Bushmaster M17S Bullpup

Published on June 9, 2016
Duration: 17:49

This guide details the field stripping process for the Bushmaster M17S bullpup rifle and addresses a common failure-to-feed malfunction. It highlights the rifle's AR-18 heritage and the importance of using reliable magazines. The instruction comes from an expert reviewer with deep technical knowledge.

Quick Summary

The Bushmaster M17S is a bullpup rifle with roots in the Armalite AR-18 design, featuring a short-stroke gas piston and AR-15 magazine compatibility. Manufactured in the US from 1992-2005, it was not banned by name in 1994. Modernized versions are now produced by K&M, offering significant improvements.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Bushmaster M17S
  2. 00:54Historical Origins and Australian Trials
  3. 01:45Transition to the US Market
  4. 03:03Modern Iterations by K&M
  5. 03:58Unique Features and Controls
  6. 07:24Range Testing and Malfunctions
  7. 11:13Design Heritage: The AR-18 Connection
  8. 12:25Internal Comparison and Disassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bushmaster M17S rifle?

The Bushmaster M17S is a bullpup rifle originally developed by Armtech for Australian military trials. It was later manufactured in the US by Bushmaster from 1992 to 2005 and is known for its AR-18 design heritage and unique bullpup configuration.

What are the key design influences of the Bushmaster M17S?

The Bushmaster M17S heavily borrows from the Armalite AR-18 and AR-180 designs. This influence is most evident in its bolt carrier group, which uses a similar dual-recoil spring system and short-stroke piston operation, a design also seen in rifles like the British SA80 (L85).

What kind of magazines does the Bushmaster M17S use?

The Bushmaster M17S is designed to accept standard AR-15 magazines. However, during testing, a malfunction was attributed to a worn GI magazine, highlighting the importance of using reliable and well-maintained magazines for optimal performance.

Are there modern versions of the Bushmaster M17S available?

Yes, K&M currently manufactures modernized versions of the M17S. They began by updating original rifles and now produce entirely new models with significant improvements, including aluminum receivers, offering enhanced performance over the original Bushmaster design.

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