Take a look at any rifle in your collection, and the layout will likely be the same. Your trigger sits below or behind the action or magazine. The exact placement might vary slightly, but not so much that it’s unrecognizable.
Bullpup rifles change the game. They’re instantly identifiable from their silhouette alone, and that irregular design makes them a unique addition to any gun enthusiast’s collection.
With that in mind, what makes a bullpup rifle different from other firearms, and is it worth the investment?
What Makes a Bullpup Rifle?
The initial idea of a bullpup rifle dates back to 1901 and was first seen in the Thorneycroft carbine released the same year. This first bullpup rifle shot .030 British rounds and was actually 7.5 inches shorter than the comparable Lee-Enfield rifle.
The name bullpup refers to the configuration of the firearm. Instead of putting the action above the trigger and the trigger behind the magazine, the trigger sits ahead of the action and magazine, with both components situated further back in the butt of the rifle.
Bullpups are more common in the UK and are standard-issue for the British military, but you can still find them or have them shipped here if you’re intent on adding one to your collection. There have been a variety of bullpup models released over the century or so that they’ve been around. How do they compare to the rifles that we know and love today?
Bullpup vs. AR-15
Comparing the bullpup to one of the most common rifles, the AR-15, helps to frame and contextualize its special characteristics. Their design is different in several key ways, but they both technically fall into the same category and lend themselves well to cross-examination.
So, how can a bullpup rifle stack up against one of the most well-known firearms in the world?
1. Recoil
You don’t need an extended stock on a bullpup to absorb the recoil and make the rifle more comfortable to fire. Because the action is so much further back on the rifle, you can absorb the recoil more directly. This means that they’re around 25% shorter than their more-traditional counterparts.
Some gun enthusiasts may prefer a shorter firearm, while others may favor the longer, larger AR-15. That said, AR-15’s can start getting too heavy to comfortably hold when you begin adding accessories — which leads nicely into the next section.
2. Weight
Bullpups are also generally lighter than traditional rifles, but some naysayers often complain that these rifles are “back-heavy,” which makes aiming more difficult because of the light barrel. With the weight of the rifle pressed securely into your shoulder, this is less of a problem.
The positioning of the action and magazine on an AR-15, on the other hand, leads to some users complaining that it’s forward-heavy. It can be more difficult to fire these rifles for an extended period of time.
3. Accuracy
When it comes to accuracy, the skill of the shooter and the ergonomics of the rifle play an equal role. Both of these firearms have roughly equivalent accuracy, but if you’re used to the weight and ergonomics of one, picking up the other might take some getting used to.
The average bullpup’s sights are quite a bit higher than what you might find on an AR-15. An AR’s sights will usually sit 2.5” above the bore, while the sights on an IWI Tavor bullpup rifle are 4” above the bore.
4. Ejection
When it comes to the downsides of bullpup rifles, the ejection mechanism is high on the list. AR-15s and other standard rifles have the advantage here. The ejection port is positioned in such a way that you can operate the rifle left or right-handed without worrying about getting smacked in the face by hot brass.
The ejection mechanism on a bullpup rifle is a lot further back. Not only do you have the sound of brass ejection right in your ear, but switching from one side to the other could end up with brass down your shirt. This has changed in some modern designs, like the P90 that ejects its brass down toward the ground, and the FN 2000, which is designed to eject its brass forward. Bullpups can be a bit challenging for anyone who shoots left-handed.
5. Trigger
There isn’t a lot to your standard trigger mechanism on an AR-15. Since there aren’t many moving parts and the trigger is right next to the action, it doesn’t fail often. Bullpups are more prone to failure because of the distance between the trigger and the action.
There are a number of linkages between the trigger and the action, and the more moving parts you have, the more prone a system is to failure. It isn’t a big problem as long as you carefully clean and maintain your rifle.
Is a Bullpup Worth the Investment?
Bullpup rifles are unique firearms. They’re not always the best option, and you may have some difficulty getting one if you live in the United States, but they’re an interesting collector’s item for gun enthusiasts who want to expand their personal armory.
Beyond design, the practicality of bullpups should definitely factor into your final decision. Bullpups may have an interesting look, but their layout has downsides when you consider their ejection port and the distance between the trigger. Even so, AR-15s have disadvantages, as well.
As for the advantages of bullpup rifles, their lower weight allows you to carry them for longer periods of time. Most shooters won’t see that as a significant benefit, especially if you’re only shooting at a range. But it’s something to consider if you’re intending to travel any kind of distance with your rife.
So, what’s the verdict in the bullpup vs. AR-15 argument? And should you invest in a bullpup rifle? If you’re looking for something special, a bullpup is absolutely worth the investment. If you want a firearm for regular use or hunting, you may be better off choosing something else.
Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about the outdoors, gear, and similar topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for regular updates.
