LIGHT
RIFLES
| COMMON CALIBERS |
| Metric |
English |
DM |
| 5.56x45mm |
.223 |
x20 |
| 5.45x39mm |
5.45 Soviet |
x20 |
| 5.7x30mm |
.22 Max |
x18 |
| 6x48mm |
6mm |
x20 |
| 4.73x33mmCL |
4.7mm Caseless |
x20 |
GAME STATISTICS
DESCRIPTIONS
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The AKU-94 is an aftermarket
conversion kit that converts a AK-74 (or -47) to
bullpup configuration. As a complete, assembled
kit the AKU-94 retails for $450. The kit can be
purchased (for automatic or semiautomatic
versions) for $220. In general, the bullpup
configuration substantially improves the weapon
balance (and shortens the weapon, natch). |
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The Abakan AK-102 design was
finalized during the final years of the 20th
century as a replacement for the aging
Kalashnikov AK-74. The Abakan retains the same
chambering as its predecessor, the 5.45x39mm
Soviet round. Other significant changes in the
AK-102 include a redesigned action, modified
blowback system, and an offset magazine. The
model shown at left is the shortened
"special use" version, the AK-102S. |
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A light, all purpose update,
similar to the M-16B, the Ronin was the standard
Free States' assault rifle for over two decades.
A serviceable bullpup design, firing cased 5.56mm
ammunition, it quickly became a benchmark against
which other assault rifles are measured. Though
rarely seen in the Army, the surplus Ronins have
been "adopted" by most police units
along the Pacific coast. |
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The Armalite AR-18 is another
M16 derivative, designed in the late 20th
century. The AR-18, chambered in 5.56x45mm was
developed to fulfill a tactical niche of a
compact assault rifle for use by paratroopers,
vehicle crews, and other units with a need for a
short but effective weapon. The AR-18 was never
reached mass-production under Armalite, but many
small-run gunsmiths and autofactories are able to
replicate the weapon. |
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The Armitage Arms M16Z
"Snake" is a heavily customized M16 for
Special Forces units. The M16Z is a very compact
rifle that has seen significant popularity in the
freelance market. The M16Z features a patented
high-recoil absorption stock, underbarrel option
mount (shown with high-intensity xenon
flashlight; IR and UV sources also available) and
a patented mechanism that allows the firer the
option of unsuppressed or suppressed fire via the
integral barrel silencer at the flip of a switch.
Additionally, the custom Nikon-Zeiss MT-12
variable magnification optical scope with lowlite
and passive IR capabilities is available for an
additional $1000 (acts as Sniper System to 400m).
Use of integral silencer reduces BR to 10m,
damage to x18. |
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| AWC G2A |
+0 |
x20 |
50m |
1 |
30 |
$450/30 |
4kg |
3 |
5.56x45mm |
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The first prototype of AWC's G2
bullpup assault rifle was produced in the late
1990s, offered as a specialty weapon for security
and police organizations throughout the world.
The G2A, the production version, features a
heavier barrel for accuracy, in addition to a
redesigned scope mount. Due to the weapon's small
overall size, it became very popular for
close-combat and paratroop units. The G2 is also
available in a variant rechambered for the
7.62x51mm NATO cartridge (x30, 20rd, 4.5kg,
$550). |
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The Bushmaster Armalite Pistol
("Arm Pistol") was initially an
experiment for a bullpup-configured SMG based on
the AR-15/M16 design. However, the design (and
associated patents) were shelved for over two
decades, until the rights were licensed to
external manufacturers. The SMG-philosophy is
clearly evident in the lack of a useful buttstock
-- aftermarket buttplates are available for
around $50. |
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Bushmaster's FNC-R (FNC-Reduced)
is essentially a bullpup version of FN's FNC
assault rifle. The FNC-R was first introduced
during the first few years of the 21st century,
and was generally well received. Compared to the
FNC's 99cm overall length, the FNC-R is a mere
76cm in length while retaining the full length of
the FNC's 45cm barrel. The FNC-R utilizes
standard M16 magazines, and has a
STANAG-compatible accessory mount. An optional
forward grip is also available (as shown, +$50).
