Forget everything that you’ve learned about conventional firearms.
Bullpup rifles and shotguns break all of the rules.
A “bullpup” is a type of firearm with its action and trigger behind the trigger group.
This setup substantially reduces overall length and weight while not sacrificing barrel length and velocity.
They’re short, compact, and easy to handle but still have the same accuracy as long-barrel rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns.
I’ll cover more exactly what a bullpup gun is, the pros/cons, and the best models out there right now. But if you’re in a hurry, check out our recommended models below.
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best .308 Bullpup
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Best Budget Bullpup Rifle
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Best Bullpup PCC
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Most Proven
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Best Bullpup Shotgun
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Most Ergonomic Bullpup Shotgun
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best Bullpups
Input for this article came from the editorial staff and freelance writers at Pew Pew Tactical. We have hands-on experience with almost every model on the list, ranging from full reviews to recreational use to hunting and field use.
For testing, we throw at least 500 rounds downrange through our review guns at a variety of distances with an assortment of ammunition types to gauge reliability and accuracy.
Models on this list were selected based on features, price, value, durability, and user-friendliness.
Best Bullpup Rifles
1. IWI Tavor X95 – Editor’s Pick
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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IWI Tavor X95 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easily accessorizable
- Ambi controls
- Reliable
Cons
- Very gassy when suppressed
- Balance point may be hit or miss depending on the individual
Specs
Features
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-Auto, long-stroke gas piston
- Barrel length: 13″ – 18.5″
- Overall length: 22.8 – 28.125″
- Weight: 7.5 lbs – 8 lbs
- Capacity: 30
Features
- Folding front sight with Tritium insert and rear sight
- Chrome-lined, cold hammer-forgerd barrel
Hands down one of the best and most widely adopted bullpups on the market is the Tavor X95 from IWI.
From the sleek styling to the ambi controls, the Tavor series of rifles has been a hit since the start — the X95 is the best of the bunch!
The short version, though, is that this gun runs. While the Tavor, in general, has always been a great bullpup, the X95 benefits from iterative design and has greatly improved the platform.
Soft shooting, compact, ultra-reliable, if we were going to pick a king of bullpups — it would be this one.
If you want the whole story, take a look at our hands-on Tavor X95 review!
2. Desert Tech SRS-A2 – Best Bolt-Action Bullpup
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Desert Tech SRS A2 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Caliber converitble
- Accurate
- Modular chassis system
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem, .308 Win, .300 WM, .300 RUM, .300 Norma, .338 Norma, .338 Lapua
- Action: Bolt-action
- Barrel length: 16″ – 26″
- Overall length: 27″ – 37″
- Weight: 8.7 lbs – 9.5 lbs
- Capacity: 5-10
Features
- 1/2 MOA guarantee
- Quick-change barrel
- Match-grade trigger
- Integral Tripod attachment
Don’t let the size fool you; this gun is a fantastic rifle.
The Desert Tech Stealth Recon Scout A2 is a bullpup, bolt-action model known for its accuracy and compact nature.
Its bullpup design makes it an effective sharpshooting rifle that’s as compact as a submachine gun.
The SRS-A2 is a multi-caliber design, meaning that it can quickly convert from one chambering to another, including .308 Win, 6.5CM, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM.
Overall, this is a great sniper rifle with an innovative design that allows it to be short and compact without sacrificing accuracy.
3. Desert Tech MDRX – Best .308 Bullpup
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Desert Tech MDRX Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great bullpup trigger
- Caliber converitble
- Accurate
Cons
- Certain configurations may be hard to find in stock
- Forward eject model is less reliable than the side eject models
Specs
- Caliber: .223 Wylde, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 BLK, .308 Win
- Action: Semi-auto, short-stroke gas piston
- Barrel length: 16″ – 20″
- Overall length: 26.02″ – 30.02″
- Weight: 8.7 lbs – 9.5 lbs
- Capacity: 20-30
Features
- Forward and side-ejection models available
- Multi-caliber convertible
- 9-position adjustable gas piston
Another innovative bullpup rifle coming from the people over at Desert Tech is the Micro Dynamic Rifle — or MDRX.
The MDRX is a unique gun that is lightweight, compact, and has an incredibly futuristic look.
What makes the MDRX an incredible gun is a forward ejection mechanism, meaning the rifle is fully ambidextrous.
It’s a favorite among left-handed shooters who are frustrated with bullpup designs that send casings flying in their faces.
Like its SRS sibling, the MDRX is multi-caliber and comes in .223 Wylde, .308 Winchester, and .300 Blackout in the 16-inch and 20-inch, with the 20-inch also offered in 6.5 Creedmoor.
