KelTec RDB vs AR Pistol: Compact Tactical Shootout

Published on August 15, 2020
Duration: 42:40

This review compares the KelTec RDB bullpup rifle against a 5.56 AR-15 pistol, focusing on size, weight, ergonomics, reliability, accuracy, and ballistics. While the AR pistol excels in weight and ergonomics due to its modularity and familiar controls, the RDB offers superior ballistics with a full-length barrel in a compact package. Despite the RDB's higher cost, it is declared the winner for its tactical advantages, though the AR pistol's affordability and 'fun factor' are acknowledged.

Quick Summary

The KelTec RDB offers superior ballistics with a 17.3-inch barrel in a compact bullpup design, achieving 2900-3150 fps. The AR-15 pistol is lighter (6 lbs 10 oz loaded) and more ergonomic but achieves lower velocities (2250-2500 fps) with its 7.5-inch barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Compact Firearms Philosophy
  2. 04:10Size and Weight Constraints (SAWC)
  3. 11:36Ergonomics and Shootability Comparison
  4. 15:57Reliability and Accuracy Testing
  5. 21:12Ballistic Advantage: RDB vs AR Pistol
  6. 22:33Value and Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in weight between the KelTec RDB and the AR-15 pistol in the review?

The Del-Ton Lima AR-15 pistol weighs 4 lbs 14 oz stripped and 6 lbs 10 oz fully loaded. In contrast, the KelTec RDB-17 weighs 7 lbs unloaded and reached 8 lbs 11 oz with an optic, making the AR pistol significantly lighter.

How does the RDB's barrel length compare to its overall size versus an AR pistol?

The KelTec RDB houses a full 17.3-inch barrel within a package comparable in size to an AR pistol, giving it a substantial ballistic advantage over short-barreled AR pistols.

Which platform offers better ergonomics and shootability in the comparison?

The AR-15 platform is declared the winner for ergonomics due to its intuitive, industry-standard controls and high modularity. The RDB's unique controls require more training to master.

What are the accuracy and reliability results for the KelTec RDB and AR-15 pistol?

Both platforms demonstrated good reliability, with the RDB achieving 100% over 700 rounds. Accuracy for both was comparable, hovering around 2 MOA at 100 yards with quality ammunition.

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