Correction: The SRT used the Sako AII action, an updated L579 (not the L357) action.
George Kellgren is the brains behind KelTec and all their unorthodox designs. But before he formed KelTec, he created Grendel Inc, where he began his long career in the firearms industry. The first gun that Grendel brought to market was the SRT rifle, a Sako bolt action hunting rifle action mated with an underflowing polymer stock of Kellgren’s design. The stock foreshadows the KelTec SU-16, but with lots of room for refinement.
The SRT was available in four calibers (.22-250, .243, .308, and .358 Winchester) and three barrel lengths (16″, fluted 20″, and 24″) with a magazine capacity of 9+1 rounds. It was produced for about 3 years, and several thousand were made. It was marketed for hunters, but was also purchased by some police agencies.
One of the problems of police countersniping is getting the “long rifle” into a hide without being noticed. This design solved that problem rather neatly.
cheers
eon
Momentarily forgot about the previous company and read the title as Keltec introducing a [6.5] Grendel (which they’ve been promising forever) 🙁
I had one exactly like this in the late 80’s – in 308, with the 20” fluted Douglas barrel. It was a brilliant design for the period, and handled nicely. I never fully disassembled it, and appreciate that you have. I’ve always assumed that Kellgren was inspired by the French MAS46 CR39 rifle, but using a modern material approach. Kellgren is being somewhat coy about the marketing of this in the 80’s though, they were primarily advertised in the then new survivalist magazines. Traditional hunters stuck up their collective noses at this rifles features. Like having the front sling swivel post double as a M16 bipod attachment point.
By the way: I hope there will be a video about the not so forgotten, but still interesting Grendel P10 pistol. – As far as I know, it is a very simple design, and way more better gun than its fame says.
/ underflowing / or underfolding?
Kelgren was involved in the firearms industry before he founded Grendel; he was a designer for Interdynamic AB in Sweeden, and brought the TEC-9 to the US, with the US company known as Intratec.
Quite frankly and with all due respect, that Interdynamics rifle looks like POS. Caliber of 4.5mm is ridiculous for military application; try to maintain a rifle with that miniscule barrel bore! It would have gotten seized in short time. But that is in history anyway. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdynamics_MKR
Observe that MKR ammunition was not only small-bore, but also rim-fire with peculiar shape of case https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/sweden-assault-rifles/interdynamics-mkr-eng/ also magazines were single-use only (disposable) as they need to be filled at factory.
As mentioned by AL, the bipod spigot accepts the little M-16 bipod. I replaced this with one I made which would accept the superior Parker Hale Bipod. The muzzle brake installation with left hand-right hand threads is interesting. The barrel muzzle has an elongated taper. The brake has a corresponding internally tapered socket. The threaded collar pulls the brake firmly onto the barrel. Unscrewing the collar will push the brake off the barrel. If Ian had used a bit more force, the brake would have comeloose – although using force on someone else’s rifle might not be a good idea. The mounting system secures the brake firmly in place, yet it can be removed without tools. I suspect that the system would have allowed a suppressor to be installed, with guaranteed coaxial alignment. The ergonomics of the stock represent a bit of a compromise. My SRT is quite accurate, shooting minute of angle with quality ammunition. The brake is effective.
Years ago, Numrich Arms sold the three stock parts. Used one of these sets and a Sako AII action to make a version of the SRT.
Barely but not really on subject but are there any rifles with a left hand bolt?
https://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3x-hunter-left-hand-rifles.aspx shows such variant of T3x hunting rifle
Mr. Goran (that the real name) Kellgren is a a smart businessman. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Kellgren
He divided his activity between “bread and butter” this being tooling for other companies and his hobby, that is his interest in firearms. You should by now understand why he is not able to satisfy his firearms customers requests on time. It is because a lack of manufacturing capacity.
He is not foolish to compete for military contracts, because it is frustrating and mostly loosing for those who are not included among the chosen few (like FNMI and Colt) proposition. His guns are IMO kind of tacky and unsuitable for military use (such as two molded receiver halves connected by crews) anyway, BUT he serves to a niche clientele and he does it very well.
Frankly, the U.S. Army will never adopt his trick ejection bull-pups, but he’s got customers who will buy them no matter what and for whatever the price is. Like I say, a smart man.
Back in “The Day”, I traded my 9mm open bolt MAC-10 to a dealer at a gun show for a brand new Grendel SRT-20F in .308 Win. which I fell in love with and I have no regrets. The Mac was a POS, the Grendel was beautiful and I have have kept it all these years. 🙂