Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Why are Americans sour on bullpups?

Interesting vid. Seems to work well, but it's still ugly. But, pretty is as pretty does I suppose. If someone were to give me one I wouldn't turn it down.

Mike,

I put this video up in another thread, but its worth showing again..the relevant bit is from the 4min 30seconds point onwards and it just goes to show how long we've been playing with the bullpup idea. And this version was in a .280 no less...quite possibly it was 50 years ahead of its time..

Regards,

Peter

Stateside Americans don't have any personal experience with Bullpup rifles. The AUG and FAMAS were only on the US civilian market for a short time before their import was banned. I've read that the AUG is now being built in America. But the retail prices for one is nearly $2K!

If your posted overseas near a non-American military using a Bullpup, i.e. the Brits, French, Australians, etc... then you may get some experience. My brother, a National Guard Soldier, was able to fire the AUG courtesty of his Australian Army hosting unit.

Then there's money. I can buy a Ruger Mini 14 for $600. The semi-automatic civilian versions of the M-4 was $800 on sale at Cabelas recently. Not a Colt or an FN but there must be a dozen companies selling AR15 clones. Then there is the abundant after market parts, accesories, and gunsmithing available.

Yesterday, while watching a Winter Olympic biathalon event, the TV cameras focused on a competitor setting up for a shot. He was using a bullpup rifle with the magazine behind the trigger. Apparently, olympic athletes are embracing the bullpup.

Short answer for me. In the event of a catastrophic failure, I much prefer the chamber/breech end of barrel to be several inches in front of my face rather than sitting right next to my face and skull.

Despite all the negatives, I really want an AUG now that Steyr is making them in the US.

Fun range toy, no doubt.

Maybe the technique I imagine is wrong. But every time I do a mag change on a bull-pup doesn't seem nearly as fast or natural as on an AR-15 or even AK type gun.

Crappy triggers and few bullpups are immediately ambidextrous.

if you need to quicky reload after 30 rounds your probably lost. I can pretty much bet you next 30 are not gonna be any MORE effective.