02-06-2013, 10:14 AM
LRRPF52 Wrote:Only problem is that there are no decent bullpup designs.
True, but there are several which come close in different ways.
The Tavor X95 offers an M4-style control layout, even including the mag release, but is not ambidextrous except with a lot of fiddling around.
The STK SAR-21 features a case deflector which means that the gun can be fired left-handed without the user collecting a faceful of hot brass. It also has a kevlar cheekpiece which protects right-handed shooters from collecting the results of a breech explosion.
The latest version of Chinese QBZ95-1 also offers a case deflector and controls very similar to the M4.
The FN F2000 is fully ambidextrous without need to change anything (but has a weird control system).
The Beretta ARX actually has a switchable-side ejection, despite not being a bullpup.
What none of them offers is an adjustable stock length, which would require a shorter mechanism designed to use less space behind the breech (although not to the extreme of the Russian job shown above!).
In other words, it is entirely possible to design bullpups which meet all reasonable requirements. And at the same time it would be worthwhile incorporating a recoil-smoothing mechanism like the Russian balanced-piston type used in the AK-107. If I had a spare few million pounds I'd go to one of the good gunmakers and pay them to develop a bullpup to my specifications.
Some more detailed thoughts on this issue: http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/bullpups.htm