4. Kel-Tec RDB – Best Budget Bullpup Rifle
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Kel-Tec RDB Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Downward ejecting
Cons
- Mediocre trigger
- Malfunctions are hard to clear
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO/ .223 REM
- Action: Semi-auto, short-stroke gas piston
- Barrel length: 16.1″ – 20.5″
- Overall length: 26.01″ – 30.04″
- Weight: 5.875 lbs – 7 lbs
- Capacity: 30
Features
- Downward ejection
- Reversible charging handle
- Adjustable gas piston
In a world where bullpup rifles routinely eclipse the $1500 mark, the 5.56 Kel-Tec RDB offers shooters great performance for $1000 or less.
Kel-Tec’s first foray into bullpup rifles was their .308 RFB, which received mediocre reviews. The company used the RFB as a learning experience to help iron out issues for their next rifle, the RDB.
Improved ergonomics, solid reliability, adjustable gas, and compatibility with standard AR mags have made the RDB a smash hit in the bullpup market.
RDB stands for Rifle, Downward-Ejection, Bullpup. As the name implies, it ejects spent casings directly downward. This, combined with ambi-controls, makes this gun an excellent choice for both right and left-handers.
On top of a solid feature set, the gun has a fairly good trigger as far as bullpups go, and the accuracy is relatively good across all trims.
Standard pistol-gripped models are available with 16, 17, and 20-inch barrels, and a rifle-gripped slim survival model with a 16-inch barrel is also available.
5. FN PS90 – Best Bullpup PCC
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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FN PS90 Pros & Cons
Pros
- High capacity
- Low recoil
- Ambi controls
Cons
- Stock optics mounting solution isn't great
- 16" barrel is excessive
Specs
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Action: Semi-auto, blowback
- Barrel length: 16″
- Overall length: 26.23″
- Weight: 6.28 lbs
- Capacity: 50
Features
- Hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel
- Ambidextrous safety, magazine release, and charging handle
- Ported muzzle brake
- Bottom-ejecting
Another reliable bullpup gun manufactured by FN Herstal is the PS90.
This firearm, classified as a personal defense weapon (PDW), is often lumped into the category of submachine guns.
Even if you didn’t know the PS90 by name, you’ve probably seen it feature in various forms of media, like the game Counter-Strike and movies, including James Bond, Hunger Games, and X-Men series.
Although its unorthodox design does make it seem a bit far-fetched!
However, the PS90’s reputation for excellence has made it a popular choice among LEOs in the United States on a local and national level, as well as the Taiwanese Armed Forces and various militaries in the EU.
It brings a fully ambidextrous design so righties or lefties can use it.
It ejects casings downwards, protecting the face of left-handed shooters, and the magazine sits on the top of the barrel rather than underneath.
What’s your take on the PS90? Rate it below!
6. Steyr AUG – Most Proven
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Steyr AUG Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely proven and reliable system
- Quick-change barrels
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Terrible trigger
- Mounting accessories is more difficult
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK
- Action: Semi-auto, short-stroke gas piston
- Barrel length: 16.4 – 24-4″
- Overall length: 28.5 – 35.4″
- Weight: 7.3 lbs – 10.8 lbs
- Capacity: 30-42
Features
- Quick change barrels
- Cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel
- Steyr or STANAG mag versions available
You didn’t think I’d write a review of bullpups and leave off the Steyr AUG, did you?
This Austrian bullpup rifle is one of the most recognizable and popular weapons in its field.
It shoots the 5.56 NATO cartridges and is used by a number of countries across the world, including the United States, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The Steyr AUG might be one of the most recognizable bullpup rifles.
This gun offers an easy-to-use safety mechanism located above the grip.
And the gun can be configured for right or left-handed shooters by changing the bolt to a right or left-side model and sealing the ejection port on the side closest to the shooter’s face.
Standard models come with a 1.5x optical sight and carrying handle.
Overall, the Steyr AUG accommodates right-handed and southpaw shooters and is easy to operate. This has helped make the gun a successful tactical piece for nearly 40 years.
Need a hands-on review? We got you covered! Steyr AUG Hands-On Review!
Best Bullpup Shotguns
7. Kel-Tec KSG – Best Bullpup Shotgun
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Kel-Tec KSG Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great capacity
- Ample room to mount accessories
- Affordable
Cons
- Harsh recoil
- Easy to short-stroke
Specs
- Caliber: 12 GA
- Action: Pump-action
- Barrel length: 18.5″
- Overall length: 26.1″
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Capacity: 14
Features
- Dual magazine tubes
- Downward-ejecting
- Picatinny top and bottom rails
Do you want a bullpup weapon that’s perfect for home defense?
