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68-632: The Tavor TAR-21 can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher , designated as the GTAR-21. A compact variant with a 380 mm (15 in) barrel is also available, designated as the CTAR-21. A designated marksman rifle variant with a folding under-barrel bipod and Trijicon ACOG 4× magnification sight was also made but later phased out in favour for the Tavor TAR Flattop. Built around

136-568: A semi-automatic mode and a fully automatic mode . The Tavor features a self-contained, drop-in trigger group so that the trigger group can be changed or replaced without the use of additional tools. The Tavor is primarily chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO and uses STANAG magazines , conversion kits for 9×19mm Parabellum and 5.45×39mm calibre are also available. The IDF uses both 3.6-gram (55 gr) M193 and 4.0-gram (62 gr) M855 5.56×45mm rounds. M193 rounds are used by regular infantrymen for better terminal effects at shorter distances, while

204-489: A "non-sporting" firearm with a bore greater than one-half inch in diameter. M203s are on the civilian NFA market but are limited as most manufacturers have quit selling to the civilian markets. New M203 launchers sell for approximately $ 2,000 plus a $ 200 transfer tax, and new manufacture 40 mm training ammunition is available for $ 5 to $ 10 per cartridge, as of March 2011. High explosive 40 mm grenades are available for $ 400 to $ 500 per cartridge; however, they are exceedingly rare on

272-585: A "title 1 firearm", and are not classified as "destructive devices" under the NFA. These launchers can be sold the same as regular firearms on an ATF Form 4473. In the United States, M203 grenade launcher attachments fitted with the standard rifled 40 mm barrels are classified as "destructive devices" under the National Firearms Act (NFA) part 26 U.S.C. 5845, 27 CFR 479.11, because they are

340-420: A 37 mm civilian version became available on the market that is not considered an NFA weapon. As the 37 mm version is not classified as a "destructive device", it can be sold to the general public on the same ATF Form 4473 as most other firearms. The 37 mm launcher can use 37 mm flare rounds already available on the market. This civilian version sells for around $ 2,000 and accessories such as quick detach mounts and

408-457: A barrel length of at least 470 mm. Current versions are shipped with a full-length Picatinny rail, without optics. In Europe, the Czech company Zeleny Sport recently (December 2015) imported Israeli-made TC-21s, equipped with Mepro M5 or M21 reflex sight, which are now available for both civilian and law enforcement customers. In 2013, IWI started a US subsidiary, IWI US, which is manufacturing

476-528: A barrel of 12 inches, while the SOPMOD M203A1 has a 9 in (23 cm) barrel. The M203A1 is intended for use with the M4 and M4A1 carbines, and uses a special bracket mount consisting of three screws and lacing wire. Only M203A2s consist of a quick release bracket. The Canadian M203A1 by Diemaco (now Colt Canada) is a similar design with a different mounting system that does not require mounting points of

544-680: A bullpup machine pistol was patented by the Frenchman Henri Delacre . The first bullpup design used in combat was the PzB M.SS.41 anti-tank rifle during World War II. It was a Czech weapon used by the SS , produced under German occupation. After World War II, Western engineers drew inspiration from the German Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle , which offered a compromise between bolt-action rifles and submachine guns. Among them

612-586: A common receiver design, which includes the QBZ-95 standard rifle, a carbine and light support weapon variants. The Islamic Republic of Iran Army has adopted the KH-2002 in limited numbers. Some sniper rifles such as the American Barrett M95 and XM500 , German Walther WA 2000 and DSR-1 , Chinese QBU-88 , Russian SVU , Polish Bor . It is also used for combat shotgun designs such as

680-621: A license for Tavors to be manufactured by Ukrainian firearm manufacturer RPC Fort . As of March 2021, Fort is no longer marketing them. The semi-automatic Tavor Carbine (TC-21) was first made available for civilian customers to purchase in Canada from 2008. The Canadian civilian version initially shipped with the Mepro reflex sight and a slightly longer barrel to meet the Canadian requirement for non-restricted semi-automatic centrefire rifles to have

748-756: A long-stroke piston system (as found in the M1 Garand and AK-47 ), the Tavor is designed to maximise reliability, durability, simplicity of design, and ease of maintenance, particularly under adverse battlefield conditions. In 2009, the Tavor X95 (also known as the Micro Tavor or MTAR) was selected by the Israel Defense Forces to gradually replace the M16 assault rifle and M4 carbine variants as

