The name bullpup sure is interesting, isn’t it? No, it’s not an animal of any sort, if that’s what you’re thinking. 

Even if you don’t know what a bullpup is yet, you’ve probably seen one in your favorite action movies or video games. Have you ever played “Call of Duty” and used the popular P90? I bet you have – that P90 is a bullpup.

So, what exactly is a bullpup? I’m glad you asked.
 

WHAT IS A BULLPUP?

A bullpup is a firearm that has its action located behind the trigger. It’s surprisingly that simple. This setup is quite different from, say, your standard AR-15, where the action is in front of the trigger. 

Moving the action allows the firearm to be shorter without having to reduce the length of the barrel, which offers quite a few advantages. However, just like most other things in the world, there can be cons associated as well.

Related: Ode to the Bullpup – Love & Hate for the Stubby Rifle Family

OUR TOP BULLPUP PICKS

Before we dive right in, I’d like to preface this list by saying it’s not necessarily in a specific order. While the first two came to mind right away, different models may be better for you than others, so be sure to do your research and compare your findings against your wish list. 

Without further ado, here are our top bullpup picks. 
 

IWI Tavor X95

Arguably the most well-rounded bullpup on the market, the IWI Tavor X95 is also one of the best-looking ones too, in my opinion. It’s one of those rifles that just looks like it would be in the dictionary next to the word "bullpup." 

But looks aside, the X95 is reliable, features ambidextrous controls, and has a better trigger than most of its direct competitors. The recoil, as with many bullpups is minimal, which leads to a flat-shooting and accurate shooting experience. 
 

Related Review: IWI Tavor X95 – Amazing Bullpup or Overrated Range Toy?
 

It’s available in several configurations that include different calibers, colors, and barrel lengths to fit almost any shooter’s needs.
 

Specifications:

• Caliber: 5.56
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Barrel Length: 16.5 inches
• Weight: 7.9 pounds 
   

Springfield Hellion

The Hellion hasn’t been around on the commercial market for long – just shy of two years, to be more exact – but it sure has made a splash in the industry. The adjustability of the stock and cheek rest, paired with the ambidextrous controls that include the charging handle, make the Hellion a very comfortable and ergonomic rifle. It also comes with a standard AR-style grip that makes it feel more familiar in hand.
 

Related Review: Going 500rds with Springfield Armory's Hellion Bullpup

One of the best features, especially for left-handed shooters, is the reversible case ejection system. You can easily fire from either shoulder and simply reverse the side to which the case ejects. 

You’ll also find integrated flip-up sights on top of the uninterrupted Picatinny rail and several M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the handguard. 
 

Specifications:

• Caliber: 5.56
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Barrel Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 8 pounds
   

FN PS90

I mentioned the infamous P90 from “Call of Duty” earlier in the article, but unless you’re military or law enforcement, you’ll likely have to settle for the FN PS90 (semi-auto only). Still, the PS90 is one awesome gun. Unlike most of the other bullpups on this list, the PS90 is chambered in 5.7x28mm. This means lower recoil and the potential for even higher capacity. You can get reliable factory 50-round magazines to extend your range time between reloading. 
 

Related Review: FN PS90 Bullpup – Fantastic Space-Age Gun

Even though the gun is extremely fun to shoot and look at, there is a steep learning curve coming from your standard AR-style rifle or even other bullpups. The mags feed horizontally from the top of the rifle; the controls are unique; and the thumbhole grip feels completely awkward at first. 

Despite what you may call “cons,” the PS90 remains a reliable and accurate high-capacity option if you’re looking for a unique bullpup. 
 

Specifications:

• Caliber: 5.7x28mm
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Barrel Length: 16 inches
• Weight: 6.28 pounds
   

Desert Tech MDRX

Desert Tech takes the bullpup game to the next level with the MDRX. Its extreme adaptability makes it a great option for those who like to use their guns for several different purposes. 

It’s multi-caliber capable and allows you to easily switch between .300 BLK, .223 Wylde, .308 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor. The barrel conversion kits are all interchangeable with the same chassis. It also has a Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots on the handguard to mount your favorite accessories. 
 

Related Review: Desert Tech MDRX – A Do-It-All Bullpup

The unique selling feature of the MDRX is its patented forward ejection system that keeps those spent casings away from your face. If that’s not too important to you, you can save some money by ordering a side-ejecting model over the forward-ejecting model. 
 

Specifications:

• Caliber: 5.56
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Barrel Length: 16 Inches
• Weight: 8.85 Pounds
   

Steyr AUG

The AUG is time-tested and known for its superb reliability. It’s also one of the most recognizable bullpups out there. It can be found in tons of movies, television shows, and video games such as “Die Hard,” “The Walking Dead,” and “Call of Duty.” It catches the eye in the media and real life. 
 

Related Review: Steyr AUG Bullpup – Strange, Old Space-Age Rifle Magic

If you’re looking for one of the most reliable and iconic bullpups, look no further. However, it is not very customizable, doesn’t have the best trigger, and the ergonomics are lacking. I may catch some slack in the comments, but I really only put the AUG on this list for its reliability and recognizability. So, if the No. 1 and only criterion is reliability, give the AUG a shot. If you have a few others, you may want to check out a different bullpup.
 

Specifications:

• Caliber: 5.56
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Barrel Length: 16.4 inches
• Weight: 7.3 pounds
   

WHICH BULLPUP IS FOR YOU?

Now that you understand what a bullpup is and have gotten a taste of some of the best ones on the market, you can start to decide which one, if any, is right for you. If you’re looking for looking for a lighter weight and higher capacity option, I suggest looking at the PS90. If you’re like me and primarily used to shooting AR-15s, consider the Hellion. 

Regardless which one you pick, be sure to dedicate time to train. Since bullpups are so different from your standard rifles, there will be an unavoidable learning curve. As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.