Best Bullpup Rifles & Shotguns Reviewed

Ever seen those compact guns with their triggers seemingly too far forward? Those are bullpups – firearms designed to pack more punch in less space. These unique weapons flip traditional design on its head by placing the action behind the trigger instead of in front.

Bullpups have gained massive popularity among tactical enthusiasts, home defenders, and military forces worldwide. They offer the same barrel length and power as standard guns but in a much shorter package.

In this article, we'll break down the best bullpup rifles and shotguns on the market today. You'll discover top picks for every budget, learn why these firearms might be perfect for your needs, and understand the pros and cons before making your purchase.

I hope you are now ready to discover some seriously cool firepower so let's get started!

What Is a Bullpup Firearm?

A bullpup firearm is any gun where the action sits behind the trigger group rather than in front of it. This unique design puts the magazine and firing mechanism in the stock area – a radical departure from standard firearms.

The main benefit is that you get a full-length barrel in a much shorter overall package. Take a 16-inch barrel AR-15 and a 16-inch barrel bullpup – the bullpup can be 8-10 inches shorter despite having identical ballistic performance.

This compact design makes bullpups perfect for tight spaces, vehicle use, and urban environments. The Israeli Defense Forces adopted the Tavor bullpup partly because it works so well in close-quarter urban combat situations.

When shooting a bullpup, you'll hold it closer to your body. The weight distribution feels different – often more balanced toward your shoulder rather than front-heavy like traditional rifles. This difference can take some getting used to, but becomes second nature with practice.

Pros and Cons of Bullpup Rifles & Shotguns

Pros:

• Super compact design – Get full-size power in a package that's often 8-10 inches shorter
• Better for tight spaces – Navigate doorways, vehicles, and corners without the barrel catching
• Many feature ambidextrous controls – Good news for lefties
• Balanced weight distribution – Less arm fatigue during extended use
• Full-length barrel in compact size – No sacrifice in velocity or accuracy

Cons:

• Reloading takes practice – Magazine changes happen behind your arm instead of in front
• Trigger quality issues – The need for transfer bars often results in mushy triggers
• Limited customization options – Fewer aftermarket parts compared to platforms like AR-15s
• Ejection can be problematic – Some models throw brass at left-handed users (unless specially designed)
• Harder to clear malfunctions – The action being behind your face makes it tougher to diagnose problems

Best Bullpup Rifles

1. Springfield Armory Hellion

The Hellion is a battle-tested European firepower that meets American innovation. Based on Croatia's combat-proven VHS-2 rifle, Springfield Armory adapted it for the U.S. market with smart upgrades that make it stand out from other bullpups.

Don't let its space-age looks fool you – this gun has seen actual combat with Croatian armed forces since 2013. Springfield kept the core design but added M-LOK slots and made it compatible with standard AR-15 magazines, two features American shooters love.

The rifle is truly ambidextrous, meaning lefties can use it without modification. Just pop out the bolt, flip it around, switch the ejection port cover, and you're good to go – no more brass in the face! The adjustable gas system lets you tune it for suppressed use or difficult ammo.

For a bullpup, the Hellion has surprisingly good ergonomics. The controls are well-placed, and the adjustable cheek riser helps you get a perfect sight picture. Even the charging handle design is clever – it's non-reciprocating and can be used from either side.

Price: $1,628

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, piston
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16-20″
• Overall Length: 28.25-32.25″
• Weight: 8–8.4 lbs

Features

• Adjustable gas system
• Reversible ejection port
• Built-in flip-up iron sights
• M-LOK compatible handguard

Pros

• True ambidextrous design
• Proven military pedigree
• Smooth recoil
• Takes standard AR-15 magazines

Cons

• Long length of pull
• Mediocre trigger
• Heavier than some competitors

2. Desert Tech MDRX

The Desert Tech MDRX looks like something from a sci-fi movie, but it's a very real, very capable modern rifle. This marvel of engineering solved one of the biggest bullpup problems – ejection. Its unique forward-ejection system sends spent casings out a tube at the front of the gun instead of to the side.

