Bullpups; Bushmaster M17S vs Mini-14 Pup

[badman400]

I want to have the best info before making my choice between the two. So, I'm drawing on this great resource for answers. Two so far, have spoken against the Mini-14 bullpup stock. The one I have been looking at and reading about is the Muzzlelight bullpup stock; $89-$109 depending on where you look. One guy says it "worked" but looked kind of "cheesy." The other guy said it was "no good." This would be used for range fun up to but not beyond 100yds. at the most, and/or HD/SD if needed. So, I wouldn't need AR-15 accuracy. I can deal with the looks as long as the operation is good. None of the bullpups are what you'd call beautiful. But, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, because I like the looks of both the M17S and the Mini-14 bullpups. Still looking for an M17S for sale. I found the Mini-14 bullpup on Gunbroker or Gunsamerica for $679 in SS. I know some of you are against the bullpup style period, but assuming the choice is made to have a bullpup anyway, which of the two would be the best overall? Value and operation-wise. Again, thanks to you guys for taking the time to post the info. Your effort is very much appreciated! Any advice, tips, or
comments, from experienced owners/users on either of the two bullpups
would be welcomed. It's great to have a forum like this to turn to for
info!

 

[Black Snowman]

I got an M17S a while back. I would have loved to have a Styer AUG but that wasn't exactly in the budget. The M17S will be more reliable and have a better trigger than the converted 14 and likely be more accurate. It's tension barrel makes for a remarkably consistant shooter even as it heats up, which it does rather quickly if you like to do mag dumps. If you already own or plan to own an AR it takes the same mags which is a plus.

The M17S is certainly not perfect. It's most glairing flaw being its completely useless stock sights. It's heavy. If you slam a mag home with the action open and pop a round out of the mag it can get lost inside the reciever making for a difficult to clear jam. I now just make sure I close the action before loading up and it hasn't been an issue since.

To deal with the sighting issues I mounted a dot scope and a 4x fixed scope on mine, a rail and foregrip, a light rail, and after the ban sunsetted an A2 flash hider. It's fun to shoot and the heavy weight and foregrip make for quick follow-up shots. I plan on using it for a 3 gun match soon.

Overall I'm happy with mine and don't plan on selling it.

Here's a picture of it pre-foregrip. If I can find my camera I'll get a current one.

updated pic