Posted on 09/15/2012 9:07:42 AM PDT by marktwain
The SRM shotguns, unveiled just earlier this year and designed at the request of the U.S. Marine Corps, are now in stores—these 16-shot 12-gauge semi-automatic bullpup shotguns aren't unicorns. They're expensive, they're high-capacity, and naturally, FPSRussia's got his mitts on one. Don't worry, something's about to explode.
We only have one gripe, well, two, first that fake accent is getting a little long in the tooth, and secondly, we do not think it's a smart or safe idea to mix self-defense and less-than-lethal ammunition in the same magazine, that's asking for a lot of trouble. In fact, many law enforcement agencies won't use the same shotguns for both ammo types.
And most departments won't use semi-automatic shotguns for less-than-lethal shells anyway. Their light charge isn't—generally speaking—powerful enough to cycle automatic shotguns, which is why they get used with pump-action shotguns.
That being said, one of the features that stands out about the SRM shotguns is the way they cycle. The SRM-1216 uses a roller-delayed blowback "Sure Cycle" action which promises to cycle a wide array of loads, from light shot to heavy slugs. The action could prove to cycle with less-than-lethal loads as well, which makes this an even more appealing shotgun for law enforcement and military use.
Make no mistake, this is no hunting shotgun—although we have no doubts it would do well in the field. The barrel on the Model 1216 is just long enough to not qualify as a restricted NFA-regulated shotgun at 18 inches, unlike SRM's two other variants, Models 1212 and 1208, which are NFA-regulated and largely intended for the law enforcement market.
SRM shotguns are especially short because of the bullpup design. The action is behind the trigger and housed in the buttstock, even though the magazine is in front of the trigger. Not only does this make it short, it gives it the softer felt recoil shared by all bullpups. The resulting gun is fast and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The full-size SRM-1216 is just 32.5 inches long and weighs just 7.25 pounds, unloaded.
Another feature of the SRM shotguns is the low flattop rail and straight stock. This makes it handle more like an AR-pattern rifle and it in fact is intended to be used with standard-height AR-15 sights. Along with two side rails the SRM-1216 oozes tactical. If that weren't enough, yes, they have made a full-auto version.
SRM shotguns are chambered for 2-3/4- and 3-inch shells, with each magazine tube holding four rounds for the 1216, and three for the 1212 and two for the 1208. The shooter must manually index the tubes, but it doesn't take much practice to do it quickly. One interesting benefit from having a "magazine magazine" is that this 16-shot 12-gauge can be California compliant.
It still has requires a tool to load and unload—it looks like they include a simple pin punch—but because each tube only holds four shells, from a legal standpoint, California sees this as a 4+4+4+4+1-capacity shotgun.
We have to say we're happy to see this unique and extremely compact shotgun in stores. Yes, it is priced at $2,400, and yes, magazines cost $200, but it's a new product and a new company, and it will take time for them to cover their costs. The shotguns are made to a very high standard for heavy military use, and there isn't anything else quite like them out there.
How do you know his accent is phony? Do you have any background info on who this guy is, where he films and how he manages to get hold of so much cool stuff?
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).
“How do you know his accent is phony?”
I have lived outside the U.S. most of my life.
I speak Spanish, English, understand Italian, Portuguese and can spot accurately accents in many other languages. This fool had a phony accent based on American speech. The author of the article noticed that too. But you didn’t read the article.
Get caught with too many rounds and you might not be able to hunt again.
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
Can you imagine how hot the barrel on that Glock got after he finished that drum magazine!
Reminds me a bit of the prototype Jackhammer shotgun. Also gives me nightmares of playing SOCOM as a SEAL, going against 4 terrorists with the damn thing.
I read the article and both you and the author have no details. So your opinion is as worthless as his was.
Shorter overall length, so longer barrels or suppressors can easily be accommodated.
Recoil directed along axis bore through butt, less muzzle flip.
Do not seem to “balance and handle” as well as conventional designs. May simply require familiarization.
Minuses of Bullpup design:
Much longer trigger linkage, more complicated design.
Muzzle is much closer to operators face(unless barrel is lengthened).
Sights are much above bore axis (not so great for hunting guns that require precision at shorter ranges).
Do not seem to “balance and handle” as well as conventional designs. May simply require familiarization.
Puts most magazines in the butt, not as easily accessed by dominant hand as magazines near the trigger.
And your point, the ejection of empties occurs nearer the shooter, so it must be dealt with. If done well, this is not a problem, but it can be. Empties can be directed downward, or switched from side to side, or as in the Kel-Tec, even pushed forward and out a tube (fascinating design!)
I put the “balances and handles” point on both sides. I should have removed it from the “plus” side.
Thx for the bullpup analysis!
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