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816-707: A quadrant sight are also available. The following technical data for the M203/M203A1 grenade launcher comes directly from the U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-22.31 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M203. Note: some data differs for versions that attach to the M4 carbine. The 40 mm grenades used in the M203 (40 × 46 mm) are not the same as those used by the Mk 19 grenade launcher (40 × 53 mm), which are fired at higher velocities) Other under-barrel grenade launchers Related Bullpup A bullpup firearm

884-557: A rifle-length barrel. The Tavor uses a non-lubricated long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand , IMI Galil , and the AK-47 . Like in the AK-47, the long-stroke piston mechanism contributes to the extreme forcefulness of the TAR-21's extraction and chambering. The Tavor's attachment of the piston to a heavy bolt carrier, and the extension of the mainspring into the hollow stem of

952-457: Is derived from an analogy of such rifles to bulldog puppies (colloquially called "bullpups" in England during the late 19th and the early 20th century), which were considered "squat, ugly but still aggressive and powerful". The original meaning of the word to describe dogs has since fallen out of use. The bullpup design places the gun's action mechanism and magazine behind the trigger, and

1020-494: Is fully ambidextrous, features a 432 mm (17 in) barrel with a 730 mm (28.7 in) overall length. and a 508 mm (20 in) barrel with an 806 mm (31.7 in) overall length. An Indian-made version of the TAR, which was not adopted and it was made with a few prototypes from Ordnance Factory Board. Based on the Micro Tavor, it would be chambered in 5.56×30mm MINSAS , 5.56 NATO and 9x19mm. Ukraine purchased

1088-474: Is intended to be used as close fire support against point and area targets. The round is designed to be effective at breaking through windows and exploding inside, blowing up doors, producing multiple casualties, destroying bunkers or emplacements, and damaging or disabling soft-skinned vehicles . In the Vietnam War, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard personnel on boats would lob 40 mm grenades into the water (using

1156-597: Is light, accurate, fully ambidextrous and reliable (designed to stringent reliability standards to avoid malfunctioning in desert conditions), and is in increasing demand in other countries, notably India. The Tavor shares many similarities with the SAR 21 and the South African Vektor CR-21 . The Chinese People's Liberation Army adopted the Type 95 gun family in 1997, a family of bullpup firearms sharing

1224-538: Is one with its firing grip located in front of the breech of the weapon, instead of behind it. This creates a weapon with a shorter overall length for a given barrel length, and one that is often lighter, more compact, concealable, and more maneuverable than a conventionally configured firearm. Where it is desirable for troops to be issued a more compact weapon, the use of a bullpup configuration allows for barrel length to be retained, thus preserving muzzle velocity , range, and ballistic effectiveness. The bullpup concept

1292-578: Is used for attachment of the M203 to other rifles, including, but not limited to, the Steyr AUG , Heckler & Koch G3 , and the MP5 sub-machine gun . Most of these other companies have since devised 40 mm grenade launchers custom integrated with the weapon. The M203 DAX has a double-action trigger and longer breech opening to accommodate less-lethal rounds. The M203 and M203A1 are currently manufactured by AIRTRONIC USA, Inc. of Elk Grove Village, Illinois for

1360-600: The IsraelDefense website reported that the IDF plans to continue acquiring the Micro Tavor, quoting from a report posted on the IDF's Hebrew website on 7 September regarding a multi-year plan. The rifle is to be distributed to combat troops of relevant units in upcoming rounds of recruitment. The weapons division of the Ground Forces Command was quoted as saying that it's "very satisfied by its capabilities...

1428-637: The L85 , which entered service in 1985. After persistent reliability problems, it was redesigned by the then British-owned Heckler & Koch into the L85A2 , to be a fully reliable weapon. As of 2016, it was replaced by the L85A3 which is lighter, more adaptable, and more durable. Having learned from extensive combat experience, Israel Military Industries developed a bullpup rifle: the Tavor TAR-21 . The Tavor

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1496-504: The M16 rifle and its carbine variant, the M4 . The launcher can also be mounted onto a C7 , a Canadian version of the M16 rifle; this requires the prior removal of the bottom handguard. Stand-alone variants of the M203 exist, as do versions designed specifically for many other rifles. The device attaches under the barrel , the launcher trigger being in the rear of the launcher, just forward of

