Best Bullpup Rifles and Shotguns of 2024: Buyer’s Guide

Bullpup rifles have been raging in the market for a year or two. The surge in their demand is legitimate, as they are compact and highly accurate. Bullpup rifles are so comfortable and easy to operate that they have beaten some of your regular AR10s and 15s in power and performance. There have been many changes in the best models and variants, so we had to try many of them to get you this ultimate list of perfect rifles that fit your needs.

We will discuss all of the factors, such as power, performance, features, and price, so that you have no doubts about this particular category of firearm. Let’s start by explaining what bullpup rifles are and why they are so polarising.

What are Bullpup Rifles?

The term “bullpup” is the positioning of a rifle where the rifle’s action mechanism and magazine are located behind the firearm’s trigger, unlike the typical rifles, where they are found in front, respectively. That quality indicates that weight is well distributed because it is mainly placed near the shooter’s body. This feature then props up engaging shooting practices.

How Do We Rank the Best?

Having been in the gun business for most of our lives, we knew that evaluating bullpup rifles needed to be done carefully. These tiny guns have particular benefits, such as better balance and increased mobility. We established a systematic review procedure to guarantee that my assessment was thorough and helpful.

We started by cataloging the bullpup guns we used or had on hand. We then tested each firearm, considering accuracy, ergonomics, and overall performance. This practical testing ensured our recommendations were theoretical and based on real-world experience.

Then, we tried to understand these weapons comprehensively. We wanted to create a list that included the collective knowledge of other gun fans and our observations based on direct experience. Leaning on our network of industry professionals and enthusiasts, we discussed bullpup rifles with colleagues to obtain a range of viewpoints. We assembled this ranking of the top shotguns and bullpup rifles.

Best Bullpup Rifles and Shotguns

1. IWI Tavor X95

The IWI Tavor X95 is an enhanced edition of the Tavor rifle that rapidly earned its reputation in the industry owing to its excellent operational efficiency and top quality. Featuring a variety of 16.5 and 18 inches, the product is chambered in 5.56 NATO. Being a product from IWI, Tavor X95 stands out as one of the most distinguished guns with its unique design that looks different from the original version.

One of the most remarkable features of this weapon is its unique Tavor X95 version. The weapon’s short length makes it a perfect choice for home defense and tactical purposes. Assuming you have the bullpup design system, you can use it in confined spaces.

Like the general bullpup rifles, the Tavor X95 has a full-length Picatinny top rail that allows easy optics installation and other accessories. It also has an integrated folding front sight and optionally removable rear sight, giving a versatile sighting system.

The Tavor X95 is rarely subject to problems as it is a correct and precise rifle. Despite the standard trigger pull weight of 7-8 pounds, upgrading it using the latest custom options is still possible. The rifle has an amicable shooting style, with the action functioning primarily due to its minimal recoil and flawless cycling.

An exciting feature of the Tavor X95 that can contribute to its perfect adaptation for left-handed shooters is that it can be immediately switched to being a left-handed gun. The charging handle, safety, and ejection ports on the left side are also included, making it a perfect choice for left-handed shooters.

Another crucial role of the Tavor X95 is its adjustment facility. It features a fully adjustable gas system, so you can fine-tune the rifle using different ammunition or suppressors. The stock is also adjustable for the length of pull, making it comfortable for shooters of various sizes.

Although the Tavor X95 has many vital elements, it still has a couple of shortcomings worth mentioning. Many customers have claimed the safety selector is challenging to operate and manipulate, sometimes quite stiff. Along with the magazine release, some users can’t get to it and use it on a gaming rifle.

2. IWI Tavor TS12

The IWI Tavor TS12 is the most widely recognized shotgun in the firearms industry. It’s a face-changing semi-automatic with a unique design. This shotgun is also exceptional for its fantastic features and is considered among the best in the industry. This is why it is prevalent.

The IWI Tavor TS12 is a gas-operated 12-gauge shotgun with a 3-inch chamber. When equipped with a 15+1 round, you pack the highest-carried best shotgun on the market. In addition, you will be able to handle it quickly since the overall length is 28.34 inches, and the weight is only 8 pounds. It consists of an integral 3-chokes (improved cylinder, modified, and full) and is compatible with 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells.

