Bull Pup Guns Configuration

[seoxeee]

The next generation of small arms coming to the top, a lot are using a bull pup configuration. Since it utilizes a rifle length barrel (about 18-20") in a carbine sized package (about 28-35" give or take) no performance or accuracy is lost in compacting the size of the rifle. However, this design is not as perfect as it ba50 bushmaster .

With the exception of the FN F2000, bullpups can only be fired from one shoulder safely because of the ejection next to the user's head. Also, many are back-heavy and it is more difficult to balance than a standard setup. Also, it is reportedly slower in magazine change time, and it is a lot more awkward.

Overall, there's a reason that most special ops units from countries whose conventional forces use a bullpup, instead chose a standard rifle and/or carbine. The SAS uses the M4 or the C8, GIGN (though occasionally using the FAMAS) often operates with the SIG 551, and the Australian SASR also utilizes the M4.

Depending on the means of attaching the sight and the optic employed, the bullpup design has the potential of being more mechanically accurate than a conventional weapon the same length because of barrel length and the potential for added barrel rigidity (For example the Walther WA-2000 and Bushmaster M17S).

Additional problems are practical accuracy for most designs because of extended trigger linkages, greater difficulty creating an ergonomic stock, and (without optics) limited sight radius. There is also a practical limit to conventional magazine length without going to an unconventional design parallel to the bore line like the Calico-series, FN P90, or HK G11. This means, in most weapons, the inability to use a high capacity drum for use in the AR/SAW roles.

Belt feed is actually less problematic in bullpup or semi-bullpup designs because it makes it easier to put the ammunition closer to the point of balance (like the M60/M60E3, MG42, and some of the Colt LMG prototypes.)