The KSG 12-gauge shotgun by Kel-Tec is your best bet. It’s smaller than your average 12-gauge, but it still packs the same punch.
It doesn’t have a long barrel, which means that it’s perfect for shooting in narrow and tight spaces.
This pump-action shotgun is ambidextrous and can be easily fitted with red-dot sights, making it optimal for tactical scenarios.
Its reputation for reliability in the field has made the shotgun popular among certain French and South Korean battalions.
Additionally, since the KSG utilizes downward cartridge ejection technology, left-handed shooters don’t have to worry about shells hitting them in the face.
With a retail price under $1,000 and a typical street price of $750 or less, the Kel-Tec KSG is a great weapon home defense weapon to have.
8. Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 – Most Ergonomic Bullpup Shotgun
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Adjustable length of pull
- AR-style controls
Cons
- Stouter recoil due to being overgassed
- Higher capacity mags are absurdly long
Specs
- Caliber: 12 GA
- Action: Semi-auto, gas-operated
- Barrel length: 20″
- Overall length: 32″
- Weight: 7.94 lbs
- Capacity: 5-19
Features
- Adjustable length of pull buttpad spacers
- Ambidextrous controls
- Flip-up sights
The Armscor/Rock Island Armory VR series of shotguns have become favorites in the marketplace of affordable, magazine-fed, semi-auto shotguns.
BP in VRBP stands for bullpup, and it takes the same internals of the VR series and refits them into a bullpup shotgun.
The VRBP-100 utilizes VR series magazines that immediately offer the gun 5, 9, and 19-round capacity magazines. Its 19-round magazines are absurdly long and downright silly, but hey, it’s a lot of ammo, right? Nine-round magazines offer substantial firepower for the short little gun.
This gun measures 32 inches in total, with a barrel length of 20 inches. It’s one of the rare bullpup guns that come with a set of spacers that can be removed with ease to adjust the length of pull.
The VRBP-100 still clings to AR-like controls with an ambidextrous safety and magazine release. Heck, even the bolt release is all AR-like, which makes it easy for shooters to adapt from one gun to the other.
It’s a solid little gun that’s outfitted with excellent ergonomics and tons of room for optics, lights, and accessories as well.
The VRBP-100 hits hard in the recoil department. Gas-operated semi-autos are often overgassed, and the VRBP-100 isn’t any different. When you reduce it to a bullpup-sized platform, the recoil gets a little extra oomph.
Even so, it’s easy to control, cycles rapidly and makes it easy to dump buckshot quickly.
Do we have a review of this? You betcha! Check it out here!
9. IWI TS12 – Bullpup Shotgun Runner-Up
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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IWI TS12 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great capacity to size ratio
- Easy to mount accessories
Cons
- Recoil impulse is chunky
Specs
- Caliber: 12 GA
- Action: Semi-auto, gas-operated
- Barrel length: 18.5″
- Overall length: 28.34″
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Capacity: 15
Features
- 2-position gas regulator
- 3 rotatable 5-round magazine tubes
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli chokes
I had a few issues I talked about with the IWI TS12. My gun didn’t run well and often failed to cycle with the most powerful shotgun ammunition. I couldn’t break it in; it never worked reliably for me.
It seems like IWI figured out the TS12 and got it up and running.
I have several friends who’ve purchased the weapons and had zero issues with the gun. I got a hold of a friend’s TS12 and found myself surprised and pleased that it ran like an absolute clock.
It would feed cheap Walmart special birdshot, reduced recoil buckshot, standard buckshot, and whatever else we put through it. I’ve even followed up with friends in the gun industry who got TS12s that are completely reliable.
The TS12 uses an ingenious design that implements the famed tube magazine platform with a bullpup configuration.
Instead of a single tube, the TS12 uses three rotating tubes that each hold five rounds. Unlike other bullpup shotguns, the tubes can be topped off on the fly.
You can reload both spare tubes while keeping a loaded tube in position to fire. It’s a smart design. To unlock the rotating tubes, you press a device forward of the trigger, and it unlocks the tubes for easy rotation.
If you run the gun dry, the bolt locks to the rear, and when you rotate a fresh tube into place, the gun will automatically load a round into the chamber and close the bolt. It’s a simple but smart design that makes it fast and easy to keep your shotgun running and gunning.
I’m glad IWI fixed the TS12, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a newer model.
The downside will be the fact it’s not lefty-friendly, and you can’t exactly swap it for right or left-handed use.
You can read more about the TS12 in our complete review.
