Magpul Masada rifle to be sold by Bushmaster

[Melensdad]

I found this interesting, but not sure if I like this news. The Masada rifle is claimed by many who have handled it to be the most advanced of the modern 'black rifle' variants. Its a gas piston, and highly enhanced, version of the AR15/M16 rifle system. It is claimed to be vastly superior to the Sig 556 and the H&K 416, both of which are considered excellent weapon systems.

What I don't know that I am thrilled about is the connection to Bushmaster. Bushmaster, Remington, Cobb and several other gun companies were bought out by a holding company that seems intent on cornering the weapons market. The Magpul Masada seems like a gun that could have tilted at their windmill and made a difference. That gun is now in their stable.

http://www.magpul.com/images/gallery/masada/big/masada1.jpg

From Bushmaster Release

Bushmaster Firearms International, LLC (BFI) announced today that it has signed an exclusive license deal with Magpul Industries Corp. for the production, future development, and sales of Magpul’s prototype MASADA weapon system.

The Bushmaster ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) will initially be offered in 5.56 NATO, available for law enforcement and civilian purchase second quarter 2008. This release will be followed by military ACR versions in the 3rd quarter of 2008.

Without government funding or outside influence of any kind, the Masada concept was developed from scratch in Boulder, Colorado by Magpul’s Design Group. The Masada concept was first shown publicly at the 2007 Shot Show and its success prompted Magpul to spend a year redesigning the system for production.

The result is the ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) which keeps the fundamentals of the Masada concept with added advanced features such as firing pin block and true ambidextrous charging handle.

Among the ACR’s key features are a gas piston operating system, tool-less quick change barrel, multi-adjustable folding stock with integrated storage, and backward compatibility with a number of AR15/M16 parts. Due to similar operating controls, user transition from the M16 series of weapons is easily facilitated with minimal re-training.

The Bushmaster ACR will initially be available in 3 SKUS: Standard Carbine with fixed stock, Entry Carbine with folding stock, and Special Purpose Rifle with Precision Rifle Stock. Live fire demonstration and test and evaluations beginning in the end of March to qualified law enforcement, federal government agencies.

http://www.magpul.com/images/gallery/masada/big/masada3.jpg

http://www.magpul.com/images/gallery/masada/big/masada2.jpg

[PBinWA]

That gun's kinda sexy! Maybe you better move this to the MLR, I think I'm getting excited!:love:

[Melensdad]

Me too. Honestly this one is on my short list of guns to buy. Its American made, American designed/engineered too. I don't like the Sig 556, some do, its a good gun but I just don't like it. The HK 416 has some appeal, but I'd pass it by in a heartbeat for one of these Masadas! Another hot gun, if we can get it in civilian format, is the new FN, its available in small & large sizes (5.56 and 7.62) and 80% of the parts interchange between the two platforms. I want one of those too.

[PBinWA]

What's the pricing on it? 2-3K?

[Melensdad]

Not released, but I doubt it would be that high. Realistically to be a commercial success it will have to be priced no higher than the premium production AR15 guns. I'm only guessing but I'd say $1500 to $2000.

[Big Dog]

I've finally got a little interest in the AR only because Stag has a full line up of left hand models, currently considering the 2TL.

The Masada is now eye candy for sure.

[Erik]

OK, I've been hearing about the masada, been looking for a gas piston EBR in both 556 & 762.
This is the first time I've heard anyone say something negative abut the sig 556 - any specifics, or is it just "feel" for you?


any idea if the masada is going to take a proprietary mag, or will it use AR15 mags?

I never liked the M-16 because it "felt" wrong. I tried to like my mini-14, but finally had to give up and sell it, because it was just collecting dust. Again, a "feel" thing. (which surprised me, because the only other Ruger I didn't like was the mk II pistol I grew up shooting)
I much prefer recoil and piston guns over the stoner type gas systems due to cleaning issues - not a slam against Stoner, AR-15, or Armalite! :respect:
I just don't like them very much - guess I spent too many hours cleaning them "back when".

have also been looking at the ptr91, but haven't been able to find anyone who could give me any feedback on it: good, bad, or indifferent. The FN could be interesting, too, depending on price.

[Melensdad]

This is the first time I've heard anyone say something negative abut the sig 556 - any specifics, or is it just "feel" for you?

Just my personal bias. Nothing more. But for the price, I'd expect sights would be included with the gun. JMO

[Snowcat Operations]

Anyone see one of these for sale yet?

[Melensdad]

Anyone see one of these for sale yet?

I don't think they are scheduled for sale until this fall or early winter.

[Snowcat Operations]

Thanks. I may get one or two and sell my Ar15 M4 Colt.

[Melensdad]

I'm planning on getting a Masada (Bushmaster ACR) when it is released. I'm also going to pick up a FN SCAR "Light" as soon as it is released too. Both are do out in civilian format this fall. Both will very likely be banned by NO-bama, Hitlery and McCain next year. While McCain said he does not favor reinstating the so called Assault Weapons Ban, both Obama and Clinton favor it. I've also got a FN SCAR "Heavy" on my wish list, but there is no release date for those in civilian form announced yet. Heck I was in the gun store yesterday and picked up 2 AR stripped lowers while I was there (he only had 2 so I only got 2).

[mbsieg]

Updates????????

[Melensdad]

Updates????????

Seems to have fallen off the radar since the AR15 craze has hit America and now makes up over 50% of all long gun sales. I'd guess that Bushmaster doesn't want to invest in the tooling to produce a new rifle that may be banned by the new administration as soon as it hits the market.:neutral:

[Doc]

Any news on this?
I just noticed this is the 3rd most popular / viewed thread on forums forums. :eek: :clap: :clap: Right behind the popular snowcat threads. :D

[Melensdad]

I have no real updates.

There have been several reports of Remington offering this rifle in 223, 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC. Its been shown on the Remington's Law Enforcement website. But no delivery date, no price, etc.

Bushmaster and Remington are both owned by the same holding company and share product lines, it may also be offered by Bushmaster? I recently checked with the main wholesaler that supplied the gunshop I was involved in but they had no updated information on any version of this gun. It is certainly possible that someone has more current information than I have. I'd love to hear any updates on these, this is on my short list of guns to buy.

I like this gun better than the FN SCAR. I had planned on buying a SCAR (or two) but was actually somewhat disappointed when I finally got to see one.