Bushmaster M17S
Bushmaster Firearms International · Rifle · Discontinued · 1992
Also known as: M17S, Bushmaster M17S Bullpup
Overview
The Bushmaster M17S is a semi-automatic bullpup rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Derived from an Australian Armtech prototype designed in the mid-1980s by Alex Hand, the design rights passed through Edenpine to Bushmaster Firearms International, which produced it in the United States from 1992 to 2005. It uses a short-stroke gas piston system and an AR-15-pattern magazine well, packing a 21.5-inch barrel into a compact 30-inch overall length. It holds the distinction of being the only American-made bullpup rifle offered commercially in its era and the only one not banned by name under the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Barrel Length | 546 mm (21.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 229 mm (9.02") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Integrated Carry Handle, Ambidextrous Charging Handle
Service history
Operators
- Civilian / commercial market · adopted 1992
Production
Production years: 1992-2005
Manufactured by Bushmaster Firearms International; production ceased in 2005.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Alex Hand (Armtech Ltd)
Discontinued: 2005
Notes
Accepts standard AR-15/M16 STANAG magazines. Iron sights are mounted on an integral carry handle; the optics-rail variant added a Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
Background
The M17S traces back to mid-1980s Australian military trials to replace the L1A1 SLR, where Armtech's Alex Hand developed a bullpup contender. After Edenpine folded in 1994, the rights passed to Bushmaster, which launched the rifle just months before the Federal Assault Weapons Ban took effect.