But the MDRX isn't just a one-trick pony. Its modular design lets you swap barrels and calibers in minutes without special tools. Want to switch from plinking with .223 to hunting with .308? Just push two pins, swap the barrel and bolt, and you're ready to go.

Desert Tech built this gun to be ultra-user-friendly. The controls mirror those of an AR-15. The safety, magazine release, and bolt catch all work similarly to America's favorite rifle, but in a much more compact package.

The MDRX also stands out for having one of the better bullpup triggers. Most bullpups suffer from mushy triggers due to their design, but Desert Tech engineered a solution that gives a crisper break than most competitors.

Price: $1,592

Specs

• Caliber: .223 Wylde, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 BLK, .308 Win
• Action: Semi-automatic, piston
• Capacity: 20+1, 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16-20″
• Overall Length: 26-30″
• Weight: 8.7–9.5 lbs

Features

• Forward ejection system
• Quick-change barrel system
• Adjustable gas block
• Picatinny top rail
• Full ambidextrous controls

Pros

• Accurate and soft shooting
• Caliber-convertible
• One of the better triggers in bullpups
• Works for lefties and righties

Cons

• Forward-ejecting models can be finicky
• Limited availability
• Expensive compared to standard rifles

3. IWI Tavor X95

The Tavor X95 is what happens when a nation designs a rifle specifically for urban warfare. Born from Israel's unique security needs, this bullpup has been battle-tested in some of the world's toughest combat zones. It represents the evolution of the original Tavor, with numerous improvements based on real-world feedback.

IWI (Israel Weapon Industries) created the X95 to be ultra-compact yet still deliver 5.56 NATO power. At just under 27 inches with a 16.5-inch barrel, it's about the same length as an AR-15 with the stock collapsed – except the X95 doesn't sacrifice any barrel length or ballistic performance.

The X95 shines in the ergonomics department. Unlike many bullpups, it features controls that AR-15 users will find familiar. The magazine release, bolt release, and safety are all where your fingers expect them to be. The charging handle sits forward, so it is easy to manipulate without breaking your shooting position.

Perhaps the X95's greatest strength is its rugged dependability. These guns run in dusty, sandy, wet conditions without complaint. The piston-driven system runs cleaner than direct impingement guns, and the simple field strip process makes maintenance quick and easy.

Price: $1,770

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, piston
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 13-18.5″
• Overall Length: 22.8-28.13″
• Weight: 7.5–8 lbs

Features

• Ambidextrous magazine and bolt release
• Full-length Picatinny rail
• Interchangeable handguards
• Easily convertible for left-handed use

Pros

• Functions in harsh conditions
• Highly modular
• Compact and accurate
• Good aftermarket support

Cons

• Gets gassy when suppressed
• Slightly awkward balance point
• More expensive than standard rifles

4. Kel-Tec RDB

The Kel-Tec RDB brings bullpup power to the masses with its budget-friendly price tag. Kel-Tec learned from its first bullpup attempt (the RFB) and created something special – a downward-ejecting 5.56 rifle that won't break the bank.

"RDB" stands for "Rifle, Downward-ejecting, Bullpup" – and that downward ejection is the star feature. Spent casings drop straight down behind the magazine instead of flying to the side. This makes the RDB completely ambidextrous – lefties can shoot it with zero modifications and zero brass to the face.

Beyond its clever ejection system, the RDB has an adjustable gas system that lets you tune it for different ammunition types or suppressor use. The barrel is threaded for muzzle devices, and the gun accepts standard AR-15 magazines, keeping accessory costs low.

At about 7 pounds unloaded and just 27.3 inches long, the RDB is noticeably lighter and handier than many other bullpups. The trigger is also surprisingly good for a bullpup, breaking cleaner than many competitors that cost twice as much.

