MY IMPRESSIONS
The RDB Survival, or RDB-S, appears to be an RDB rifle that KelTec forgot to finish! Its lack of a well-defined pistol grip sets it apart from my full-size RDB or comparable AR-15 platform rifles. While the M1 Carbine resembles a shortened M1 Garand, the RDB-S follows a different path. Its shortened pistol grip is adequate to hold and aim the carbine, which is amazingly well balanced, giving me great control.
Although it looks odd, the RDB-S has some great features that I like. Nearly all this carbine’s best attributes come from its bullpup design. The KelTec bullpup places the chamber, bolt, and ejection port behind the firearm's action, giving it a short overall length. Empty brass is ejected downward instead of to the side.
Its 16.1-inch barrel is largely concealed within the forearm and extends back to the center of the carbine. The Magpul 20-round magazine inserts behind the grip. Although a longer magazine could be used, this one just looks and feels right. These features make this RDB compact, well balanced, and light.
My favorite two features of the RDB Survival are its pop-up sights and the Picatinny rail. Any carbine this light and compact deserves to be accurate. The iron flip-up sights stay down and concealed until needed. When deployed, they reveal a practical rear peep sight adjustable for windage and a post front sight adjustable for elevation. Although simple, these sights are effective in placing shots out to 100 yards.
More Features
The Picatinny rail is the most versatile aiming feature, since it allows the addition of an optic like my TruGlo high-mount red dot sight. Mounting it forward allows me to move laterally and see moving targets. I can pinpoint my hits accurately and bring out the best from the little carbine. Of course, scopes, lasers, and lights may also be attached.
Other neat features of this RDB are its adjustable gas port and stock. Simply turning the port with a pointed object controls gas to the receiver, so you can adjust for different types of ammo or reloaded ammo. The collapsible buttstock shortens the gun even more and customizes the length of pull for different shooters – no need for a heavy, clumsy folding stock.
Loading the chamber is done with a slim, folding charging handle. Located on the left forearm, it is pulled back and locked rearward. Slapping it downward strips a round from the magazine and forces it into the chamber. The separate bolt release buttons on the receiver will also drive the bolt forward if desired.
The ambidextrous magazine release is thumb-activated and allows easy removal of the magazine in one movement.
RANGE TIME
A cool sunny day at Area 52 in Southern Arizona was perfect for testing the RDB Survival. Targets were two steel plates at 20 and 40 yards, and many 2-liter soda jugs placed at various distances, with PMC Bronze 55-grain FMJ .223 ammo – always my choice for reliable full-power rounds.
To load the RDB Survival, pull back on the charging handle and lock it to the rear. Insert a magazine into the magwell until locked, then slap the charging handle down. The cross-bolt safety at the rear of the trigger guard must be pushed from right to left to allow the gun to fire.
The long, spongy trigger combined with the shortened grip makes this light carbine a challenge to aim. My first shot at a root beer jug missed left, but my second shot nailed it. Three hits on the close gong grouped nicely for my offhand effort.
Shooting Notes
Two things stand out when shooting this carbine: it is quite loud, and there is little felt recoil. The gas-operated design of this bullpup means that the operating rod is long and therefore transmits energy over a greater distance on the gun’s frame. This makes for a light-kicking gun.
The bullpup design also places the muzzle closer to the end of the forearm, which amplifies the sound. Too bad that the muzzle is not threaded for a suppressor – hearing protection is mandatory with this gun.
After learning the trigger feel and stock shape, I had no problem hitting the 40-yard gong. All soda jugs disappeared in clouds of foam. I would expect this from a larger rifle, but the RDB Survival delivers decent accuracy in its small package.
Although awkward in appearance, I am impressed with the gun’s balance and handling. At no time did it seem to be getting out of control. Rapid firing offhand with a 30-round Magpul magazine was effortless and reliable. No jams or failures to feed or eject were encountered.
Ron Calderone
Ron Calderone is a national record holder and recognized NRA competitor with a legendary background in Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Silhouette. A certified match director and former board member of the Tucson Rifle Club, Ron now enjoys retirement quail hunting with his French Spaniel and sharing his decades of competitive expertise.
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