Featured From Singapore with Love: Ultimax 100 Mk8 LMG, SAR-21 Bullpup Dave Merrill January 21, 2020 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Traditionally the Monday before SHOT Show, Media Day at the Range offers a chance for companies to get their grubbies on some new guns and actually put some rounds downrange. And certainly there were a ton of companies showing off their wares. But one that truly stood out from the crowd was ST Engineering, a defense and engineering corporation located in Singapore. While ST Engineering makes products spanning nearly the entire defense industry covering land, water, and cyber, they took the opportunity to show off their Ultimax 100 Mk8 5.56mm machinegun, and their SAR-21 bullpup. The SAR-21 has been the issued rifle for Singapore ground forces since 2000 when it replaced the much-maligned SR-88 rifle. It's currently in use by more than a half-dozen nations. The selector is a simple cross-bolt type conveniently located at the front of the trigger guard. It does have ab adjustable gas system tn order to accommodate silencer use. Using proprietary magazines (some export models accept STANAG magazines), they are released with a paddle like a Kalashnikov, though since it's a bullpup it's up in your armpit. Something which we really found strange ergonomically was that the selector in order to swap from full-auto to semi and the reverse is located towards the rear of the weapon. The SAR-21 is available with an integral optic and ambidextrous charging handle, or can be had with a standard Picatinny flattop. But the star? That has to go to the Ultimax 100 Mk8 LMG. This open-bolt automatic rifle feeds from standard STANAG magazines, though can be configured for SAR-21 mags as well. In order to load the rifle, the magazine must be carefully inserted into the rifle with the use of a guide; a magwell would really help here. Disclosing the automatic-nature of the Ultimax, the ambidextrous selector is configured as safe-auto-semi. The rate of fire is particularly slow for a 5.56mm automatic, ranging from 400-600RPM, allowing for excellent control during longer bursts. At just a touch over 11lbs loaded and with a folding stock, the Ultimax should be easy to transport. For sale in the United States? Maybe to some LEO agencies who want something “because different” but we don't believe we'll see these on the shelves of gun stores anytime soon. Bummer. You can feast your eyes here. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.