Looking a bit like something from a cheesy science fiction flick, the new ZiP .22 is a polymer rimfire bullpup pistol. Okay, it looks more than a bit like something from a cheesy science fiction flick.

The form factor is designed to deliver compact size and modularity and does away with a slide. The shooter’s middle finger goes below the trigger and provides a solid hold on a gun lacking a traditional grip. Above the 5.25″ barrel are two push rods, one for charging and the other for restriking the action without loading a new round. The rods are interchangeable for. The gun’s overall length is only 5.9″, not bad for a gun with a 5.25″ barrel.

The Zip .22 uses standard Ruger 10/22 magazines, meaning that there’s a wide range of options available. Standard ruger rotary mags and the BX-25 are recommended, but the rep says that their testing indicates that magazine performance in the ZiP .22 matches that of the 10/22 rifle: If it works reliably in the rifle it will work reliably in the ZiP.

A number of options and accessories are available, including a threaded barrel, tops incorporating mil rails or night sight mounting holes, and a ZIPSBR top for mounting the ZiP under the barrel of a rifle or separate stock system (check local regulations):

The shooting at Media Day was marred by performance problems caused by the day’s cold temperatures, something not unexpected when discussing a gun relying so heavily on polymer construction.