Description
The ZiP .22 is a straight blowback-operated semi-automatic handgun in a bullpup configuration, with a box-shaped, futuristic-styled polymer frame featuring two holes for the trigger and the user’s middle finger, and a flat buttplate on which the shooter’s hand rests. It has simple notch and blade sights, and uses Ruger 10-22 removable magazines, with the 10-round wheel magazine being the default. The bolt of the gun has two trapezoidal bars extending out the front of the housing along the length of nearly the entire barrel; pushing these in towards the shooter is the only way to cycle the action. This design choice drew significant criticism, because it required the shooter to place their hand next to the muzzle in order to chamber a new round, putting them at risk of injury from accidental or negligent discharges.
The firearm was designed to act as the receiver portion of a modular weapon system, which could be built up according to the shooter’s needs using a wide range of drop-in expansions. The standard iron sights, mounted on a removable plate, could be swapped out for enhanced sights that glowed in the dark, or a picatinny or scope rail that would allow the mounting of optics.
Another rail accessory allowed the ZiP .22 to attach to the underside of a rifle, similar to underslung shotgun designs, in order to provide additional firepower. The ZiP .22 could also itself be converted into a rifle through the addition of a carbine stock and a suppressor, although these accessories as well as a .22WMR conversion kit never made it past the prototype stage due to the commercial failure of the weapon.Mass 0.95 lb (0.43 kg)
Length 7.25 in (184 mm)
Barrel length 5.25 in (133 mm)
Width 1.2 in (30 mm)
Height 3.1 in (79 mm)
Caliber .22 LR
Action Straight blowback
Feed system Vertical
Sights Notch and blade