Keltec RBD or Type 97

After getting the gas adjusted on the RDB, I've run about 2000 assorted brand rounds through it without issue. I've only ever run cheap bulk ammo through mine, so can't comment on precision. Because of the weird way you need to check for clear, I don't like giving it to brand new people without direct supervision

EDIT: Unfortunately I don't have any experience with a T97 other than the deposit I had to get back from Canada Ammo years and years ago when they'd promised $900 T97's that never materialized :p
 
Both are great in there own area's, I've owned multiple of both.

T97 is all metal in the action and a simple 1 pin takedown super easy to clean, gen 2 or 3 give you better options for mounting accessories and have a better feed history many of the gen 1's would have horrible feeding problems but looked cool with the carry handle if that gets you hard.

T97 will launch your brass into the next time zone and if you're a leftie it will mess up your face lol

The last one I had was a gen 2 with the t97.ca lower on it and that thing was unstoppable regret selling it when I got my x95

The stock t97 the safety is in a odd place way in the back takes a bit of getting used too, but with the T97.ca lower the safety is in a more ar'sh location and makes it easier to operate.

I've had the standard rdb with the pistol grip and the rdb-c with the rifle style stock. I actually found the rifle style stock to be more comfortable of the 2 and it came with folding iron sights, as mentioned to check for clear is not as easy on a regular style rifle but you get used to it.

The downward ejection makes brass collection a breeze as it's all right by your feet. and the rdb trigger is very nice for a bullpup.

Honestly just buy one and try it out be an easy sell if you don't like it and then buy the other or find both used and pick em up take em both out do some mag dumps have some laughs and sell which ever you don't like as much.

Either way you go both are fun rifles.
 
T97 gen 3 are sold out and unlikely to come in at this point. Considering so many have been sold, not many are available in the used market. Not many RDB have been sold but many are available in the used market. That should tell you something about customer satisfaction. And what many do not like to hear, the T97 gen 3 is more accurate and more accurate than the Tavor X95.

Now I am waiting for somebody to say - but but the safety.
 
fritzhanzel said:
T97 gen 3 are sold out and unlikely to come in at this point. Considering so many have been sold, not many are available in the used market. Not many RDB have been sold but many are available in the used market. That should tell you something about customer satisfaction. And what many do not like to hear, the T97 gen 3 is more accurate and more accurate than the Tavor X95.

Now I am waiting for somebody to say - but but the safety.
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My Type 97 gen 3 is a beast. If you have chambered a round, it will fire regardless of ammo type without need for gas adjustment. Cannot say the same for many of other types of rifles.
 
I am left handed, and have the Keltec. I have ran about 600 rounds through it, using brass and steel. I have had ZERO issues with it. The take down is 3 pins. I love it. Its not super accurate, but its fine for my shooting.
 
I have owned both and yes the T 97 is a tank and works well I still prefer the RDB. The RDB I had worked very well and the ergonomics were much better.
I am considering getting one again as I sold my last one awhile back thinking I wanted to get out of that caliber but realized I realy like the 556/223 caliber.
Hopefully someone will put a sale on as these are more expensive than the last time I got one
 
alpining said:
The Keltec RDB is likely to be well supported in the future, and has a lifetime warranty.
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Unless you are the first owner and purchased it from a dealer, you don't get any warranty at all. Ask me how I know that? :(



fritzhanzel said:
T97 gen 3 are sold out and unlikely to come in at this point. Considering so many have been sold, not many are available in the used market. Not many RDB have been sold but many are available in the used market. That should tell you something about customer satisfaction. And what many do not like to hear, the T97 gen 3 is more accurate and more accurate than the Tavor X95.

Now I am waiting for somebody to say - but but the safety.
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The T97 is a no-go for lefties.



Blastattack said:
RDB is a much better firearm in my opinion. Innovative and with generally superior ergonomics.
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The RDB is innovative but it is also a bit strange and has some unique quirks. The RDB has an excellent trigger, which most bullpups do not.

HOWEVER ..... some RDB suffer from wonky trigger which causes doubling or uncontrollable runaways ...... ask me how I know this? :(

Combined with no warranty for used guns, and few gunsmiths wanting to work on this rifle, that presents a problem. I am currently sitting on an RDB with a dangerous trigger and can't find anyone local to even consider working on it. The importer won't touch it, because I am not the first owner and I can't send it back to Keltec because of an international border between us.

I bought an X95 "just in case" which it turned out was a good decision.
 
Wesleyjenn said:
Ok I have it narrowed down to these don’t know much about keltec anyone have any experience with both?
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I have no experience with T97, being a lefty.

I have an RDB and quite like it, except it has some weird quirks and while the trigger is excellent, mine has a default that I am having trouble getting fixed .... which means I can't currently shoot my rifle.

The X95 can be had for not much more than the RDB and the X95 was designed for military service and has seen military service. It has a well deserved reputation for reliability and durability.
 
I am a left handed shooter and have owned both and shot both, they both have there pros and cons in my opinion, if you just want to shoot buy the least expensive of the two if you want something American made well that's easy too but you won't go wrong with either one. I liked them both albeit I did send my rdb out to dlask to get the barrel threaded when i owned it but otherwise both great get two haha
 
Frozen Snake said:
the RDB is a very fine rifle . never had an issue with mine and probably never will. you will not be disappointed. Type 97 is an ugly but fun rifle to shoot but the RDB is definitely a step up.
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The "issues" I see with the RDB is that spare parts or upgrades (then keeping the OG parts as spares) is def hard to get. A buddy who has ones bought himself a MCARBO trigger spring upgrade and a spare firing pin (but waited almost 6 months to get it). There is also a nicer handguard available for it and a magwell extension...both I believe are available from "Lucky Irishman".

I do wish the top rail was a bit longer so you can add (or better if they just included) a set of folding, back up irons.

I'd also take the time to take the gun apart and locktite all the screws...and mark your gas system setting once you get it running correctly.
 
I love both.

T97 works great. Some weird ergonomics for the mag release.

RDB works great also, good trigger and able to be upgraded with spring kits.
I don’t like the mag release on it… probably more so than the T97 one.
 
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