Bullpup Unlimited - 870

[soopafly]

Apparently there was a bullpup shoot recently and initial impressions are that the BP Unlimited 870 fared better than the KSG:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_43/352421_Bullpup_Shoot_After_Action_Report.html&page=1

[m03]

Me... although that total is spread across several guns and across a few decades. Not unusual for a hardcore trap shooter to go through that many shells (or more) in a year and 870's still make for excellent trap guns.

Spreading the total across multiple 870s sort of misses the point of the exercise though...

Anyway, I would guess that the segment of the shooting populace that has or will shoot 10k shotgun rounds in a significant period of time is pretty tiny, and the segment that will put that many through a single weapon even tinier. I don't think that this conversion is aimed at either of those groups.

*shakes cane, waves fist*

Regardless, no one is trying to force the entire 870-owning populace to convert their guns to this configuration, or even imply that it is better in all situations. It's just one option to change things up for those that wish to experiment. I personally think that it's probably not optimal (I wouldn't bother with it), but I'm sure some people will find this type of conversion useful or advantageous. Different strokes.

[Dreaded Claymore]

Sheepish Reversal

Let's have some fun. Let's post all the failed Bull pup Models. I will start with this:

High Standard 12 ga Bull Pup with built weapons light.

Now you guys post in all the failed ones you guys know about. Oh, and some worked fine but could not find a place in the market which was also the point I made above.

A high energy weapon, like a fighting shotgun, in a bull pup configuration is not necessarily the most pleasant thing in the world to shoot. They reduce length, but add a lot of bulk in other dimensions to not a lot of great, and you don't gain capacity. Weight is less, but weight helps absorb recoil.... shooting a bull pup with high velocity defensive ammo isn't fun, I've tried a Mossberg BP more than once and I know. Your face is right over the chamber and as secret.asian.man's photo shows, when shouldered it looks awkward. The shooter looks to be holding his head back on the stock rather than getting forward on it as he should. And not without reason, I'd say.

Hmmm...well I suppose you've got me there.

[Shrubmaster]

Haven't seen that much plastic since I held a keltec...

The creaters get a huge thumbs up for design though. As a guy just starting out making custom gun parts, it takes balls, a big wallet, and a wicked team behind you to get something like this done. If they'd done it in metal, you'd hear all the limp wristers on here complaining about weight.

+1 on the comment about the guy looking more comfortable with his 870 in stock config. Probably looks uncomfortable with the BP config because of those super cool hiviz sights two inches above the gun!

[Ubermcoupe]

I dont think they need tooling, lol.

Just some plastic molds, is that whole thing made of that crap?

It's not plastic, its "tactical polymer"

But really, how does it shoot?

[Mesa Tactical]

I dont think they need tooling, lol.

Just some plastic molds, is that whole thing made of that crap?

That's tooling. Over $200,000 of tooling in that thing, if it's US-made.

[bombadillo]

Nope, couldn't do it. That thing is freakin ugly. I'm guessing reloading and other things such as take-down and cleaning are going to be an issue too, especially since I like to clean my stuff almost each time I use it. Just give me a good ol 870p and I'm good.

[TheExpertish]

Sent them an email so we'll see where this thing is made. My money is on PRC, but praying for USA.

[jrr]

I see why they would base it on an 870 due to popularity... but Ive always thought the best platform for a bullpup conversion is an Ithaca 37. Since its bottom ejecting and loading, theres no problem with using it left or right handed. And it means you can add a metal cover over the whole receiver to address any issues with a receiver kaboom right under your face.

Wonder if this could be adapted....

[blazeaglory]

Not too bad looking except for all the "plastic". I would like to shoot one to see how the recoil is.

[soopafly]

And another thing...the packaging/box design is terrible...looks so "As seen on TV"

...and what's the deal with the big clock on the box? Is this a limited time offer? If I call now within the next 30 minutes will they double my order? All that for just 4 easy payments of $19.95!?!?!

[compulsivegunbuyer]

As someone else said, the tooling is getting the mold made. If they had the tooling set up anywhere but China, their morons. This thing is a piece of ****, clam shell hull for a shotgun that needs no improvement.

[Mesa Tactical]

If they had the tooling set up anywhere but China, their morons.

Or patriots.

[TheExpertish]

Not too bad looking except for all the "plastic". I would like to shoot one to see how the recoil is.

Nothing wrong with plastic when done right.

And another thing...the packaging/box design is terrible...looks so "As seen on TV"

...and what's the deal with the big clock on the box? Is this a limited time offer? If I call now within the next 30 minutes will they double my order? All that for just 4 easy payments of $19.95!?!?!

Yeah, I was kinda thinking that. Seen better boxes for Daisey air rifles.

Or patriots.

^This.

[slick_711]

I hate this idea so much. Can't you see the unbelievable folly in this thinking? Previous generations provide us with experience, but they're not all-knowing and all-wise.

I'm not sure if he meant his comment the way you interpreted it or the way I did; but speaking from my position, I agree with him. The Freedom Group has had a few good ideas so far, but they've also done a lot of stupid things that may have been "smart" moves business wise but were bad for the firearms industry and consumers. Most of the companies in the group have seen very limited production lately due to being uprooted and moved, and I have personally seen quality control issues at a much higher rate than in the past with new Remington 870s and Marlin lever guns.

As to the bullpup thingamajig, meh. It simply doesn't appeal to me. But if it is better executed than earlier attempts, it certainly doesn't hurt to have options on the market. Just because I don't like it doesn't mean other people won't.

Personally, for the price of the stock, I'd rather file a form 1 and cut 4.5" off the barrel of a standard 870. I probably will someday, but money is tight and I really can't justify such a thing right now.