Bullpups for target shooting

[solder]

Why don't people use bullpups for target shooting? Which bullpup would be best for target shooting off a rest?

[d.lead.slinger]

Why don't people use bullpups for target shooting?

I may be wrong but I would think it has something to do with the weight and balance of the gun. 
I use a bullpup for target shooting and I even use one for HFT.  Kinda get some funny looks at the HFT matches when others see a Hatsan Gladius on the line

[Motorhead]

Yup ... SHORT guns rock/tilt more than a LONG gun due to "if you will" wheel base or lack of hindering stability.

[Mod90]

Scopes are a lot higher on bullpups as well. That makes it just a little more difficult/complicated for estimating poi at different ranges.

[leadbetter]

Getting a consistent cheek weld can be a obstacle

[Ribbonstone]

Am sure folks do.

Am just as sure that, after 100's of years, that target rifles (either off hand or bench rest) have evolved certain features for reasons other than style. 

Someone develop a kind of "run-n-gun" airgun game where people move around though some obstacles and pop off targets along the way, and the score is some ratio of kills to time.... that's where the short length/maneuverability is likely help (which is also in-line with bullpup evolution).

[solder]

Which bullpup would be best for target shooting?

[d.lead.slinger]

Which bullpup would be best for target shooting?

My bullpup target gun of choice is the Taipan Veteran standard .25 which has been relieved of target duty now that squirrel season is upon us!

[anti-squirrel]

Which bullpup would be best for target shooting?

Many bullpups use linkages with slop.  There are exceptions, of course, but expect to spend a fair bit of money.

You may also want to think about what type of target shooting you intend to do.  As was said, there's a reason target rifles follow a certain form factor.  Yes, times may be changing, and then again they may not.

[skorec]

I agree with Scot and Rick and want to add :
Most of bullpups have hardly fixed air reservoir to barrel and scope assembly by bands. At some of them ( I have experiences  only with Noblesse and Cricket ,…)  the air pressure   deformation effects  the POI.

[Tweeter]

I would say the Taipan just for it's trigger alone.  Also the firing cycle is so smooth it's ridiculous, absolutely no pings or twangs just the (quiet) sound of the pellet leaving the muzzle.  I have never had a gun that was so easy to shoot accurately.

Don't get too hung up on the location of the side lever, especially for target shooting.  As someone mentioned previously why the rear lever works just fine "I'm not trying to lay down cover fire, I'm going for precision".   

[Mod90]

Which bullpup would be best for target shooting?

Many bullpups use linkages with slop.  There are exceptions, of course, but expect to spend a fair bit of money.

You may also want to think about what type of target shooting you intend to do.  As was said, there's a reason target rifles follow a certain form factor.  Yes, times may be changing, and then again they may not.

This is a pet peeve I have with some AG builders/companies. If you're doing something, hows about you do it right th first time?
Now, the reason for some of them leaving slop/play on most bullpup triggers I believe is due to the weight of the connecting rod that links the trigger to the firing mechanism. if theres too much weight from that linkage, a cocked gun will discharge with one good shake especially if it's on a sling over a shoulder pointing upwards unless the sear mechanism is very stiff requiring a lot more force than the weight of the linkage can provide. But, as it turns out, there's an easy remedy to remove the excess slop & that's by using a small compression spring that pushes the trigger blade forward firmly against the linkage. I've done this on a few AT44 bullpup conversions for friends that weren't very happy with their triggers, & it does make for a better more responsive trigger. It may not work for all bullpups depending on how the trigger is made, but when it does it works beautifully.

[chuckinohio]

  Have you considered the Semi-bullpup platform?

  The Brocock Compatto or the Brocock Bantam. The Bantam is pretty darn groovy man, consistent, good shot count, compact, accurate, etc..............
You can even get a factory regulated Compatto now.

[solder]

I have considered a lot of guns. I enjoy the hunt for a new gun and getting something that exceeds my wants. The semi bullpup/carbine looksthe best right now. Accuracy and function are always "KING" for me.

