Need some help from knowledgeable rifle owners . . .

**BionicMan** · January 25th, 2011, 02:00 PM

I'll cut right to the chase . . . I'm looking to find a semi-auto rifle that I can use safely and easily manipulate with only one arm. I'm an upper extremity amputee, and although I do have a prosthesis that can assist in supporting a typical rifle, it's not easy to do and I would rather not always rely on needing it. Here's my thought process so far:
The remaining arm and hand I have are pretty stout. I'm very proficient with my 50+oz scoped 357 mag one-handed and have used a pistol grip 18" shotgun w/birdshot one-handed as well without a problem. My necessities for this rifle are semi-auto action, 20+ round capacity, and a powerful but controllable cartridge. From my experience shooting rifles I think my best choice would be a .223 / 5.56 nato. Although I am open to suggestions.

My first thought was a bullpup designed rifle, as I could easily pull the stock into my shoulder for support and not have a lot of weight hanging out past the grip. Unfortunately the selection of bullpup rifles is low, and quality examples are quite pricy. I immediately ruled out the Century AK-style bullpup due to the poor reviews of terrible triggers and shotty reliability. I'm a big fan of the Steyr AUG, but it seems to be tough to find and is a bit more than I would like to spend right now.

Recently I was looking through Classic Arms' page and saw the "Draco AK Pistol." I was hoping to find a rifle I could plant into my shoulder, but the Draco gave me the idea that a pistol version of a rifle may work if it was easy enough to control one-handed. I wrote off the Draco after reading poor reviews of it, but it did lead me to the Kel Tec PLR-16 which had a few favorable professional reviews. Interestingly is seems to be exactly what I was looking for, MINUS a shoulder stock. (which I don't really like) Yes, I'm aware adding a shoulder stock would make it an NFA weapon.

So here I am stuck liking the PLR-16, but unable to get past the lack of a shoulder stock. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a rifle that might fit the bill for me? Any and all ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

**FormerUser123** · January 25th, 2011, 02:12 PM

The FN P90 was designed to be fired with one hand. They run in the $1200-1500 range and fire the "infamous" 5.7 round.

**chivvalry** · January 25th, 2011, 02:13 PM

Why not the Kel-tec RFB?

http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/rifles/rfb/

...it's 7.62 NATO and not 5.56?

Great gun from all I have heard.

**BionicMan** · January 25th, 2011, 03:30 PM

I did take a good hard look at the FN P90. It looks like an excellent firearm, but I know little to nothing about the 5.7x28mm round. At a glance it looks like it would be very controllable, but have very little energy behind each round. Perhaps someone can school me on this round . . .
The FN P90 is definitely a gun I plan on trying to find and shoot before making a decision. Thanks for the suggestion!

The Kel Tec RFB I did take a quick look at, but was concerned that the 7.62x51 would be a bit more than I could comfortably handle in rapid fire. The closest caliber I own is a 7.62x54R; if it's anything like that then it's more power than I'm looking for.

**FormerUser123** · January 25th, 2011, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by BionicMan

I did take a good hard look at the FN P90. It looks like an excellent firearm, but I know little to nothing about the 5.7x28mm round. At a glance it looks like it would be very controllable, but have very little energy behind each round. Perhaps someone can school me on this round . . .
The FN P90 is definitely a gun I plan on trying to find and shoot before making a decision. Thanks for the suggestion!

I had always wished someone would modify the gun to accept 5.56 NATO, which is significantly more powerful, but also significantly longer which is why it doesn't exist, I think. I've not owned or shot a PS90 yet, but it is on my "before 2010" list to get one. I've heard the realistic maximum range on the PS90 is 100-150 meters. This website says it is 400 meters. I find that hard to believe you'd have any accuracy at 400 meters with that cartridge, but I'm not a ballistician.

Good luck in your search, I hope you find something that suits you!