We asked for it and we got it. After we reported about the Maxpedition Kodiak Gearslinger in “Inception” we received numerous reports about the FastMag and PMAG being seen on one of the “Transformer 3″ stars as it was being filmed in Chicago. This photo, from the Chicago Tribune shows that Amanda Roter, 17, of Highland Park, is happy to pose with “Transformers 3″ actor Josh Duhamel during a break in filming Pioneer Court off Michigan Avenue in Chicago.
(Abel Uribe, Chicago Tribune / July 16, 2010)
An intrepid reader sent us these additional photos from the Chicago shoot.
Magpul has introduced their Rail Vertical Grip. The Mil Std 1913 rail compatible grip is of a shorter design than many others on the market which makes it great for those wishing to use it to index their thumb over grip. Its ergonomic design is also comfortable for those shooters who broomstick their grips.
The MOE Illumination Kits from Magpul have started shipping to dealers. Designed to integrate with the MOE and ACR hand guards, the kit is designed to accept Mil Std 1913 rail compatible lights and contains a short rail section, cantilever rail mount, two Surefire optimized pressure switch pad mounts (both old and new styles), and all mounting hardware.
Last fall we published a story on why Marines don’t have the PMAG but it’s about time that we update it. Two models of PMAGs actually do have National Stock Numbers (PMAG 30 Black Window: 1005-01-576-5164 and PMAG 30 Black Non-Window: 1005-01-576-5159). What’s more, the Marine Corps is the only authorized user of these restricted NSNs and has requisitioned them from the Defense Logistics Agency by the thousands, over and over. In fact, there is a procurement of 10,000 PMAGs on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) right now. Not only have we seen documentation attesting to this fact but we have also dug up a few photos from the Department of Defense’s own imagery server as further proof. Despite assertions to the contrary, Marines are using PMAGs, and to great effect.
Plenty of Army troops are using PMAGs as well, whether issued by the unit or privately purchased. Thus far the Army has fielded 600,000 of a planned 7.7 Million of the new tan follower aluminum magazines and some Soldiers are using the PMAG as an alternative. COL Tamilio, Program Manager for Soldier Weapons recently stated that his office would be publishing a list of approved commercial magazines for use by Soldiers but there is no word on what is expected to be on that list.
We use PMAGs here at SSD. When there was a run on magazines right around the election of 2008, we spent our money on PMAGs. They are affordable and reliable for our use. However, magazines are expendable and should be inspected and maintained regularly and replaced when needed.
Vltor Weapons Systems has announced that they have reached an amicable agreement with Magpul and are dropping the patent infringement suit filed last October according to an Vltor press release. Vltor went on to further state they are happy with the settlement that fully protects their interests but that further details would not be forthcoming.
Two years ago, Magpul unveiled the FMG9, a modified Glock subgun. A video took on a viral life of its own. Now, Magpul is going to release the design as the Folding Pocket Gun. The only catch? It is being released through Magpul PTS as an airsoft gun. Same cool styling, just no real bullets.
I am using one of Mil Spec Monkey’s pics since mine were too dark to make out.
On 14 January, 2010 RDMI (Robinsom Arms) filed suit in US District Court for Utah against Remington, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, and Magpul Industries based on alleged infringement of their patent.
Below is the actual suit taken from court records.
This is the third patent related suit filed against Magpul this year. The initial suit came from A.R.M.S. over their dual aperture rear sight followed by Vltor in October alleging violation of their patent on the Modular Firearm Buttstock.
Reading through the filing I find one thing a bit odd. It claims that the ACR has been offered for sale, which still has not happened, particularly in the state of Utah. Based on this it seems to me that the case was brought a bit prematurely and was staged to have the most dramatic effect during SHOT Show unless it was intended to delay the release of the ACR into the market. But then why include RRA?
