Why don't more modern guns use the bullpup configuration?

[zerocool84]

Why don't more modern guns use the bullpup design? It saves weight and makes for a smaller gun with the same barrel length. Why don't more modern guns use this design? It's been around for a while.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullpup

 

[sandorski]

Because....there has to be a reason. Probably related to complexity or other factors.

 

[Scouzer]

Because non-bullpup users touch themselves at night

 

[duragezic]

A lot of guns are improvements on older or similar designs, not all new creations. And with military or LEO users, having to do the training on an all new weapons system is not always feasible, so evolutionary improvements (say from M16 to M4 to some piston type AR-15) may be better for some.

They often have issues for left handed shooters. Some eject the cases downwards or forward to fix this. From what the new Keltec RFB was described as, it sounded like they just end up dumping out the front if you point it downwards, which sounds lame but whatever.

I always hear nutnfancy talk about triggers on bullpup rifles being subpar most of the time, but I don't know why that is.

Also they seem like they would be slower to reload than a traditional layout but that's just my guess.

 

[EarthwormJim]

The only advantage of bullpup rifles are the longer barrel capabilities in the same sized package as a comparable traditional rifle. Modern combat does not happen at long ranges, so longer barrel designs aren't exactly needed (I'm not saying longer barrels are a bad thing though).

The bullpup design has numerous drawbacks. You need to have extremely long trigger linkages, which decreases feel, is more complex, and more susceptible to wear. It's better to have a reliable inaccurate gun than an unreliable accurate gun.

Loading a magazine is quite awkward in the firing position.

The firing chamber is right next to the shooter's head rather than several inches away from the head. If there's a catastrophic failure, the user is much more likely to be injured.

The balance is very uncomfortable in a bullpup. It's usually centered between your firing hand and your shoulder.

Just because bullpups look high-tech and futuristic does not make them a better gun design.

 

[Alone]

Because they seem like they'd be miserable in combat.

I don't think I'd like to retrain on something like that.

 

[irishScott]

A lot of guns are improvements on older or similar designs, not all new creations. And with military or LEO users, having to do the training on an all new weapons system is not always feasible, so evolutionary improvements (say from M16 to M4 to some piston type AR-15) may be better for some.

They often have issues for left handed shooters. Some eject the cases downwards or forward to fix this. From what the new Keltec RFB was described as, it sounded like they just end up dumping out the front if you point it downwards, which sounds lame but whatever.

I always hear nutnfancy talk about triggers on bullpup rifles being subpar most of the time, but I don't know why that is.

Also they seem like they would be slower to reload than a traditional layout but that's just my guess.

Due to the location of the trigger relative to the firing chamber. Bullpup triggers are simply more complex, and therefore inherently less smooth. Whether it makes a difference in a well designed Bullpup I don't have the experience to say.

 

[Fritzo]

Hard for left handers to use.

 

[TehMac]

Because it's a pain in the ass to maintain. And it's balance is questionable.

 

[Matthiasa]

Hmm they look really ugly.

 

[sandorski]

Hmm they look really ugly.

I like the looks of the P90 and it's 50 Round Magazine is nice as well. Only ever used one in Counter Strike though, so my opinion on its use is rather useless.