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Bullpup Showdown: Steyr AUG Vs. MSAR and the FN FS2000

There are certainly some aspects of the bullpup rifle that make sense. For instance, the shorter overall length of the bullpup, gained by having the action and magazine located behind the trigger in the buttstock, improves maneuverability and reduces weight. Overall, a bullpup is about three-quarters the length of other battle rifles and is often lighter, two attributes many firearms consumers want. The Steyr AUG, one of the best-known bullpups, is 28 inches long, just 10 inches longer than its 18.4-inch barrel. In a more conventional rifle, such as the Ruger Mini-Thirty, a standard semiauto action housing an 18-inch-long barrel makes the guns OAL 37.5 inches. On an M4-length AR-15, such as the Stag Arms Model 2T 5.56x45mm NATO with its 16-inch barrel, that overall length can still stretch out to 32.25 inches. So if youre worried about knocking over lamps, a bullpup may be the way to go.But which one? We recently tested a trio of bullpups that we were prepared to like because, in part, they are cool: the Steyr AUG/A3 SA USA Bullpup Rifle 5.56x45mm NATO-223 Remington, $2000, the U.S.-market semiauto version of the full-auto AUG; an AUG clone, the Microtech Small Arms Research (MSAR) STG-556 5.56x45mm NATO-223 Remington, $1750; and the non-AUG-inspired FN FS2000 Tactical 5.56x45mm NATO-223 Remington, $1995.We got the lightly used MSAR and FN at Collectors Firearms in Houston (www.collectorsfirearms.com, [877] 214-9327), and the prices cited for them are what were on their hang tags. The FN and MSAR were both in "excellent condition" according to the Collectors descriptions. A new MSAR at Collectors ran $1895, and a "like new" FS2000 with its shipping box and other items was the same price as our FN test gun, $1995. Our Steyr was NIB, and we averaged five retail sources to arrive at the price we listed. In any case, we didnt assess any cosmetic downgrades on the two rentals because they werent new, nor did we award any advantages for the AUG because it came with a case and other items common to new guns.In many respects, this test could be called AUG vs. FN, since the Steyr is the fraternal twin brother of the MSAR. Though all three are bullpups, they arrive at their work destination in two different ways. One of the problems with AUG-bullpups is, that without modification, the ejection ports would send spent cartridge casings into the face of a left-handed shooter. In contrast, the FS2000s design pushes spent casings out a port on the front of the rifle. But the bolt and ejection-port cover can be reversed in the AUG/MSAR, making them suitable for lefties.

Bushmaster Patrolman’s Carbine .223 Rem., $1230

Our Bushmaster Patrolman’s Carbine was yet another interpretation of the flat-top AR. The base price of this model was $1230 including the Fiberite Six Position adjustable stock and A2 front sight. But we picked several options to bring it into spec with our other carbines. A 4 Rail Free-Floater Forend (YHM-9479) was in place plus an Ergo Sure Grip (ARG- KIT). With another Ergo Sure Grip clamped to the bottom forend rail (ARG-FWD), we thought we were seeing double.

The forend grip could be placed anywhere along the bottom rail as long as it was far enough forward to clear the magazine. A large knob with a coin or screwdriver slot and knurled edges held the grip in place. With two pistol style grips in place, our stance took on a narrower profile. This would be especially advantageous when traveling down a hallway or taking cover in a tight space. The forend itself appeared to be fatter. This was because the rails were covered with slip-on Sure Grip rail covers featuring the Bushmaster logo, (SCH-6L). The rail covers created a smooth, rounded feel to the forend and increased its overall width by about 0.3 inches.

Troubleshooting the H&K MP5

American police and other law-enforcement professionals are employing the H&K MP5 with increasing frequency for potentially or obviously dangerous encounters. It has replaced the shotgun in many patrol cars, the venerable lever action in prison guard towers, and is even found in the hands of U.S. Department of Agriculture rangers for varmint and predator control. A sound-suppressed version, the SD model, is sometimes fitted with telescopic sights and used as a short-range rifle to shoot out tires on suspects vehicles prior to a raid.