Honorable Mentions
10. Kel-Tec KS7
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Kel-Tec KS7 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Bottom-ejecting
Cons
- Harsh recoil
- Awkward carry handle sighting system
Specs
- Caliber: 12 GA
- Action: Semi-auto, gas-operated
- Barrel length: 18.5″
- Overall length: 28.34″
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Capacity: 15
Features
- 2-position gas regulator
- 3 rotatable 5-round magazine tubes
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli chokes
The Kel-Tec KS7 provides a simplified variant of the KSG and is also one of the lightest, shortest NFA-free shotguns on the market.
At only 26.1 inches long, it’s just above the overall length requirements for a shotgun. With a weight of less than 6 pounds, the little 5.9-pound shotgun is short and sweet.
Kel-Tec trimmed the KS7 to one tube, and it holds seven rounds of 2.75-inch shells. The barrel is predictably a trim 18.5 inches, and the length of pull is a pleasant 13 inches. This gun looks like a weird one but handles well.
You get a short pump that’s easy to grip, an ambidextrous pump release, a big block safety, and a setup that keeps the lefties happy.
The shells eject from the bottom of the gun, not from the left or right-hand sides. This ensures no one gets a shell to the face.
That big carry handle acts as your sight and accessory mounting platform. While awkward-looking, it makes attaching lights and accessories fairly easy to accomplish.
The sight is a big green triangle that’s eye-catching and perfect for close-range shooting.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Kel-Tec KS7 and how reliable, fun, and easy to use it is. I like the simple, lightweight design, and it’s become one of my favorite bullpups.
Read our full review of the KS7 here.
11. Springfield Armory Hellion
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Springfield Armory Hellion Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully ambidextrous
- Reliable
- Soft recoil
Cons
- Very long length of pull
- Mediocre trigger
Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Action: Semi-auto, short-stroke gas piston
- Barrel length: 16″ – 20″
- Overall length: 28.25″ – 32.25″
- Weight: 8 lbs – 8.375 lbs
- Capacity: 30
Features
- 2-position adjustable gas block
- Fully ambidextrous controls
- Integrated flip-up sights
- Reversible ejection direction
Springfield entered the bullpup in early 2022 with the introduction of the Hellion.
Although it is new to the US market, the Hellion has been around for a while, just under a different name.
It is actually just the import version of the HS Produkt VHS-2 from Croatia, which has been in production as a military rifle since 2013. The original version of the VHS dates even further back, to 2003.
While largely unchanged, Springfield wisely tweaked some features to help it find success in the American Market, including the addition of M-LOK mounting slots and the ability to accept standard AR-15 magazines.
The Hellion sports an overall length of 28.25 – 29.75 inches, a 16-inch barrel, and weighs in at 8 lbs. Other features include true ambidextrous controls, a reversible ejection port, an adjustable gas system, and integrated flip-up sights.
Although it came in closer to $2000 on launch, the price of the Hellion has dropped to a much more appealing $1599-1699 range.
With a competitive price and a proven core design that has seen military use, the Hellion is a compelling entry into the growing world of bullpup rifles.
Be sure to check out our complete review!
What Is a Bullpup Firearm?
Bullpups have the action located behind the firing grip.
In other words, the part of the gun where the magazine, barrel, and bolt meet is positioned behind the trigger instead of in front of it, like with conventional guns.
Because bullpup firearms have a different design than their traditional counterparts, they need to be handled differently.
When shooting a bullpup gun, you’ll need to hold the firearm closer to your body when aiming and shooting.
This, combined with the fact that bullpup guns generally have shorter overall lengths, makes them great for shooting in confined spaces.
Pros and Cons of Bullpup Guns
Bullpups are something many people either love or hate, and it can take a lot of practice before you master shooting one.
They have a lot of benefits in a tactical setting…which is why various bullpup guns have been used by armed forces worldwide, including Britain, France, Israel, and Australia.
Pros of Bullpups
Many bullpup versions are more compact than conventional models, increasing their maneuverability.
In addition, the design allows for a longer barrel without sacrificing overall length, accuracy, and muzzle velocity that comes with a shorter barrel.
And since the gun has to be held closer to the body, you’re less likely to experience fatigue from extensive shooting.
Your hand positioning helps you aim and shoot from a lowered position quicker than conventional guns.
While it’s true that bullpup weapons have some benefits that set them apart from traditional firearms…there are still a couple of cons.
Cons of Bullpups
Now for the downsides…
Bullpup guns that aren’t specially designed to eject casings downward are prone to hitting left-handed shooters in the face. Fortunately, most newer bullpup firearms have found a way around this with downward and upward ejection features.
Also, many bullpups are back-heavy, which can affect the gun’s balance and can cause the muzzle to rise significantly when being fired.
