Nimble Advantage: Best Bullpup Rifle Options (2022).

We present five of the best bullpup rifles. We give you five of the best to take aim at.What Are The Top Bullpup Rifles:Steyr AUG A3 M1IWI Tavor X95FN PS90Desert Tech MDRXKel-Tec RDB17Springfield Armory HellionUnconventional firearm designs are legion, but none quite stir emotions like the Bullpup. These sentiments are usually abject hatred or relative indifference for most, but undying love for a few. People who pledge their hearts to this ugly animal do so without reservation. While the Bullpup is not as popular as its more traditional counterparts, it has a loyal enough following to continue to live for over 120 years. You read that right. The idea of moving the action behind the trigger instead of above it was not a Buck-Roger’s idea. The Bullpup is an early 20th century concept. The Thorneycroft Carbine, which was the first flesh-and bones example, is the closest thing to it. Although the idea was not unique, it was explored by others. The bolt-action 303 British appeared in 1901. The Bullpup concept was a novelty because of its stature. It did achieve the one thing it wanted to do, which was reduce the overall length of the rifle. This combination is powerful. This combination is powerful. It is more maneuverable and controllable than traditional designs due to the fact that it is closer to the muzzle. It is also easier to manage for longer periods of time, as the rifle’s mass is closer to the body than it is in front. These are solid points. The Thorneycroft Carbine looks to be a great dog, but the Bullpup is not all roses and cream. The Bullpup is not a perfect dog. This characteristic is well-known in conversion kits for standard configuration rifles. The extra parts make the trigger feel squishy. Bullpups use linkages and extensions to connect everything. Most are designed for right-handers with brass being ejected in that direction. Southpaws will have to deal with the fact that many of these eject spent brass downwards. This can result in a hot brass shirt or face. The latest designs address this by angling the ejection upwards away from the shooter. Bullpups are heavy tail-heavy because the magazine is behind the trigger. This design tends to increase muzzle rise. These rifles are also slower to load due to the mag well placement. However, familiarity with the weapons system can help to reduce both. Best Bullpup RiflesSteyrAUG A3M1No bullpup rifles list is complete without the SteyrAUG. The space-aged iron rifle is one of the most popular in this configuration. It is also a compact package. The 5.56 NATO A3 M1 is a compact rifle. It measures just over 28 inches in length and has a 16-inch barrel. If you want to extend the range of your rifle’s capabilities, there are longer aftermarket options. The short-stroke piston-operated rifle weighs in at 7.7 pounds. Big plus. Steyr offers excellent optics mounting options. This includes a Picatinny rail, 1.5x or 3x integrated optics, and safety above the grip. Mag release behind, charging handle at the fore, and mag release behind. It’s a little different if you have only ever used an AR, but it’s very easy to learn. The Tavor X95 is one of the most popular civilian options. It has a smooth trigger that can be pulled at a mere 5 to 6 pounds. This rifle is well worth the entry price for Bullpup lovers. The 5.56 NATO rifle offers more than just ambidextrous controls. There are ample optics rails at the 3-, 6-, and 9-oclock positions. STANAG magazine compatibility is also available. Ergonomics are also excellent. The rifle’s ample fore-end allows for maximum control and makes it easy to transition targets extremely quickly. The Tavor is a kitten when it comes to recoil. This rifle is compact at 26 inches in length and has a 16-inch barrel. The X95 long-stroke powered rifle weighs in at 7.9 pounds. It is heavy enough to be very manageable, especially shot to shot. There are very few issues with the IWI X95. MSRP: $1,999, IWI.usGet more Bullpup Information:FN PS90FN’s little bullpup might just be the most adorable rifle on the list. Don’t be fooled. It has teeth! The rifle is chambered at 5.7x28mm and may not be the best choice for self-defense. The cartridge is still deadly when hits are accurate. The PS90 offers plenty of chances to hit with 10 and 30-round magazines. If compact is what you are looking for, the FN Bullpup delivers. The 16-inch barrel rifle measures just 26 inches in length and is very fast at the shoulder. It is also lightweight at just over 6 lbs. The PS90 is large enough to eliminate recoil, even though the 5.7 cartridge is relatively light. It’s fast and accurate. Although it works, it is a significant departure from what’s expected comfort. Reloads can be difficult due to the magazine loads at the rifle’s top. Despite it sounding strange, this rifle can be more efficient than traditional Bullpup systems due to its greater access. The PS90 is unique and dangerously serious. Although it was originally designed for long-range rifles, Desert Tech has proven to be adept with carbines ever since the release MDRX. The Bullpup rifle is a top-of-the-line option for those who want both performance and versatility. The MDRX’s ability jump calibers is where this plays out. The platform converts in minutes and allows you to have four calibers at your disposal:.223 Wylde (.308 Winchester),.300 Blackout (6.5 Creedmoor), and.308 Winchester (.308 Winchester). It is still very small. The MDRX measures 26 inches in length and has plenty of space for support hands. Even in a.30-caliber configuration, it is manageable. A pure kitten? No. No. The company also includes all the modern features you would expect in a modern rifle system, including ambidextrous controls and plenty of optics rail space. This proves a bonus for lefties who don’t care for hot brass in their face.MSRP: $2,099, deserttech.comKel-Tec RDB17Kel-Tec has always had a different take on firearms, which makes it a natural to take on the bullpup. We prefer the RDB17 model, but the RDB line is the result. The rifle’s flexible configuration and low price makes it appealing compared to other niche rifles. This is an excellent combination. The bullpup comes with a 5.56 NATO rifle that is short and strong. There are also some extras that make it stand out. It is compatible with STANAG magazines. The rifle also features an adjustable short stroke piston system, top- and bottom Picatinny rails, and intuitive controls. The safety is identical to the AR-15’s in its placement, and the magazine release is quick and easy via a paddle behind your grip. The system allows lefties to eject spent case from below the buttstock. This eliminates the biggest bullpup problem. The 16-inch barreled rifle measures in at just over 27-inches overall length and weighs in at 7-pounds. The gun’s agility is enhanced by the use of ample foregrip, which allows it to get the most out its compact package. And the mild nature of the 5.56 cartridge lets you take full advantage of its fast target transitions.MSRP: $1,000, keltecweapons.comSpringfield Armory HellionWhile the Springfield Hellion may have only become available Stateside in early 2022, the rifle already has a well-proven track record. The Hellion is manufactured by HS Produkt in Croatia and is a semi-auto, U.S-legal version of the company’s VHS-2 rifle. The design has been subject to military trials and has been adopted worldwide by armed professionals. The core features of the Hellion rifle are identical to the VHS-2. However, a few modifications have been made to make it more suitable for the U.S. market. One of those changes was the compatibility with STANAG AR-15 magazine, which are slightly more common in the U.S. than G36 mags in the VHS-2. The Hellion is a 5.56x45mm rifle that comes in a package of only 28.25 inches. It has a 16-inch barrel and a package that is only 28.25 inches long. It has a short stroke gas piston system with two adjustment settings and weighs in at 8 pounds unloaded. Additional features include an ambidextrous charging and safety handle, an adjustable stock with cheek-riser and QD sling points on the handguard and stock. The Hellion’s case ejection system can be reversed, making it a great choice of lefties. The design also includes flip-up iron sights. While it may be new to us here in the U.S., the Hellion is quickly gaining traction and it wouldn’t be surprising to see it become one of the most-popular bullpup rifles on the market.MSRP: $1,999, springfield-armory.comEditor’s Note: Adam Borisenko contributed to this article.NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDSThis impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains62 printable targetsfor rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Get Free Targets