Ruger Hawkeye Tactical HM77VLEH 308 Win., $1172

Tactical bolt-action rifles are pretty easy to spot. Typically, they utilize a composite stock with pronounced pistol grip, oversize bolt handle and fire from a heavy barrel. The military models are camouflage or earth tone in color, and the law-enforcement models are usually black. Accuracy, strength, and simplicity are key attributes.Can a tactical rifle serve as a hunting rifle? We’re not saying one can’t. It’s just that a tactical rifle typically weighs more than a hunting model. The heavy barrel enhances the ability to maintain accuracy throughout repeat fire and excessive heat.

Lewis Machine and Tool Co. to Build ‘Rifle Integrated Power Rail’ Accessories

(GunReports.com) -- Lewis Machine and Tool Company (LMT) will begin designing and building platforms that can integrate RIPR’s power and data rail into upper weapon platforms, most significantly with the fielded M-4 carbine.

NRA and Pyramyd Air Offers Discount to Disabled Shooters

(GunReports.com) -- The National Rifle Association and Pyramyd Air are partnering up to offer disabled shooters and adaptive sports groups a discount on the Air Arms MPR air rifle. Only available through the NRA, the rifle is now available for the discounted price of $750.

SureFire Rolls out Mini, Micro Suppressors

SureFire LLC’s Mini and Micro suppressors will reduce the user’s overall signature, not just the firearm’s.

Working the Marlin Model 9 Camp Carbine

The Marlin Model 9 is compact, light in weight, and more accurate than a 9mm duty pistol at longer ranges. It's able to fire the same service-pistol ammunition at a higher velocity, and it recoils far less than a 12-gauge shotgun. These factors have contributed to the growing popularity of the Model 9 as a law-enforcement and home-defense weapon. Here's how to fix it.

Kel-Tec SU-16CA 5.56 NATO/223 Rem., $890

(GunReports.com)--Florida-based Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc. has carved a niche in manufacturing small, lightweight pistols which feature simple no-nonsense designs. The SU-16CA follows this same philosophy. The barrel and mechanism are constructed 4140 steel with the balance of the gun constructed of Zytel, a reinforced plastic polymer. Additionally, the barrel is chrome lined for corrosion resistance and has a twist of 1:9. It comes with ½-28 threads, but no flash hider is supplied. Instead, a knurled cap serves as a thread protector. The SU-16CA was by far the least expensive rifle in our tests.

GunReports.com Video: ACR Functionality

(GunReports.com) -- The new Bushmaster ACR redefines the term 'modular' with the extraordinary ability to change calibers, barrel lengths and stock configurations in minutes without the use of tools. It was born of a collaborative effort between Bushmaster, Magpul, and Remington to create the ultimate military combat weapons system. Built specifically for law-enforcement and commercial markets. From top to bottom, stock adjustments, front end disassembly, firing sequence, bolt disassembly.

McDonald Supreme Court Ruling Strikes Down Chicago Gun Ban

(GunReports.com) -- In its second major ruling on gun rights in three years, the Supreme Court Monday extended the federally protected right to keep and bear arms to all 50 states. Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the five-justice majority, saying 'the right to keep and bear arms must be regarded as a substantive guarantee, not a prohibition that could be ignored so long as the States legislated in an evenhanded manner.'

GunReports.com Video: Colt .22 Tactical M4 Black Rifle Goes Rimfire

See a .22LR Colt M4 Rifle with cool Terminator type technical and digital effects wrapped into a 30-second spot. These .22 Colt black rifles are made by Walther and offered by Umarex under license from Colt.

Worrisome Questions From SCOTUS

I am uneasy after hearing oral arguments in the Supreme Court case, Garland v. VanDerStok, and reviewing a transcript from the October 8, 2024 session....