Not to mention, the positioning of the magazine can make it more difficult to reload bullpup guns rapidly.
In the rare and unlikely event that your bullpup backfires, the way bullpup guns are held means the explosion happens much closer to your face.
The Bottom Line
The advantage of using a bullpup gun over a conventional firearm is improved maneuverability, which is why bullpups are ideal for shooting in confined spaces.
Additionally, this is also why bullpup shotguns make decent weapons for home defense.
Final Thoughts
Bullpups are cool little firearms that offer the advantage of navigating in smaller, confined spaces.
Whether you choose to buy a complete firearm or revamp a model you currently own, these guns won’t disappoint.
What are your favorite bullpup models? Tell us in the comments! Also, be sure to read up on our recommendations for Best PCCs if subverting the regular AR is your thing.
Latest Updates
June 11, 2024: Removed High Tower Armory 10/22 conversion kit, S&W M&P12. Added supplemental data and media for each product. Also, added information on how we chose the guns on this list.
76 Leave a Reply
Geissele makes an aftermarket trigger for the Tavor called the "Super Sabra" (very pricey @ ~US$375). I thought they made one for the AUG too, but apparently not. Trigger is the first thing I would fix on any bullpup.
Kinda disappoints ya didn’t mention any of the Turkish additions to he market.
I just put together an A3 Tactical Triad chassis bull pup rifle with an Andersen mil spec lower, A3's 18" Foxtrot Mike bufferless wylde upper, Dark Storm Industries Competition muzzle device pinned and welded, mbus 3's, no optic yet.
It is awesome.
Easy build.
I highly recommend.
Having enjoyed the opportunity to test fire several bullpup designs in both 12 Gauge and center fire, I'd have to go with the RIA VRBP for the 12 GA and the Springfield Hellion with the 20 inch barrel. That being said, I have no plans on trading in my VR80 (so much easier to make nice with upgrades!) or my Saint for either!
Thanks PPT for awesome the article!
The bullpup design has a few advantages — and a number of resulting disadvantages, not the least of which is cost (and, to a lesser degree, utility — such as optics); many have lousy triggers.
The FN Herstal PS90 and IWI Tavor X95 are proven winners, but the FN uses very expensive ammunition its company manufactures, whereas the Tavor isn’t widely distributed in the U.S. — and replacement parts can be hard to come by. Add a suppressor to either — a great idea — and you are likely to be subjected to substantial toxins from burned propellant.
Great for home defense, or as truck guns… but I’d recommend spending a lot of time becoming proficient with either.
“In addition, the design allows for a longer barrel without sacrificing overall length, accuracy, and muzzle velocity that comes with a shorter barrel.”
Generally speaking barrel length has no effect on accuracy assuming optics are used. With iron sights the increased sight radius will give the illusion of increased accuracy but mechanical accuracy remains the same. This is likely where that idea comes from. TC Contender pistols are probably the best example of this, assuming the shooter is up to it they're every bit as accurate as the carbine variants.
Love the AUG, but wife is a lefty so had to purchase a shell deflector so she wouldn't have to eat the brass!
Looks like Nicholas Cage snuck into that picture with the Israeli military chicks
The Keltec RFB may have had some mediocre reviews. However, mine has been excellent. The failure to bring an array of support I parts like bolts and barrels is why I wont buy another Keltec. You can get some parts but I buy spare "everything" for my guns so I dont have to send it back to get a new barrel or beg for new bolt.
I like my Springfield Hellion. Basically my brother hates it which is why I have it, he won it in a contest and decided he didn't like it and gave it to me.
Well, it's an easy choice for me. The only one I could conceivably afford would be the Kel-Tec. Being retired and on a fixed income in the current economy, means it'll be a while before I buy another gun of any type.
Back a few years ago (actually nearly 30 years ago when I really nail it down(, a buddy of mine had bought a Bullpup Conversion Kit for his old Marlin Glenfield Model 60 .22LR. I don't recall the manufacturer's name, and the buddy has passed to the great range in the sky, but I do recall shooting the gun, and being impressed with the kit, except it made the trigger pull quite a bit heavier. As I understand it, that's one of the Cons Bullpups have had since the beginning, was a crappy trigger. Sounds like there's been effort to improve upon that, and you briefly refer to it with one model.
Maybe one of these days, especially since ATF and Biden have made braces illegal, so I hD to convert my AR Pistol to a Carbine to shoot it at the Public Range. I do miss that 9.5" barrel. It made that gun sweet to operate.
While not a bullpup, I just picked up a Beretta 1301 - another great one for home defense!
