Bullpup Concept and Lineup Overview
The video opens with multiple bullpup rifles laid out on a table for a head-to-head comparison. The hosts define a bullpup as a rifle where the action, chamber, and magazine sit behind the firing hand, allowing a shorter overall length while retaining a full-length barrel. Using the Steyr AUG / STG77 as the primary example, they explain that a bullpup can deliver 16-inch-barrel velocities in a package closer to a 10-inch carbine, improving maneuverability in tight spaces and vehicles. They emphasize how shifting the weight rearward reduces shooter fatigue when holding the rifle on target. The lineup is introduced: Steyr AUG, IWI Tavor X95, Desert Tech MDRX, Springfield Hellion, and KelTec RDB. The Tavor X95 is highlighted early as the outlier in the group because it uses a long-stroke gas piston system derived from the AK-47 and Galil, whereas the others are short-stroke piston designs, all chambered in 5.56 NATO and generally compatible with standard NATO magazines, except the original-pattern AUG.
Tavor X95 Design and MDRX Forward-Ejecting System
The discussion turns to the Tavor family, focusing on how the X95 essentially moves an AK-style long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt rearward into a bullpup layout. The hosts note its ergonomics, rear-biased weight distribution, and integrated Picatinny rail sections hidden under front covers, which support a strong aftermarket ecosystem of grips, lights, and accessories. They stress bullpup advantages in close-quarters and vehicle operations, where compact overall length matters but full 5.56 barrel velocity is still desired. Magazine compatibility is addressed: most rifles on the table use standard NATO magazines, but the AUG’s NATO-mag variant is mentioned as less reliable than the original waffle-mag configuration. Attention then shifts to the Desert Tech MDRX, described as a unique, fully ambidextrous bullpup. Its forward-ejecting system uses a plate-integrated extractor and a scissor-like mechanism to push spent casings out the front, and can be swapped from side to side without tools. Although relatively heavy, the MDRX’s rearward balance and grippy buttpad make it comfortable to hold on target for extended periods.
Hellion and RDB Features, Weight Balance, and Left-Handed Needs
The hosts expand on how bullpup rifles tend to be less fatiguing to hold because their shorter length and rearward center of gravity reduce the effort needed to keep the muzzle up. Heavier metal receivers can add weight, but a good buttpad and compact design offset this. The Springfield Hellion, based on the Croatian VHS Gen 2, is introduced as a feature-rich bullpup with fully ambidextrous controls, a reversible charging handle, and a reversible ejection port. A standout feature is its adjustable length of pull, allowing the stock to be tailored to different shooters and gear setups. The KelTec RDB is then described as a compact, lightweight bullpup with extensive M-LOK and metal attachment points, a pencil-profile barrel, and simple but ambidextrous controls. Its defining trait is straight-down brass ejection, reflected in the name Rifle Downward Ejecting Bullpup, which inherently favors left-handed shooters by keeping brass away from the face. The segment closes by underscoring how ejection direction and truly ambidextrous controls are critical for left-handed users, with one host left-handed and the other right-handed.
Ambidexterity Concerns and Steyr AUG Live-Fire Impressions
Ambidextrous controls and ejection patterns are examined in more detail, emphasizing that a left-handed shooter’s face sits very close to the ejection port on most bullpups. The Steyr AUG in 5.56 becomes the focus, with its distinctive translucent waffle-pattern magazines and classic profile. During live fire, the left-handed shooter experiences brass bouncing off his face. It is described as annoying but not painful, highlighting the AUG’s limitations for southpaws unless the rifle is reconfigured for left-side ejection. Despite this, the AUG’s recoil impulse is praised as smooth and controllable, and its accuracy on steel targets is noted. The rifle’s approximately 18-inch barrel is credited with delivering higher velocity and a more authoritative impact on steel compared to shorter barrels. However, this older AUG configuration offers limited accessory space, and the convertible vertical-to-horizontal foregrip can transmit heat to the support hand during extended firing. The flash hider is said to be effective at reducing flash but not particularly helpful for recoil mitigation, and Picatinny rails on the top and right side provide basic optics and accessory mounting.