The major attraction of the IWI Tavor TS12 is the three-tube round-feeding system. It is capable of swift and effortless reloads and can accept different ammo variants without requiring clear exits. It also has a rotating magazine that permits a smooth and uninterrupted round insertion.

Another part of the gun worth mentioning is its adjustable gas system, which can be customized based on the type of ammo used. This feature will increase the gun’s reliability and help with recoil control. Moreover, the TS12 features the Picatinny rail and built-in flip-up sight for accessorizing and optics. It also has a safety selector on both sides of the shotgun, enabling ambidextrosity and user-friendliness.

The IWI Tavor TS12’s most important benefits are its triple-tube feeding system and high-capacity magazine. Its relatively small size and adjustable gas system makes it a good choice for defending your home or tactical use. Its ambidextrous design and customizable features allow shooters of different levels to utilize it.

As mentioned earlier, one of the TS12’s negatives is its weight. At 8 pounds, it is the heaviest shotgun among those available. Besides this, it is also too expensive for all gun enthusiasts. The IWI Tavor TS12 has been a reliable and powerful shotgun. Thanks to its gas-operated system and triple-tube feeding mechanism, it is almost impossible to defeat. The adjustable gas system also helps with recoil management, making it easier for shooters of all sizes and experience levels to handle.

Many users have been clamoring for the TS12’s precision and consistency in terms of accuracy. The rifle has a built-in flip-up sight, making it an all-around option for long-distance and short-distance shots; there is also room to add optics if needed.

3. Steyr Aug A3 M1

The Steyr Aug A3 M1 took the military and police by storm back then and remains one of the favorites. It is not only a weapon that possesses a new design and progressive functions among the different types of firearms, but it also has remained a standard unit in the modern market.

Many aspects of the famous Steyr Aug A3 M1 are noticeable, mainly the bullpup design placed on the back of the barrel and the magazine. Hence, the gun can have a longer barrel without increasing its length.

This makes it more compact and maneuverable in space encumbrance, applicable in tight-space combat situations. Such a feature has made it the widely preferred weapon for close-quarter combat situations.

The Steyr Aug A3 M1’s design allows users to switch between right— and left-handed shooters easily and quickly, which provides versatility. This case was written from a writer’s perspective; hence, it is wholly fictional.

This argument asserts that the information on the gun system’s mechanics is undeniable; for this reason, there is nothing ambiguous. This is done by just replacing the bolt and ejection port, which makes it possible to do so with no gear needed. The Steyr Aug A3 M1 is relatively efficient regarding firepower.

It is loaded with 5.56x45mm NATO ammo, the standard cartridge used in many military and law enforcement rifles. It includes a 30-round magazine, thus providing ample ammo for every situation.

Moreover, the Steyr Aug A3 M1 was an added feature of the integrated optical sight. This boosts the precision level and makes the shooting capability more effective, which the marksmen adore. The sight can be adjusted for windage and elevation, so hitting the spot is assured.

The Steyr Aug A3 M1 differs from other rifles due to its adjustable design. This means it can be used in many ways and is thus helpful for many purposes. The rifle has three rails that allow for easy mounting of accessories like telescopes, torches, and laser pointers. This feature makes it best for soldiers in formal armies and other security forces with special duties.

4. Kel-Tec KSG

A sleek black-colored Kel-Tec KSG gun, it measures 26.1 inches overall. This is because the bullpup configuration that came with it made it possible to have the action and magazine located at the back instead of in front of the trigger. This is shorter than all the other firearms built in this respect. The extra light weight of such a firearm can lead to the best balance and weight distribution, thus facilitating ease of handling in crowded spaces. It is shorter than other firearms in that regard, which, on the other hand, results in better balance and weight distribution, making it easier to maneuver through tight spaces and handle easily.

But its dual magazine tubes truly set the Kel Tec KSG apart from other shotguns. But its dual magazine tubes truly set the KSG apart from other shotguns. Two parallel tubes, one over and one below the barrel, stop 14 rounds (7 in each tube) of 12- or 20-gauge ammo. You can easily switch between tubes with a lever behind the trigger. This method allows you to easily change the load when needed, which makes the KSG for projects of different shooting types.

The KSG also has a downward ejection system, which means the spent shells are thrown downwards, staying away from the shooter. This is also useful for left-handed shooters. The gun’s downward ejection design prevents the shells from flying towards their faces. Also, it helps maintain the downward ejection system throughout the action, reducing the risk of malfunctions due to debris or dirt getting caught.