Price: $749

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-automatic, piston
• Capacity: 30+1
• Barrel Length: 16.1-20.5″
• Overall Length: 26-30″
• Weight: 5.9–7 lbs

Features

• Adjustable gas piston system
• Downward ejection port
• Ambidextrous safety
• Uses standard AR-15 magazines

Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Affordable for a bullpup
• Lefty-friendly
• Accepts common magazines

Cons

• Mediocre trigger
• Malfunction clearance is difficult
• Limited aftermarket support

5. Steyr AUG A3 M1

The Steyr AUG is the granddaddy of modern bullpups – the gun that showed the world this design could work. First adopted by the Austrian Army in 1978, its distinctive space-age look has made it a star in movies and video games, but its functionality has kept it in military service worldwide for decades.

What makes the AUG special is its clever design. The quick-change barrel system lets users swap barrels without tools in seconds. The original models featured an integrated 1.5x optic when most military rifles still used iron sights. Modern versions maintain this innovative spirit with full-length rails for today's optics.

The AUG's ergonomics still feel modern despite its age. The trigger guard doubles as a forward grip, providing excellent control. The bolt release is a large paddle at the bottom of the stock, easy to hit with your support hand. The charging handle works equally well for right or left-handed shooters.

Modern AUG A3 M1 models offer flexibility with either standard AUG magazines or NATO-compatible mags that work with STANAG/AR-15 magazines. The rifle can be configured for left-handed ejection by changing the bolt and ejection port cover – a feature many bullpups still don't offer.

Price: $1,999

Specs

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK
• Action: Semi-automatic, piston
• Capacity: 10+1, 30+1, 42+1
• Barrel Length: 14.5-24″
• Overall Length: 26.63-36.13″
• Weight: 7.4–8.8 lbs

Features

• Quick-change barrel
• Modular bolt for right/left hand
• Optional NATO mag compatibility
• Integrated optic options

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Compact with long barrel
• Iconic appearance and ergonomics
• Smooth operation

Cons

• Poor trigger feel
• Difficult accessory mounting
• Premium price tag

6. FN PS90

The FN PS90 looks like it beamed down from a sci-fi movie set – but this futuristic firearm has serious real-world capabilities. Developed alongside the FN Five-seveN pistol, it fires the unique 5.7×28mm cartridge that balances low recoil with impressive penetration capabilities.

What makes the PS90 so distinctive is its top-mounted, horizontal magazine. This transparent 50-round magazine sits parallel to the barrel, feeding rounds down into the action. When fired, spent casings eject downward through the stock – making it completely ambidextrous with no modification needed.

The PS90's ergonomics are unlike any other firearm. The trigger is placed far forward, with thumb holes in the stock for a secure grip. This bizarre-looking layout actually works beautifully in practice, creating a compact package that's easy to handle in tight spaces. At just over 26 inches long, it's shorter than most carbines with stocks collapsed.

FN designed the PS90 as a personal defense weapon for military vehicle crews and support personnel who needed more firepower than a pistol but couldn't manage a full-sized rifle. Civilians get the semi-automatic version with a 16-inch barrel to comply with laws, but the gun maintains its ultra-compact charm.

Price: $1,899

Specs

• Caliber: 5.7×28
• Action: Semi-automatic, blowback
• Capacity: 50+1
• Barrel Length: 16″
• Overall Length: 26.23″
• Weight: 6.3 lbs

Features

• Ambidextrous controls
• Polymer stock with integral rail
• Top-fed translucent magazine
• Downward ejection

Pros

• High-capacity with low recoil
• Compact and lightweight
• Works for left-handed users
• Unique cartridge performance

Cons

• Optic mount not ideal
• Long barrel looks odd for a PDW
• Specialty ammunition can be expensive

7. Desert Tech SRS-A2

The Desert Tech SRS-A2 proves bullpup designs aren't just for tactical rifles – they make incredible precision rifles too. This bolt-action bullpup can reach out to 1,500 yards but packs down to a fraction of the size of traditional sniper systems.

SRS stands for "Stealth Recon Scout," and stealth is the operative word. The short overall length makes it easy to maneuver in and out of vehicles or hunting blinds. At just 35.5 inches total length with a 26-inch barrel, it's 8-10 inches shorter than comparable precision rifles without sacrificing an inch of barrel.