There is beginning to be some chatter over Abrams Airborne Manufacturing’s (Vltor) lawsuit against Magpul alleging that the ACS design violates their Modular Firearm Buttstock patent. Both stocks feature removable battery storage compartments. However, it is important to note that this occurred last October and this isn’t a new action. Additionally, this is the second of three suits filed over the last year against Magpul concerning patent issues. The initial suit was from A.R.M.S. (imagine that) over their dual aperture rear sight. Then, right before SHOT Show Robinson Arms brought suit against Magpul as well as a slew of others.
What started out as a design exercise has turned into a practical work of art. Magpul designers took a Buell 1125R sport bike and decided to keep the parts they loved which included the fuel body, engine, swing arm and frame and develop new parts to complement the design. After Buell shut down last year the project took on the moniker ‘Ronin’ to pay homage to the Samurai warrior without a master.
They developed a new four bar linkage, mono-shock, airbox, and radiator with some sick running light accents.
They knew the project would raise a lot of interest so Magpul set up a website specifically for the project. Visit MagpulRonin.com for all of the inside scoop.
Just in time for SHOT Show, Magpul launches their new website. You can also sign up to download the 2010 catalog. And yes, it’s true, Magpul IS making a cover for the iPhone. At $9.95, these are gonna sell like hot cakes.
No it’s not a new weapon accessory, or maybe you could call it the ultimate accessory for the armed man. Either way, the MBus from Magpul is cool.
Magpul will have the MBus in Vegas for SHOT Show and you may see it cruising around town. It is a working field support truck built from a Unimog. Magpul is in booth #14073.
Robinson Arms, manufacturers of the XCR have filed suit yesterday in US District Court for Utah against Remington, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, and Magpul Industries based on alleged infringement of their patent (Multi-caliber ambidextrously controllable firearm #7,596,900) issued 6 October, 2009 and initially filed in August of 2003.
Specifically, the weapons alleged to have violated Robinson’s patent are the Remington/Bushmaster ACR, Magpul Masada/Massoud, and the RRA LAR-8. All of these weapons feature a magazine release that is manipulated by the trigger finger from within reach of the trigger guard as well as a similar bolt hold open device. We have read the complaint and it is fairly ambiguous as the which patent claims they allege were violated.
Both Bushmaster and Remington are part of the Freedom group, owned by Cerberus Capital Management. So for taking on Freedom Group I give them an “E” for Effort. Of note is the timing of the suit, just days before SHOT Show as well as Robinson’s announcement on their website that they would be exhibiting after all in a booth (#20034) shared with Serbu.
Last week we wrote that Magpul would be introducing several new products between now and SHOT Show. While it has been an acknowledged project for some time, the 20-Round 7.62 NATO SR25/Mk11/M110 Polymer Magazine is no less welcome in the market. Magpul is always striving to build a better mousetrap and this is no exception. Designed to accept the longer M118LR bullets used in sniper weapons such as the Knight’s M110, the magazine fits SR25/DPMS-pattern rifles. Additionally, it incorporates the snap on dust/impact cover now synonymous with PMAGs.
As the new magazine features a slightly curved body, it will be interesting to see if any problems arise with ammo pouches. The PMAG 20-LR is shipping to distributors and is already available from several online dealers although it has not yet been added to www.magpul.com.
Magpul has just alerted us to a new product that will be available within the next two weeks. The AFG (Angled ForeGrip) is the first of several new products being introduced between now and SHOT Show.
We are beginning to see a number of accessories hitting the market that endeavor to improve the interaction of man and weapon. After what is obviously an in-depth study of how the shooter should hold his weapon Magpul set about developing the AFG. The AFG has gone beyond just adding finger grooves to enhance ergonomics. It is in fact, a whole new way of gripping the rifle.
According to Mapul’s Drake Clark, “The AFG falls into the category of “Theory Based” products. Simply put, these products are designed to enhance weapon performance and user interface beyond what is currently available. Because these products do not simply replace an existing weapon component, there is an understanding with Theory Based Products that simple plug and play doesn’t apply. They require education by way of instructions, training, and familiarization with the product to become proficient, and only then will the benefits be realized. In addition to the AFG, other products in this category are the B.A.D. Lever, MS2, and ASAP.”