Mounting Accessories, Tavor X95 Setup, and Bullpup Trigger Limits
The hosts demonstrate mounting a weapon light on the AUG’s side Picatinny rail, noting that the limited rail space and awkward angles often require a pressure pad and creative placement, such as taping the pad to the grip. The focus then shifts to the IWI Tavor X95 in a mostly factory configuration, outfitted with an EOTech optic and a SureFire three-prong flash hider used for suppression testing. The X95’s AR-style controls and integrated backup iron sights are highlighted as familiar and user-friendly. Returning to the Steyr AUG from a left-handed perspective, the shooter points out the right-side-only safety and the partially effective shell deflector, reinforcing that true left-handed use requires swapping the ejection setup. The AUG’s recoil impulse and controllability continue to receive praise. The conversation then addresses bullpup trigger design: because the trigger is forward and the action is in the rear, a long mechanical linkage introduces slop and flex. The AUG’s trigger is described as very squishy, while the Tavor’s is somewhat improved but still far from a crisp AR-style break, illustrating a common limitation across bullpup platforms.
Tavor X95 Rails, MDRX Caliber Swaps, and First Reliability Issues
Attention returns to the Tavor X95’s rail system, where removing the front rail covers reveals additional hidden Picatinny sections. This provides ample real estate for mounting vertical grips, lasers, lights, and other accessories, and the integrated, flip-up iron sights are praised as a major advantage. The hosts recommend using QD optics so shooters can quickly transition to these irons, aligning with a redundancy mindset. Multiple integrated QD sling swivel points further enhance the rifle’s versatility. The Desert Tech MDRX is revisited, with emphasis on its caliber conversion capability: with a kit, the rifle can be converted to calibers like 7.62 NATO by swapping the magwell and bolt or bolt face. During test firing, the MDRX’s concussive two-chamber muzzle brake is noted as loud but effective, and the forward ejection sends spent cases toward the front, sometimes contacting the shooter’s arm. The ambidextrous safety and magazine catch are appreciated, but a complex multi-round feed malfunction occurs. Clearing it proves difficult due to the rifle’s catches and charging setup, and the hosts speculate that ammunition may be contributing to the reliability issues.
MDRX Malfunctions, Rail Concerns, and Trigger Praise
The MDRX continues to experience repeated malfunctions, prompting a deeper discussion about potential causes. The hosts debate whether the problem stems from ammunition, light primer strikes, or simply normal dimples from a free-floating firing pin. They highlight how certain bullpup designs, including the MDRX, make it hard to visually confirm a clear chamber or clear complex jams, especially when multiple rounds are wedged and partial disassembly may be required. The MDRX’s rail system is criticized for relying on small screws and a removable pin that can be easily lost or loosen over time, raising concerns about maintaining zero for IR devices or lasers mounted on the handguard. Despite these drawbacks, the MDRX earns strong praise for having the best trigger of the group so far, with a cleaner break than the other bullpups. An integrated hand stop near the muzzle is considered a smart safety feature, and the rifle offers generous top Picatinny space. The forward ejection system generally keeps brass away from the shooter’s hands, while other rifles like the Tavor and the “Syro” (AUG) have been running reliably during the same testing session.
Springfield Hellion Shooting Characteristics and RDB Control Quirks
The Springfield Hellion (VHS) becomes the focus, with particular attention to how easy it is to visually inspect the chamber and perform a chamber check compared to other bullpups. The shooter notes that the rear bolt release feels somewhat odd but still workable in practice, and the narrow magwell proves less of an issue for reloads than initially expected. On the range, the Hellion exhibits an unusual recoil impulse described as a longer, pushing motion rather than a sharp punch. Its trigger is characterized as spongy, with a long pull and reset, yet still usable and clearly inferior to the MDRX’s excellent trigger. The built-in iron sights are praised for locking positively in the up or down position and for being positioned both in front of and behind the main Picatinny rail, which prevents interference with optics. The relatively high sight-over-bore is acknowledged as a quirk but is said to aid in fast target acquisition. The segment closes with a brief look at the KelTec RDB’s unconventional magazine release and bolt catch/release, and a warning that locking the bolt back with the charging handle can cause it to contact an optic mounted above.
