[MarkB1]

In this video, US C-SOG's Garcia talks about both the RDB and the KSG they use in their prison operations.

His RDB has a fixed, non-folding charging handle. Is this an available option for the RDB? I think a fixed, non-folding charging would be better and more reliable to use. You don't have to unfold the charging handle; just grab it and pull. It would also keep your hand and fingers a little farther away from the hot gas block.

Perhaps one of the aftermarket manufacturers will make one for the RDB.

http://uscsog.com/cso-gear-090315-kel-tec-weapon-platforms/

 

[nwfenton]

The original prototypes at the 2014 Shot Show had round handles. Perhaps his came from the factory like that as part of one of the pre-production runs? Kel-Tec is known for iteratively changing minor features without telling anyone.

See here:

http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/shot-2014-kel-tecs-bullpups-m43-rdb/

 

[MarkB1]

That may be what happened. However, speaking as a non-LEO, it seems that a fixed, non-rotating charging handle would be better. The fixed charging handle would not have any parts to break and fail and you don't have to fumble trying to open the folding handle. It would be easier and quicker to operate in a stressful LEO operation. Garcia, in the video, does show how quick it is to use.

I would like to get one for the RDB.

 

[nwfenton]

I wonder if the charging handles for the SU-16 will work for this. There's plenty of those floating around...

 

[MarkB1]

Will someone post a close photo of the RDB charging handle? I don't have one YET!

 

[Siris]

Will someone post a close photo of the RDB charging handle? I don't have one YET!

I know the feeling, mark, I'm like a kid at Christmas waiting for mine

 

[MarkB1]

I called Kel-Tec and they confirmed that the fixed charging handle is a protype version and not available at this time. You can see the fixed charging handle at 1:12 min in this video.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzuP9EBV6_w[/ame]

 

[dagon1969]

RDB charging handle

Here ya go, Mark! Hope this helps!

 

[MarkB1]

Thanks dagon. I would like to try the fixed handle to see just how it compares to the folding handle to see if my assumptions are good. Since I posted, I was able to find an RDB in stock at Knoxville Tactical in Tennessee (love the internet!). It should be here tomorrow or Monday depending on the Post Office. We'll see what happens.

 

[dagon1969]

I found this pic online of the non folding charging handle on an OD green RDB, that OD green looks good too.

 

[MarkB1]

That looks sweet. I'm looking to see if I can modify a charging handle from a different gun (like a Tavor SAR or X95) to fit the RDB. My black RDB I found at Knoxville Tactical, TN, should arrive today, Post Office willing. I'll have a better idea once I have the RDB in hand.

Edit

You gotta love the PO. My RDB has spent a full day in Philly without further shipping. That means Monday at the earliest.

RANT TIME

I just received a tracking notice that the RDB is being held at the Rehoboth Beach, DE, post office because the business was closed and it will be delivered the next business day (Monday).

Here's the problem - The gun shop IS open but is in Lewes, DE, not Rehoboth Beach which is the next town over. I called the shipper and I confirmed that they DID ship the RDB to the correct Lewes address (not surprised, they use the address on the FFL). So, the stupid post office can't read an address and sent it to the wrong town and some idiot marked it as "business closed". This is what we spend or money for. What a waste.

 

[nwfenton]

Take a chill pill. USPS screws up from time to time, but they haven't lost the package yet. It's not like you're deploying to Iraq on Monday...

 

[MarkB1]

I know. I'll have it next week. It can be frustrating.

 

[MarkB1]

You gotta love the PO. My RDB has spent a full day in Philly without further shipping. That means Monday at the earliest.

RANT TIME

I just received a tracking notice that the RDB is being held at the Rehoboth Beach, DE, post office because the business was closed and it will be delivered the next business day (Monday).

Here's the problem - The gun shop IS open but is in Lewes, DE, not Rehoboth Beach which is the next town over. I called the shipper and I confirmed that they DID ship the RDB to the correct Lewes address (not surprised, they use the address on the FFL). So, the stupid post office can't read an address and sent it to the wrong town and some idiot marked it as "business closed". This is what we spend or money for. What a waste.

My apologies to the United States Post Office! Rohoboth Beach PO delivers all mail to Lewes addresses where the gun shop is located. The RDB arrived at the RB post office after the carrier had left on their route. They could not just leave the package at the PO without identifying it in some manner. They choose to use "Business Closed" as the identifier. The RDB will be delivered today as part of normal operations. This is an example of how just a little, incomplete info can get you in trouble.


Edit - PO delivered the RDB to the gun shop this morning. I'll get it later today.

 

[MarkB1]

I did get my RDB today. It's a Z037X with a 1/7 twist. $999.99 + $18.00 ship + $30.00 transfer = $1047.99 Total to my hands (no sales tax in Delaware).

 

[MarkB1]

DONE!

I modified a charging handle from a Tavor SAR and a piece of 1/8" X 1/2" steel. The RDB still charges normally and locks back with the charging handle in the locking cutout.

Here are some photos.












Here is the handle locked back.

 

[MarkB1]

The advantages are no moving parts to fail, easy to find, activate and grip and it keeps my hand and fingers away from the hot gas block.

 

[MarkB1]

I didn't really like how the charging handle fit with the small lip at the bottom front so I removed the lip. The charging handle feeld much better now.

 

[MarkB1]

The cocking handle from the Tavor SAR works very good but it sticks out about 1 1/2". I'll be changing this cocking handle with the cocking handle from a Tavor X95 when it becomes available. The X95 handle only sticks out about 1 1/4". The X95 is so new that all parts are going to new production of the guns. I'll have to wait to later in the Fall to get one. The RDB will work just as good with he shorter X95 handle and look a little better.

 

[99tommy10]

In this video, US C-SOG's Garcia talks about both the RDB and the KSG they use in their prison operations.

His RDB has a fixed, non-folding charging handle. Is this an available option for the RDB? I think a fixed, non-folding charging would be better and more reliable to use. You don't have to unfold the charging handle; just grab it and pull. It would also keep your hand and fingers a little farther away from the hot gas block.

Perhaps one of the aftermarket manufacturers will make one for the RDB.

http://uscsog.com/cso-gear-090315-kel-tec-weapon-platforms/

Hey I know it’s 2021 now and no one will probably see this, but I just called KelTec customer service about this. They said the Defender model has a fixed charging handle, and after the release they will start manufacturing replacement charging handles for the RDB that are non-folding within the next 4-6 months!