Medium.com has posted up a fascinating story into the history of what ultimately became the Bushmaster Pistol Bullpup. As part of their War is Boring series, they stumble upon and cover something that isn’t boring.

In 1969, engineers at Colt offered the U.S. Air Force a unique lightweight gun, primarily for bomber crews. Since the unusual-looking rifle had no butt stock, shooters would have had to brace the so-called Individual Multi-Purpose Weapon against their bicep.

“Consideration was … given to what an aircrewman might have with him when he bailed out or what he might find on the ground which could serve as a stock,” stated an official Air Force report. “The only practical solution was the man’s arm.”

I recommend you hit link to be be taken the article and catch up on one of the modest beginnings of an iconic, albiet niche, rifle and the company it spawned.