KelTec RDB Downward Ejection, Trigger Feel, and Heat Management
The KelTec RDB’s control layout is examined in detail, including its rear bolt catch and release mechanism and the ability to lock the bolt using the charging handle. Some awkwardness is noted with the magwell and the reach to the safety for right-handed shooters, but the rifle’s unique downward ejection is a major talking point. Spent cases drop straight down, occasionally brushing the shooter’s body but never distracting or striking the face and arms, drawing favorable comparison to the PS90’s ejection behavior. The trigger is analyzed as having noticeable takeup and a loud, clunky break, paired with an extremely subtle reset that is hard to feel while shooting. This forces the shooter to slap the trigger rather than ride a tactile reset. Despite these shortcomings, overall shooting impressions are positive due to the light, pencil-profile barrel and good balance. Some rail looseness is observed, and the hosts caution that an improperly placed support-hand thumb can contact the hot gas tube near the front of the rifle, making heat management and hand placement important considerations.
RDB Handling Wrap-Up and Initial Bullpup Rankings
The RDB’s handling characteristics are revisited, emphasizing its compact size and light weight, which make it easy to maneuver. The hosts note that using a high thumb grip on the gas tube can become uncomfortably warm during extended firing, so they instead use the charging handle area as a forward support point. They credit KelTec with doing a surprisingly good job overall on the design, recommending the use of threadlocker on the rail screws to address minor wobble. The controls are described as better than expected, with a stiff but functional bolt release and the option to simply run the charging handle for reliability. The conversation then shifts to final rankings. The Desert Tech MDRX is placed last due to repeated malfunctions, difficulty clearing stuck rounds, and concerns about the rail system, despite being otherwise pleasant to shoot and equipped with a very loud but effective brake. The Steyr AUG lands in fourth place for being feature-poor compared to newer designs and problematic for left-handed shooters due to its ejection pattern, even though it remains a respected classic. Third place becomes a point of disagreement, with one host ranking the X95 there because of occasional brass to the face and the other assigning that spot to the RDB.
Deep Dive on RDB vs Hellion vs Tavor and Final Preferences
The rankings are explored in more depth, focusing on the KelTec RDB and Springfield Hellion, with frequent comparison to the IWI Tavor. The RDB is criticized for its optic mounting arrangement, which can interfere with the charging handle and bolt-locking method, as well as for its lack of a clear, tactile trigger reset and some rail wobble. However, it is praised for being lightweight, well-balanced, and generally pleasant to shoot, with controls that are more accessible than expected. The Hellion is described as feature-packed and emerges as a strong favorite. Its ambidextrous controls, reversible ejection, adjustable length of pull, and well-thought-out iron sights make it stand out, though the rear bolt release and very high height-over-bore are personal dislikes. Reloads remain manageable despite these quirks. Final preferences place the Springfield Hellion as one reviewer’s top pick and the IWI Tavor as the other’s favorite. Left-handed-friendly controls, natural safety placement compared to the RDB, and manageable ejection behavior near the shooter’s face and shoulder are emphasized as key reasons behind these choices.
Comfort with Bullpups, Iron Sight Philosophies, and Viewer Rankings
In closing, the hosts discuss which bullpup felt most natural and comfortable to shoot. One notes that a particular rifle still contacted the shoulder in an annoying way but was less distracting than the others, reinforcing how ergonomics and recoil impulse shape personal preference. The conversation shifts to iron sight philosophies, praising older designs like the P90/PS90 with its three distinct sighting options and the original Tavor with its integrated 1.5x optic and backup irons. They even joke about judging people by which PS90 sight they prefer. Viewers are invited to comment on whose ranking list they agree with, which bullpups should have been included, and to share their own rankings, with the clarification that the test was limited to rifles available in the warehouse. The segment ends with reflections on how shooting bullpups is a less familiar style that can feel awkward without training. One host notes feeling most effective with the bullpup he has the most time behind, while the other reminds viewers that he shoots for a living, underscoring the role of practice and familiarity.
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