That was quick. Less than 24 hours after our article predicting that the Magpul 20LR would be the magazine for Colt Defense, LLC’s new CM901 Modular Carbine, it has been verified by Defense Review’s David Crane who seems to have the inside scoop. Go check out the photos. That’s an interesting finish on that weapon.
There has been quite a bit of discussion on the magazine depicted in the Colt patent drawings for a Modular Firearm. Many have noted that it is an AR10 magazine and based on the date of the patent this was probably the case. However, in the ensuing four years since the patent was issued, a great product called the Magpul PMAG 20LR came along and is rapidly becoming THE industry standard for a 7.62 magazine for Stoner-style weapons. We won’t know for sure until AUSA when Colt has promised to unveil the CM901, but our money’s on the PMAG 20LR.
While the Angled Fore-Grip (AFG) proved quite popular despite essentially changing the way many shooters hold their weapon, there were some changes that Magpul realized they wanted to make once it saw wide spread use. Rather than forcing the hand to assume a vertical grip, the AFG positions the hand in a more natural manner.
So what are those changes you might ask? As you can see from this photo provided by Magpul, almost everything has been improved. Essentially, it works in the same way as its predecessor but it is slimmed down. Additionally, the angle is shallower and it is sleeker to accommodate items mounted on side rails such as lights. Finally, this aspect of the design will allow it to fit additional rails that the original AFG had issues with. The AFG2 should be considered an enhanced design and the original pattern which is now referred to as the AFG1, will no longer be produced.
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.
Yes, those are BAE HAPS on the helmets and Blackhawk HPFU.
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.