On paper, I have a hard time choosing between the Tavor and the Steyr AUG. The only way to choose is to shoot both and decide for myself. Now if I can find a range that has both and it willing to rent them, the decision will be so much easier ...
It’s been more than a year since you wrote this: which did you pick?
I was —>| |<— (this close) to buying the Steyr and inquired with local experts who panned it, reporting that the trigger is mushy and very sloppy, which requires modifications that Steyr won’t do to correct; cost was significant, too — much more than Pew Pew states. No thanks: If I’m going to purchase a Steyr, it will likely be their PDW.
what about the infamous DP-12? Surprised it wasn't included in your article!
The DP-12 is awesome. It has become my favorite home defense weapon. I also have the AUG and the PS90. Love them all.
The DP-12 is a beast. Pure and simple, a beast.
For someone who knows little about the subject, I found this article to be informative and interesting.
I have an original IWI Tavor. For stand up shooting, it's my favorite rifle. It's pretty terrible on a bench though. So the conventional rifles go to the range and the Tavor is best when plinking on a friend's property.
No mention of Kel Tec RFB, RDB, or especially the RDB Survival with its 5lb weight and a better trigger than everything shown? Strange and disappointing.
Agreed. I like my RDB, and its trigger, and its price.
where VHS-2 / Springfield Hellion as the best all rounder?
Keltec KSG is far from reliable. Mine malfunctioned every other round. Thought about trying the S&W bullpup but trust is low.
I've had my KSG25 for over a year I've cycled everything I can put through it including one and a 1/2 inch slugs and have only experienced 3 malfunctions and those where found to be the ammo I was using . I absolutely love KEL-TEC.
Where’s the dp-12 love?
I have a DP-12 and love it. Never had a problem with it after many rounds and is amazingly accurate with slugs and a red dot scope.
I have a DP-12 and put many rounds thru it and not any problems, and is amazingly accurate with slugs and a red dot scope.
DP-12 - Solid and reliable
Yes, where?
I call it “the beast”… and everyone knows what I’m referring to.
Living in rural Arizona, I found that it was an essential tool for dealing with rattlesnakes, javelina, bear, and coyotes. First came the Holosun sight, then a DBAL-A3, a NV scope, and it’s absolutely formidable as a home or ranch defense weapon. YMMV.
Fyi, OP, the photo near the bottom of the article with the caption "IWI’s TAVOR 7" actually is showing an X95.
How do you mention the P90 without mentioning General Jack O'Neill or Stargate SG-1?! A guy literally got his Form 1 approved because he "wanted to LARP as Jack O'Neill." Such disrespect, Pew Pew Tactical.
I was thinking the same thing!!!!
You totally forgot about the Keltec RFB!
I bought the K&M Arms M17S in 5.56 Nato for HD and urban combat (hopefully it won't become necessary). Out of all the bullpups out there, it has the best trigger of all the BPs out there.
While it isn't designed for combat, I would feel pretty confident in protecting myself and my family with it.
When these are fired do they seem noisier since the discharge appears to be closer to the ears?
Sad not to see the 1) KelTec RDB mentioned. It's less than $1000, and works very well, also with adjustable gas for suppressed shooting, and 2) Standard MFG DP-12 shotgun, that has the same or greater magazine capacity as the comparable KelTec, but has 2 barrels that fire sequentially with the trigger, i.e. one pump: two trigger pulls/rounds fired (also ~$1000).
I've trained on the AR platform and honestly picked up a bullpup so much easier. I'm built smaller so ars are difficult for me to run effectively. One of my favorite benefits of the bullpup is the side charging handle that they usually have. I'm waiting to get an mdrx someday.
I'm a bit surprised that I haven't seen anything on this site about the new S&W M&P 12. I tried for a year and a half to find a Kel-Tec KSG with no luck, but managed to find the S&W enhanced clone of it last month with no difficulties. Even though it was not by choice, I'm glad I waited! I think you'll need to update your lists of best bullpups and best tactical shotguns once you get your hands on one for evaluation.
I have recently purchased a Keltec KS7 and basically it's a KSG with one tub instead two. It is very reliable and handles fairly well for a bullpup 12 gage. It holds 7 -2 3/4" shells and one in the chamber or six 3" shells. There are after market items that can be purchased on line. It is around the same price as the KSG or a little cheaper depending on where you purchase it from. I thought you might be interested
I wonder why people don't talk about the Standard Manufacturing DP-12? It's one of the best out there. Never had one malfunction in 4 years and it can hold 16 rounds.
Please consider updating this article with the inclusion of the K&M M17S bullpups.