The true genius of the SRS-A2 is its multi-caliber capability. In under two minutes with no special tools, you can swap barrels, bolts, and magazines to change from .308 Winchester to .300 Winchester Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor, or even massive calibers like .338 Lapua Magnum. Each barrel maintains its own zero, so you don't need to re-sight the rifle after switching.

Desert Tech engineered this rifle for extreme precision. The free-floating barrel, match-grade trigger, and rigid chassis combine to deliver sub-MOA accuracy. The bullpup design puts the center of gravity right at your shoulder and so it is more stable for offhand shots and reducing fatigue during long target engagement periods.

Price: $5,549

Specs

• Caliber: 6.5CM, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, etc.
• Action: Bolt-action
• Capacity: 5+1, 10+1
• Barrel Length: 16-26″
• Overall Length: 27-37″
• Weight: 8.7–9.5 lbs

Features

• Match-grade barrel system
• Tool-less caliber conversion
• Integrated monopod mount
• Free-floating barrel

Pros

• Outstanding precision
• Multi-caliber ready
• Very compact for a sniper rifle
• Excellent balance

Cons

• High price tag
• Heavy compared to standard rifles
• Niche use case

Best Bullpup Shotguns

1. IWI TS12

The IWI TS12 looks like it belongs on a spaceship – and it packs enough firepower to defend one. This semi-automatic bullpup shotgun uses a unique rotating magazine system to deliver a mind-boggling 15+1 capacity with standard shells (or over 30 rounds when loaded with mini shells) in a compact package. 

The secret to the TS12's high capacity is its three magazine tubes. Each tube holds five 2¾-inch shells (or four 3-inch magnums). When one tube runs dry, you press a button near the foregrip, rotate to the next loaded tube, and the gun automatically chambers a round. This gives you 15 rounds on tap – triple what most tactical shotguns offer.

Early TS12 models had some teething problems, but IWI has ironed these out in current production. Today's TS12s run smoothly with everything from low-brass target loads to heavy buckshot. The semi-auto action soaks up recoil better than pump shotguns and for this reason follow-up shots are faster and more comfortable.

Perhaps the best feature of the TS12 is that you can reload it without taking it out of the fight. When one tube empties, rotate to a full tube and keep shooting. Then top off the empty tube at your convenience. For home defense or competition, this continuous loading capability is a game-changer.

Price: $1,288

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas
• Capacity: 15+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5″
• Overall Length: 28.34″
• Weight: 8–9 lbs

Features

• Three rotating tubes (5 rounds each)
• Automatic chambering upon tube rotation
• Full-length Picatinny top rail
• M-LOK slots for accessories

Pros

• High capacity in compact form
• Can top off each tube during operation
• Great accessory compatibility
• Semi-auto action reduces felt recoil

Cons

• Not ideal for left-handed users
• Earlier models had cycling issues
• Heavier than pump shotguns

2. Rock Island Armory VRBP-100

The Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 brings something rare to the bullpup shotgun world – affordability. This magazine-fed semi-auto doesn't break the bank but delivers serious firepower in a compact package.

What makes the VRBP-100 stand out is its use of detachable box magazines. It comes with a 5-round magazine, but 9 and 19-round mags are available (though the 19-rounder is comically long). This makes reloads fast and simple – just drop the empty mag and slap in a fresh one, just like an AR-15.

AR-15 shooters will feel right at home with this shotgun. The controls mimic America's favorite rifle, with an identical safety lever, magazine release, and bolt release. This familiarity makes it easy to transition between platforms with minimal retraining.

The VRBP-100 also offers something few bullpups do – an adjustable length-of-pull. It comes with spacers that can be added or removed to fit shooters of different sizes. This customization helps ensure proper fit, which leads to better accuracy and comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Price: $465

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Semi-automatic, gas
• Capacity: 5–19+1
• Barrel Length: 20″
• Overall Length: 32″
• Weight: 7.9 lbs

Features

• Adjustable length of pull
• Ambidextrous safety and mag release
• AR-style bolt release
• Full-length Picatinny rail

Pros

• Easy for AR shooters to adapt
• Compact and powerful
• Room for optics and lights
• Very affordable

Cons

• High-cap mags are bulky
• Noticeable recoil for a gas gun
• Less refined than premium options

3. Kel-Tec KS7

The Kel-Tec KS7 is a tactical shotgun that looks like it has been stripped down to its bare essentials. It's the lightweight, simplified cousin of the popular KSG – trading capacity for reduced weight and a slimmer profile.

