Originally Posted By ihon:
I have a black Keltec RDB with a Lucky Irish Rhino rail.  The Rhino rail is pretty good, particularly because I got it used at a discount.  So it's sticking around.  I like the LI Rhino rail more than the Keltec factory rail as it has an extra set of Mlok cutouts on the very top of each side.  I believe the factory is quick detach and uses the factory push pin to mount/dismount.  But that doesn't matter too much to me, although not a bad feature.  I'll take the extra set of Mlok over quick detach, but overall they are pretty close to each other.

I ended up getting an OD Green RDB and once I test it out, it will most likely replace my black one.  I'm trying to decide if I want to just move the Luck Irish rail over or try the A3 Tactical rail.

So, has anyone tried the A3 tactical rail?  I'm not sure how long it's been out.  It looks like it's shorter in length than either the Rhino or factory rails, which loses a few points to me.  But on the plus side, it covers the gap by the trigger guard, which makes it look better to me.  I'm not sure I want to trade function (shorter length) for better looks.  But than again, it's a Keltec, so I'm already compromised.    

I've liked the other A3 products I've tried in the past (Triad bullpup kit with Foxtrot upper, stocks, vert grip, etc.).  So I know their products are pretty nice overall.  My RDB is mainly a curiosity, but it runs well and is a great value for what I paid ($600ish).  

A3 also has a raised top replacement rail.  I don't think it's really needed, but looks great.  If you have tried that, I'd also like to hear your feedback.

I'd love to see S&W or Ruger 'rip off' the RDB (RFB as well for that matter) and beef it up.  They both need a bullpup in their lineups rather than just another AR clone to make them stand out.  Ruger did great with the LCP (P3AT rip  off).  S&W did a few rip offs (folding PCC, bullpup shotgun, .22mag & 5.7 pistol).  Keltec insist on using the minimum amount of metal and lowest cost plastic on their guns.  It's well thought out design, but the execution always leaves you wanting.  A beefed up RDB in .300BO or 6.5Grendel would be nice.

Originally Posted By Odinforever2000:
I haven't tried the A3 rail yet. It's only been out a few months, but the shorter length is what's keeping me from buying one. If it were Rhino-length, I'd probably already own one...I'm guessing its heavier (than the rhino rail) too...and Id need to find a way to make a lower rail look right on it..

As for the broader Kel-Tec criticism, I actually see that differently. I like that keltec "insist(s) providing lowest cost on their guns." That alone allows so many to try out a sub 600$ bullpup that has ALOT to offer in: light weight, tunable gas system and wonderful factory trigger that you would have to pay several times more for in any other bullpup.

I however, am curious what a S&W RDB clone would be like..I wasn't a fan of their shotgun.  

The RFB is actually the opposite of 'minimum metal'—it's a pretty heavy rifle and proved surprisingly durable during the Kentucky Ballistics overpressure test. The rifle itself id very tough.. The granular gas adjustment used to annoy me too, until I started running mine with a Lahar30L. Being able to fine-tune it made a huge difference, and it's now the quietest host I've used with that suppressor.

Originally Posted By ihon:


I didn't think about the weight of the A3 rail, only the length.  I may still try it when I get my next big commission check.  Maybe they'll offer a longer version if they get enough sales.  It's not like it's an easy platform to do a SBR on, so they might as well take the rail to the end of the shortest barrel.

I'll probably move the Rhino and paint it to match my OD green RDB as I'm only into it for $100 or so.  And it's already money spent, so $20 for some decent paint.  When I have some play money burning a hole in my pocket, I'll look at the A3 again.  

I appreciate what you are saying about Keltec products.  They really do deliver a lot of innovation for the price.  It's why many of us have given them a try and I actually like it.  I carried a P-3AT for years and it was reliable as well as one of the few micro pistols at the time (early 2000's) in .380.  Most others were 3-5x the cost (Seecamp) or only in .25acp.  Or they were heavy (NAA .32 & .380 micro at 20oz).  Keltec really nailed the micro compact .32 (P-32) & later .380 (P-3AT) in size, weight, & cost.  

I think it wouldn't take much to improve the quality of the metal or plastic they use.  I get that they are engineers and spec the minimum cost/weight to the strength they need.  I really do appreciate the minimalist approach to their design.  But what they are missing, and many engineers forget this, is the actual feel of the product.  They get so heavy into the specs (price, weight, etc.), they forget to handle the prototype and tweak the feel of  it.  Or they write 'feel' off as unimportant or emotional.  If they would just round up on the spec sheet to the next column or two, they really could make some impressive firearms.  They really do put a lot of thought into their designs and it is impressive.  But 75% of serious gun dudes, immediately right it off because of the cheap feel and bad rep.  I don't feel like I could skip my RBD or KS-7 down the driveway and have it still usable.  I do feel I could throw my Tavor-7 and Remington 870 down the driveway and still use it.  Although my Tavor-7 did show up in the mail at my dealer with a broken charging handle from shipping.  But it was poorly packed and I'm sure they put literally a ton of weight on it to cause it to break.

I also acknowledge, I bought the RDB because it was $600 and not $1000.  In fact, I have 3x (2x standard RDBs and 1x Hunter).  I literally have 3x RDBs for close the same amount as I spent on 1x Tavor-7 with some extra parts (Mantecore curved buttpad & top rail).  But, if the RDB was up to IWI or Steyr (older gun) quality, I wouldn't hesitate to spend $1000-1200 on it.  It really is one of their best products and a pretty good product as a whole.

I never handled a RFB other than in a gun store.  They were hard to get when it first came out.  Then the price stayed close enough to the Tavor-7, that I picked one of those up instead.  But I got a great deal on my first Tavor 7, as I entered a lowish bid on Gunbroker and 'accidentally' bought it.