I'm surprised you did not menton K&M Arms's M17S (available in 223, 308 and 300 Blackout); American made; simple design; very robust and proven plateform. Its basically a bullpup AR10 when in the 308 configuration, I owned one for two years and really liked it.
I know it isn't exactly marketed as such, but could the MDR be used for hunting?
I'm considering getting it in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Sure, no reason why not. Depending on local laws -- some states require straight wall cartridges, some states require no more than X rounds in the magazine -- etc.
The text says the bullpup Mossberg reduces weight significantly compared to a standard Mossberg. But the accompanying pictures show the bullpup as being the heavier of the two, TWICE. Y'all must have the weights transposed in the pics.
The AUG is the best in the rifle bull pups. I will continue researching the shottys
OK? why is it best?
What's an 'assault' rifle? I've assaulted lots of paper targets with various tools. I've also assaulted many bags of chips with nothing but my bare hands :)
There's really no reason to be intentionally obtuse.
I am a little surprised you selected the IWI Tavor SAR over the Tavor X95. I, personally only have the X95 in 5.56 (and LOVE this weapon) but I chose it over the SAR only after reading dozens of reviews and watching many videos of highly respected reviewers. People lived their SAR until they tried the X95 and they fell hard for the updated Tavor and all it had to offer. Any reason you chose the SAR?
Richard Miller, I thought the exact same thing. I'm looking into getting an iwi Tavor, and with all the research I have done it shows the x95 is the better rifle. Also there really isn't much price difference between the two so I'm really not sure why they picked the sar.
If you all update this list, please review the Panzer Arms BP-12. It's a bullpup-style, 12-ga. shotty that is magazine-fed. Has been out for less than a year, but I'd like to see some testing or running it through the paces before purchasing.
There are some reviews on YouTube. Didn't perform flawlessly.
Did you try the Kel-Tec RDB? 5.56 NATO, downward ejecting, really astonishingly good trigger for a Bullpup rifle; overall a very clever yet practical design.
We're publishing a complete review of the Kel-Tec RDB sometime next month!
Where is the DP-12?
Completely anbidextrious and destroys the KSG and ever other 12ga. Bull pup made!
After watching many reviews on the KSG, I could see where you'd think that. I own two since i liked the first one so much. Most times is the user or the crappy ammo that is the cause of the problems. The dp12 has it's own set of problems.
I have shot the KSG and now own the DP-12
The DP's slight weight increase is it's only drawback, a direct result of its bullet proof design and build quality. There is also it's flawless operation at more than double the speed of the KSG.
Look to the reputation of the company behind each to know which unit will take the most abuse without fail long term.
It is an exceptional shotgun, and versatile in its capabilities. Add what you need to for nighttime home defense, ranch defense, or to use for your general security: whereas my requirements are perhaps unique, I’ve added a Holosun, night vision scope, and a Steiner DBAL-A3 for defense against rattlesnakes, javelina, bear, coyotes, and bobcats. No other shotgun I’ve owned has so many capabilities.
Tanfoglio Appeal comes in 22lr and is cheaper than buying a 10/22 and the conversion kit. Of course, its also not a 10/22, so there's that. Plus, I think they only make 10 round magazines for the appeal, which is a crying shame.
Where's the L85?
On the list for "Worst Bullpup Rifles [Ever]"
The A2 version fixed almost all of the issues with the L85A1 but it won't ever live down its reputation for being one of the worst designed and fielded military rifles in history.
The British also don't make any of them or any version of them for civilian export and by US law even if they did make one for export, it couldn't be exported to the USA.
Pros of Bullpups
Many bullpup versions are more compact than conventional models, increasing their maneuverability.
The design allows for a ---shorter barrel length ---without sacrificing accuracy and muzzle velocity.
^
I believe that should read "allows for a longer barrel without sacrificing overal length of the weapon"
Thanks for catching that, Kevin!
Also, its nonsensical to say the following:
1. "you have to hold the bullpup closer"
The distance from the trigger to the butt stock is exactly the same whether bullpup or not. Many have adjustable butt plates to suit any shooter.
The entire rifle is closer to the body only because the rifle is shorter for any given barrel length so the muzzle (hence entire rifle) is always nearer to the body as a result.
This is related to the next point.
2. Bullpup allows "shorter barrels" without sacrificing range/power/muzzle velocity.
That is plain wrong!
Range/power/muzzle velocity is determined by barrel length! It's just that bullpups at any given barrel length will always be shorter since you ELIMINATE the useless/redundant butt stock - the bolt action group & firing chamber & any other mechanisms behind the trigger CONSTITUTES the butt stock!
