K&M M17S

History of the K&M M17S

The M17S is a semi-automatic bullpup rifle manufactured by K&M Arms. This product is an updated version of the original 1992 Bushmaster M17S (detailed elsewhere on this site) and the design itself comes from work in Australia. Manufactured under the Bushmaster brand from 1992 to 2005, this particular rifle design weighs 8.2 pounds and has an overall length of 30 inches with a barrel assembly of 21.5 inches.

Housed in a 5.56x45mm NATO and equipped with a pneumatic internal swivel bolt, the STANAG-fed semi-automatic weapon was abandoned by the company in the mid-2000s.

To date, the K&B Arms revival has been available in different chambers and also includes more modern features such as auxiliary rails above the frame and below the front end.

In the bullpup configuration, the rifle packs all major internal functions into an oversized fixed stock - all behind the pistol grip/trigger assembly. This includes action, feed and eject ports.

The main advantage of this design is the reduction in overall length (compactness) while maintaining the full length of the barrel - this comes at the expense of a stiffer construction, the risk of hands reaching in front of the active barrel and ejection of the port closer to the operator face arrangement. Still, there are several high-profile military bullpup rifles that justify their designs and are widely accepted.

Modern versions of the M17S have the pistol grip at the center of the design, with the charging handle just above, offset to the left of the frame. The frame is solid for internal natural cooling, and the barrel assembly protrudes only a short distance in front of the body.

The magazine feeder (tactical flared magazine well) is located behind the grip and accommodates AR-15 style curved magazines. The skeletal billet trigger assembly is protected by a thick annular shield and has a shape to allow use by gloved hands.

A Magpul reinforced stock is located at the rear of the rifle, while an AR-style flash suppressor completes the "shop end" of the gun.

Unlike the carrying handle of the original M17S, the modified version has a long Picatinny rail above the receiver for accessories such as scopes, magnifiers and telescopic sights. The shorter section is also mounted on the lower part of the front end before the trigger assembly - suitable for sights and tactical flashlights as required.

Internal semi-automatic action based on short stroke piston with adjustable air pressure system. The safety device is a quick button device located near the main firing needle.

Currently (2022) K&B's M17S is 5.56 mm / . 223, .300 and 7.62mm NATO/. 308 rooms. Three main variants are built around them, the M17S556, the M17300 (currently marked as a prototype), and the M17S308. A fourth model, called the M17S-C, is available for the Canadian market.

The M17S556 has a barrel length of 17.5 inches and an overall length of 26.25 inches. Weight is 7.4 lbs.

The M17S300 under development has a barrel length of 17.5 inches and an overall length of 26.25 inches. Weight is 7.6 lbs. The weapon performs in dual tone mode.

The M17S308 is available in 16" and 20" barrel lengths for an overall length of 26.25" and 30.25" respectively. The weights are 8.2 lbs and 8.5 lbs, respectively. This version can be suppressed.

Specification

Base

Year in Service

2022

Origins

United States

Categories

Semi-Auto Bull Rifle

Manufacturer

K and M Arms - USA

Operators

United States

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Notable Features

BULLPUP Configuration

The design sets the post-feed action, allowing for a more compact design while retaining the full-length or near-full-length barrel assembly.

Semi-automatic fire

Internal action allows triggering a single bullet per trigger, triggering a semi-automatic loading mechanism for continuous fire.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids

Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Iron Mask

Support for "iron sights" for inherent accuracy within a range.

Customizable

Design allows users to customize certain components for customization.

Adaptable

Design provides attachment points for external aftermarket hardware including laser sights, flashlights, scopes and grips.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

667mm

26. 26 inches

Run Length

445mm

17.52 inches

Cured weight

7.41 lbs

3.36 kg

Attractions

Front and rear irons; various superframe optics.

Action

Semi-automatic; Gas-powered; Rotary Bolt System

Semi-automatic

One shot per trigger; self-loading or self-loading action supported by internal mechanisms; stroke management (and initial cocking) typically required by operators; subsequent shots assisted by unlocking/moving bolts.

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

5.56 mm / . 223; . 330 power failure; 7. 62mm / . 308 win

Circle/Feed

20 or 30 rounds detachable magazine.

VARIANTS

M17S - Name of the base series. M17S556 5.56mm caliber/. 223; 17.5" barrel length; 26.25" overall length; 7. 4 lb weight. M17S300 Mounted in . 300 de-energized; 17.5" barrel length; 26.25" overall length; 7.6 lbs. M17S308 7. 62x51mm/.

308 Winchester; barrel lengths 16" and 20"; suppressed/unpressed. M17S-C - Canadian market variant; sold by I RUN GUNS (IRG); 20" barrel length; 28.75" overall length; 7.4 lb weight.