bcbravo2zero
CGN Regular
For a bullpup, the trigger on the T97 is quite good. Not as good as the Austeyr, but better than the SA80 or especially the FAMAS. I have not fired a Tavor or RFB so I can't comment on them. The safety had to have been conceived in the midst of an opium stupor, thats all I can say about that. As for the reload, try this for bullpups......
1. Drop empty mag.
2.Pivot butt(of gun, that is) on shoulder so gun is vertical.
3. Slap in fresh mag with left hand
If you really have speed in mind, reload when you have the last round chambered so you don't have to manually recharge the gun.
Reloading 5.56 is worth it if you are shooting 'premium' ammo. The el cheapo Norc ammo shoots just fine in my T97. It is so cheap that I would rather just buy another crate for $300 than handload 1100rnds. However, I do save the brass for a rainy day.( when I can find it, that is!)
Re: reload technique - Yes! After some experimentation, I found that going vertical works very well actually...especially when using the new C-products LAR15 mags with the "squared" coupler. I've also found the Norc ammo to work just fine.
BTW, I've spoken with a couple of guys at my range who own neither a Tavor, nor a T97, but have shot both. They both said that the T97 trigger is superior. (I've never shot a Tavor so I can't comment.)