*NB - .Since the whole rifle is nearer to the body, the centre of gravity of the bullpup is closer to the body.
This is because the heaviest part of any rifle is the bolt action group and the barrel. If the former is right against the butt stock behind the trigger instead of in front of the trigger, plus the whole rifle (including barrel is nearer the body, any bullpup will require less effort to hold horizontally. Again it's elementary physics.
Correction: *This eliminates (2)(b).
Shame that this factual inaccuracy keeps getting repeated ad nauseum.
There is no such thing as muzzle rise due to the weight of the gun being in front or in the rear of a gun
(1) Newton's laws of physics already shows that an item that stays at rest tends to stay at rest. When you aim a rifle and steady your breathing, the rifle is already in equilibrium. All the forces acting on the rifle are cancelling each other out, i.e. Gravity has been cancelled out by the upward forces produced by your arms/hands.
(2) Newton's other two laws says that an object that stays at rest tends to stay at rest. It only moves only when there is a force acting on it, and that there is an equal and opposite reaction when forces act on it.
Based on the above, muzzle rise has nothing to do with the centre of gravity of the gun (front heavy or rear heavy). It occurs only if the recoil of the gun causes:
(a) your upper body/spine to bend or move backwards therefore causing the gun that you are holding in your arm to point upwards.
Think of this as a stationary rocking chair with a horizontal broom stick attached to it. When you rock it backwards, the stick starts to rotate and point upwards.
Solution: Better standing stance, which will reduce but probably cannot eliminate it.
(b) a rotational force caused by the rifle butt contact point with the shoulder being LOWER than the horizontal line of the barrel.
It is amazing that so many people still fail to understand this. The legendary Eugene Stoner addressed this in the 1960s Vietnam war era when he designed the M16 to be a straight-line recoil design constructed so that it is a straight line from muzzle to the rifle butt.
All rifles prior to the M16 had the rifle butt designed to be lower than the muzzle tip for eye relief, including the AK-47. Of course they rotated at the pivot (which is where the rifle butt touches the shoulder). This is elementary grade school physics called "moment (or torque) of a force about a turning point is the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance to the force from the turning point" - wikipedia.
All modern rifles (including bullpups) now use this straight line recoil design. This eliminates (2).
Modern extremely high speed video has long since confirmed a lot of things about recoil. Please understand this before you write nonsense like bullpup-muzzle-rise-due-to-heavy-rear. No such thing.
Wow, thanks for the knowledge drop!
Apollo: that all sounds reasonable and authoritative, but that does NOT make it completely factually correct. Straight line designs HELP, but do NOT eliminate muzzle rise. Not with long arms and certainly not with subguns or pistols.
Full auto weapons (most of them) tend to have muzzle climb and goto the left (ejection is to the right).
You are correct that stance and hand position can be usd to counter this, but they still do it.
WHY they do it is not as important as the fact that they do and you need to counter for it to control them.
Signed: Former Recon Marine/SAW/M-60 gunner.
I have to disagree as you didn't consider the effect of gravity on the position of the mass of the weapon. The farther it is from the fulcrum of the arc, the more effect it has on the level of the muzzle rise. You actually sound like a Google physicist that has never fired a shotgun.
Are there 12ga semi automatic bull pup shotguns?
Hey Ty, only pump ones are readily available but I remember Uzkon (Turkish manufacturer) is coming out with one soon.
No one mentioned that on most bullpups the trigger is awful and cannot be adjusted or smoothed out. This is due to the linkage between the trigger and the action Which is far behind the position of the trigger.
Normally that is true but there have been exceptions which solved this problem through creative solutions.
The early British E-2 designed immediately after WWII being an excellent example where the striker style firing pin was released by a shear built into the very front bottom of it's bolt activated by a very short linkage that was a mere inch or two behind the trigger and pushed up against the bottom of the very front of the bolt where the shear is built into the bolt.
For designs that are hammer fired or striker fired but require a longer linkage a rotary torque rod can solve the problem and transfers crisply over a much longer distance but to my knowledge have only been used in a very few prototype designs and or custom builds/conversions.
Long story short there are solutions that can provide bullpup guns with excellent trigger feel just as good as conventional firearms BUT doing so requires actually outside of the box creativity and/or old school quality engineering and actually "giving a $#*&" which unfortunately is not so common in firearms design anymore.
May be the reason there’s no “take up” or “travel” lengths discussed. I also noticed no one @ ppt has a trigger pull gauge either. Luv the sight but bp triggers suk…
Pardus (another Turkish manufacturer) has come out with a semi-auto bull pup. I can’t find any reviews on it but the local LGS has sold a boatload of them. They’re on sale right now for $239.