Specialists at the v. A. Degtyarev Plant have patented a new rifle built around a bullpup layout, with the magazine and part of the weapon’s main operating mechanism positioned behind the pistol grip.
According to TASS, the design is a firearm equipped with a hammer-fired trigger mechanism. One of the project’s main goals is to reduce the rifle’s overall dimensions while making the internal mechanisms needed for its operation more compact.
The patent lists the Austrian Steyr AUG assault rifle as the closest technical analogue. At the same time, the developers identified several features of that design they consider drawbacks. These include a complex push rod that must remain sufficiently rigid under load, as well as the placement of certain components that increases the weapon’s overall length. The new rifle is intended to address those issues.
Konstantin Lazarev, founder of the Lazarev Tactical project, said some elements of the design resemble the Russian 12.7 mm ASVK Kord large-caliber sniper rifle, which also uses a bullpup configuration.
Lazarev explained that the main advantage of the bullpup layout is the ability to retain barrel length while reducing the weapon’s overall size. In his assessment, a shorter and more compact rifle is easier to handle in confined spaces.
At the same time, the configuration changes the way the weapon is operated. According to Lazarev, inserting and removing the magazine, chambering a round, reloading and handling the rifle differ from conventional layouts, meaning servicemen may need time to adapt to its ergonomics.