In addition to use on the M-16 family of weapons, Magpul recommends the AFG for use on the AK-series as well, as the design does not get in the way of magazine changes.
The AFG comes in Black, Flat Dark Earth, OD Green and Foliage Green. Available soon from Magpul.
Magpul has released the ACS™ QD Swivel Mount for the new Adaptable Carbine/Storage Stock. It attaches to the stock and allows for the quick attach/detach of slings to the weapon yet limits the rotation of the sling to prevent hangups.
During last week’s Modern Day Marine trade show at Quantico, I was perusing the items on display at the PM-ICE Marine Enhancement Program table. The program is great. Get new, innovative tools into the hands of Marines quickly without all of the red tape involved in a formal program. There has to be a valid need and the item has to be Government/Commercial Off-The-Shelf. Lastly, it needs to actually work.
Sitting on the table was a PMAG and someone asked the contractor behind the desk of these had been adopted for use by the Corps. “No” came the reply, “They wouldn’t fit in the issue magazine pouches”. Instead, according to the former Marine manning the booth, the Magpul magazine follower (enhanced self-leveling follower) was chosen as a suitable solution for 30 round magazine woes.
Oddly enough, rumor has it that the PMAG was recently granted an NSN and is being local purchased by the bushel by deploying Army units. The PMAG was also fielded as part of the lightweight equipment demonstration currently wrapping up in Afghanistan. Apparently they fit in Army magazine pouches. Who knew? Maybe the Marines could get in on that mag pouch action. No wait, they did, but then they…oh never mind.
Magpul will soon release the Mil-Spec Version of the ACS™ Carbine Stock. Designed to fit a Mil-Spec Receiver Extension (buffer) Tube, the ACS™ takes storage to a whole new level. In addition to dual, rear accessible, water-resistant battery storage tubes, it also features an integral storage compartment in the butt of the stock. The streamlined shape shields the release latch to prevent accidental activation. This is backed up by a power lock mechanism which relies on a chrome-silicon spring to avert auto-collapse failure by resisting spring relaxation.
The ACS™ features two sling mounts; the mid point of the stock accepts optional QD sling mounts (up to 1.5” push-button swivels) and the rear has a 1″ sling loop. The ACS™ comes standard with a rubber butt-pad which gives positive shoulder purchase to prevent slippage even with body armor or modular gear however the Enhanced Butt Pad will also fit this stock.
Magpul introduces its new EMAG (Export Magazine). Inspired by the popular PMAG, the EMAG is optimized for foreign-made weapons such as the HK 416, FN SCAR, British SA-80, Beretta ARX-160, IMI Tavor, and others while retaining compatibility with the AR15/M16 platform. The front-to-back and side-to-side dimensions have been adjusted to ensure compatibility with as many STANAG 4179 weapons as possible, including most non-TDP spec AR15 rifles and there are a ton of those out there.
Photo by Stickman
In addition to the cosmetic changes, Magpul also integrated the large, single-side MagLevel window found on the PMAG. This is the latest version of the MagLevel so the stainless steel magazine spring is now coated with mil-spec black oxide (MIL-DTL-13924D) and the indicator coil painted with a high visibility orange color. Additionally, numerical indicators have been added to the body to identify 5, 15, and 25 loaded rounds.
Note: This item or some of its components cannot be exported from the United States of America without a valid export permit from the U.S. State Dept. due to ITAR restrictions. (Oh the irony!) Additionally, the EMAG is restricted in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Massachusetts.
You’ve seen the Magpul Dynamics crew rocking the Battery Assist Device (B.A.D.) in training classes and on their training videos and it’s finally up on the Magpul website. The BAD has been greatly anticipated and has spawned several similar products from small shops and enthusiasts who couldn’t wait for the Magpul product to be released. Well, it’s here now, so you can get the original.
In a nutshell, the BAD allows you to manipulate the bolt catch by extending a paddle to the right side of the weapon into the trigger guard area. The simple design features a thin, anti-snag profile and textured surface that also allows for traditional manipulation of the bolt catch. The BAD is optimized for use with milspec forged upper and lower receivers, but is also compatible with the HK 416, VLTOR VIS/MUR, LaRue Stealth, and many other billet upper and lower receivers.
