KelTec Engineer Says 3D printing used to Prototype .22 Magnum RMR30 Carbine

Gun Watch ^ | 16 January, 2014 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

Toby Obermeit shows the new RMR30 Carbine at the Shot Show in Las Vegas

Kel-Tec extensively  used 3D printing to prototype the new RMR30 carbine, a .22 Magnum that uses the same magazines as the PMR-30 pistol.    The carbine has a retractable stock, a 16 inch barrel, and uses a straight blowback action, instead of the delayed blowback of the PMR-30 pistol.   The RMR30 required a redesign of almost the entire firearm, even though the magazines are interchangeable.   Here is a view of the RMR30 lower receiver alongside a PMR-30 pistol.

 The changes were prototyped with 3D printing.  As covered last year.  Kel-Tec used 3D printing extensively in the development of the PMR-30 pistol, especially the magazine.

RMR30 upper receiver, bolt, lower receiver

The 16 inch barrel will use the energy available in the .22 magnum cartridge much more efficiently than the PMR-30, with a 40 grain bullet exiting the muzzle at 1950 feet per second, according to Kel-Tec specifications.   The cartridge/carbine package would deliver ballistic performance about the same as that of the FN 5.7 X 28 out of the Five-Seven Pistol.   I asked Toby Obermeit, Lead Design Engineer of Kel-Tec, about the reliability of the ammunition, as rimfire cartridges have a reputation of being less reliable than centerfire.  Most of my experience with rimfire cartridges has been with the .22 Long Rifle.

".22 Magnum is a step above the .22 Long Rifle for reliability." said Obermeit.   Toby also confirmed that the owner of the company, George Kellgren, is a genius. 

The RMR30 Carbine specifications:

Weight Unloaded            3.8 lbs

Weight Loaded (30 rds)  4.2 lbs

Extended Length            29.9"

Collapsed Length           22.5"

Barrel Length               16.1"

It will be a while before the RMR 30 is available on the market.  Obermeit estimated that it might be available in the third quarter of 2014, but he did not give a specific date.   As nearly all manufacturers are producing at full capacity to meet the demand generated by the Obama administration, I would expect less incentive to develop new products.  On the other hand, high sales levels can mean enough profits to fund research and development efforts.

 
©2013 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included.
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[marktwain]

The .22 magnum is a very interesting cartridge because it packs such a lot of energy in such a small package. I do not have reliablility data for various manufacturers. Perhaps someone can help with their experience

[Yo-Yo]

KelTec can’t build enough PMR-30s to keep up with demand. Now you can add this new RMR-30 to the growing list of backordered KelTec firearms.

[bicyclerepair]

The Keltec P3AT is my amex card. .380

Don’t even know it’s in your pocket.

Made in FL, guaranteed for life! Very nice little gun.

[Renegade]

Been waiting for something like this to replace my recalled Remington 597 .17 mag.Thirty rounds of .22 mag in a semi- auto is sweet.

[null and void]

Political power grows out of the nozzle of a 3-D Printer.

[marktwain]

I doubt that they will be shipping in 2014. Maybe 2015.

[Bob]

As nearly all manufacturers are producing at full capacity to meet the demand generated by the Obama administration...

Nicely stated, Mr. Weingarten, very nicely stated indeed.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I’ve got a PMR30. I received it after a 2 year wait at Impact. Its a unique and fun gun and very accurate but it has a couple of drawbacks. You can’t use cheap ammo or you will get FTF problems. And its louder than a you know what. (Expect a long wait for the new rifle and you will pay for premium ammo). The good news is that you will likely be able to sell it for twice what you paid due to the high demand and low availability.

I started thinking what if the SHTF and I can’t get CCI maxi mags?

So I’m selling my PMR30 and buying one of those new Ruger SR22’s with a threaded barrel and 2 tactical 10-22’s. I can get all three for what I’ve been offered for the PMR30. And you can run cheap ammo through them.

[Renegade]

Hope they ship before the Brown Clown sets up another mass murder in order to try to confiscate weapons again.

[B-Cause]

Very nice little gun.

---

Ditto - have 5 of the P3ATs around us, and one is always available to use as a "Hallmark Greeting Card" loaded with the Hornady Critical Defense rounds and the extended magazines.

[nvscanman]

Yet another firearm made of Unobtainium that we will see pictures of, hear about and look for but will never actually come across in real life.

[gundog]

Have you seen these, yet?

[marktwain]

I have not. Looks interesting, for those who do not reload.

[cquiggy]

At least everyone will have the next three or four years to stock up on .22 magnum while waiting for this gun and the PMR30 which I am still waiting for.

[from occupied ga]

KelTec can’t build enough PMR-30s to keep up with demand.

A good problem to have.

[Lee N. Field]

It will be a while before the RMR 30 is available on the market.

Yep, KelTec does have that reputation.

I wonder if the PF9 would scale up to a .45...?