1564-481: The M79 grenade launcher ), to preemptively attack Viet Cong swimmers ("sappers") attempting to plant explosives on anchored or moored U.S. watercraft. Its primary purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that cannot be reached by direct fire . A well-trained M203 gunner can use their weapon to suppress the enemy, based on movement and sight. In addition, the M203 can be used as a crowd control weapon when equipped with

1632-489: The receiver functionally serves as the buttstock with usually only a thin endplate, making the gun more of a "stockless" weapon from a pure technical sense. The magazine is also inserted behind the trigger group (technically it only needs the magazine's feeding slot to be located behind the trigger for the gun to be classified as a bullpup), but in some designs such as the Heckler & Koch G11 , FN P90 and Neostead ,

1700-701: The British National Rifle Association . One of the earliest repeating bullpup designs was patented by William Joseph Curtis in 1866. The concept was later used in bolt-action rifles such as the Thorneycroft carbine of 1901, although the increased distance from hand grip to bolt handle meant the decreased length had to be weighed against the increased time required to fire. It was used in semi-automatic firearms in 1918 (6.5 mm French Faucon-Meunier semi-automatic rifle developed by Lt. Col. Armand-Frédéric Faucon), then in 1936

1768-485: The Chinese QBZ-95 , Israeli IWI Tavor , French FAMAS and British SA80 . The origin of term "bullpup" for this configuration has long been unclear. In 1957, the word was reported to denote a target pistol, particularly one with a fancy stock. British firearm expert Jonathan Ferguson researched the origin of the term in 2019–2020. He found early references in 1930s firearm magazines implying that "bullpup"

1836-575: The Givati Brigade. With the use of a conversion kit, the X95 can be converted from a 5.56 mm assault rifle to a 9 mm submachine gun . A suppressor can also be added to the weapon, as part of the 9 mm conversion kit. A grenade launcher can also be attached to the X95. The IWI Tavor 7 is derived from the Tavor TAR. Essentially a battle rifle , chambered in 7.62×51 mm NATO. It

1904-794: The Israel Defense Force. Qualities tested included Mean Rounds Between Failures (MRBF), reliability, ergonomics during long marches, and ease-of-maintenance. As part of initial testing by Israel Defense Forces' infantry units, the TAR-21 was distributed to members of the training company of the Tzabar Battalion from the Givati Brigade who were drafted in August 2001. They received their rifles in November 2001 during basic training. Initial testing results were favourable –

1972-434: The M203 was designed as an under-barrel device attached to an existing rifle. Because the size and weight of 40 mm ammunition limits the quantities that can be carried, and because a grenade is often not an appropriate weapon for all engagements (such as when the target is at close range or near friendly troops), an under-barrel system has the advantage of allowing its user to also carry a rifle, and to easily switch between

2040-471: The M203: The M203 grenade launcher system comes with a variety of components, usually including the launcher, adapters for attachment to assault rifles, and leaf sights (which can be used with the rifle's front sight post). M203s can also come with quadrant sights, mounting to an MIL-STD 1913 Rail , or to the carrying handle of an M16 rifle. There are numerous variants of the M203 manufactured in

2108-659: The M4 series/M16A4 and now also authorized on the M16A2 rifle as the modular weapon system (MWS). Using standard 12 in (30 cm) barrels, the grenade launcher is intended for use in concert with the Knight's Armament Company M5 RAS. The M5 MWS rail system became authorized in December 2008 for the M16A2 Rifle. An advantage of this system is the use of range-finding optics to make precise targeting easier. The M203PI system

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2176-505: The M651 tactical CS ( tear gas ) grenade. While classified primarily as an anti-personnel weapon, the shaped charge featured in the HEDP round gives it the capability to penetrate lightly armored vehicles. The M203 is able to fire a variety of different rounds for many purposes. According to the U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-22.31 40-MM Grenade Launcher, M203 , there are eight different rounds for

2244-540: The T31 bullpup, which was abandoned after his retirement in 1953. After these failures of the bullpup design to achieve widespread service, the concept continued to be explored (for example: a second Korobov bullpup, the TKB-022PM ). The Steyr AUG (selected in 1977) is often cited as the first successful bullpup, in service with the armed forces of over twenty countries, and the primary rifle of Austria and Australia. It

