Kel-Tec RFB Hunter 24″ .308 Bullpup Rifle, Black
About this product
What is the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter 24” .308 Bullpup Rifle? It is a forward-ejecting, fully ambidextrous semi-automatic platform chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO that achieves a 35.9-inch overall length around a 24-inch cold hammer-forged steel barrel. This bullpup design reconfigures the action behind the trigger group, resulting in a centerfire rifle that is approximately 10 inches shorter than a conventional rifle with the same barrel length. The system uses standard FAL-type magazines and features a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle, making it a purpose-built solution for hunters and shooters who prioritize ballistic performance in dense terrain.
What is the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter used for?
The RFB Hunter is primarily used for hunting medium to large game at extended ranges where the full 24-inch barrel maximizes the .308 Winchester cartridge's velocity and terminal energy. The forward-ejecting design keeps gas and particulate completely out of the shooter's face, a critical advantage when shooting from unconventional positions prone or from a vehicle. Its compact 35.9-inch length also makes it highly maneuverable in thick brush or blind setups, offering rifle ballistics in a package shorter than many common shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge.
How does the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The RFB Hunter is better for shooters needing a compact, semi-automatic .308 package, while the Stevens 334 is superior for those prioritizing raw accuracy and a cleaner trigger pull from a bolt-action system. The bullpup RFB measures 35.9 inches overall, making it over 8 inches shorter than the 44-inch Stevens 334, despite both having comparable barrel lengths. This difference comes at the cost of a heavier, more complex trigger linkage inherent to bullpups, resulting in a typical 8.5-pound pull weight versus the crisp 3.5-pound pull on the Stevens.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.7 pounds unloaded and measures 35.9 inches in overall length from the buttpad to the threaded muzzle crown. The 24-inch barrel features a 1:11.25" twist rate, optimized for stabilizing common 168 to 175-grain hunting and match projectiles. This specific configuration yields a balance point approximately 4.5 inches forward of the magazine well, which aids in steady offhand shooting but requires conscious management when using a bipod.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the recreational plinker or the first-time rifle buyer looking for a simple, low-maintenance introduction to centerfire cartridges. The forward-ejecting system requires understanding and maintenance of its unique ejection chute and gas piston assembly, which adds complexity over a traditional AR-10 or bolt-action platform. Furthermore, its $1,918.99 price point places it in competition with established, modular systems that offer greater aftermarket support for triggers and stocks.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the complete rifle, one 20-round FAL-type steel magazine, a set of three different-height polymer cheek risers for the stock, and the owner's manual detailing disassembly and gas system adjustment. Kel-Tec does not include thread protectors or muzzle devices, so you must source your own 5/8x24 thread protector or suppressor mount separately. The manual explicitly details a 50-round initial break-in procedure using full-power ammunition, which we recommend following precisely to ensure reliable function.
Is the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter worth it at $1,918.99?
Yes, but only for the specific shooter who requires the unique combination of a full-length .308 barrel and a sub-36-inch overall package for tactical hunting or vehicle-based operations. You are paying a significant premium for the innovative forward-ejection and bullpup engineering, not for match-grade out-of-the-box accuracy. If your primary need is a rugged, accurate .308 for prone shooting from a fixed position, a bolt-action rifle like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win will deliver equal or better precision for nearly $1,200 less, letting you invest the difference in a premium optic.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 35.9-inch overall length — over 10 inches shorter than a conventional 24-inch barrel rifle.
- Forward-ejecting action — completely ambidextrous with zero gas or brass deflection toward the shooter.
- Accepts ubiquitous FAL magazines — leverages a proven, globally available 20-round steel magazine platform.
- 24-inch cold hammer-forged barrel — maximizes .308 Winchester velocity for ethical hunting at extended ranges.
Trade-offs
- Bullpup trigger linkage — results in a heavy, spongy 8.5+ pound pull weight that hinders precision shooting.
- Complex field-strip procedure — requires removing 4 separate pins and managing the ejection chute, adding 3-5 minutes versus a standard AR-10.
- Finicky gas system during break-in — mandates 50+ rounds of full-power NATO-spec ammo before reliably cycling commercial .308 Winchester.
- Limited aftermarket support — virtually no third-party options for upgraded triggers or alternate stock configurations exist.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 640832003499 |
| manufacturer | KelTec |
| manufacturer part number | RFB24BLK |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .308 / 7.62 NATO |
| capacity | 20 + 1 |
| number of magazines | 1 20 rd. |
| package height | 5.0 |
| package width | 15.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Ambidextrous |
| shipping weight | 22.35 |
| sights | Optic Ready |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.7000 |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the muzzle compatible with a .308 suppressor?
- Yes. The barrel is threaded 5/8x24, which is the standard thread pitch for .30 caliber muzzle devices and suppressors. You can directly mount any can with that thread pattern, like a SilencerCo Omega 300 or Dead Air Nomad-L, without an adapter. Ensure you follow proper timing and alignment procedures to avoid a baffle strike.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, but you can use a much shorter case. Due to its 35.9-inch overall length, it will fit in most 42-inch takedown or compact rifle cases with room to spare for optics and magazines. This is over 8 inches shorter than a standard case needed for a conventional 24-inch barreled rifle, making transport and storage significantly easier.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- We process and ship all firearms within 2 business days of receiving a cleared payment and a valid copy of your FFL dealer's license. Transit time via ground shipping is typically 3-5 business days. You will receive tracking information as soon as the item is scanned by the carrier.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my ammunition?
- We accept returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but federal law requires all returns to be shipped directly to an FFL. Before initiating a return, ensure you have properly adjusted the 6-position gas regulator per the manual and tested at least 50 rounds of full-power 7.62x51mm NATO-spec ammunition, as the rifle is notoriously finicky during break-in with underpowered loads.
- Does this work with polymer FAL magazines?
- It accepts standard metric FAL-pattern magazines, but reliability is highest with steel surplus or DSA manufactured magazines. Many polymer magazines, particularly older Thermold variants, have dimensional variances in the feed lips and locking lugs that can cause feed issues. For guaranteed performance, stick with known steel magazines from DSA or surplus from reputable vendors like Apex Gun Parts.