Pros and Cons of the Bullpup Shotgun

Introduction

Time to read: 7 minutes

Date: June 5, 2023

The bullpup shotgun is a unique firearm that has grown in popularity over the past few years. This type of shotgun combines the features of a traditional long gun with the modern design of a pistol-grip firearm. It is an exciting weapon that creates a one-of-a-kind synthesis of other firearms! 

In this blog post, we will look at the pros and cons of a bullpup shotgun and compare it to other types of shotguns. We’ll also discuss its cost, maintenance, and popularity. By the end, you should have a better understanding of the bullpup shotgun and whether it is right for you. If nothing else, your knowledge of weapons and their custom collectible options will be expanded!

Definition of a Bullpup Shotgun

If you’re looking for a gun that’s a little different than the norm, a bullpup might be right up your alley. These firearms operate in a unique way, with the action situated behind the trigger group. This gives them a smaller overall size and length, which can be a major advantage.

The great thing about bullpups is that, despite their unconventional design, they still produce the same results as other firearms. So if you’re worried about sacrificing power or accuracy for the sake of a more compact gun, you don’t need to be.

Overall, bullpups are a great option for anyone who wants a gun that’s easy to handle and transport without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re a shooter or a soldier, you’ll appreciate the benefits that come with this unique type of firearm.

Advantages of a Bullpup Shotgun

Compact design

One of the most significant advantages of bullpup shotguns, such as the Bond Arms Bullpup, is their compact design. With the action and magazine located behind the trigger, bullpup shotguns have a shorter overall length than traditional shotguns. 

Weight distribution

Another benefit of the bullpup design is its improved weight distribution. By moving the action and magazine closer to the shooter, bullpup shotguns are better balanced than their traditional counterparts. This can lead to increased control and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

Ambidextrous use

Many bullpup shotguns, including the Bond Arms Bullpup, are designed for ambidextrous use. This makes them an ideal choice for left-handed shooters, who often struggle to find suitable firearms. Additionally, the ability to easily switch between left- and right-handed operations can be beneficial in shooting competitions where shooting from different positions may be necessary.

Disadvantages of a Bullpup Shotgun

Learning curve

The unique design of bullpup shotguns, like the Bond Arms Bullpup, can take some getting used to. If you’re accustomed to traditional shotguns, you may need to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the bullpup layout.

Limited customization

Bullpup shotguns typically offer fewer options for customization than traditional shotguns. This means that you may be more limited in your ability to tailor your bullpup shotgun to your specific needs and preferences.

Potential reliability issues

While many bullpup shotguns are reliable, some models can be prone to malfunctions or other issues. This is mainly due to the fact that the bullpup design is relatively new and still being refined.

Top-Performing Bullpup Shotguns

IWI Tavor TS12

A high-capacity bullpup shotgun with a unique triangular shape that makes it easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces. It has a 15-round capacity and can be easily switched between three separate magazine tubes, allowing for a quick reload. The shotgun has an 18.5-inch barrel and a full-length Picatinny rail on top, making it easy to add optics and other accessories.

S&W M&P 12

A relatively new bullpup shotgun that has an 18.5-inch barrel and a 5+1 capacity. It features ambidextrous controls, including reversible safety, magazine release, and bolt release. The shotgun also has a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, making it easy to add optics and other accessories. The M&P 12 is designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, making it a good choice for competition shooting.

Rock Island Armory VRBP-100

A semi-automatic bullpup shotgun with a 20-inch barrel and a 5+1 capacity. It features a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, making it easy to add optics and other accessories. The shotgun also has an adjustable rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight for enhanced accuracy. The VRBP-100 is designed to be reliable and easy to handle, making it a good choice for shooting competitions.

Kel-Tec KSG

A popular bullpup shotgun with a dual-tube magazine design that allows for a 6+6+1 capacity. It has an 18.5-inch barrel and features a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver for easy accessory mounting. The KSG also has an adjustable rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight for enhanced accuracy. The shotgun is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it a popular choice for competitive shooting.

TriStar Compact Tactical

A budget-friendly bullpup shotgun with an 18.5-inch barrel and a 5+1 capacity. It features a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, making it easy to add optics and other accessories. The shotgun also has a removable choke system, allowing for customization of the shot pattern. The Compact Tactical is designed to be reliable and easy to handle, making it a good choice for sports shooting or range shooting.

UTAS UTS-15

A high-capacity bullpup shotgun with a dual-tube magazine design that allows for a 7+7+1 capacity. It has an 18.5-inch barrel and features a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, as well as a removable carry handle with built-in sights. The UTS-15 also has an adjustable comb and a rubberized grip for enhanced ergonomics. The shotgun is designed to be reliable and easy to handle, making it a popular choice for competitive shooters.

The Popularity of the Bullpup Shotgun

The bullpup shotgun has become increasingly popular due to its compact size and increased muzzle energy. Its design allows for a shorter overall length while still providing a longer barrel length, giving it an edge over other firearms in terms of maneuverability. It’s frequently used for sports and recreational shooting. 

Cost of a Bullpup Shotgun

The cost of a bullpup shotgun can vary depending on its make and model. Generally, bullpup shotguns are more expensive than traditional shotguns due to the complexity of their design. For example, the Bond Arms Bullpup is a popular choice for those looking for a handgun-style bullpup gun, and costs around $1,000. All in all, the cost of a bullpup shotgun can range from relatively inexpensive to more expensive depending on the make and model as well as any modifications you may need to make.

Maintenance and Cleaning of a Bullpup Shotgun

Maintaining and cleaning a bullpup shotgun is not overly complicated, but it does require some special attention. To ensure the best performance and safety, it is recommended to clean your bullpup shotgun after every use. This includes removing any debris from the barrel, chamber, and action. It is also important to lubricate the moving parts of the firearm with gun oil or grease. Additionally, it is vital to check for any signs of wear or damage that may have occurred during use. Finally, it is essential to store your bullpup shotgun in a dry environment with no moisture present. This will help ensure that your firearm remains in optimal condition for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the bullpup shotgun is an effective firearm that provides a combination of size, power, and accuracy. It is popular among law enforcement and military personnel due to its compact size, but it does come with certain disadvantages, such as a higher cost and maintenance requirements. Ultimately, the choice of a shotgun comes down to the individual shooter’s needs and preferences. We hope this article has been helpful in providing an overview of the pros and cons of the bullpup shotgun so that you can make an informed decision. For more information on shotguns, check out this article.

Related Articles

Explore More GunAim