The Steyr AUG is an Austrian bullpup assault rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO intermediate cartridge, designed in the 1960s by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, and now manufactured by Steyr Arms GmbH & Co KG.
AUG A1 with 508 mm (20 in) barrel
Steyr AUGs with green and black finish. Note the different type of Picatinny rail upper receivers
Steyr AUG's telescopic sight. Note the backup iron sights on top of the scope
Steyr AUG with a loaded 30-round proprietary magazine
A bullpup firearm is one with its firing grip located in front of the breech of the weapon, instead of behind it. This creates a weapon with a shorter overall length for a given barrel length, and one that is often lighter, more compact, concealable and more maneuverable than a conventionally configured firearm. Where it is desirable for troops to be issued a more compact weapon, the use of a bullpup configuration allows for barrel length to be retained, thus preserving muzzle velocity, range and ballistic effectiveness.
SVU-AS, a bullpup rifle with the grip and trigger located in front of the action
SVDS, a conventionally configured rifle using the same action
The FN P90 uses the bullpup layout in conjunction with a unique top-mounted feeding system, making it the most compact submachine gun with a fixed stock.
EM-2, an experimental British assault rifle from the 1950s.