The FNC-R is often nicknamed "Fencer". |
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The Colt M16B was yet another
product upgrade of the original M16A1, produced
in the early 2000s, utilizing more lightening
composites in the body, and a slightly modified
and upgraded action. A substantial surplus of
M16Bs has come into existence as a result of the
turmoil of the Collapse as well as the adoption
of the Ares Ronin by the WFS in 2018 making the
M16B one of the most common and inexpensive
military rifles in the world. The AR-15 is the
civilian version of the M16, modified for
semi-automatic fire only, and typically retail
for ~$200-$300 (Avail 2). |
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| Colt M16B/M4
Carbine |
+0 |
x20 |
40m |
1 |
30 |
$400/30 |
3kg |
3 |
5.56x45mm |
| Underbarrel M203 GL |
-1 |
Var |
50m |
0 |
1 |
+$500 |
+1.5kg |
4 |
40x46mm |
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The Colt M16B, also designated
the M4 carbine, has seen extensive modification
by several different organizations within the
past 4 decades, with some of the most common and
popular variants being the tactical carbine.
These shortened "Commando" versions
typically replace the original composite stock
with a collapsible version and shorten the barrel
(reduce BR to 30m). The Fabrique Nationale M4
pictured at left is typical of these M16
carbines, and is manufactured under license by
FN. Again, semiautomatic AR-15 civilian versions
are available for reduced cost ($200-300, Avail
2). The FN M4 (shown) features the M4 FIRM system
of option mounts: full-length Picatinny upper
option mount, M203 underbarrel grenade launcher
and flip-up sight, as well as the Browning BOSS
compensator/barrel attachment. BOSS system adds
$400, and increases BR to 50m. |
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| GIAT FAMAS |
+0 |
x20 |
50m |
1 |
30 |
$550/30 |
4kg |
3 |
5.56x45mm |
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The French FAMAS has the
distinction of being the first bullpup-configured
weapon to see acceptance as the standard-issue
rifle with a major military force. Developed and
perfected during the 1970s, the FAMAS was issued
to the French Army, and with modern updates
remains the standard French Army kit rifle. The
FAMAS also is fully ambidextrous, as the ejection
port can be easily switched from right- to
left-side ejection in a matter of minutes. |
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The HK G11 assault rifle was a
pioneer in its field: the first general-issue
military weapon to use caseless ammunition. The
penetration of the 4.7mm round compares favorably
with other calibers of its class, with the added
bonus of being substantially lighter. This allows
the G11 to carry not one, but three 45rd
magazines and still keep the weight well below
5kg!
Only 1 magazine is loaded at a time; the other
two magazines are held in special clamps
alongside the loaded magazine. |
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The first
"next-generation" assault rifle to
reach general issue in the 21st century was the
HK G36. Utilizing a more conventional
gas-operated, rather than the G3's delayed
blowback mechanism, the G36 was issued to the
German Bundeswehr during the first few years of
the new century. Additionally, the Spanish Armed
Forces adopted the G36 as a replacement for their
troublesome CETME Model L in the late 1990s. The
shortened G36K, shown at left, is a variant in
which the barrel and shroud have been somewhat
reduced in order to make the weapon more
manageable for airborne and other specialty
troops. |
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The Heckler & Koch HK53K is
a carbine-variant of their 5.56mm G33 rifle
(itself a variant of the 7.62mm G3), that is only
slightly larger than the HK MP5 submachinegun.
The HK53, considered a SMG by the manufacturer,
is designed as a close-quarters high-powered
submachinegun. The roller-delayed blowback
mechanism keeps recoil to a manageable level, but
the muzzle blast and report is substantial.
Optional collapsing or fixed stock available (not
shown) at no added cost. |
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Israeli Military Industries also
made an entry into the PDW market: the Galil
Compact. This carbine-style assault rifle adds a
folding stock to an otherwise small-framed
assault rifle. High firepower in a tiny package!
Popular with many private security forces for
concealable firepower! As with most carbine-sized
rifles, the muzzle flash and report are
impressive. |
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| IMI Tavor |
+0 |
x20 |
50m |
1 |
30 |
$600/30 |
3.5kg |
3 |
5.56x45mm |
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The Tavor assault rifle,
chambered in 5.56x45mm is the 21st century
replacement for the Galil rifle currently in
service with the Israeli Armed Forces. The Tavor
did not see complete distribution until 2006. The
Tavor, manufactured by Israeli Military
Industries, is a polymer-framed
bullpup-configured assault rifle. Additionally,
the Tavor features a red-dot reflex sight mounted
on an option rail as standard. The weapon also
has backup iron sights should the primary optics
fail. |
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The AKR is a special-use variant
of the AK-74 assault rifle designed to fulfill
the role of submachine gun or carbine. The
barrel, gas-tube, and piston of the AK-74 were
shortened considerably, and a special attachment
is present at the muzzle that ensures safe
operation with full-powered rifle cartridges, as
well as limits the muzzle flash that would
normally be associated with such a short-barreled
rifle-caliber weapon. The AKR also features
substantially simplified sights, compared to the
parent weapon, consisting of a nonadjustable
L-shaped, flip-over, notched-leaf zeroed for 50
and 200m. The AKR also features a standard
folding wire stock as standard. It still suffers
from an otherwise overly-short sighting radius,
common to all AK-47 based designs. |
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Another aftermarket conversion
(available from the factory from Ruger), adapting
the Mini-14 mechanism to a bullpup configuration.
