Steinkamp SW1

Of all the guns which I have written about this year, few have been as interesting as the Steinkamp SW1. The sleek polymer bullpup stock of the SW1 looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, and yet it is a double rifle, a type of firearm that is most associated with hunting in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Many of you are now asking yourselves "Why?". I say to you "Why not?". Double barrels rifles and shotguns are still popular and very useful. It is simply a very short double barreled rifle with modern ergonomics and great balance.

Amazingly, the total length of the rifle is just 2" longer then the barrel length!

At first glance is appears that the rifle has dual triggers, but this is not the case. The lower trigger-like lever unlocks the action. The spring loaded buttplate then opens and the ejectors fling the empty cartridges out of the gun. The reloading process is quick and can be accomplished without the operator having to take their hand off the pistol grip.

Opening the action.

Buttpad opens to reveal the chambers.

The trigger guard doubles as a cocking lever. This feature allows it to be safety carried loaded but uncocked in the field, yet be quickly cocked if a shot presents itself.

The cocking action

Currently the SW1 can be purchased chambered in 8x57IRS, 8x68S, 9.3x74R, 20 gauge and 12 gauge but the company says that other calibers can be requested. The SW1 weighs 7.5 lbs.

The Launch Edition is priced at $4.998. Although it was available for order in 2008, the first rifles only started shipping last month.

Once converted the overall length of the rifle is just 31.5", about 12" shorter than a standard BAR¹. Aside from the length, a significant benefit would be the better balance offered by the bullpup configuration, with the action sitting right up against the shooters shoulder.

The standard magazines that are supplied with the rifle hold just two rounds, although they can supply three or four round mags. In Germany, hunting with semi-automatic rifles holding more than two rounds is prohibited.

Many thanks to Mehul for sending me the link to this company.

This video shows 10 slugs being fired from a Saiga fitted with the kit.

The kit does not require any permanent modification to the shotgun and can be easily installed, no gunsmith required. The current model only accepts stick magazines, but a new kit is in development and it will accept drum magazines. The kit costs $275.

Hat Tip: Хроники безумного Макса

Two things differentiate the stock from other attempts at SKS bullpup conversions. The first being that it can be loaded with stripper clips and the other being the low price of $159.95.

I am not entirely sure how it works, but from what I can see in the below video, the bolt dust cover / cheek rest, for lack of better terms, is spring loaded and can be popped open, either with a button or unlatching it somehow. When it is popped open and the bolt locked back a stripper clip can be inserted into the magazine. After loading, the cheek rest can be push closed. While it can be used with SKS rifles that take either AK-47 or Tapco magazines, many people, including myself, don’t like the magazine conversions and prefer the simplicity and robustness of Simonov’s original design.

The SG Works Bullpup in action

The stock does not require any permanent modifications and the original front sight assembly can be left on the rifle, but it is not heigh enough to be of any use.

The stock will not be shipped before September, but it can be pre-ordered at a discounted rate. The manufacture will be sending me some more photos of the stock shortly.

Hat Tip: Хроники безумного Макса

While I think this idea could work well, many armed forces do fine with a standard configuration bullpup.

Kel-Tec:

We are happy to confirm that the RFB is in production and shipping to distributors (yes, it’s true!). We are currently shipping small batches, however full-scale production will commence in the coming weeks! On a similar note, we have purchased three (3) new CNC machines specifically for RFB production.

More info on the RFB.

T-4 Bullpup


T-4 Carbine

The conversion to a bullpup configuration is straight forward. Initially I was confused by what appears to be a double set trigger but after looking at the below diagram is seems to be a simple safety that prevents the trigger from moving.

If you have ever wondered how bullpup rifles work then take a look at this cutout. I have annotated the diagram so that it is comprehensible by those with less technical knowledge of firearms. The parts needed to move the trigger forward, the trigger linkage, are plain to see.

Click to expand (warning: it is a big file)

Another interesting feature of this rifle is the built in suppressor. This probably prevents it from being imported into the US and any another other country that regulates suppressors. The Gamo Whisper, which also includes a built in suppressor, is apparently legal because its’ suppressor is made from plastic and would be blown up by the gas from even a .22 LR cartridge.

The T-4 is available in .177, .22 and .25.

Specs:

Weight: 2.8 kg : 6.1 lbs
Length: 680 mm / 26.7″
Barrel length: 420 mm / 16.5″
Trigger pull: 1.5 kg / 4.4 lbs
Magazine Capacity: 8 pellets
Operating pressure: 30 MPa (300 bar)
Verification pressure: 45 MPa (450 bar)

Price (Carbine, bullpup price not listed): 40000 Rubles (currently US$ 1371.88).

The stock seems to have been through a variety of evolutions. These are other photos I found:

I prefer the P90 inspired stock, although the pistol grip looks a bit square.

A cursory google search did not reveal a US distributer. Demyan is going to be at SHOT Show 2009 so either they do have distributor lined up or are looking for one. The SHOT Show description of the company:

Original research and manufacture of sportguns. Our company produces high-quality air rifles for Fild Target, BenchRest, as well as compact powerful air rifles for hunting by caliber 4.5, 5.5, 6.35.

10, 2nd Donskoy Lane
Moscow, 119071
Russian Federation
Business Phone: 011 74959847629
Business Fax: 011 74959847629
www.demyan.info

Booth : 2080

If you are going to SHOT and come across their booth I would be interested to know who their distributer is, if they have one, if the T-4 carbine is going to be exported to the US, and if so its’ price.

The first version of the rifle bore a striking resemblance to the Israeli Tavor and Singaporean SAR-21:

Early prototype

The early prototype rifle utilized an interesting gas system. Reading the patent and other info on the internet it seemed to be a new take on gas delayed blowback. A piston is used to push back the bolt and gas is piped behind the bolt to slow it down.

The new final production model. Click to expand. (Photo by Remigiusz Wilk (REMOV))

The new model bears more than a slight resemblance to the French FAMAS. The external design is without doubt inspired by the FAMAS.

French FAMAS (from Wikipedia)

The gas system was ditched and the final production model uses direct gas impingement, the same system as the M16/AR-15, unlike the earlier model or the FAMAS, which uses a lever-delayed blowback action.

The rifle will come in two models. The 20″ barreled rifle model called the VHS-D (pictured above,) the 16″ carbine model called the VHS-K (pictured below). The VHS is chambered in the 5.56×45mm NATO and takes STANAG (AR-15) magazines. The price is estimated to be €1000.

According to Wikipedia the rifle will undergo trials in earyl 2009 and by 2012 60,000 will be in service with the Croatian army.

VHS-K prototype. Very compact!

This video clip show the rifle in use:

Guns.ru has more info on the rifle.

The stock comes in a synthetic model (SRSS-1421SM, $749) and an aluminum model (SRSS-1421BA, $999) and is available in Black, Olive Drab, Tan and Aluminum finish.

From the FAQ:

What does the SRSS kit consist of?

The SRSS stock system comes with main beam (stock) panels = Cheek rest and right panel, optics rail and all hardware, allen wrenches to mount scope rail which replaces the M14 /M1A hand guard. Simple tools like a screwdriver is all you need to install your M1A or the M-14 into the SRSS. OPTICS are not included. See our site for Optics available.

Do I need to machine any part of my rifle?

No. You will need to remove the hand guard and install the optics rail and you will need to remove the rear sight assembly, just hang on to it you may want to put it all back together or leave the SRSS together and build another M1A.

Can you describe the trigger action ? I understand that one of the weakness of bullpup stocks is their softness or lack of tactile feedback of the trigger when pulled.

Our trigger was designed to eliminate all the problems that bullpup’s have. The trigger/transfer rod is submerged in the stock and to some degree floats and is carried by the rear/original trigger. The safety is just above the pistol grip for your right hand and can be turned off and on by the right thumb. Our trigger rod adds 1/2 pound to whatever your trigger pressure is on your rifle. It feels like your original two stage trigger.

Later this year or next year SRSS will be offering this stock system for other rifles. My guess is that a Mini-14 model will be offered.

Fitted with the SRSS Mini Paladin Muzzle Brake ($200)

UPDATE: Daniel E. Watters, who is very knowledgeable, points out in the comments that there have been other bullpup stocks for the M14.
More photos after the jump.

Photos by Remigiusz Wilk (REMOV):

Alex-762

Alex Sports Tactical


Alex-338

Very compact

It is so pretty I could not help posting another photo

The Alex-338 weights 6.5 kg without scope and 7.3 kg with the scope, 0.4 kg more than the Alex-762. It has a 5 round magazine. I can’t read Polish and I am unable to find more useful information on the rifles.

Earlier this year US firm Desert Tactical Arms launched a bolt action bullpup rifle at SHOT.

More information here, here and here.

I have done my best to find accurate information about this firearm on the Polish MSPO 2008 website. I do not speak or read Polish so I had to rely on Google Translate. If I got something wrong, please correct me in the comments.

The AK-47 Bullpup Stock has an overall length of 27″ and weighs 7 lbs. when installed on a rifle

Chibajoe at saiga-12.com installed it on his 20 gauge Saiga Shotgun.

Click to expand.

Very cool.

Type 97A. Click to expand.

The Type 97 is the civilian export version of the QBZ-97 rifle, which in turn is the export version of the 5.8×42mm QBZ-95. It is chambered in 5.56×45mm and takes STANAG magazines. Looking at the photo I think it has a 20″ barrel.

According to CanadaAmmo it will be available in December 2008 and will sell for $849.00.

UPDATE: A couple of photos from Dennis. Thanks Dennis

The above photo shows Chinese UN peacekeepers performing during a medal ceremony in Lebanon. It is interesting to see how they hold the bullpup to use the bayonet.

Hat Tip: MP.net

With suppressor, nice!

Wikipedia has this to say about the rifle:

The Kel-Tec RFB High Efficiency Rifle (Rifle, Forward-ejection, Bullpup) is a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle with a tilting breechblock locking mechanism, manufactured by Kel-Tec Industries of Florida. It loads the 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) cartridge and uses metric FAL magazines. The rifle uses a patented forward-ejection system via a tube placed over the barrel that ejects the spent case forwards, over the handguard of the rifle.

The rifle is a forward ejecting semi-automatic firearm chambered in 7.62 mm NATO (.308 Winchester), utilizing a short-stroke gas piston. To avoid the sloppy trigger pull typical of bullpup style firearms, the RFB utilizes a floating linkage bar between the sear and the hammer, allowing the sear to remain above the trigger. The weapon is fully ambidextrous, much in the style of the French FAMAS bullpup assault rifle. The RFB accepts FN FAL style magazines, and is delivered without iron sights. A mil-spec Picatinny rail is standard.

Here is a video of the rifle, clearly showing the forward ejection.

Kel-Tec plans to offer three different four versions each with a different barrel length:

• Carbine (18″),
• Sporter (24″),
• Target (32″ heavy barrel, or 26″ stainless steel barrel)

The rifle is expected this quarter (1st quarter 2008) in the forth quarter, see the comments by dogon1013.

More images after the jump.

Click to enlarge the images.

It features

* 1/2 MOA accuracy is standard
* 11 inches shorter than conventional rifles
* Quick Caliber conversion between 243 win, 308 win, 300 win, and 338 LM
* Rugged, it was designed and built to be as tough as any other system out there.
* Adjustable trigger 1-5 lbs and you can also enable or disable the second stage on the trigger, as well you can reduce your trigger pull length to whatever you want.

The 338LM pictured below (with bipod, scope mount, sling, and S&B 5-25x) is 15.75 lbs and has an overall length of 37.5″. The 308 WIN (22″ fluted barrel) is approx 3 lbs lighter with an overall length of 31.5″, making it the shortest sniper rifle in the world to my knowledge, yet you can still mount the bipod the same distance forward on the rifle that you can on a standard McMillan stock.

We actually beefed up the barrel and bolt camming area up by 39% over the original DSR-1. Every operational sniper that has handled the rifles have said they are the most comfortable rifles they have ever handled.

The trigger is excellent, I can assure everyone of that and those going to the shot show will get to try it.

Postal, your hilarious, no black eyes with this gun. The bolt has a 60 degree lift and six lugs. The bolt manipulation is about 2-3 inches rearward of a normal bolt gun, It feels very natural and you don’t loose your cheek weld during operation. Your technique changes slightly but it is very accommodating. If you shoot the SRS left handed then you have to roll your head over slightly to manipulate the bolt.

We won’t be making a lefty, at least not for a while, sorry.

.338 LM with 26″ barrel+muzzlebrake next to an M4

Some more photos (rifle chambered in .338 LM)

Prices:

Shot Show Prices will be (Tentative):
SRS 338LM $3585 (26″ fluted barrel includes DTA muzzlebrake)
SRS 300WIN $3450 (26″ fluted barrel no brake)
SRS 243WIN $3275 (24″ fluted barrel)
SRS 308WIN $3275 (22″ fluted barrel)

Conversion kits (includes bolt, barrel, barrel ext, and magazine)
338LM $1480 (includes DTA Muzzlebrake)
300WIN $1265
243WIN $1205 (if you already have a 308win bolt you can deduct $300)
308WIN $1155

Some more photos

Desert Tactical Arms have not website, this information was gathered from googleing (this thread and this thread).

Hopefully an official website will be put online. If you are from Desert Tactical Arms, please email me with your website address.

More here.

From what appears to be the official website.

Neostead Features

* Selectable twin tube magazine
* 13 shot capacity
* Overall length is 27 inches with full length barrel of 22.5 inches
* Totally ambidextrous as all controls are centrally mounted
* Pump action is reversed
* Straight line stock with magazines above barrel
* Negligible muzzle lift
* Intergral carry handle houses ghost ring sights
* High stength polymers for main external components
* Boltless design
* Sling swivels on top

Safety Features

* Trigger safety locks trigger positively
* Pump handle operates trigger disconnector
* Pump lock
* Firing pin positive return
* Out of battery firing prevention
* Reversed pump action

Wikipedia has this to say

The NeoStead 2000 (NS2000) is a type of shotgun developed by the South African company NeoStead. Along with the Pancor Jackhammer, it is considered one of the most technologically advanced shotguns ever created. The NS2000 has been used in trial runs for a few years by special forces like the British SAS and there are hopes at NeoStead that larger weapons manufacturers will license the production rights. Production of the shotgun began in 2001 and the first models were made available in October of that year.

The NS2000 is a 12-gauge pump action shotgun weighing in at just over 3kg, designed primarily for security and civil disturbance situations.

The firearm includes a 22.5 inch (572mm) barrel despite the overall weapon length of just 27 inches (686mm). The short length makes the weapon easier to handle in close quarter situations however, unlike most firearms of this type, it can still remain accurate at relatively long ranges. The long barrel length is achieved by using a bullpup configuration, with a rear-fed tubular magazine.

Another aspect of the NS2000 is its dual six round magazines. The selector switch can be set to left, right, or alternating. For example in riot conditions less-lethal flexible baton rounds can be used with standard rounds in reserve.

A possible production variant of the NS2000 has an 18 inch barrel in a weapon with an overall length of 22 inches. The shorter length reduced the magazine capacity to 5+5 rounds and makes the weapon easier to import or license in many countries.

Its pump mechanism operates in a forward-back motion, due to its rear-load configuration. This is different from conventional pump methods as the pump action is achieved by shifting the hand forward-back, as opposed to the standard back-forward motion of the non-trigger hand.

Some more photos

This photo makes it look a bit like a side by side shotgun. The two cylinders next to each other on the top are the magazines.

Patent application drawings:

This shows how the magazines are inserted: