Magpul Masada

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System
Magpul Masada, 5.56mm, 14.5-inch barrel
Type	Assault Rifle
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Designer	Richard Fitzpatrick, 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)

Cartridge	5.56 x 45 mm NATO, 6.8 mm Remington SPC, 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 magazine, double column
Sights	Rear: None included (Picatinny rail); Front: Integral flip-up, elevation-adjustable post

The Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System is an assault 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 assault rifle platform. Design features from the Armalite AR-18 (gas system), the FN SCAR (upper receiver, stock, charging handle location), the Heckler & Koch G36/XM8 (liberal use of polymer components), the Heckler & Koch G3 (trigger pack), and the M16 (barrel, fire control group including trigger) are clearly prevalent. The rifle also includes several features developed by Magpul, such as a quick-change barrel/trunnion system, adjustable gas regulator, non-reciprocating charging handle, integral flip-up front sight, and storage compartments located in the stock and grip.^[1]

[edit] 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]