The Mini-14B is extremely compact and
lightweight, thanks to the polymer body. Model at
left is a short-barreled variant (BR 25m),
without magazine. A full-length barrel grants the
full 50m range, for a little more overall length.
Available in semi-auto, as well (same cost as
standard Mini-14). |
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The Seburo MN-10 is a
modification of the MN-23 designed for
close-quarters fighting at the request of
Poseidon's Public Security. The MN-10 is
substantially shorter than the MN-23, and ideal
for ESWAT and other special security forces. The
MN-10 also possesses all of the accessories as
the MN-23, including the integral smartlink. |
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Seburo once again proves that
they are the Ferrari of Firearms with the MN-23.
Each weapon is constructed by hand to exacting
standards, making this weapon exceptionally
reliable and stylish. For those that like their
big guns to coordinate with their Armani-Gibson
tailored kevlar bodysuits, the gun's for you! The
MN-23 features completely ergonomic forward and
rear grips, recoil-absorbing adjustable buttstock
and cheekpiece, barrel conpensators, a mounting
rail for sighting accessories, and comes
smartchipped from the factory! The MN-23 uses
standard M16-type magazines. |
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The SIG 551 is a fairly popular
and efficient light assault rifle used primarily
in Europe. The folding buttstock greatly
decreases the overall size o the rifle, making it
easy to conceal (but drops ACC by 1). Model shown
is fitted with an optional 4x scope ($400). The
SIG 552 is nearly identical, but specially
modified for Special Forces needs with a much
shorter barrel and a slightly lower weight (BR30,
$500, 3.5kg) |
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| Steyr AUG |
+0 |
x20 |
50m |
1 |
30 |
$500/30 |
3.5kg |
3 |
5.56x45mm |
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The Steyr Army Universal Gun
(AUG), though many decades old, still finds
itself a common service rifle in many nations.
The lightweight bullpup is very rugged, and Steyr
has also kept up with the system upgrades, so the
AUG is still a very competitive mainline assault
rifle. The AUG/T variant replaces the integral
scope with a modular option rail, capable of
mounting more powerful sighting equipment. |
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Zastava Nosle of Yugoslavia has
manufactured a very lightweight and efficient
bullpup chambered for the 5.56x45mm cartridge.
With lines very similar to the FN P90, the
9-Weapon uses a mechanically simpler M16-style
spring-feeding box magazine, rather than the P90s
horizontal loading mechanism. As in the P90, the
9-Weapon has excellent ergonomics, as well as an
integral rapid-acquisition reflex scope. |
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In an effort to increase sales
with "Western" customers, Zastava
modified their version of the Soviet AK-74 to
fire the NATO-standard SS109/M193 5.56x45mm
cartridge. Otherwise, the weapon is functionally
equivalent to the AK-74 rifle. Zastava also
produces a compact version (equivalent to the
AKS-74) with a slightly shortened barrel and
folding stock, designated the M80A. Additionally,
there is a light machine gun variant that
utilizes a heavier barrel, integrated forward
bipod, and carrying handle, designated the M82
and M82A (ROF +2, 30 or 50rd magazine, $650). The
AK-74 is identical, save being manufactured in
Russia.
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| Olympic Arms M95 |
Rocky Mountain Arms
Patriot .223 |
Colt XM231 |
| The above 3 models are typical of
a new breed of hybrid carbine pistols. Each of
the above models are effectively shortened and
modified M16/AR15s, but still firing the
5.56x45mm cartridge. These weapons handle more
like large-framed handgun or SMGs than the rifles
they are based upon. All models are available in
a standard full-auto version (listed price) or as
semi-auto only ($500). Unfortunately, the design
has limited range (BR10), and the short barrel
results in enormous muzzle flash and report. |
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Manual, Masamune Shirow (Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell, Dominion
Tank Police), Gundam, Autumn Blade, The Blackhammer Project, A
Darker Future, Moon-Net and various other online resources. No
infringements of said copyrights intended.