with Trump elected we will be able to import them here. They're very popular in Canada.

FRANKEN-GUN!