As with all Magpul products it is manufactured from high quality materials; in this case 6061-T6 aluminum with mil-spec finishing.
Magpul has just released the Enhanced Rubber Butt-Pad, as an optional replacement butt pad for the CTR and MOE Mil-spec stocks as well as the UBR stock. At .70″ thick it is designed for enhanced shoulder purchase as well as offering improved recoil reduction.
Magpul Industries has made another incremental improvement to the popular PMAG magazine. Information on all of the upgrades are included below on the graphic provided by Magpul but two items really stand out.
The Maglevel window has been slightly enlarged to improve visibility of the fluorescent orange Round Indicator and marking for 5, 15, and 25 have been added to the PMAG’s body to help take the guess work out of how many round are actually in the magazine.
The other improvement that will affect lots of shooters is that the side ribs have been reengineered in order to improve compatibility with non-mil-spec magwells as well as weapons such as the SCAR. This change will also improve the fit in some magazine pouches allowing for a smoother draw.
The new MagLevel PMAG will be available in Flat Dark Earth, Foliage, OD Green, and Black.
So you’re scratching your head saying, “Remington ACR?” Like everyone else you thought that Bushmaster had licensed the Masada design from Magpul in January of 2008 and was dragging their feet bringing it to market. This was hardly the case and Bushmaster in conjunction with Magpul has been hard at work to perfect the rifle and improve manufacturability. Along the way, the decision was made to transition the weapon system to Remington for military orders. This decision also provides access to their capacity and experience for design, production and marketing.
The weapon is aptly named as the Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR). First demonstrated at SHOT 2007 by Magpul Industries as the Masada, the design showcased several innovative features. It can be rapidly changed from 5.56 to 6.5 to 6.8 with the change of barrel, bolt, and magazine. Additionally, the rifle’s configuration can be altered for use as a close quarters weapon, carbine, and use in the designated marksman role.
Both Remington and Bushmaster are but two gun companies owned by Cerberus. Together with Marlin, Harrington & Richardson, New England Firearms, L.C. Smith, Parker, DPMS/Panther Arms, EOTAC, and INTC they form the Freedom Group Family of Companies.
Magpul has added to their every expanding Manufacturer Original Equipment (MOE) line with the release of the Trigger Guard. It is non-folding, has rounded edges, and fills the “gap” between the rear of the standard trigger guard and pistol grip. Magpul notes that due to variances in manufacturer specs some rifles may require some slight adjustments to the Trigger Guard for proper fit. The Trigger Guard is available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Olive Drab, and Foliage.
Magpul Dynamics has introduced a new ‘One size fits all’ adjustable cap that integrates new concepts we have never seen before. It is very well thought out and has four velcro panels to accommodate patches: a large 2.75 x 5″ patch up front, a small 1 x 1.5″ on top, a 1.5 x 5″ on the rear, and a smaller .75 x 2.25″ on the adjustment strap.
The velcro patches breathe and the interior is smooth and free of anything that might irritate the scalp, particularly while wearing ear pro.
The cap is currently available in Flat Dark Earth and Black but the FDE is lighter than that found on most weapons accessories.
There is a Magpul Dynamics logo embroidered tone on tone on the right rear of the cap.
Rumor has it that this isn’t the last specialized product to be introduced by Magpul. This limited run is available now from MAGPUL.
In addition to Magpul’s veritable plethora of upcoming black rifle accouterments, Magpul Dynamics debuted their new Ambidextrous Sling Adapter Plate (ASAP) and Multi Mission Sling System (MS2).
The ASAP is an innovative sling plate that allows the sling to swivel a full 270 degrees to facilitate transitions from right to left hand.
The MS2 is an adaptable sling that can be used as a single or two point point sling. It features an innovative buckle to quickly facilitate the conversion. The MS2 attaches to the ASAP with a snap shackle and the new buckle connects to a ring on the sling for single point carry or to a forthcoming rail mounted sling attachment point for a two point style.
