Page "Firearm" Paragraph 65

Modern designs call for compact weapons retaining firepower.

The bullpup design, by mounting the magazine behind the trigger, unifies the accuracy and firepower of the traditional assault rifle with the compact size of the submachine gun ( though submachine guns are still used ); examples are the French FAMAS or the British SA80.

Recently, smaller but exceedingly penetrative ammunition types have been introduced to allow countermeasure against ballistic armour.

Such designs are the basis for the FN P90 and Heckler & Koch MP7.

Caseless ammunition is another trend ; an example is the German Heckler & Koch G11.

The flechette is yet another improvement over traditional ammunition, allowing for extreme penetration abilities and a very flat trajectory.

However, it is gained at the cost of stopping power.