Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Ozymandias Ghost; All
The bullpup design has been credited w/reducing “perceived recoil” by some authorities; although I am not aware of the physics that would support that statement.

The physics are pretty simple. Bullpup designs lower the axis of the bore in relation to the stock, usually so the axis of the bore extends through the butt of the firearm. In more "conventional" designs, the axis of the bore is considerably above the butt. By changing the geometry, bullpup designs have the recoil forces, which are directed backward along the axis of the bore, pushing the shooter straight back. Conventional designs, with the axis above the butt, create a lever arm for angular momentum. Thus, some of the recoil is translated into muzzle flip.

Muzzle flip is perceived as greater recoil, in part because it throws the sights off of target, and shoves the stock into the cheek ( or face if you do not have a good cheek weld).

22 posted on 09/15/2012 12:43:47 PM PDT by marktwain
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies ]


To: marktwain
Hi MT-

Thx! I appreciate the clear concise explanation.

While I understood the concept of “muzzle flip” as it pertains to handguns/target reacquisition; your final paragraph helped clarify how/why “muzzle flip” translates to decreased “perceived recoil” in a bullpup design.

I presume the only downside to bullpup design is placing the chamber closer to the shooters face (gasses from spent cartridges/increased danger to the shooter in the even of a critical failure due to overpressure) and a shorter sight radius. Any other pluses or minuses in your opinion?

Regards,

-Geoff

25 posted on 09/15/2012 1:29:18 PM PDT by Ozymandias Ghost
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson