Citadel Taipan X: Pump-Action/Straight-Pull Hybrid For AR-Ban Jurisdictions

Want a straight-pull rifle, but also a pump-action, and can’t choose between these options? The new Citadel Taipan X rifle offers both, in a tac’d-up package that should be legal to own in most jurisdictions, even where the AR platform is banned.

As much as the AR-15 has become the rifle of choice across the U.S. and increasingly more so in the conflict zones, there are many places where Average Joe cannot easily own an AR or even a semi-auto centerfire rifle of any kind. This includes Australia, where in-country firearms manufacturers and importers are hard at work figuring out how to get around the lawbook to still offer tactical-style firearms. That’s why pump-action rifles are so popular Down Under, and since Remington seems to have little interest in ramping up Model 7615 production, Aussies have come up with their own take on the idea, the Citadel Taipan X.

The Taipan X, chambered in .223 Wylde, actually seems like a decent improvement on just about any other pump-action rifle design out there. While many pump rifles actually handle reasonably well in the field, they are awkward to shoot off a bench when compared to a bolt-action or semi-auto. The first shot is easy, but then the pump-action routine gets annoying. It’s also frustrating to shoot a pump-action rifle from the prone position or from a hunting blind with a rail.

With the Taipan X, the shooter gets a pump-style fore-end, but thanks to a slot cut into the side of the action, they’re also able to thread a handle onto the bolt – the video above demonstrates it nicely. This allows shooters to also use the rifle as a straight pull. Super-convenient from the bench, and also easy to use when prone. In the field, you can still use the pump-action design to run shells through the rifle very quickly. Unfortunately, that bolt handle only threads to the left-hand side, with ejection opposite, making this a right-handed rifle that cannot be switched around.

Taking a step back and squinting, the Taipan X is obviously built to look like an MSR. It also resembles the Troy PAR and SAR. The Taipan X is spring-assisted, which is a help when using the straight-pull action to chamber rounds. It comes with a 16.5-inch stainless steel barrel with a threaded muzzle and 1:8 twist. A dark gray Cerakote job is the only finish available.

Because it’s chambered in .223 Wylde, the Taipan X can handle 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington. It feeds from AR-pattern mag, and ships in the US with a 10-round Magpul magazine. The handguard completely encloses the barrel; a full-length Picatinny rail runs along the top of the handguard. The handguard has eight M-LOK slots for mounting accessories, and QD sling swivel mounting points also come standard. A case deflector mounts behind the ejection port. An “enhanced trigger” is standard, with an A2-style pistol grip, a TSP X buttstock, and an AR-15 pattern magazine release.

Legacy Sports is selling the Aussie-built Taipan X at a $1,299 MSRP in the U.S.; head to their website for more info.