For Tennessee shooters who value precision and reliability in a compact package, the Kel-Tec RFB Hunter chambered in .308 Winchester offers a balanced solution for both the range and the field. Whether you’re dialing in long-range shots at a Middle Tennessee gun club or tracking white-tailed deer in the Cumberland Plateau’s dense woods, this bullpup rifle’s 24-inch threaded barrel and olive drab green Cerakote finish provide the durability and accuracy you need. As a licensed FFL retailer serving Tennessee customers, we appreciate how this rifle combines the power of a full-size .308 with a shorter overall length, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces without sacrificing ballistic performance.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Kel-Tec RFB Hunter is a semi-automatic bullpup rifle that chambers the .308 Winchester cartridge, offering a 24-inch barrel with a threaded muzzle and a 20-round detachable magazine. This model is designed for shooters who want a .308 rifle that handles like a shorter platform—ideal for target shooters who spend weekends at the range, hunters who need a packable rifle for Tennessee’s varied terrain, and collectors who appreciate Kel-Tec’s engineering. It also appeals to those who value a versatile rifle for home defense applications, where the bullpup configuration reduces overall length while maintaining a full-length barrel for better velocity and accuracy.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO compatible)
- Capacity: 20-round detachable magazine
- Barrel Length: 24 inches, threaded (5/8×24 TPI) for muzzle devices or suppressors
- Overall Length: Approximately 30 inches (bullpup configuration)
- Weight: Roughly 8.7 pounds (unloaded)
- Finish: Olive Drab Green Cerakote on receiver and barrel components
- Stock: Polymer bullpup stock with adjustable cheek rest
- Sights: Picatinny rail top for optics; no iron sights included
- Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt
- Twist Rate: 1:10 inches (optimized for .308 projectiles)
- Safety: Ambidextrous cross-bolt safety
Feature Deep-Dive
The RFB Hunter’s bullpup design moves the action and magazine behind the trigger, allowing a 24-inch barrel to fit into a rifle that’s roughly 30 inches long. This layout reduces overall length by about 10 inches compared to a traditional .308 rifle with the same barrel, making it easier to carry through brush or store in a compact safe. The gas-operated system cycles reliably with a wide range of .308 ammunition, from 147-grain ball to 168-grain match loads, and the rotating bolt locks securely for consistent accuracy.
The 24-inch threaded barrel is a notable feature for Tennessee shooters who may want to attach a muzzle brake, flash hider, or suppressor. The 5/8×24 TPI threading is a standard pattern for .30-caliber suppressors, and the barrel is cold-hammer-forged for longevity and consistent bore dimensions. This barrel length also provides a velocity advantage over shorter barrels, giving you more energy downrange for hunting deer or hogs at moderate distances.
The olive drab green Cerakote finish offers corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface that blends well with Tennessee’s woodland and field environments. Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating that withstands harsh weather, sweat, and cleaning solvents better than standard bluing or parkerization. This finish is applied to both the barrel and receiver components, ensuring the rifle maintains its appearance after years of use in humid conditions common to the Southeast.
The adjustable cheek rest on the polymer stock allows you to align your eye with mounted optics, whether you’re using a low-profile red dot or a high-magnification scope. The stock also features a rubber buttpad that reduces felt recoil, making extended range sessions more comfortable. The ambidextrous safety is positioned for easy access by both right- and left-handed shooters, and the magazine release is similarly ambidextrous.
The RFB Hunter includes a 20-round magazine, which is a practical capacity for target shooting and hunting situations where follow-up shots may be needed. The magazine is a proprietary design but is reliable and easy to load. The bolt hold-open feature locks the bolt back after the last round, giving you a clear visual indicator that the rifle is empty. The charging handle is located on the left side of the rifle and is non-reciprocating, reducing the risk of interference with optics or clothing.
Accuracy from the RFB Hunter is generally within 1.5 to 2 minutes of angle with quality match ammunition, which is suitable for hunting at ranges out to 300 yards and for steel targets at longer distances. The free-floated barrel contributes to this consistency by preventing stock contact that could shift point of impact. The trigger pull is single-stage, with a factory weight around 6 pounds, and has a clean break with minimal creep.
Ideal Use Cases
- Hunting: The .308 Winchester is a proven cartridge for deer, hogs, and black bear in Tennessee. The 24-inch barrel provides sufficient velocity for clean kills at ranges typical of the state’s woodlands and fields. The bullpup design makes the rifle easier to carry on long walks to stands or blinds.
- Target Shooting: The 20-round magazine allows for extended strings at the range without frequent reloading. The Picatinny rail accepts a wide variety of optics for precision shooting at 100 to 500 yards.
- Home Defense: The compact overall length of the RFB Hunter makes it more maneuverable in hallways and doorways compared to a traditional rifle, while still delivering .308 stopping power. The threaded barrel can accept a muzzle device to reduce noise and flash indoors.
- Competition: While not a dedicated competition rifle, the RFB Hunter can be used in practical rifle matches where a .308 cartridge is allowed. The bullpup layout and high magazine capacity offer advantages in stages requiring movement and multiple targets.
Compatibility Notes
- Ammunition: The RFB Hunter is designed for .308 Winchester and will also safely fire 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. Stick to factory-loaded ammunition for best reliability. Avoid using steel-cased or reloaded ammunition, as these can cause extraction issues or void the warranty.
- Holsters: This is a full-length rifle, not a handgun, so holsters are not applicable. For storage, consider a padded rifle case or a safe with enough length to accommodate the 30-inch overall length.
- Magazines: The rifle uses proprietary 20-round magazines. Kel-Tec offers spare magazines, and some aftermarket options are available. The magazine is not compatible with standard AR-10 or M14 magazines.
- Accessories: The Picatinny rail on top accepts any scope or red dot with standard mounts. The threaded barrel accepts any 5/8×24 TPI muzzle device, including flash hiders, muzzle brakes, and suppressors. A sling can be attached using the integral sling swivel studs on the stock and forend.
FAQ
Q: Can you ship this rifle to my address in Tennessee?
A: We can ship this rifle to a licensed FFL dealer in Tennessee for you to complete the transfer. We do not ship firearms directly to residential addresses. You must select an FFL holder during checkout, and we will coordinate with that dealer to arrange shipment.
Q: How does the FFL transfer process work for Tennessee buyers?
A: After you place your order, we will contact your chosen FFL dealer to verify their license and confirm they are willing to accept the transfer. Once confirmed, we ship the rifle to them. You then visit the dealer, complete ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check. The dealer will charge a transfer fee, which varies by location. We recommend contacting the FFL before ordering to confirm their fees and availability.
Q: Is this rifle compatible with all .308 Winchester ammunition?
A: The RFB Hunter is designed for .308 Winchester ammunition. It will also safely fire 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. We recommend using factory-new ammunition from reputable manufacturers. Avoid using steel-cased, aluminum-cased, or reloaded ammunition, as these can cause malfunctions or damage and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: What warranty does Kel-Tec offer on this rifle?
A: Kel-Tec provides a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty does not cover damage from improper use, modifications, or use of non-standard ammunition. If you experience an issue, you can contact Kel-Tec directly for service. We recommend keeping your purchase receipt as proof of ownership.
Q: What is your return policy on firearms?
A: Due to federal regulations, we cannot accept returns on firearms after they have been transferred to you. If the rifle arrives with a defect or damage from shipping, please contact us immediately within 24 hours of delivery. We will work with Kel-Tec to resolve warranty issues or arrange a replacement if necessary. All sales are final once the firearm is transferred.
The Kel-Tec RFB Hunter in .308 Winchester offers Tennessee shooters a compact, accurate rifle that handles a versatile cartridge. Whether you’re hunting in the Cherokee National Forest, shooting steel at your local range, or keeping a reliable rifle for home defense, this bullpup delivers without the bulk of a traditional long gun. We ship to FFL dealers across Tennessee, so you can get this rifle transferred to a shop near you. If you have questions about compatibility, FFL selection, or shipping, contact our team—we’re here to help you make an informed purchase.
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