2312-581: The TAR-21 was found to be significantly more accurate and reliable (as well as more comfortable) than the M4 during extensive field testing. Issues with fine sand entering the Tavor TAR's chamber, which were identified over the two years of testing, were rectified by numerous small adjustments. A number of other improvements and changes to the design were also made between 2001 and 2009. The Tavor CTAR-21 saw combat service in Operation Cast Lead , used by Givati Brigade and Golani Brigade , and

2380-493: The Tavor TAR-21 in different variations as outlined below. The Tavor TAR-21 is the standard variant with a 457 mm (18 in) long barrel. The GTAR-21 has a notched barrel, to accept an M203 grenade launcher , or a licensed variant thereof, chambered in 40x46mm . The CTAR-21 is a compact shorter 380 mm (15 in) barrel variant intended for commandos and special forces , but has become more favoured than

2448-431: The Tavor TAR-21. The first Tavor X95s were issued to new recruits of a main IDF infantry brigade in 2013, replacing the M16. In 2014 the IDF announced that in the future (from as early as the end of 2014) some infantry units could start to be issued some numbers of an improved X95, which will have a longer 38 cm (15 in) barrel (instead of the original 33 cm barrel) and a lighter trigger pull. On 8 September,

2516-468: The Tavor aimed for reliability and ease-of-maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions. According to Russell C. Tilstra, the Tavor is "easily considered more reliable" than the M16 and M4 series rifles. The Tavor is designed to be easily field-stripped, without the need for any additional tools. It is waterproofed and its internal mechanism is sealed from outside elements, so that it can pass over-the-beach requirements. IWI produces

2584-439: The U.S. Department of Defense under contract numbers W52H09-06-D-0200 and W52H09-06-D-0225. Each contract is for up to 12,000 units. Each unit is shipped with hand guard, leaf sight and quadrant range sight. The contracts unit prices vary from $ 840 to $ 1,050 each. The production rate is 1,500 units per month. The M203PI is manufactured for both the U.S. Department of Defense and for commercial sales to law enforcement agencies both in

2652-468: The U.S., and throughout the world, for various applications. These vary chiefly in the length of the barrel, attachment type, and quick detach (QD) capability. The standard M203 is intended for permanent attachment to the M16A1 , M16A2 and M16A3 rifles, and utilizes a 12 in (30 cm) rifled barrel. The M203 unmodified to an A1/A2 series will not fit on the M4 carbine series. The U.S. M203A1 has

2720-475: The United States and abroad, and for foreign military sales by RM-Equipment Inc. of Miami , Florida. The Turkish MKEK made T-40 grenade launcher is based on the M203. The M203 37 mm version became available on the U.S. market in 2017. It is available in a 9 in (23 cm) and a 12 in (30 cm) barrel version. They are scroll marked: "Launcher, Grenade M203 40mm", even though they are actually 37 mm devices. These 37 mm versions are considered

2788-536: The Year. M203 grenade launcher The M203 is a single-shot 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the high-low propulsion system to keep recoil forces low. While compatible with many weapons, the M203 was originally designed and produced by the United States military for

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2856-537: The accuracy at range while reducing overall length. The EM-2 was adopted by the UK in 1951 as the world's first (limited) service bullpup rifle, but was promptly displaced by the adoption of the 7.62×51mm NATO (0.308 in) cartridge, to which the EM-2 was not easily adapted. The decision was rescinded and a variant of the more conventional FN FAL was adopted in its place. A 7.62×39mm M43 calibre experimental assault rifle

2924-437: The bolt carrier, bears a familiar resemblance to the internal mechanism of the AK-47. The Tavor has ejection ports on both sides of the rifle so it can easily be reconfigured for right or left-handed shooters. However, this process requires partial disassembly, so it cannot be quickly reconfigured while the rifle is in use. An issue related to this is the original plastic cover on the unused ejection can allow gas to escape during

2992-418: The civilian market, as each grenade constitutes a destructive device on its own, and must be registered with the federal government, requiring payment of a $ 200 tax and compliance with storage regulations for high explosives. There are also sub-caliber adapters available for the 40 mm M203 (and M79) grenade launchers, which will allow the use of standard 12-gauge shotgun shells and .22 rimfire ammo. In 2017,

3060-416: The course of fire. Due to the bullpup design, this vents right under the shooter's face, causing issues such as inhaling ejection gases and the fouling of glasses and face with ejection debris. The issue is exacerbated when the weapon is suppressed. This has been addressed by various non-factory solutions which increase sealing of the unused port. Its ambidextrous fire mode selector above the pistol grip has

