“I want to buy my first rifle. I’d like to get a home defense bullpup. What do you think?” Throughout my career as a firearms instructor, I’ve been asked many questions. This was the first time someone asked me about a bullpup. I’ve always been proud that I leave personal bias out of my recommendations. I stay focused on the fact that gun ownership is based on the individual, their abilities, and needs. This question from Ryan Wissinger left me a bit perplexed. Why had I never brought a bullpup into that equation?
My first response was to ask him why and his answers proved he had done his research. Wissinger brought out points that revealed an existing bias toward the bullpup platform. Bullpups are entirely different than a standard rifle and not typically recommended for a first-time rifle owner. They are set apart from the “norm” like an AR-15 for example. The bullpup flips the “normal” configuration we’re accustomed to placing the action behind the trigger assembly and magazine.
Exploring A Home Defense Bullpup
I’m familiar with bullpups, and I’ve had time shooting them, but it was a rifle I had never explored in depth. I realized my own unconscious bias and immediately wanted to address it. A T&E range day for A/B testing was a must. Two shooters on the range, one newer to rifle and the other an AR owner who had some training. The goal wasn’t to prove which rifle was better. Instead, I wanted to see if we could dispel any bullpup biases such as awkward to handle, slow manipulation, and they’re too loud, just to name a few.
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I collaborated with Joey Harris, Director of Sales with Federated Ordnance out of Caldwell, ID. Harris orchestrated the range day to be held at the Nampa Rod and Gund Club in Nampa, ID. He also had Federated Ordnance provide 1,000 rounds of their 5.56 NATO ammo for range day testing. Ryan Wissinger, whose question sparked this entire article, would be shooting the bullpup. Wissinger was familiar with firearms and occasional recreational shooting, but up until this point had not had any formal training. Wissinger’s long-time friend, Arlus Irons, would be shooting the AR-15. Irons, an avid shooter and gun owner, came to the plate with both experience and some training under his belt. It was important to have two shooters, one with training and one without, to properly evaluate the bullpup bias.
Guns & Gear
The bullpup of choice was the IWI Tavor X95 chambered in 5.56 NATO with a Meprolight TRU-VISION 2 MOA red dot. The AR 15, supplied by Harris, was a PWS MK113 Alpha chambered in 5.56 with an Aim Point T1 2 MOA Micro Red Dot. Both gentlemen were provided with range gear as well 5.11 provided two, 2 Point Padded Slings, 5.11 A/T 6” Non-Zip Boots, and 5.11 Men’s Stryker Pants. Walker’s provided two sets of Recon Digital Electronic Muffs. Silencer Central added in a bit of fun with their Banish Speed K TI suppressor. Lastly, the Hoplite Mini Tripod from Spartan Precision Equipment. This tripod is worth checking into, it’s a total game changer!
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Time For Live Fire
At the range we started with a safety briefing then zeroed the rifles and optics. We then moved to weapon familiarization working on dry fire drills and reloads. Once everyone was comfortable, we began live fire drills. Wissinger and Irons engaged in multiple drills from varying distances throughout the day concentrating on trigger work, fast target acquisition, emergency reloads, multiple threat scenarios, and moving and shooting. Both did a fantastic job and thoroughly impressed me with their shooting abilities. Both firearms performed well as did the ammunition provided by Federated Ordnance.
Harris threw in a fun competition of sorts where he would load their mags with an unspecified number of rounds. Once empty, they had to perform an emergency reload and reacquire the target. Wissinger and Irons really enjoyed this as it kept them on their toes, not knowing what to expect. Unexpectedly, it was Wissinger, the newer shooter, who performed the best with this specific drill with accuracy and speed. I have to admit, I was shocked at how fast he performed reloads with the Tavor. We ended the range day shooting suppressed with the Bannish suppressor, which was enjoyable for everyone.
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Preferences
I asked Wissinger and Irons what their preference would be after shooting both rifles. Wissinger chose the Tavor X95. “This gun is badass. I shot 500 rounds without a failure or malfunction. My reloads were fast. I noticed that I didn’t have to rotate the rifle to accomplish this. The mag is closer to my body which made it more difficult to see, but I was able to use my strong side wrist as guide to know where I was without looking. This made sense to me as it was quicker and something I’d be able to do in the dark if needed. It was more comfortable, too. The bullpup is shorter, and the weight is toward the back so it was less fatiguing. The setup of the controls and the shorter length made it feel more natural to wield when transferring targets or moving and shooting.”
Wissinger went on to say, “For the price there is a lot included in the package. It’s perfect for me. I live in a farmhouse with smaller doorframes, stairwells and corners. The X95 is easier to maneuver without sacrificing barrel length. I have a good amount of land, and I think it would be great outdoors if needed. One rifle covers all the bases for me.”
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Go With What You Know
Irons opinion was interesting as well. “The X95 is an incredible gun and a great choice. For me, though, I would have to go with what I know, the AR. It’s not a matter of function, it’s more about how I’ve been trained and what I’m used to. With the bullpup I’m instinctively placing the mag in front on reloads instead of the rear which slowed me down. It’s not bad, just different. I think though with training it’s something I could get used to, but I’m more comfortable with the AR.”
The bullpup bias and stigmas come from our training and what we know. Without training on the bullpup platform, the reverse configuration will feel awkward and unfamiliar. To someone newer, it’s a different story.
Bullpup Advantages
- Easier to maneuver and conceal in tight spaces. More ergonomic.
- Reduced length and weight preventing fatigue.
- Reliability – Piston-driven, keeps heat buildup down, no extra gasses flowing in or out of receiver, cleaner to suppress.
- Lower felt recoil
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Bullpups have come a long way, as evident with the Tavor X95. Out of the box, it’s ready to go. A fire control pack with a 5-6 pound trigger pull, repositioning of the ambidextrous mag release to an AR-15 location, forearm with Picatinny rails at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock with removable rail covers, relocation of charging handle closer to your center mass, a modular Tavor style pistol grip that can be swapped out to a standard pistol grip with traditional trigger guard and a smaller, lower profile bolt release button, with an MSRP of $1,999.00.
The bullpup rightfully has a place among the standard rifles we recommend.
