Help select 5.56 semi under $2k

Tenda has The Siberian for $1600 with folding stock right now, $400 off ($452 with tax). If that's significant savings and worth a risk it might be a good option.
Reviews strongly vary, the Templar however does sound like it might be worth the extra cost since I believe it's less likely to fail.
 
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RDB.

Several known issues, potentially weak firing pin is the only one that concerns me, spare firing pins, and take-down push pins are available.

The only problem I've had is from setting the gas to low. They can double, I've had that happen once. Worse you can get these nasty jams from an unejected case, and the next round stacking up in the action. It's easy enough to clear, but requires a tool, a large standard screw driver is best, to clear it. Keep the gas up, and it runs like a champ. The only other issue mine has had is it can be a bit picky about loaded mags on a closed bolt, some won't seat, open bolt, no problems.

I've got about 350-400 rounds through it, I had my doubts when I bought it, figured I could sell it if I didn't like it, which I almost did after the first month. Each time I go to the range I like it a bit more. Pretty sure I'm going to keep it.

I wouldn't buy a new one, but gently used, like mine was, it's a good buy.
 
redshooter said:
RDB.

Several known issues, potentially weak firing pin is the only one that concerns me, spare firing pins, and take-down push pins are available.

The only problem I've had is from setting the gas to low. They can double, I've had that happen once. Worse you can get these nasty jams from an unejected case, and the next round stacking up in the action. It's easy enough to clear, but requires a tool, a large standard screw driver is best, to clear it. Keep the gas up, and it runs like a champ. The only other issue mine has had is it can be a bit picky about loaded mags on a closed bolt, some won't seat, open bolt, no problems.

I've got about 350-400 rounds through it, I had my doubts when I bought it, figured I could sell it if I didn't like it, which I almost did after the first month. Each time I go to the range I like it a bit more. Pretty sure I'm going to keep it.

I wouldn't buy a new one, but gently used, like mine was, it's a good buy.
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I have an RDB and I liked it till the trigger went wonky and it started doubling and then dumped an entire mag on me. Not as much fun as you think.

My advice is the exact opposite. DO NOT buy a used RDB. The factory warranty only covers the initial owner. Vault distribution wouldn't touch my rifle with a 10' pole. They wouldn't even fix it when I volunteered to pay. My rifle has been languishing at the Smith recommended by Vault, since last Jun. No idea when it will be fixed.

I sucked it up and got an X95.
 
I Dont Care About You said:
I sucked it up and got an X95.
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Anyone that's been following these threads knows about your rifle. Although I haven't dedicated anytime to look, I do believe you have the worst RDB to come off the line.

Did you ever talk to Kel-Tec directly?

I would expect there should be a way to get it to them for repair, even if it's a serious hassle with the border. I know for a fact they will send you parts, just not (maybe) trigger parts.
 
RabbitTeeth said:
Random question but my Google-Fu must be really weak. The SL8 takes standard 5.56 NATO mags, right? I see lots of reviews but the variants for it are all over the place with single-stack and double-stack versions.
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The Canadian SL8s take double stack SL8 mags. From what I've read it takes 5 minutes to trim down plastic tabs in the magwell to fit G36 mags, which are easier to find. If you want to run AR mags you need to buy/import an AR mag adapter. A few companies make them, others here could tell you what the best options are.
 
Just lookin at SL-8s because of this thread...wow, 8.9 to 9.2 lbs. Huh, well guess even the T97 is 8.6. By the time you get some accessories and optic on em it must weigh a bit
 
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It doesn't surprise me the RDB is relatively lightweight. It doesn't really have a frame like most rifles. The barrel is the backbone of the rifle and everything hangs off it.
 
If you can find an 'original' pre-X95 Tavor on the used market, they're great and should be under $2K, though not everyone likes the mag release.





If you can't find one of those, I'd go with those who have recommended the SL8 or T97 gen 3. I've owned both. Ergos sucked on the T97; weight and length sucked on the SL8, but both were reliable.
 
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CobraGT said:
If you can find an 'original' pre-X95 Tavor on the used market, they're great and should be under $2K, though not everyone likes the mag release..
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LOL, under $2K? In your dreams man. I haven't seen one under $2500 for months. There are two on #######, one of which just sold for $2750 and the other is listed at $3k.

With the run on X95, the Tar21 prices have been dragged upwards.
 
So far the options seem to be:

* Lockhart Raven: DI system is tunable from the factory, initial reports seem favourable.
* SL8 Variant, if you can find one on sale or are willing to go a little above 2K. However if you want a G-36 clone, be prepared to spend north of 3k.
* Type 97 (Don't laugh). I've had one and there was zero issues with accuracy, reliability, or usability. Most people who don't like the ergo's wouldn't like bullpups anyway. Still has better reviews than any cope-stick.
* WK 180/181 Gen 2, if you want a fixer-upper from the factory. True North sells parts to improve reliability, then hope for the best.
 
RabbitTeeth said:
Random question but my Google-Fu must be really weak. The SL8 takes standard 5.56 NATO mags, right? I see lots of reviews but the variants for it are all over the place with single-stack and double-stack versions.
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No, but you can get a new magwell that swaps the old one out that will take STANAG mags
 
I Dont Care About You said:
LOL, under $2K? In your dreams man. I haven't seen one under $2500 for months. There are two on #######, one of which just sold for $2750 and the other is listed at $3k.

With the run on X95, the Tar21 prices have been dragged upwards.
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Wow, crazy. I sold mine a year or so ago for like $1900 or $2000, somewhere in there. Clearly I should have kept it.
 
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