A “bullpup” weapon, by definition, has a design where the action is located behind the trigger group. The action is built into the buttstock, thus significantly reducing the overall length of the weapon while maintaining the same full-length barrel of a conventional rifle or shotgun. This shorter overall length gives the bullpup better maneuverability in confined environments—creeping around corners, moving through doorways and rooms, getting in and out of vehicles. Here are some of the best bullpups on the market.
Barrett Model 95
The Barrett Model 95 combines the pinpoint accuracy of a bolt-action rifle with the power of the .50 BMG round. For extra durability and consistency, the rifle features steel upper and lower receivers that house the chromed chamber and fluted barrel. The bolt carrier itself slides on machined-smooth rails, transporting a large bolt that locks into the barrel extension with three lugs. The firing pin is driven by dual springs designed for consistency and a lightning-quick lock time. (barrett.net; 615-896-2938)
Specifications: Barrett Model 95
Caliber: .50 BMG
Barrel: 29 inches
OA Length: 45 inches
Weight: 23.5 pounds (Empty)
Stock: Steel
Sights: Optics-Ready Picatinny Rail
Action: Bolt
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 5+1
MSRP: $6,500
Bluegrass Armory Moonshiner
The Moonshiner from Bluegrass Armory is a bolt-action bullpup that features an interchangeable-caliber platform, allowing a user to go from 7.62mm NATO to .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum. The receiver is made from billet aluminum, and it features an 8-inch Picatinny rail with a 30-MOA offset, smaller accessory rails at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, several sling attachment points, an AR-style pistol grip, an enlarged triggerguard and a flared magazine well for faster reloads. (bluegrassarmory.com; 352-401-9070)
Specifications: Bluegrass Armory Moonshiner
Caliber: 7.62mm NATO, .300 WM, .338 Lapua Magnum
Barrel: 21 inches
OA Length: 36 inches
Weight: 11 pounds (empty)
Stock: Aluminum
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Bolt
Finish: Desert tan, OD green, black
Capacity: 3+1
MSRP: $2,995
FN FS2000 CQB
This civilian version of the FN F2000 uses a gas-operated rotating bolt, and spent casings are ejected from the front of the carbine, through a port near the barrel. The barrel is slightly over 17 inches in length and is fitted with a ported muzzle brake. (fnhusa.com; 703-288-3500)
Specifications: FN FS2000 CQB
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel: 17.44 inches
OA Length: 29.25 inches
Weight: 7.86 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $2,779
FN PS90 Standard
Built for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, the FN PS90 is completely ambidextrous. It uses a blowback operating system and fires from a closed bolt. The integrated muzzle brake helps reduce recoil. Translucent, polymer, top-loading magazines in 10- and 30-round capacities are available for the FN PS90. (fnhusa.com; 703-288-3500)
Specifications: FN PS90 Standard
Caliber: 5.7x28mm
Barrel: 16.04 inches
OA Length: 26.23 inches
Weight: 6.28 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black, olive drab
Capacity: 10+1, 30+1
MSRP: $1,449
IWI Tavor SAR
The IWI Tavor has been in service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since 2001. Now IWI US is offering the Tavor SAR, a semi-auto version, to American citizens. It employs a long-stroke piston operating system and uses standard AR magazines. SARs are available with 16.5- or 18-inch barrels, and shooters can choose a model with a flattop or a Mepro 21 reflex sight. (iwi.us; 717-695-2081)
Specifications: IWI Tavor SAR
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel: 16.5 or 18 inches
OA Length: 26.13 inches
Weight: 7.9 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Flip-up front and rear
Action: Black or Flat Dark Earth
Finish: Missing copy
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $1,999
Kel-Tec KSG
The unique KSG is a pump-action shotgun with two magazine tubes. Each tube holds six rounds for a total capacity of 12+1 rounds. The user selects which magazine tube it feeds from via a lever located behind the grip. (keltecweapons.com; 800-515-9983)
Specifications: Kel-Tec KSG
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Barrel: 18.5 inches
OA Length: 26.1 inches
Weight: 6.9 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Pump
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 12+1
MSRP: $990
Kel-Tec RFB
Kel-Tec’s RFB (Rifle, Forward-ejecting Bullpup) is a 7.62mm NATO rifle that uses a short-stroke gas piston operating system. Its controls are fully ambidextrous, and it uses common FAL-type magazines. The muzzle is threaded for suppressor use. (keltecweapons.com; 321-631-0068)
Specifications: Kel-Tec RFB
Caliber: 7.62mm NATO
Barrel: 18.5 inches
OA Length: 26 inches
Weight: 8.1 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 10+1, 20+1
MSRP: $1,880
MSAR STG-E4
The STG-E4 is the fifth generation of MSAR’s American-made bullpup. At the heart of the STG-E4 is a forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum receiver. It is compatible with most AR-15/M16 magazines. (msarinc.com; 814-363-9260)
Specifications: MSAR STG-E4
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO, 300 BLK
Barrel: 16.5 inches
OA Length: 26.5 inches
Weight: 7.2 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $1,999
SRM 1216 Gen 2
The SRM 1216 Gen 2 is a 16-shot, semi-automatic shotgun with a billet-made receiver, a fluted chamber and a reinforced Zytel polymer buttstock. The roller-delayed action cycles quickly and reduces felt recoil. (srmarms.com; 888-269-1885)
Specifications: SRM 1216 Gen 2
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Barrel: 18 inches
OA Length: 32.5 inches
Weight: 7.25 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 16+1
MSRP: $2,399
Steyr AUG/A3 SA
The iconic AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr) was adopted by the Austrian Army in 1978 and is still in service. Its modular design allows users to quickly change barrels for specific scenarios. A long Picatinny rail on top allows for mounting optics. The NATO variant accepts AR magazines. (steyrarms.com; 205-417-8644)
Specifications: Steyr AUG/A3 SA
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Barrel: 16 inches
OA Length: 27.2 inches
Weight: 7.3 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1, 42+1
MSRP: $2,099
Tanfoglio Appeal
Tanfoglio’s rimfire bullpup, the Appeal, is made of polymer and steel. Its controls are ambidextrous, the length of pull is adjustable, and it has irons sights as well as an elevated Picatinny top rail for mounting an optic. (eaacorp.com; 321-639-4842)
Specifications: Tanfoglio Appeal
Caliber: .22 LR, .22 WMR
Barrel: 18 inches
OA Length: 29.5 inches
Weight: 4.8 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Adjustable front and rear
Action: Semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 10+1
MSRP: $450-$467
UTAS UTS-15
The UTS-15 uses an AR-style pistol grip and safety selector, but its resemblance to an AR ends there. Above the barrel are two magazine tubes that can each accommodate seven 2¾-inch shells or six 3-inch shells. The Picatinny rail on top makes it easy to mount backup sights, optics or both. (utas-usa.com; 847-768-1011)
Specifications: UTAS UTS-15
Gauge: 12; 3-inch chamber
Barrel: 20.5 inches
OA Length: 29.5 inches
Weight: 6.9 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: Optics-ready Picatinny rail
Action: Pump
Finish: Black, desert, marine, OD green, Muddy Girl, Zombie green
Capacity: 14+1
MSRP: $1,200