But the innovation continues. The KSG also has a built-in Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver, allowing for easy installation of various optics and accessories. For added safety, the KSG has a manual safety switch on the side of the receiver and a trigger block safety.

Apart from the KSG’s ability to function unnoticed, its highest quality is its small dimensions and weight. Weighing in at just 6.9 pounds unloaded is the only feature that outdoes them all.
It is one of the lightest shotguns on the market, so it is widely chosen by law enforcement and military personnel who need a reliable and lightweight weapon for close-quarters combat.

Small or not, the KSG is fire-powered. It has the provision of fitting two magazines in the KSG, capable of 14 rounds, thus more than enough firepower to handle any situation. The gun’s accuracy and fire range are the same, even though it has an 18.5-inch barrel, a small-scale version of a full-size rifle, and part of an AR build kit.

5. FN PS90

The FN PS90 а is a compact bullpup rifle designed and manufactured by the Belgian FN Herstal. In a sea of other guns, this weapon’s unique design makes it special and a must-have for the game arsenal.

Firstly, the compact size and the unusual bullpup design will be discussed. The term “bullpup” is an example of the action behind the trigger group, so a shorter rifle is achieved without sacrificing the barrel length. The FN PS90 is perfect for allying the pilot during close and narrow battles, given that it is small and can accelerate.

Furthermore, the weapon’s futuristic style characterizes its look, which will also help you be even scarier to your enemies, thus enabling you to be more aggressive while intimidating the opposition.

But even if it is small, do not believe the FN PS90 is not severe—it is incredible! It can give you long enjoyment or concentration on your gameplay without removing the players’ breathing seats. It is this main feature that is particularly significant in the shooter genre, where each second has importance, and the shooter manages to drop you out of this world with a gun that is not ready. With the FN PS90, you can move without a pause, as the enemies will not wonder about the reason for their loss.

Moreover, FN PS90’s top MIL-STD-1913 rail offers a mounting solution for various accessories, like scopes, lasers, or flashlights. Changing the appearance of your weapon is a favorite pastime of any player, as they can adjust their weaponry according to what they want to experience.

Would you like to raid from a safe distance? Then, get a scope. Would you prefer a winner of the battle of zero distance? Get a scope. Now you have another option, don’t you? If you want the light to hit more accurately, the laser can be used to support you. The many different things possible are that the FN PS90 can be used in as many ways in digital warfare.

Nevertheless, dispose of the rarest elephant in the room is the FN-pioneered PlayStation-90 gun with an ultra-modern and excellent design, allowing the user to be the game’s co-creator. The history of the gun is that it first debuted in the successful video game “Halo” series of games.

This alone has made it an audience favorite in the gaming industry worldwide. It is also seen in games such as Call of Duty and Rainbow Six Siege. The stylish and futuristic look has contributed to the heightened stress level in the game, so it is not surprising that it is one of the sought-after weapons for gaming participants.

Final Thoughts

This buyer’s guide is packed with great bullpup rifles and shotguns, which offer a perfect combination of characteristics and capabilities ready for tactical and practical endeavors. All guns reviewed have compactness and ergonomic design as their main selling points, so owners will have the luxury of maneuvering these guns freely in the tightest spaces and at the highest barrel length without compromise.

They also include safety features such as built-in locks, exclusive accessories like Picatinny rails for optics, and ambidextrous controls that can be used from both sides and others for versatility.

Nevertheless, the buyer must consider more expensive parts for shooting sports than traditional ones. Circumstances will arise, and the costs and accessibility of ammunition will always be factors to consider.

It should be noted, however, that the tested bullpup rifles and shotguns have proven to be the best of 2024. They are dependable weapons of choice for both serious and casual gun users and are equally sustaining.

FAQs

Q. Are bullpups better?

Bullpups offer compactness without losing barrel length, which is ideal for tight spaces. However, they may feel less ergonomic than traditional rifles.

Q. Are bullpup shotguns any good?

Bullpup shotguns excel in close-quarters situations, maintaining barrel length for effectiveness while being more maneuverable.

Q. Are pistols technically bullpup?

No, pistols are not bullpups. Bullpup refers to rifles or shotguns with the action behind the trigger, unlike pistols, which have the action within or below the grip.