Magpul Masada
| Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System | |
|---|---|
 Magpul Masada, 5.56 mm, 14.5-inch barrel |
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| Type | Automatic / Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Richard Fitzpatrick, Mike Mayberry, Brian Nakayama, et al. |
| Designed | 2006-2007 |
| Manufacturer | Magpul Industries |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3 kg (6.7 lbs; 16-inch barrel) |
| Barrel length | 266-508 mm (10.5 to 20 in) |
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|
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| Cartridge | 5.56 x 45 mm NATO, 6.8 mm Remington SPC, 5.45 x 39 mm and 7.62 x 39 mm |
| Action | Gas, Piston, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | TBD |
| Muzzle velocity | 792-990 m/s (2600-3250 ft/s) |
| Effective range | 300-600 m (328-656 yd), depending on configuration |
| Feed system | 30 rounds, detachable box (5.56 variant) magazine, double column (STANAG compatible) |
| Sights | Rear: None included (Picatinny rail); Front: Integral flip-up, elevation-adjustable post |
The Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System is a patent pending self-loading rifle platform designed by Magpul Industries of Erie, Colorado. The rifle was initially developed over a period of four months, completely independent of government funding. Prototypes were displayed at the 2007 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida. The platform is still currently under development and is tentatively scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2008.
The Masada represents an amalgamation of several recent rifle designs, incorporating what is considered by its designers to be the best features of each in a single, lightweight, modular rifle platform. Design features from the Armalite AR-18 (gas system), the FN SCAR (upper receiver, charging handle location), the Heckler & Koch G36/XM8 (liberal use of polymer components), and the M16 (barrel, fire control group including trigger with proprietary housing) are clearly prevalent. The rifle also includes several features developed by Magpul, such as a quick-change barrel/trunnion system, adjustable gas regulator, reciprocating/non-reciprocating charging handle (depending on user actions), integral flip-up front sight, and storage compartments located in the stock and grip.[1] The magazine conceived for the 5.56 mm version of the Masada rifle is called the "P-MAG", an high-impact 30-rounds polymer magazine claimed by the manufacturer to be significantly more resistant to use, shocks and harsh environment that other counterparts on the market. The P-MAG is STANAG 4179-compatible, as it will readily fit any STANAG magazine firearm, including the M16 rifle family.
The Masada is currently slated to be available in the first-quarter of 2008 with a starting price of around $1,400 with semi-automatic and automatic versions available.
Miscellanea
The rifle is named after the Siege of Masada. Magpul company literature about the rifle states that "Magpul Industries is not Jewish owned or Israeli backed, however Magpul has always found the story of the Masada as a bold example of defiance."[2]
External Links
- Magpul Industries
- Magpul Industries P-MAG magazine
- YouTube: Magpul Masada, SHOT Show 2007
- YouTube: Magpul Masada, Test Firing
- Defense Review: Magpul Masada
- Zak Smith: Magpul Masada pictures
References
- ^ Magpul Industries Masada Marketing Flyer
- ^ Magpul Industries; Masada Press Release, January 2007
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