[sactargetshooter]

Why don't people use bullpups for target shooting? Which bullpup would be best for target shooting off a rest?

People do!

I have been shooting my Mutant Shorty as my HFT gun for close to a year now. Yes, it is a .22 as opposed to the majority of xFT rifles being .177.

Scott pointed out the stability issue and it is true. However, the way that I brace the Shorty is different from when I was shooting my Airwolf and that negates some of the effects of a shorter gun. That being said, physics is physics, and a shorter bullpup (the Shorty is one of the shortest) has less moment of inertia to dampen movements.

Also, because the trigger of a bullpup is usually below the airtube as opposed to behind it, a bullpup is usually taller than a traditional gun. This adds vertical instability to the gun as Scott pointed out as well. There are exceptions, such as the Colibri, that features a airtube in front of trigger design.

Last, but not least, a bullpup leaves little fore-end length to rest on a bipod (in HFT). A standard bullpup may be OK, but a short bullpup can be a challenge.

All that said, it is still loads of fun to shoot a bullpup in target matches!

[jarmstrong]

Which bullpup would be best for target shooting?

Many bullpups use linkages with slop.  There are exceptions, of course, but expect to spend a fair bit of money.

You may also want to think about what type of target shooting you intend to do.  As was said, there's a reason target rifles follow a certain form factor.  Yes, times may be changing, and then again they may not.

This is a pet peeve I have with some AG builders/companies. If you're doing something, hows about you do it right th first time?
Now, the reason for some of them leaving slop/play on most bullpup triggers I believe is due to the weight of the connecting rod that links the trigger to the firing mechanism. if theres too much weight from that linkage, a cocked gun will discharge with one good shake especially if it's on a sling over a shoulder pointing upwards unless the sear mechanism is very stiff requiring a lot more force than the weight of the linkage can provide. But, as it turns out, there's an easy remedy to remove the excess slop & that's by using a small compression spring that pushes the trigger blade forward firmly against the linkage. I've done this on a few AT44 bullpup conversions for friends that weren't very happy with their triggers, & it does make for a better more responsive trigger. It may not work for all bullpups depending on how the trigger is made, but when it does it works beautifully.

DO NOT CARRY A COCKED RIFLE ON A SLING OVER THE SHOULDER . PLEASE!
Honest officer, he shot his self in the back of his head

the Artemis P15 employees a spring on the linkage for first stage resistance, that is adjustable for both travel length and how much resistance a person likes

[Nomadic Pirate]

I have considered a lot of guns. I enjoy the hunt for a new gun and getting something that exceeds my wants. The semi bullpup/carbine looksthe best right now. Accuracy and function are always "KING" for me.

I'm absolutely in live with this gun,.....maybe one day I'll be able to get me one

[img width= height= alt=Image result for Kalibr mini carbine pictures]http://www.krale-schietsport.nl/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/a/kalibrgun-cricket-minicarabine.jpg[/img]

[Ribbonstone]

MAybe the guys who do shoot serious competition off hand or bench rest will get into bull pups....and maybe they'll start winning....'cause nothing attracts followers like winning. (from decades ago experience, if you won and told the rest of the hangers-on that you tapped the barrel with a voodoo blessed chicken bone before a match (blessed under a new moon)...1/4 the guys would shot up with chicken-blood splatter on their barrels at the next match).


On a personal baisis..when shooting against your self, comparing scores/broup sizes...it doesan't really make a rat'sarse....am not now,  nor will ever be, at the level of serious regional/national level comptition,,,but if bull pups get to that level, among the folks that don't care a bit for style over substance, I'll revaluate.

[Shifty99]

Manny, I'm in love with that cricket as well.  Just wish they made it in .25

[chuckinohio]

  Yes that Kalibr semi is totally sexy, it kind of resembles the Ataman Ultra Compact, kinda.

  The Ataman is another viable contender in the carbine arena.
  I bought one of the Ultra Compacts based on Ted Biers video review and found him to be right on the money.