Efficient chain of bullets

[BanditOfBandwidth]

I’ve been attempting to make a weapon with a chain of bullets, but I’m stuck at finding a way to rig it the way I want it.

My favorite way (if it’s possible), would be to keep an array modifier on the bullet chain, but also have each segment rigged with bones;
that way I would have full control over the chain’s movement, while also being able to lower the array amount by 1 for each shot fired, shrinking the chain.
But I am unaware if that’s possible.

Alternative I attempted with an empty, but the options for movement is lacking.

Another option would be to apply the array modifier and just rig the whole thing, but then it wouldn’t be possible to lower the amount the chain with each shot fired.

Any insight on how this could work efficiently, or any good alternatives?

[oo_1942 (Kim)]

daade.blend (995.0 KB)

You can animate the Array’s Count.
Of course, you can also add animations to the curves.
(There might be a way to use the geometry node.)

You can also change the starting point by changing the direction of the curve.