K&M M17S

Bullpup Semi-Automatic Rifle [ 2022 ]

The K&M M17S is an updated offering of the original 1990s design by Bushmaster - a semi-automatic rifle in bullpup configuration available in multiple calibers.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 03/25/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from official K&M Arms marketing materials.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The M17S is a semi-automatic, bullpup-configured rifle by K&M Arms. The product is an updated version of the original Bushmaster M17S of 1992 (detailed elsewhere on this site), the design itself originating from work undertaken in Australia. This particular rifle design was in production from 1992 until 2005 under the Bushmaster brand label, having a weight of 8.2lb, overall length of 30 inches, and a barrel assembly measuring 21.5 inches long. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and utilizing a gas-operated, rotating bolt internal action, the STANAG-fed, semi-automatic weapon was given up by the company in the mid-2000s.

The revitalized version by K&B Arms is offered in various chamberings to date while also incorporating more modern features such as accessories rails over the frame and under the forend.

In the bullpup configuration, the rifle houses all of its major internal workings within the oversized, fixed shoulder stock - all located aft of the pistol grip / trigger unit. This includes the action, feed, and ejection port. The primary beneficial quality of such a design is a shortened overall length (compactness) while, in turn, preserving a full-length barrel - this at the expense of a more rigid design, the danger of passing one's hand in front of the active barrel, and having the ejection port action located closer to the operator's face. Nevertheless, several high-profile military bullpup rifles exist, proving the design sound and widely accepted.

The modern version of the M17S seats the pistol grip at the center of the design with the charging handle directly above, offset to the left side of the frame. The frame is solid for natural cooling of the internals and the barrel assembly protrudes just a short distance ahead of the housing. The magazine feed (tactical flared magwell) is aft of the grip handle and accepts curved, AR-15-type magazines. The skeletal billet trigger unit is protected by a thick ring guard and features a shape that allows a gloved hand to be used. A Magpul enhanced buttpad is featured at the rear of the rifle while an AR-style flash hider completes the "business end" of the firearm.

Unlike the carrying handle of the original M17S, the revised version has a long section of Picatinny rail over the receiver for the mounting of accessories such as aimers, magnifiers, and scopes. A shorter section is also affixed to the lower part of the forend just ahead of the trigger unit - suitable for aimers and tactical flashlights as needed.

The internal semi-automatic action is based in the short-stroke piston with adjustable gas-operated system. The safety is of push-button arrangement and located near the primary firing hand.

Currently (2022), the M17S by K&B is available in 5.56mm / .223, .300, and 7.62mm NATO / .308 chamberings. Three primary variants are built around these as the M17S556, M17300 (currently marked as a prototype), and M17S308. For the Canadian market there is a fourth model offered under the designation of M17S-C.

The M17S556 has a barrel length of 17.5" with an overall length of 26.25 inches. Weight is 7.4lb.

The in-development M17S300 has a barrel length of 17,5 inches and an overall length of 26.25 inches. Weight is 7.6lb. The gun is finished in a two-color pattern.

The M17S308 is available in 16" and 20" barrel lengths and has an overall length of 26.25 inches and 30.25 inches, respectively. Weight is 8.2lb and 8.5lb, respectively. This version can be suppressed.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

K and M Arms - USA
Manufacturer(s)

United States
Operators

2022
Service Year

United States
National Origin

AUTOMATIC FUNCTION
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.

BULLPUP CONFIGURATION
Design sets the action behind the feed, allowing for a more compact design retaining a full-length, or near-full-length, barrel assembly.

SEMI-AUTO FIRE
Internal action allows release of single round per trigger pull, actuating a semi-automatic loading mechanism for successive shots.

SCOPE-CAPABLE / SIGHTING ASSIST
Supports mounting of optics (scopes) to aid in accuracy for ranged fire.

IRON SIGHTS
Supports 'iron sights' allowing for inherent accuracy in ranged fire.

CUSTOMIZEABLE
Design allows for user adjustability of certain components for customization.

ADAPTABLE
Design offers mounting points for external, after-market hardware including laser aimers, flashlights, scopes, and grips.

667 mm
(26.26 inches)
Overall Length

445 mm
(17.52 inches)
Barrel Length

7.41 lb
(3.36 kg)
Empty Weight

Semi-Automatic; Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt System
Action

SEMI-AUTOMATIC
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moving bolt.

ROTATING BOLT
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

GAS-OPERATED
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.

5.56mm / .223; .330 Blackout; 7.62mm / .308 WIN
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

20- or 30-round detachable box magazine.
Rounds

Iron Front and Rear; Various Over Frame Optics.
Sights

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

M17S - Base Series Designation.

M17S556 - Chambered in 5.56mm / .223; 17.5" barrel length; 26.25" overall length; 7.4lb weight.

M17S300 - Chambered in .300 Blackout; 17.5" barrel length; 26.25" overall length; 7.6lb weight.

M17S308 - Chambered in 7.62x51mm / .308 Winchester; 16" and 20" barrel lengths; suppressed/unsuppressed.

M17S-C - Canadian market variant; I RUN GUNS (IRG) distribution; 20" barrel length; 28.75" overall length; 7.4lb weight.

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Image from official K&M Arms marketing materials.

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