Firearms with a bullpup design have recently become increasingly popular among both military units and civilian shooters. But what exactly does “bullpup” mean?
What is a bullpup gun?
To put it briefly; a bullpup gun is a special design where the mechanism that feeds the cartridge and the magazine are located behind the trigger group. In other words, the action, chamber, and bolt system are positioned behind the trigger.
How does the bullpup design work?
In rifles with a front-mounted mechanism, like a classic AR-15, all the weight is carried towards the front. However, in bullpup systems:
- The magazine is located further back on the receiver.
- The mechanism and bolt are also located in the rear section.
- Even if the barrel is long, the total length of the weapon is shortened.
In this way, a compact design is achieved without compromising on barrel length.
Advantages of Bullpup Firearms
More compact structure: Short total length even with a long barrel
This is the most significant feature of the bullpup system. For example, a version of the Steyr AUG with a 20-inch barrel has almost the same total length as an AR-15 with a 16-inch barrel. It can even be shorter than some short-barreled AR-15 models.
This provides a huge advantage in situations such as:
- Close-quarters combat (CQC)
- Narrow spaces like the interior of a vehicle
- Home defense
- Operational use
Rearward weight distribution
Since the mechanism is in the back, the weapon feels more balanced. It is immediately noticeable that bullpups cause less fatigue when the weapon needs to be held steady on target for a long time.
Range and velocity advantage
Short barrel = low velocity. Low velocity = less energy and shorter effective range.
Since the bullpup can use a long barrel despite its short body, it can offer:
- Higher muzzle velocity
- Better ballistic performance
- Longer effective distance
Disadvantages of Bullpup Firearms
Trigger system
This is the most criticized aspect of bullpups. Due to the long transfer bars (linkage):
- Most bullpup triggers feel heavy.
- They do not offer a break as clean and crisp as an AR-15.
However, some high-quality bullpup models, such as the Desert Tech SRS, are considered exceptions in this regard.
Reloading habits
Since the magazine is in the back, users accustomed to classic rifles may experience an adaptation period.
Left-handed users
Some bullpup models are not suitable for left-handed shooters. However, modern models generally feature ambidextrous ejection or convertible systems.
Examples of Bullpup Firearms
To mention a few bullpup firearm models:
- Steyr AUG (A3 / 40th Anniversary Edition)
- IWI X95 Tavor
- Panzer Arms BP-12 (12 GA bullpup shotgun)
- Desert Tech SRS (bullpup bolt-action, 27-inch barrel)
Each is quite popular in its own segment.