3128-571: The direction of gun designer Zalmen Shebs. The objective of the project was to create an assault rifle that was more reliable, durable, and easier to maintain than the M4A1 carbine , while also being better suited to close-quarters combat and mechanized infantry roles. As a result, they hoped that the weapon would be officially adopted by the Israel Defense Forces. Due to the military's close-quarters and mechanized infantry requirements,

3196-427: The heavier M855 is used by sharpshooters. The Tavor features a last round bolt catch, whereby the bolt holds open after the last round discharges. This is a request of modern armies, as it helps to allow soldiers to know when their magazine empties and to reduce reloading times during combat while also not requiring manual action cycling after. The Tavor barrels are made from CrMoV steel and cold-hammer-forged (CHF) on

3264-515: The indicators of the success of the rifle in the shooting sports or civilian market is the fact that "an aftermarket of products associated with the Tavor bullpup rifle, like triggers, has evolved very quickly". American Rifleman magazine awarded the Tavor SAR the 2014 Golden Bullseye Award as its Rifle of the Year. Shooting Illustrated magazine named the Tavor X95 as its 2017 Rifle of

3332-402: The magazine can extend forward beyond the trigger. The earliest bullpup firearm known is a heavy bench-rest target rifle made circa 1860 for a Professor Richard Potter by Riviere of London. It weighs more than 6 kg (13 lb 4 oz) and features an octagonal barrel of approximately 20 bore (0.60 in) in calibre, with two-groove Brunswick rifling . It is held in the collection of

3400-492: The new rifle concept was born as a result of the experience with small arms that was gained during the Second World War. It was obvious that modern warfare would require the infantry to be armed with a light, selective fire weapon, with effective range much longer than that of a submachine gun, but shorter than that of conventional semi-automatic or bolt-action rifles. The bullpup design was deemed necessary to retain

3468-536: The only part of the United States Army 's Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) project to go into production. The M203 has been in service since 1969 and was introduced to US military forces during the early 1970s, replacing the M79 grenade launcher and the conceptually similar Colt XM148 design. However, while the M79 was a stand-alone weapon (and usually the primary weapon of troops who carried it),

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3536-553: The premises of the IWI factory in Ramat HaSharon . The TAR-21 barrel is 18 inches (457 mm) in length and is chrome-lined for durability and corrosion resistance. The barrel features 6 grooves in a 1 in 7 inch (178 mm) twist, or 32 calibres right hand twist rate . The barrel is fitted with a 'birdcage' style flash suppressor , which can be fully disassembled without the need for additional tools. The design objectives of

3604-424: The project team selected a bullpup design that would allow the weapon to be compact while keeping a long barrel able to achieve ballistically favourable high muzzle velocities. A long-stroke piston system, similar to that found in the AK-47 and M1 Garand, was selected to ensure the weapon's reliability under adverse conditions. The Tavor prevailed over the M4A1 in a series of trials conducted during 2001 and 2002 by

3672-461: The rifle magazine . The rifle magazine functions as a hand grip when firing the M203. A separate, right-handed only, sighting system is added to rifles fitted with the M203, as the rifle's standard sights are not matched to the launcher. The version fitted to the Canadian C7 has a sight attached to the side of the launcher, either on the left or right depending on the user's needs. The M203 was

3740-469: The rifle performs very well and has proven itself." The Tavor is a bullpup assault rifle , capable of both semi-automatic fire and fully automatic fire . Due to its bullpup design the receiver , bolt carrier group, and magazine are placed behind the pistol grip. This shortens the firearm's overall length without sacrificing barrel length. As a result, the Tavor provides carbine overall length, yet can achieve rifle muzzle velocities if equipped with

3808-448: The rifles' designations can be switched with any of the colours' respective letters. A significant aftermarket of spare and replacement parts has developed around the Tavor rifle family, including the development of match grade accurizing triggers for the bullpup rifle that are produced by manufacturers such as Geissele Automatics and double stage trigger pack TAV-D from Shooting Sight. Shlomi Sabag, Deputy CEO of IWI, says that one of

3876-451: The same profile as the M16A1 rifle's. The weapon's 9 in (23 cm) barrel slides further forward than the standard American models, which allows longer rounds to be loaded. This model is identifiable by the increased distance between the grenade launcher's barrel axis and the rifle's. This weapon may no longer be in production, but is still in use. The M203A2 is intended for use with

