[SHOT 2026] Blecher BrashZero Caseless Bullpup Rifle

The Level 1 of the SHOT Show is where the relatively smaller and newer companies normally are and that’s where you usually see experimental, weird and downright mindblowing stuff. For that exact reason, I love being there. This year, for this writer, one of the most intriguing and interesting guns seen in the Level 1 and possibly in the entire show was the Blecher LLC’s BrashZero caseless bullpup rifle that utilizes standard 5.56 NATO ammunition components (primer, powder and projectile) delivered separately into the chamber from dedicated reservoirs in the magazine.

The Blecher BrashZero is a gas-operated firearm. Its action is similar to long stroke piston operation; however, as described by the company, BrashZero incorporates differentiated reciprocation, where a given reciprocating component completes its movement, or achieves some purpose that must be achieved prior to the movement of a subsequent reciprocating component, before triggering movement of the next component. This feature is said to minimize the mass of moving parts, thus mitigating the felt recoil, and contribute to the overall compact design of the firearm.

The BrashZero is fed from detachable sealed magazines. When the magazine is inserted into the gun, the seal breaks, allowing the action to feed. Once the magazine is removed from the gun (whether because it’s empty or not), it can not be reinserted. The magazines are not designed to be refilled with the ammo components in the field, but it can be done at an armorer's level.

Below is the list of BrashZero caseless rifle's features as described by the manufacturer:

• Truly Caseless Operation. Operates without a cartridge case of any kind, eliminating the need for specialized or pre-packaged ammunition. A soldier could carry 450+ caseless rounds for the same weight as a standard loadout of 210 cased rounds. Going caseless more than doubles how much ammunition a soldier can carry.
• No Specialized Ammunition Required. Utilizes Standard NATO-Spec Ammunition Components. Directly uses standard, unmodified, components (e.g., M193, M855) without any prior assembly into cartridges. This simplifies logistics, ensuring convenient parts availability, and leveraging common infrastructure.
• Multi-Caliber Adaptability. Adaptable to various calibers with minimal component changes.
• Scalable Design for Any Weapons System. The operating system may be upscaled or downscaled as required for different calibers, or even heavy artillery. Adaptable for a wide range of firearm types.
• Eliminates Traditional Ammunition Production Process. The direct use of standard, NATO-Spec ammunition components for firing obviates the need for any traditional cartridge manufacturing processes, removing associated time, expense, equipment, and health risks.
• Purely Mechanical Operation. Purposefully excludes all electronics, gears, conveyor systems, belts, and batteries, ensuring reliability and addressing industry skepticism towards electronic firearm components.
• Advanced Heat Management. Separation of components that run hot from heat-sensitive components, through strategic thermal isolation and insulation.
• Cook-Off Prevention. No hot parts ever touch powder until the user has decided to fire. The bolt only touches the allocated powder charge. Thus, cook offs, which are a significant risk in any caseless system, machinegun, or firearm with hot operating parts or barrel, are minimized, and may only take place after the user has decided to fire and presumably oriented the firearm in a safe (or intended) direction.
• Simple Piston-Driven Reciprocation. Ensures clean operation by driving reciprocation via piston, eliminating fouling, maintaining manageable operating temperatures, and enabling continuous high-output firing capability.
• Extremely Compact. Under 15 inches overall length with a 7.5-inch barrel, achieved through the differentiated component travel, optimizing use of space. Compact form factor offers significant advantages, and broadens the range of uses of the operating system (e.g., use as a PDW).
• Precisely Choreographed Sequential Operation. An as-simple-as-possible conglomeration of multiple interconnecting parts that are meticulously choreographed in a 3D space and time continuum.
• No Forceful Ejection (Enhanced Stealth). Offers enhanced stealth capabilities by eliminating forceful ejection of spent cases or any other material, preventing physical evidence at the firing location and reducing sound signature
• User-Friendly Operation. The operating system requires minimal training or familiarization. A user may simply pull the trigger, charge the firearm by means of a left side charging handle, and replenish firing supplies with detachable box magazines.
• Monolithic Rail; 13.5” LOP; Ergonomic. The design incorporates a monolithic top rail that aligns all optics and secures the barrel in a single part, machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum.
• Threadless securement via direct structural engagement with mono rail and clamshell receiver.
• Compatibility with Longer Length Gas Systems. e.g., carbine, rifle, etc.
• Efficient Powder Delivery via Transporter & Plunger. Moves precisely metered powder from the reservoir to the chamber.