NCJ Number
217756
Journal
Tactical Response Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2007 Pages: 64-71
Date Published
January 2007
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features and operation of the new FN Herstal's FS2000 bullpup military rifle.
Abstract
For modern military and law enforcement operations, bullpups offer many advantages, particularly in urban operations where weapons are carried in vehicles and operations are often inside buildings where longer rifles are at a disadvantage. The bullpup's primary advantage over conventional short-barreled carbines is that it can have a full-length barrel in an envelope that is more compact than conventional carbines with ultra-short barrels. The operating mechanism is entirely encased in a polymer. There are few openings for foreign matter. The design is smooth, with virtually no projections to hang up on straps, lines, or vehicle interiors. The M16 30-round magazine protrudes only about 2.5 inches outside the stock at its rear and even less at the front, where the pistol grip and magazine release block anything from hanging on the magazine. The technique of reloading is quick and easily learned. Once learned, it is almost as fast as if the mag dropped free. The FS2000 breaks down for cleaning and maintenance by simply clearing the rifle and then pressing the takedown pin as far as it will go from right to left. The FS2000 makes use of state-of-the art materials in a platform that is designed to cope with the worst conditions imaginable without malfunctioning. For carrying in a cruiser, its overall length of only 29 inches is ideal. In testing, the FS2000 proved reliable and accurate.