Where are they now? Kel-Tec RDB and Osprey 416 AR piston kit

Published on April 29, 2021
Duration: 22:07

This review revisits the Kel-Tec RDB bullpup rifle and the Osprey 416 AR piston kit after years of use. The RDB is praised for its ambidextrous downward ejection, simple design, and mild recoil, though potential issues with clearing malfunctions and gas regulator adjustment are noted. The Osprey piston kit is deemed a functional, albeit niche, upgrade for AR-15s, despite the company's uncertain status.

Quick Summary

The Kel-Tec RDB bullpup rifle features a unique downward ejection port behind the magazine well, making it fully ambidextrous without part swaps. It offers mild recoil and a good trigger, though proper gas regulator adjustment is crucial for reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Where Are They Now?
  2. 01:46Kel-Tec RDB Overview & Design
  3. 03:09RDB Controls & Reliability
  4. 05:35RDB Range Performance & Recoil
  5. 07:46RDB Quirks & Maintenance Tips
  6. 11:08RDB Simple Disassembly
  7. 14:40Osprey 416 AR Piston Kit Review
  8. 17:11Final Assessment & Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Kel-Tec RDB bullpup rifle ambidextrous?

The Kel-Tec RDB is fully ambidextrous due to its unique downward ejection port, located behind the magazine well. This design allows spent casings to be ejected downwards, eliminating the need to swap parts for left-handed or right-handed operation.

What are common reliability issues with the Kel-Tec RDB?

Many reliability complaints with the RDB stem from users failing to properly adjust the gas regulator. Additionally, certain off-hand support styles can block the downward ejection port, and clearing double feeds can be challenging without field stripping.

Is the Osprey 416 AR piston kit still available and reliable?

The current availability of Osprey Defense products is uncertain, with many items listed as discontinued. However, the Osprey 416 piston kit has proven reliable over years of testing for AR-15 rifles, replacing the standard gas tube with a piston system.

How does the Kel-Tec RDB's recoil compare to other bullpups?

The Kel-Tec RDB offers an exceptionally mild recoil impulse, attributed to its long bolt travel. Its trigger is also noted as being light and crisp, often considered superior to older bullpup designs like the Steyr AUG.

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