[Prizm]

I've been reading about the brit's weapons and I know the chinese went to a new bullpup design a couple of years ago. I've heard and read that the U.S. leaders are not to keen on bullpups. Does anyone know exactly why? I mean one of the benefits of the M4 was to allow soldiers to carry the weapons easier in vehicles. But with a bullpup you can still keep the longer barrels and the benefits of higher velocities in a tight package.

Anyway, can anyone shed some light for me?

 

[MickeyC]

No idea, but I suspect it's partly due to the cost of replacing a huge M16 based inventory and the issues with the significant changes required to manuals of arms and basic training. Enought Armies and special forces have moved to or use bulpups so prove their worth.

 

[LoadedDrum]

I've been reading about the brit's weapons and I know the chinese went to a new bullpup design a couple of years ago. I've heard and read that the U.S. leaders are not to keen on bullpups. Does anyone know exactly why? I mean one of the benefits of the M4 was to allow soldiers to carry the weapons easier in vehicles. But with a bullpup you can still keep the longer barrels and the benefits of higher velocities in a tight package.

Anyway, can anyone shed some light for me?

It might be that you can't shoot weak side with most bullpups other than the ones FN makes (Keltec will have a forward ejection model too soon).

 

[MickeyC]

We were taught the Israeli method, of leaning over your hips to shoot strong side around an object. It's easy to train around that one. After all we don't have separate drill movements for lefties?

You could be right however.

 

[everalm]

Large chunk of "Not Invented Here", supplemented with the happy bureaucrats knowledge that any decision not taken is a good decision...... >

Most folks who slag off the bullpup design tend to either have never handled one or a best one for about 5 minutes. Typical armchair commando comments......

"Oh no.....The ejection port is reeeeeal close to my face " Obviously never used as bolt action before
"It's crap, you can only shoot it right handed" Usually said by a Righty......
"It looks too spacey" Sorry, does not compute.. :
"The trigger is really gritty" That's why God gave is gun smiths, opposable thumbs and abrasive material
"Its so short" And yet the barrel is longer and delivers more energy down range than your 11.5" incher
"Oh my God the magazine mechanism is different" Train it, use it love or loath it

etc etc etc.

I personally loved the accuracy and form/function of my L85 (and the final fixes in the A2) got to play with the Streyr Aug with the Aussies and even "played the bugle" and got serious range time with the Froggie FAMAS.

Each had it's own foibles but I like the concept.

I would LOVE an XCR in a bullpup.......

 

[MickeyC]

everalm,

I couldn't agree more. My L85 wirked finem, and I never got to use the A2 version. A?UG was nice also as is the FAMAS. I have an FS2000 for now but might go with the MSAR or Kel-tec when out. Hell, i'd buy an L85 if a civvie one was available.

 

[aziator]

I saw a real nice rail system today for an L85...it was still in the white but it looks like it will turn out real good. It had built in pressure pad spots on both sides...not sure what else I can say about it.

 

[MickeyC]

The problem is that there is no civilian version of the rifle. Same for the FAMAS with it's roller locking system. Basically it's the AUG or a copy of it and the FS2000.

 

[Prizm]

Here's a link that got thinking about the whole thing. They talk about the new Chinese cartridge as well.

Here's some video