Bullpup airsoft guns have been growing in popularity over the past few years. But what exactly are bullpups and why are they becoming so popular? This in-depth blog post will dive into everything you need to know about bullpup airsoft guns.
Bullpup airsoft guns do have a place on the airsoft field. Their compact size paired with full-length barrels makes them highly effective and maneuverable for CQB environments. Bullpups also offer superior ergonomics and balance compared to traditional formats.
While they require an adjustment period and have some drawbacks, bullpups’ advantages like their integrated grip position and overall maneuverability give them a defined tactical edge for many playstyles.
What is a Bullpup Airsoft Gun?
A bullpup airsoft gun is a type of airsoft rifle or submachine gun with its action and magazine located behind the trigger. This rearward design shortens the overall length of the gun without sacrificing barrel length.
Some key features of bullpup airsoft guns:
- Short overall length – The bullpup design allows for a full-sized barrel in a compact platform. This makes them excellent for CQB airsoft while maintaining range.
- Ambidextrous design – Many bullpups can be configured for left or right-handed shooters.
- Rear ejection – Spent shell casings are ejected out the back rather than the side.
- Integrated optics – Some models have topside rails for mounting optics like red dot sights or scopes.
Some popular bullpup airsoft guns include the ICS L85, APS UAR, Tokyo Marui FAMAS, and Ares Tavor rifles.
How Do Bullpup Airsoft Guns Work?
Internally, bullpup airsoft guns work much like traditional airsoft rifle formats. The key difference is the layout of the internal components.
Power Source
Most bullpup airsoft guns are electric powered, meaning they use a rechargeable battery pack to power an electric motor. Common battery types include stick lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries or butterfly batteries that fit in the gun stock. Like all airsoft electric guns, the battery connects to a wiring harness that leads to an electrical trigger contact.
When the trigger is pulled, contacts are connected which allows current to flow from the battery to an electric motor. This motor contains a series of gears that compress an internal spring.
Spring Piston Assembly
The spring piston assembly is what gives the airsoft BB its velocity. When compressed by the electric motor, the spring pushes a piston forward when released. This piston forces air through the inner barrel, which propels the BB forward.
So in summary, the battery powers an electric motor that compresses a piston spring. The release of this spring pushes air through the barrel to fire the BB. This allows rapid semi or full-auto firing without the need for gas or cocking between each shot.
Hop-Up Bucking
Bullpups also utilize a hop-up bucking just like other airsoft guns. The hop-up adds a backspin to the BB for stabilized flight over range. The amount of hop can often be adjusted via an external dial or wheel to suit different ranges.
Bullpup Gearbox and Gear Set
At the heart of every electric bullpup airsoft rifle is a gearbox that houses the gears and pistons that drive the gun. Bullpup gearboxes have a similar layout to standard airsoft gearboxes but in a more compact design.
Within the gearbox shell are several main components:
- Gears – Most bullpup gearboxes use a 3 or 4-gear design. The ratio of these gears controls the gun’s rate of fire and trigger response.
- Piston – The piston assembly is propelled forward by the gears to force air through the barrel. Quality piston builds are critical for consistency.
- Bushings/Bearings – These reduce friction on the gears for smoother operation and increased durability.
- Spring guide – This guides the piston spring and allows for spring changes to alter FPS.
- Cylinder – The cylinder directs compressed air from the piston to the barrel. A good seal is vital for efficiency.
- Nozzle – The nozzle connects the cylinder to the hop-up unit and barrel. An O-ring seal prevents air leaks.
- Anti-reversal latch – This ensures the gears only spin in the correct forward direction.
- Cut-off lever – Stops the gears from continuing to spin after a shot has been fired. Important for preventing runaway full-auto fires.
- Wiring contacts – Allows electrical connection from the trigger to the motor.
High-quality bullpup gearboxes use robust gears, precision bushings/bearings, and quality piston builds for reliability and high rates of fire. Careful shimming and AOE correction also improves performance.
The Rise in Popularity of Bullpups
Bullpup airsoft rifles have surged in popularity over the past decade. Here are a few key reasons driving this trend:
1. Compact Size
The shortened overall length makes bullpups ideal for close-quarters airsoft games. The full-size inner barrel maintains range and accuracy, while the compact exterior allows for easy maneuvering indoors or in vehicles.
2. Superior Ergonomics
Many players find the balance and handling of bullpups to be better than traditional rifle layouts. The integrated grip and trigger design places the controls ergonomically for fast target acquisition and smooth handling.
3. Distinctive Aesthetics
There’s no denying bullpups have a very futuristic and modern aesthetic. For airsofters looking to change up their kit, bullpups provide a unique silhouette and style on the battlefield.
4. Extensive Customization
Bullpups’ modular designs allow for lots of customization and accessories. Tactical rails, improved triggers, optics, grips, tracers, and other upgrades are easy to install.
5. Quick FPS Adjustment
Some bullpup models feature quick change spring guides to simply alter the FPS. This allows flexibility, meeting different field FPS limits.
Key Features and Advantages of Bullpups
What exactly makes bullpups so effective and enjoyable for airsoft? Here are some of their best attributes:
- Balance – With the magazine and action towards the rear, bullpups feel very balanced and ergonomic when shouldered.
- Maneuverability – The compact size paired with the full barrel length allows for easy handling in tight environments.
- Ambidextrous – Bullpups can often be set up for left or right-handed shooting.
- Accuracy – Bullpups maintain the consistency and accuracy of a full-size barrel in a smaller platform.
- Upgrades – Lots of tactical rails and modular parts allow for extensive customization.
- Quick Handling – The central grip and trigger position make target acquisition fast and natural.
- CQB Power – With their compact size but long inner barrels, bullpups dominate in close-quarters skirmishes.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While bullpups provide some clear advantages, there are also a few drawbacks to consider:
- Reduced ammo capacity – The rear magazine position can limit ammo capacity in some models.
- Complex gearboxes – Achieving reliable performance requires precision manufacturing.
- Proprietary parts/mags – Many bullpups use unique magazines and components.
- Rear ejection issues – Clearing jams can be tricky with rear casing ejection.
- Manual of arms – The controls take time to adapt to for those used to traditional rifle layouts.
Conclusion
Bullpup airsoft guns offer a unique blend of CQB maneuverability and full-length power. Their distinctive aesthetics and handling have fueled their surge in popularity. For close-quarters airsoft games, bullpups provide excellent balance and ergonomics.
They do come with a learning curve and some design tradeoffs. But their advantages make bullpups perfect for players wanting high maneuverability without sacrificing ballistic performance. Their rise in airsoft mirrors their flexibility and strengths for a variety of playstyles.
