Bullpups Are Futuristic: Difference between revisions

A "bullpup" rifle is one where the action is behind the trigger. This allows for a longer barrel (which means more practical accuracy, range and bullet velocity) with shorter overall length and weight, but increases the complexity adding to manufacturing time/cost as well as increasing the chance of malfunction and making maintenance more difficult. Further, in most cases this means the rifle can't be ambidextrous without making it eject spent brass downward (adding further complexity). As the British, French and Australian armies have discovered this is also an issue for right handed users as it prohibits shooting left of cover which is a major disadvantage in today's close range, urban combat.