And what is this mysterious requirement that is compelling us to consider bullpups at all ??
The only real-world advantage a bullpup rifle can deliver over a traditional rifle of same barrel length is that the overall package can be shorter in length. In other words, in theory they are better for CQC situations. In theory.
Now there are multiple SOF units within USSOCOM alone that conduct way more CQC ops than any Indian unit (considering they take part in a multitude of theatres across world), yet they seem perfectly happy with their 10.5" and 14.5" AR-15 derived carbines for such roles. Why is that?
I'll just copy-paste something I've said before in the old SF thread:
" Bullpups (not just Tavors but in general, going back to AUG days) as a CQB-oriented concept were thought up during the times when regular platforms were all battle rifle-length like M16A2.
Since then advances in metallurgy & gas system design, together with new ammo types ensured that even short-barrel carbines could be properly employed in CQB without compromising on muzzle velocity, or being unable to successfully suppress as was the case with early AR-15 pattern CQBRs like XM4/XM177. So today with likes of HK416D and DD Mk.18 available, one need not look to bullpups as an answer for CQB. In fact the more evenly-spread weight & mass distribution makes regular rifles like AR-15s more suitable.
That's why pretty much all SOFs in the world worth their pennies - including those from countries that otherwise issue bullpups to regular infantry (like UK, Israel, Australia, France until recently etc.), routinely use only AR-15 based platforms for their SOF assaulters. "
I rest my case.
They are called ATPIAL, not IPTIAL. In US military usage they are designated AN/PEQ-15.
When purchasing in single-units or small batches (i.e. via retail vendors) the per-unit cost of even a civilian-grade ATPIAL (with low-power eyesafe lasers) can reach upward of $1,300 USD. That's approx 1 lakh Rupees.
It's not possible for the average infantry or SF soldier to buy such expensive stuff out of his own pocket. It's logical to assume they were purchased with unit funds.
The SSS 'SOPMOD' kit only includes such peripheral equipment as handguards, buttstocks, grips etc. they are not a distributor of L3Harris equipment in India.
The handguard in the pic appears to be a Russian-made SRVV model (Railsystem-AK100) or some copy of it. This is the first & only time I'm seeing this handguard in Indian use - till now only FAB Defense & TDI Arms upgrade kits were used on Indian AKs.
The SSS 'SOPMOD' kit includes their own proprietary handguard which is much longer & different. However the SSS handguard bears a close resemblance to the Texas Weapon Systems Gen3 'dogleg' rail system...I would venture to call it a copy, though I don't mind as long as it works.
TWS Gen3 rail:
defenceforumindia.com
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