The Top 5 Bullpup Guns

Bullpup concept vs traditional rifles

The hosts open by contrasting a standard AR-15 and a bullpup, focusing on ergonomics, barrel length, and overall size. A traditional layout like the SCAR places the trigger group, magazine well, and action in front of the shooter, so the barrel runs forward from the breech and adds overall length. A bullpup moves the action and magazine behind the trigger group, allowing a full 16-inch barrel in a much more compact package without entering NFA short-barreled rifle territory. They note that ergonomics and controls differ significantly between the two layouts, but the compactness of bullpups is a major advantage. A 12-gauge bullpup shotgun is briefly shown as an example of an affordable, compact option that can work well for home defense before they transition into their ranked list of top five bullpup guns.

Number 5: Springfield Hellion / VHS-2

At number five, they select the VHS-2, sold in the U.S. as the Springfield Hellion. They acknowledge it has many desirable features: adjustable gas, a top rail with integrated flip-up sights, and an adjustable length of pull. However, they describe real shortcomings in the ergonomics. The magwell has essentially no flare, so reloads require very precise, deliberate insertion, and hurried reloads can easily lead to missed or fumbled magazines. They argue this is not just a training issue but a design limitation. The bolt release is also criticized; instead of a simple, easily accessed button, the shooter must pinch and pull a control to drop the bolt, which is awkward to do one-handed under speed. Despite these issues, they still consider the Hellion a solid, feature-rich bullpup that earns a place on the list, but its control layout keeps it in the fifth spot.

Number 4: KelTec KSG bullpup shotgun

Number four is the KelTec KSG bullpup shotgun. The hosts describe it as a unique design that ejects shells straight out the rear. They warn that improper hand placement can cause the ejected shells to strike and cut the shooter’s wrist, which led Tim from Military Arms Channel to help design a shell deflector accessory. They also caution about using cheap vertical grips; if one fails under aggressive pumping, the shooter’s hand could move too far forward, creating a safety concern. Performance-wise, they report impressive accuracy, noting consistent hits at 200 yards using Remington 3-inch Magnum rifled slugs. The KSG can also run Aguila mini shells reliably without adapters, allowing up to 24 rounds on board, compared to about seven plus seven with standard 2¾-inch shells for a 14-round capacity. They consider it a compact, capable shotgun with strong home-defense potential and a distinct “cool factor,” which secures its place at number four.

Number 3: FN PS90 in 5.7x28mm

In the third spot, they choose the FN PS90, the civilian 16-inch barrel version of the P90, chambered in 5.7x28mm. The hosts emphasize its compact size, 50-round top-mounted magazine, and highly ambidextrous controls. They note that variants of this platform remain in use with the U.S. Secret Service and other units, and that many examples sit in armory racks worldwide. The PS90 offers multiple sighting systems, including built-in iron sights and an optic, though they point out the significant height over bore that shooters must account for. They show the small 5.7 cartridge and describe it as a fast-moving round suited to a personal defense weapon role. Recoil is described as minimal, even during rapid fire, allowing the gun to stay flat and controllable. While one host dislikes the safety’s location near the trigger, both agree the PS90 is an innovative, ergonomic bullpup that was ahead of its time and fits well as a compact PDW-style rifle.

Number 2: Steyr AUG features and quirks

At number two is the Steyr AUG, a classic bullpup introduced in the 1970s. The hosts discuss a version using Steyr’s translucent “waffle” magazines, noting that these are actually very reliable. One host is a strong fan of the AUG and praises Steyr for an iconic design, calling it one of his favorite weapon systems overall, not just among bullpups. They highlight several technical features: an adjustable gas system and a quick-change barrel that allows rapid removal via a side-mounted control. This setup makes it possible to switch from 5.56 to 300 Blackout with an appropriate barrel. At the same time, the other host mentions various small nuances that make the rifle slightly annoying in use, though specific examples are not fully detailed in the excerpt. Despite those quirks, they agree the AUG’s reliability, modularity, and long service history justify its high placement on their bullpup list.