Description
Picture this: you’re glassing a ridgeline at last light, needing a single, decisive shot. You need a rifle that’s compact for the stalk but delivers the reach and authority of a full-power cartridge. That’s the scenario where the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter, .308 Win, 24″, Bullpup Rifle, OD Green Cerakote Finish, makes its case. It’s a forward-ejecting bullpup battle rifle re-engineered for the hunter, packing a 24-inch barrel’s ballistics into an overall length shorter than most carbines.
Here’s the thing—the RFB Hunter solves a specific problem. How do you get .308 Winchester performance in a package that’s maneuverable in thick timber or a tight blind? The bullpup design is the answer. By placing the action behind the trigger group, Kel-Tec fits that long, hammer-forged 24″ barrel into an overall length of just 37.4 inches. That’s over a foot shorter than a conventional rifle with the same barrel length, giving you incredible handling without sacrificing velocity or accuracy. The OD Green Cerakote finish isn’t just for looks; it’s a durable, corrosion-resistant shield for Missouri’s humid summers and damp falls. At 9.8 pounds unloaded, it has a solid, stable feel that manages the .308’s recoil effectively.
Key Features & Performance
The heart of the RFB is its unique forward ejection system. Spent casings are propelled forward and out of a chute near the muzzle, keeping hot brass away from you and completely ambidextrous. This is a huge advantage for left-handed shooters or anyone teaching a new shooter—no more adapting to a dominant ejection pattern. The rifle is fed from standard FAL-pattern magazines, a proven and widely available system. You can use aftermarket 10, 20, or even 30-round magazines, though a 10-rounder is ideal for hunting compliance and a low profile. The manual of arms is intuitive, with a non-reciprocating charging handle that can be positioned on either side and a magazine release right behind the magwell.
Accuracy is built in. That cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel is free-floated within its shroud, and the two-stage trigger is a notable step up from many bullpup designs. It’s a practical hunting trigger, crisp and predictable. Mounting optics is straightforward thanks to the full-length Picatinny rail. Pair it with a robust scope from a brand like Vortex or Leupold, and you have a system capable of ethical shots at extended ranges. The best part? It fits out of the box. No gunsmithing required to get this rifle field-ready; mount your optic, zero it, and go.
| Caliber | .308 Winchester / 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Overall Length | 37.4 inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 9.8 lbs |
| Magazine | Accepts standard FAL-pattern mags (10-rd included) |
| Finish | OD Green Cerakote |
Pros & Cons
The Good: Unmatched compactness for a 24″ barrel .308. Ambidextrous, forward-ejecting design. Uses reliable, available FAL magazines. Free-floated, hammer-forged barrel for solid accuracy. Durable OD Green Cerakote finish. The manual safety is easily accessible.
The Trade-offs: Bullpup triggers are different—this one is good, but not match-grade. The balance is rear-biased, which some shooters need to adapt to. At just under ten pounds, it’s not the lightest mountain rifle, but the weight aids in recoil management.
Who This Rifle Is For
This isn’t a general-purpose plinker. The Kel-Tec RFB Hunter is for the practical hunter who operates in mixed terrain—where a long rifle is a hindrance but long-range capability is a requirement. It’s for the shooter who values innovative engineering that solves a real-world problem. It’s also a formidable choice for a designated marksman role in a defensive scenario where power and compactness are both critical. Priced at $1820.96, it represents a significant investment in a specialized tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ejection truly ambidextrous?
A: Yes. The forward ejection system means casings are propelled straight forward out of a port near the muzzle. There is no side port, so it’s completely neutral for left or right-handed shooters, with no gas or brass in your face.
Q: What magazines does it use?
A: The RFB Hunter uses standard metric FAL (L1A1) pattern magazines. These are widely available from many manufacturers. The rifle typically ships with one 10-round magazine, which is ideal for hunting. It is also compatible with 20-round magazines.
Q: How is the trigger on a bullpup?
A: Kel-Tec engineered a proprietary two-stage trigger linkage for the RFB. While bullpup triggers often have a reputation for being mushy, the RFB’s is notably crisp and predictable. It’s a very serviceable trigger for hunting and precision shooting, far better than most in its class.
If the idea of a full-power .308 in a package that handles like a scout rifle aligns with your needs, the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter is a compelling solution. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
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