Are new bullpup designs significantly better than the M4/M16? If so, will the U.S. eventually change to one?

The bullpup design makes for a shorter overall design, that's about it.

I like the standard layout because I can shoot it left handed and right handed. Comes in handy with those corners.

The Bullpup and the M16 are even in quality and design. Only difference is ergonomics.

I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a Israeli Tavor TAR-21. Scuttlebutt says that Charles Daily is trying to sign a deal with IMI to bring a civvie semi-auto version state side.

Right now on the open US market are the following bullpups

MSAR SGT-556 (AUG Clone)
TPD USA AXR (AUG Clone)
Steyr AUG-A3
Busmaster M17S (Discontinued)
FN Hertsal FS 2000
FN Herstal PS90
Kel-tec RFB (7.62 NATO FN FAL Bullpup)
Charles Daily/IMI Tavor Tar-21 (possible, pending BATFE approval for production. Currently aviable in Canada)

On the military market you have the following

FAMAS
Steyr AUG
FN Herstal FN 2000
SA-80/L-85
HS Produkt VHS
IMI Tavor Tar-21
Norinco QBZ-95
Singapore SAR-21
FN Herstal P90


Out of all the bullpups out there. I own a FN Herstal PS90. I sent of my BATFE Form 1 to registir it as a short barreled rifle. In which it will be just like a FN P90 except it will be semi-automatic only.

Originally Posted by the_13th_redneck

I like the standard layout because I can shoot it left handed and right handed. Comes in handy with those corners.

Me too. I dont like the bullpup layout, never have, never will.

The P90 would be a different kind of bullpup because it's gone around the issue of being non ambidextrous by ejecting its casings straight down.

The F2000 also ejects the brass towards the front of the gun so it's ambidextrous.

Is there any truth to the claim that bullpups have heavy mushy triggers compared to rifles of standard layout? I hear that a lot on various forums.

I guess our man 5.56 will have to tell us.

Originally Posted by major liability

The F2000 also ejects the brass towards the front of the gun so it's ambidextrous.

Is there any truth to the claim that bullpups have heavy mushy triggers compared to rifles of standard layout? I hear that a lot on various forums.

Yes, the majority of Bullpups have a mushy trigger because of the linkage that connects the trigger with the sear. It's usually a rod that is the connection point. But on some cheaper bullpup kits out there it's a metal wire.

My PS90 has a mushy trigger but it's still a good shooting weapon.

As of right now the current platforms that can be used by lefties and normal folks without a problem is the FN P90, FN FN2000, and the Kel-tec RFB. The P90 ejects it's spent cases downward, the FN2000 and the RFB efect the spent cases through a small tube just above the muzzle of the firearm.

The AUG platform can be configured for lefties. But it's not a on the fly kinda thing. You have to remove the bolt and charging handle, replace the efection port cover, etc.....

The three rifles that I know for a fact that are right handed only are the FAMAS, SA-80/L-85, and Norinco QBZ-95. Possibly the SAR-21 from Singapore but I'm not 100% sure.

Originally Posted by BritinAfrica

Me too. I dont like the bullpup layout, never have, never will.

I'm kinda the same way but I am slowly leaning towards them..... A longer barrel in a smaller platform works for me. Hence why I got the PS90. After my Form 1 is approved it's going to have a 10.3 inch barrel with a overall length of 20 inches. That's a tiny platform plus it has a fifty round capacity. As of right now the PS90 with it's 16 inch barrel and overall length of 26 inches is the same size as a H&K MP-5 with it's stock extended.

The PS90 might be the only bullpup I'll ever own though.... no other one on the market has such a fast magazine exchange. Yea, training can get me to work a AUG just as well.... but I think my load out is now M4 Carbines for when things get nasty and a PS90 for regular conceal carry.

If it doesn't shoot left handed, it's a deal breaker for me.