With its single magazine tube (versus the KSG's dual tubes), the KS7 holds 7 rounds of 2 3⁄4-inch shells. But what you lose in capacity, you gain in weight savings – the KS7 weighs just 5.9 pounds unloaded. That's lighter than many tactical shotguns and so it is easy to handle for smaller shooters.

The KS7's most distinctive feature is its carry handle with integrated sighting system. This raised handle includes a triangular front sight that makes target acquisition lightning-fast in close quarters. The handle also provides a mounting point for lights or lasers, crucial for home defense situations.

Like other Kel-Tec shotguns, the KS7 ejects spent shells downward rather than to the side. This makes it completely ambidextrous – lefties can use it without modification and without catching hot hulls in the face. The pump release is also ambidextrous, located at the front of the trigger guard where both righties and lefties can easily reach it.

Price: $439

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 6+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5″
• Overall Length: 26.1″
• Weight: 5.9 lbs

Features

• Bottom ejection for left-handed use
• Triangle front sight for close-range targeting
• Slim, ambidextrous-friendly design
• Integrated carry handle with rail

Pros

• Very lightweight and maneuverable
• Easy to use and maintain
• Affordable option
• Truly ambidextrous

Cons

• Harsh recoil due to light weight
• Carry handle sighting can feel awkward
• Lower capacity than KSG

4. Kel-Tec KSG

The Kel-Tec KSG changed the shotgun game when it debuted. This innovative pump-action bullpup packs an incredible 14+1 rounds into a package shorter than most 5-shot tactical shotguns. Its sci-fi looks and massive capacity made it an instant hit.

The KSG's secret weapon is its dual magazine tube design. Two parallel tubes run under the barrel, each holding 7 rounds of 2¾-inch shells. A selector switch behind the trigger guard lets you choose which tube feeds the action. This gives you options – load one tube with buckshot and one with slugs, or simply use all 14 rounds of your preferred load.

At just 26.1 inches long with an 18.5-inch barrel, the KSG is incredibly compact. You can navigate tight hallways and doorways without the barrel getting hung up. This makes it perfect for home defense, where space is often limited. The bullpup design also puts the weight close to your body and therefore it is easier to hold on target for extended periods.

The KSG has gained popularity with military and law enforcement units worldwide. Its downward ejection port makes it lefty-friendly, and the pump action is inherently more robust than semi-autos for duty use. The full-length top rail accommodates red dots or holographic sights, crucial for fast target acquisition in high-stress situations.

Price: $674

Specs

• Gauge: 12ga
• Action: Pump action
• Capacity: 14+1 (2.75" shells)
• Barrel Length: 18.5″
• Overall Length: 26.1″
• Weight: 6.9 lbs

Features

• Ambidextrous-friendly design
• Dual magazine tubes with selector switch
• Downward ejection
• Full-length top rail

Pros

• High capacity without bulk
• Field-tested design
• Excellent for CQB and home defense
• Compact size

Cons

• Can be short-stroked under stress
• Stiff recoil compared to semi-autos
• Takes practice to master

Bullpup vs Conventional Firearms: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between a bullpup and a conventional firearm comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Let's break down when each design makes sense.

Bullpups shine in situations where space is limited. Do you live in an apartment? Need to maneuver through tight hallways? Work from vehicles? The compact length of a bullpup gives you full-power performance without the unwieldy length of traditional rifles or shotguns.

Traditional firearms still have advantages. They typically offer better triggers right out of the box. Reloading is more intuitive, especially under stress. And if you're already trained on conventional guns, the learning curve is steep when switching to bullpups.

The ergonomics differ significantly between the two designs. In bullpups, the magazine loads behind your firing hand, which feels strange at first. Magazine changes require more practice to become efficient. But that same design puts the weight close to your body, reducing fatigue during extended use.