3944-419: The semi-automatic TC-21 as the Tavor SAR for U.S. sales. The weapon is manufactured with a combination of Israeli and US parts. IWI US had shipped 50,000 Tavor SARs to US civilian customers by early 2016. IWI US sells the Tavor SAR in variety of variants: Note: IWI US sells their Tavor SARs in a variety of colours, including Black (B), Flat Dark Earth (FD), and OD Green (G); the letter "B" subsequent to "TS" in

4012-471: The soldiers reported the Tavor bullpup assault rifles functioned flawlessly. In November 2009, the IDF announced that the Tavor X95 would become the standard infantry weapon of the IDF, with the addition of an integrated grenade launcher. A gradual changeover has begun in 2006 and expected completion among front line troops was to be by the end of 2018. In December 2012, the IDF announced that they would begin equipping and training their new reserve forces with

4080-466: The standard TAR-21 throughout the IDF. The STAR-21 is a designated marksman variant with folding under-barrel bipod and Trijicon ACOG 4× magnification sight The X95 (previously known as the MTAR-21 ) is the variant of the Tavor that was selected as the future standard infantry weapon of the IDF in 2009. In 2013, the X95 was issued for the first time as the standard infantry weapon to recruits of

4148-491: The standard-issued weapon of the Israeli infantry by the end of 2018. The first X95 bullpup rifles were issued to infantry units in 2013. A report published on the IDF's website revealed the IDF plans to continue acquiring the Micro Tavor and equipping combat units with it. Israel Military Industries (the small arms branch of IMI was privatized into Israel Weapon Industries ) initiated the Tavor development team in 1995, under

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4216-766: The two. A new grenade launcher, the M320 , will eventually replace the M203 in the United States Army. The United States Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy continued to use the older M203, although the Marines began issuing the M320 in June 2017. The M320 features an advanced day/night sight, a double-action firing mechanism (as opposed to the M203's single-action ) as well as other benefits, such as an unobstructed side-loading breech. The M203 grenade launcher

4284-472: Was Kazimierz Januszewski (also known as Stefan Janson), a Polish engineer who had worked at the Polish national arsenal during the 1930s. After being mobilized during World War II he escaped German and Soviet forces and made his way to England, where he was a part of the "Polish design team" at Enfield Lock 's Royal Small Arms Factory . The factory was run by lieutenant colonel Edward Kent-Lemon. As Januszewski

4352-596: Was developed by German A. Korobov in the Soviet Union around 1945, and a further development, the TKB-408 was entered for the 1946–47 assault rifle trials by the Soviet Army, although it was rejected in favour of the more conventional AK-47 . The United States briefly experimented in the same year with the integrally-scoped Model 45A bullpup, which never progressed beyond the prototype; John Garand designed

4420-429: Was developing a new rifle, the "Ideal Calibre Board" was searching for a replacement for the .303 cartridge. The Board decided on an optimal 7 mm cartridge on which Januszewski and the two teams working at Enfield had to base their designs. One design team led by Stanley Thorpe produced a gas-powered rifle with a locking system based on the Sturmgewehr. The design used steel pressings which were difficult to obtain, and so

4488-429: Was first tested militarily in 1901 with the British Thorneycroft carbine , but it was not until the Cold War that more successful designs and improvements led to wider adoption. In 1977, the Austrian Army became the first military force in the world to adopt a bullpup rifle, the Steyr AUG , as a principal combat weapon . Since then the militaries in many countries have followed suit with other bullpup designs, such as

4556-489: Was highly advanced for the 1970s, combining in the same weapon the bullpup configuration, extensive use of polymer, dual vertical grips, an optical sight as standard, and a modular design. Highly reliable, light, and accurate, the Steyr AUG showed clearly the potential of the bullpup layout. The arrival of the FAMAS in 1978, and its adoption by France emphasized the slide from traditional to bullpup layouts within rifle designs. The British resumed their bullpup experiments with

4624-408: Was scrapped. The result of the Polish design team's efforts was the EM-2 , which broke significant ground. The EM-2 contained some similarities to the Soviet AK-47 , although Januszewski had never seen the Soviet rifle. The first significant bullpup assault rifle came from the British programme to replace the service pistols, sub-machine guns, and rifles. In the two forms of the EM-1 and the EM-2,

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