Tell me about an M17 bushmaster bullpup....

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Peter Gun

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One of these in the local paper. I wasn't really looking for a rifle, but this seems to be a very good deal w/ lots of magazines for $599. What is this like? anyone got any pics? Thanks.
 
Pros:

-Different
-Slightly cheaper than an AR

Cons:

-Trigger stinks
-Bullpup disadvantages
-Heavy
-Handguards heat like crazy
-Finicky about mags
-Sights are on par with a Hi-Point pistol
-IIRC scope base is plastic
-Scope mounts too high
-Fast mag changes are difficult
-Ugly.
 
I agree with the pro and con list except for the following:

1. The trigger is not that bad.

2. The gun is very accurate despite the plastic scope rail.

3. It is a very handy rifle with lots of power in a compact size.

4. While about 1# heavier than a shorty AR, it is well balanced. It's possible to shoot it one handed like a pistol.

Of the problems mentioned, the hand guard heating is the only one I find annoying. You need to wear a left glove if you have an extensive shooting session.
 
Here is a pic for you:

30-900-sa.jpg


I personally am not crazy about them, however many people are.
 
If you're left-handed, forget about it. The M17 cannot be used by a left-handed shooter.

The one I shot (the same one that Dan owned) did indeed have an awful trigger. Bullpups are known for this, so while some M17s may have acceptable triggers, the odds are very much against it.

IMO, they're not worth having. An M17S won't do anything that cannot be done better with a different gun. But, on the other hand, some people really like them.

- Chris
 
I originally wanted one of these but after seeing picture after picture, it looks uglier than my Glock! :p

I would rather get one of the AR-15 type Bushmaster rifles.
 
Had one, but eventually traded it in for an AR. Like others have said in previous posts, the trigger is awful and attempts to lubricate the transfer bar and channel didn't help much. Also, I found the magazine well on my M17S to be pretty tight.
 
You could put lithium grease in the trigger bar channel but that makes the trigger go from really "bad" to "slightly less than really bad". :) Also, while the scope base may not hinder accuracy, it does hinder durability. I could put a Tasco Pronghorn on a Tubb 2000T...it would still be accurate but probably not very durable. Based on my experience with the M17, I would not recommend it for any reason. YMMV.
 
Oh come on! A left-handed person COULD use it. Painfully, yes, but it is possible! :D

I understand that they get mighty hot when fired as well.
 
I mounted and zeroed an Aimpoint a on friends M17 a while back. I found the trigger wasn't as bad as I expected, but the gases from the ejection port were terrible. I don't recommend them for extended shooting for that reason alone.

Despite the fascination of some armies with them, I find bullpups unacceptable for any serious use. But they do make an interesting toy.

Jeff
 
If I saw one in the paper for that price and it was in good shape, I would buy it in a heart beat. I think they are cool and have wanted one for a couple years. By the way, how many is "lots of magazines ? "
I have no interest in the argument about buying an AR15 instead. Why can't you buy this and an AR15 ? I already own six AR15s and have two more uppers coming along with another lower which I am going to use with a yet to be purchased upper. This doesn't stop me from wanting the bullpup also.
 
I owned one for a short time. Blech. Its only advantage is a long barrel in a short package. That's it. In virtually every other area it's inferior to an AR. I'd choose an AK over an M17 for any purpose.
 
And I knew about the left-handed issue with the rifle before I bought it, too. It is a good question, isn't it?
 
I don't know about M17's but I do know I've had lots of fun with my M1A that was "bullpupped" by AWCS in about "91. Trigger did take a little getting used to though... But a full size M1A that's only 33" overall is kind of interesting.
 
1) They UGLY!

2) If you have a catastrophic failure, such as what would happen if you drop the hammer on a round with a bore obstruction, it is far better to have the chamber at least a few inches in front of your face than to have it right next to your face, major arteries, etc...
 
The trigger is not that bad. A trick that i've used with it is to bend thet engagement points of the transfer bar to tighten up slack. it takes it from something approximating an arrow staple gun to a trigger pull ~5-6 #. as far as shooting it lefty, it's actually possible. since the optics (an aimpoint 3000 which is pretty much required) are mounted so high, i just move my cheek weld to a point BEHIND the ejection port. mind you this is not SOP, just an adjustment that works in a pinch. 'nother mod that work pretty well is a weaver mount for an AR carry handle bolted on to the fore end that hosts a knight type vertical handle. i'm stiill not done with it yet, hoping to make some more as I figure out how to make 'em happen (pistol cal upper, etc.etc.). i'd post a pic, but don't own a Digital cam.
 
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