Kel-Tec RFB

Infobox Weapon
name=RFB


caption=
origin=flag|United States
type=Battle rifle
is_ranged=yes
service=
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=Kel-Tec
production_date=
number=
variants= Carbine, Sporter, Target
weight=8.1 lb w. 18 inch barrel (Carbine),
8.7 lb w. 24 inch barrel (Sporter),
11.3 lb w. 32 inch barrel (Target)
length=in to mm|26|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes (Carbine) convert|32|in|abbr=on|1 (Sporter) convert|40|in|abbr=on|1 (Target)
part_length=convert|18|in|abbr=on|1 (Carbine) convert|24|in|abbr=on|1 (Sporter) convert|32|in|abbr=on|1 (Target)
crew=
cartridge=7.62x51mm NATO
caliber=
action=Gas-operating, tilting breechblock
rate= Semi-automatic
velocity=convert|2500|ft/s|0|lk=on|sp=us|abbr=on
range= Greater than 600 m (depending on configuration)
max_range=
feed=10 or 20-round metric FAL detachable box magazine
sights=None

The RFB (Rifle, Forward-ejection, Bullpup) is a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle with a tilting breechblock locking mechanism, manufactured by Kel-Tec Industries of Florida. As declared by Kel-Tec representatives at the 2008 SHOT Show held from February 2nd to 5th in Las Vegas, Nevada, the RFB rifle should be made available to public by the 4th quarter of 2008.

Design details

The RFB is a semi-automatic firearm chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) and uses metric FAL magazines. It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston operating system. The rifle uses a patented forward-ejection system via a tube placed over the barrel that ejects the spent case forwards, over the handguard of the rifle. Extraction is accomplished by two extractors, each with 2 axis of rotation. The extractors may move side-to-side to engage the rim of the case, and pivot upwards to extract the spent case after firing. Empty cases remain in the ejection chute until either the weapon is tilted downwards, the charging handle is operated, or they are pushed out by following cases. Cases drop gently from this chute to the right of the barrel. To avoid the sloppy trigger pull typical of bullpup style firearms, the RFB utilizes a floating linkage bar between the sear and the hammer, allowing the sear to remain above the trigger. The weapon is fully ambidextrous, much in the style of the Belgian F2000 assault rifle. The RFB accepts FN FAL-style magazines, and is delivered without iron sights. A mil-spec Picatinny rail is provided for mounting a wide range of optics and tactical accessories.

Interestingly, the barrel of the RFB is not fully free floated, it instead serves as the rigid "spine" of the weapon, to which all other components are attached (either directly or through other components).

Meanwhile, Kel-Tec is preparing smaller versions of the same design, adapted to 'intermediate' calibers such as 7.62x39, 5.56x45mm NATO (.223), 6.5 Grendel and 6.8mm Remington SPC.

Variants

Kel-Tec plans on manufacturing the RFB in at least 4 versions with differing barrel lengths, weight, overall length, and performance. Planned are: the Carbine with a in to mm|18|abbr=on|precision=1|wiki=yes barrel, a Sporter variant with convert|24|in|abbr=on|1 length barrel and Target version with either a heavy profile convert|32|in|abbr=on|1 barrel or convert|26|in|abbr=on|1 stainless steel barrel. The Target version also features a 5-way adjustable trigger, for a trigger pull from 2 to 6 lbf (9 to 27 N).

External links

* [http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com Kel-Tec Website]
* [http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/images/downloads/RFB_Flyer_SHOT_2007_web.pdf 2007 Kel-Tec promotional information release (PDF)]
* [http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn75-e.htm Modern Firearms - Kel-Tec RFB]

;Videos
* [http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/videos/rfbteaser.wmv Kel-Tec RFB 'teaser' video]