By Bruce Alexander
Defense Tech has another really interesting article out, this time on the Magpul “Masada” combat weapon. In a nutshell, the Masada is a combat rifle based on the M4/M16 platform but includes improvements on the existing M4/M16 plus features from several other well known combat rifles from such well known firms as H&K and FN.
The Masada seems to have significant potential for use in Personal Security Details (PSD) and Military Security Details (MSD) operating in high risk and high threat environments. The Masada has various configurations to include two variants with a shortened hand guard that could be used in PSD/MSD. However. what I really like about the Masada is the interchangeable lower receiver from 5.56 to 7.62 which gives the weapons user great flexibility (provided of course you’ve got both barrels available) as well as training and cost advantages (think locally obtained ammo as opposed to bringing your own).
There’s obviously a role for a combat rifle in high threat environments for PSD/MSD. Several PSD/MSD entities operating in Iraq and Afghanistan are using the M4 or some other combat rifle ((H&K G36) in their kit so the Masada would certainly not be out of place.
Like the AK9 , the Masada needs to be tested/evaluated in regards to its suitability for PSD/MSD but it appears the Masada might be a serious option for PSD/MSD work.
Very accurate for an assault weapon of its type…although chances are we would use is under close combatives…it can hit a 100 yrd target within an inch every time.
How is the accuracy and maintenance?
Great feild weapon for ambush scenerios and working in details with high threat levels. Cant find a better rifle for the price.