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The DC Engineering bullpup is the only production bullpup kit for the SKS available on the market today.
Leave it up to the guys at DC Engineering to be the first to the market with a working, reliable, quality SKS bullpup kit. Over the years, DC Engineering has truly proven themselves as the leader in high quality aftermarket SKS gear. The SKS isn't an easy firearm to update. It is fraught with design obstacles which impede conventional aftermarket part manufacturers. The magazine requires a "duckbill", there is no good place to mount a scope, and then there is the ever elusive bullpup issue. Each time there is a design problem, DC Engineering has devised an ingenious way to overcome it with class.
So what do we know about this new bullpup stock? First, it is obvious that it is based on a series of existing but modified parts. Mind you, this isn't a criticism. Why reinvent the wheel when you have a stockpile of usable parts to start with? A Fiberforce stock is sectioned to become the foundation of the 'pup. The pistol grip of the Fiberforce is relocated to the front, and the original butt stock is moved up to the back of the receiver. Apart from the efficiency in building off a Fiberforce stock, it's an excellent way of finally turning a dog of a stock into something worth buying. (I do not have a good opinion of the original Fiberforce stock...)
The next thing I notice about the DC Engineering bullpup is that they integrate several of their very own superior aftermarket parts into the mix in very intelligent ways. The scope needs to be moved forward, off the receiver and onto the gas tube to make it usable. They have developed a (American made for the parts counters) gas tube with integrated sight rail which adapts perfectly to this use. Next is the Hitech magazine system. The original magazine is unusable as the stripper clip guides are blocked by the brass deflector. Typical SKS detachable magazines have the duckbill, which would be awkward with the lower grip stabilizing arms. The answer is the "bill-less" Hitech magazine manufactured by DC Engineering. Fast, simple, and all first rate equipment.
Now comes the questions. I could be wrong, but appears that a second, modified OEM SKS trigger group is fixed to the forward pistol grip. And what is that boxy thing in the photo? A front sight removal tool? A fields stripping tool? Hmmm...
Now comes the speculation. If all of the above is true, that they use mostly preexisting parts, then the price of this bullpup kit will have to be at least the sum total of all the parts plus labor. DC Engineering sells quality, and they know it, so they demand a premium for their inventory. I don't know for a fact, but I'm pretty darned sure this stock will set someone back over $500 when all is said and done. I think it's wonderful that this company has put together our first real bullpup, but who can actually afford to own one?!
If you are a proud owner of a DC Eng Bullpup, please write and fill me in on what you think of it. Don't forget the photos! - SKSDave |
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