Cost is another consideration. Quality bullpups generally command premium prices compared to their conventional counterparts. A good AR-15 can be had for $700-800, but most quality bullpups start at $1,500+, with the Kel-Tec RDB being a notable exception at the budget end.

For home defense, bullpups offer significant advantages. Their compact size makes them easier to maneuver through doorways and around corners. The balanced weight distribution helps maintain control during high-stress situations. And many bullpup shotguns offer greater capacity than conventional models of similar length.

For precision shooting, it's more complicated. The Desert Tech SRS proves bullpups can be extremely accurate, but the trigger linkage in most bullpup designs creates a disadvantage for precision work. If you're primarily a target shooter, a traditional rifle might serve you better.

Training matters too. If you've spent years with conventional rifles, switching to a bullpup requires retraining your muscle memory for reloads and malfunction clearing. Is that investment in training time worth the compact size advantage? Only you can decide.

Final Thoughts

Bullpups break the mold of traditional firearms design, offering unique advantages for the right user. Their compact dimensions don't sacrifice barrel length or stopping power – a genuine "have your cake and eat it too" scenario for many tactical applications.

For home defense, the shorter overall length of bullpups makes them easier to maneuver through tight spaces. Models like the IWI TS12 and Kel-Tec KSG offer impressive firepower in packages that won't get caught on door frames or furniture.

For tactical use, rifles like the Tavor X95 and Springfield Hellion deliver full-power rifle performance in ultra-compact packages. Their balanced weight distribution reduces fatigue during extended operations, and their shorter length makes vehicle exits and entries much easier.

Budget-conscious buyers should look at the Kel-Tec RDB rifle or KS7 shotgun. Both deliver bullpup benefits at price points that won't break the bank. They may lack some refinements of premium options but offer solid performance for the money.

If price is no object, the Desert Tech MDRX offers cutting-edge features and multi-caliber flexibility that no other bullpup can match. Its forward-ejection system and quick-change barrels represent the pinnacle of modern bullpup engineering.

Remember that bullpups have a learning curve. Their unique manual of arms takes practice to master, especially if you're coming from traditional firearms. But for many users, the compact power they offer is worth the adjustment period.

The bottom line is that the bullpups aren't just novelties – they're serious tools that solve real problems. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bullpup firearms harder to shoot accurately?

Not necessarily. The barrel length stays the same as traditional firearms, so accuracy potential is identical. Some people find the balance point closer to their body helps stability. The main accuracy limitation is often the trigger – bullpups typically have less crisp triggers due to the linkage needed to connect the trigger to the action.

Can left-handed shooters use bullpup guns?

It depends on the model. Some bullpups like the Desert Tech MDRX, Kel-Tec RDB, and FN PS90 use downward or forward ejection that works for everyone. Others like the Tavor X95 and Steyr AUG can be converted for left-handed use by swapping parts. A few models eject to the right only and aren't suitable for lefties.

Why are bullpups generally more expensive than traditional firearms?

Bullpups have more complex internal designs, requiring additional parts like transfer bars to connect the trigger to the action. They're also produced in smaller numbers than mainstream firearms like AR-15s, so economies of scale are reduced. The specialized engineering and lower production volumes both contribute to higher prices.

Are bullpup shotguns good for home defense?

Yes! Their compact length makes them easier to maneuver through hallways and doorways. Many bullpup shotguns also offer higher capacity than traditional shotguns of similar length. Just be sure to practice with your specific model, as the unique handling characteristics need to become second nature for high-stress situations.

Do bullpups have more recoil than traditional firearms?

Not inherently, but it feels different. The recoil impulse is directed more straight back into your shoulder rather than creating muzzle rise. Many shooters find this easier to control, especially for quick follow-up shots. The weight distribution being closer to your body can also help manage felt recoil.

Can I customize my bullpup like I would an AR-15?

Generally no. Bullpups have fewer aftermarket options compared to mainstream platforms like the AR-15. Most customization is limited to optics, lights, and occasionally handguards. Internal parts like triggers typically have few, if any, aftermarket options. This is improving as bullpups gain popularity, but the options remain limited compared to more common firearms.