M17 Bushmaster

The design originated in 1986 with Armtech Ltd. in Australia as a prospective military rifle for the Australian Army. Early prototypes included the C60R and the C30R, the latter of which utilized caseless ammunition until a failure occurred during a demonstration. After the Australian Army selected a license-built Steyr AUG, Edenpine Pty Ltd. acquired and improved the design, resulting in the ART-30 and SAK-30. To bypass United States import restrictions, Edenpine licensed the rifle to Bushmaster Firearms International for domestic production. The rifle was marketed as the Edenpine M17S until 1994, when Bushmaster acquired full rights.

The M17S is a bullpup, semi-automatic rifle utilizing a gas-operated, rotating bolt system derived from the Armalite AR-18. It features a short-stroke fixed piston that is self-compensating. The receiver is constructed from extruded 7075-T6 aluminum and functions as both the stock and the foregrip. The configuration places the pistol grip forward of the action. Early production incorporated Valmet components to manage manufacturing costs. The firearm utilizes iron sights and is compatible with STANAG magazines. One operational characteristic is the heat transfer to the aluminum handguard during sustained rapid fire. The BATF-approved version featured a longer barrel sleeve, which restricted the attachment of standard muzzle devices without modification.

While originally intended for Australian military service, the rifle primarily saw commercial distribution in the United States. Following the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, the M17S remained available as it was not prohibited by name. Bushmaster discontinued production of the M17S in 2005. A modernized variant, the M17S556, is currently produced by K&M Arms and is offered in multiple calibers.