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A&K Masada Review

A&K Masada Review

It would be hard to point to a more anticipated replica with the explosion of Magpul mania within airsoft. This was only increased by its presence on Future Weapons and recently the appearance of its more up-to-date relative the ACR, in the smash hit ‘Modern Warfare 2’.

Real Steel Masada

The Masada rifle was developed by US-based company Magpul Industries, which became famous for its line of aftermarket accessories and replacement parts for firearms. Work on the new modular rifle, suitable for civilian, police and military applications and designed more or less along the lines of the SCAR program commenced in 2006. First prototypes were shown to the public in 2007 at ShotShow, and early in 2008 it was announced that new rifle (previously known as Masada) will be mass produced by famous American gun-making company Bushmaster Firearms. Current plans are to introduce civilian and police (semi-automatic) versions in mid-2009, with military select-fire version scheduled for production in late 2009. It is also planned to introduce Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifles in 5.56mm / .223 Rem caliber; other calibers might follow later. Magpul also is developing a 7.62x51 / .308 Win version of the Masada / ACR rifle, provisionally known as Masoud. It is still in early development and no information is available on its date of release to the public.

The Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic or selective-fired (Military version only) weapon of modular design. It utilizes aluminum alloy upper receiver, with polymer pistol grip / trigger / magazine housing (lower receiver) unit which is attached to the upper receiver using cross-pins. Various types of  lower receivers are planned to accommodate different types of magazines (i.e. Ar-15 type magazines as opposed to AK-type magazines). The trigger / manual safety unit is made as a single removable item, and it mostly utilizes Ar-15-compatible parts. The barrels of ACR / Masada are quick-detachable, with short-stroke gas pistons attached to each barrel. To remove the barrel (for change, inspection or maintenance), user has to remove polymer handguards, then swing down the wire lever, located below the barrel, turn the barrel to unlock and pull it forward and out of the receiver. All barrels are free-floated within handguards to achieve consistent accuracy. Bolt group also is made as a single unit, with captive return spring and rotary multi-lug bolt which locks directly to the barrel breech. The standard magazine housing, which is suited to accept Ar-15 type magazines, has ambidextrous magazine release buttons. The ambidextrous bolt stop release button is located at the front of the triggerguard. Safety lever is also ambidextrous, and charging handle can be installed on either side of the gun, depending on user preferences. Depending on the version (or user preferences) ACR / Masada rifle can be equipped with various Magpul-made buttstocks, fixed or side-folding, and adjustable for length of pull (some also with adjustable cheek rest). Each Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifle gas integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver; additional accessory rails can be installed on forend according to user preferences. Masada / Bushmaster ACR rifle can be fitted with removable iron sights, and/or with any optical or night sight  with appropriate mounting.

Source: Modern Firearms

Replica Masada

The release by A&K of a replica was met with much joy, unfortunately Magpuls muscle showed thought, and the replica sale was soon driven underground even with the mainstream china soft retailers. It must be noted that the ability of Magpul to control sale  and apply pressure to A&K is rather impressive considering the wide spread cloning/copying of other companies  goods  and there inability to stem the tide.

Recently the A&K Magpul Masada has been re-released on the open market after A&K and Magpul came to an agreement in regard to its sale. The A&K is know a licensed copy with the inclusion of a holographic sticker and white markings on the receiver and sold under the Magpul PTS line, aside from these updates, the products remains the same in terms of materials and construction. A&K is also involved in Magpuls XXX project which will be a high end replica with a large number of highly anticipated fetchers, more information on the XXX can be found over at arniesairsoft.

With the re-release of the A&K Masada I took the opportunity to expand my collection and add a small amount of variety to collection, considering the dominance of AK replicas at the time.  I my order with RSOV on a Friday to take advantage of there current Christmas 12% sale, and the parcel was at my door by the next Friday, considering the two day stop over in Irish customs the service from RSOV has to be commended once again. With shipping and customs taken into consideration I ended up paying a reasonable €270. The over all cost was helped by the replica being a rarity within china soft, a stock fps of sub 1 joule (300fps .20g) and therefore allowing you to avoid the normally extortionate downgrading cost or the damage caused by free services which normally end in a butchered cylinder or nozzle.

The parcel was shipped via TNT; once again they gave excellent service with great communication. This was useful when dealing with the parcels almost compulsory stop over in customs. A short phone call followed up by a quick email supplying information confirming the Masada’s stock fps the parcel was released. Happily with out any more delay the parcel arrived in my hands after handing over customs charges the next day.

Above: Masda and packaging

The parcel was rapped in the customary brown parcel paper held together by red and white tape communicating to the world that the parcel had come to the attention of customs. The Masada’s box is of a simple design, a world away from the flashy graphics of companies like Tokyo Marui, being made up of a simple black printing directly onto the cardboard. Once the internal packaging has been slid from the box you find the Masada held firmly in place clam shelled between two form fitting pieces of Styrofoam.

The Masada is supplied with a 300rd hi cap magazine replica of the Magpul PMAG with magazines workings clearly visible though the clear side windows. The Masada is a departure from A&K previous releases and 'clone products in general of late' as it is supplied without charger or battery, this may be seen as a negative to some, but from past experience, these are normally disposed of by most users due to there low quality so there absence will not be of any major concern to the vast majority of people.

Above: Supplied Hi-cap Pmag 300rd

As I removed the Masada body from the packaging the stock swung open, at first this was of little concern as the stock could have simply not have been correctly secured before shipping. On closer inspection when I tried to secure the stock it became apparent that the stock catch had been broken. From previous review and information obtained from various forums I was aware that the catch was an area of weakness. I was unprepared for it to arrive having already been broken. Unfortunately it is unclear as to if the Masada was shipped from RSOV broken or if the attentions of customs resulted in the damage.

Above: Stock damage

With no spares  or 3^rd party replacements available for the Masada yet  (we can only hope that with the partnership between Magpul and A&K and the increased availability of the Masada increased a supply of replacements either directly from A&K or a 3^rd party will be available in the not too distant  future) a number of attempts to fix the catch have been made unfortunately non where successful, the broken section was to small to glue with any real strength and the walls of the catch where  to small to allow for any form of reliable pinning. In the end and after a few unsuccessful attempts at repair, I choose to glue the stock in position this may seem a little extreme but I very rarely use a folded stock other than for transportation. I would rather have a fixed stock I can reply on than a folding stock with a tendency to fall apart at inopportune moments.

The Masada’s design borrows strongly from two modern firearms, mixing the contraction and materials of the G36 with the control and functionality of an M4/M16. Anyone who’s owned or worked on a G36 will notice right away the similarities in terms of material and construction. Where as anyone with experience of the M4/M16 will be able to pick up the Masada and instantly feel at home with muscle memory taking over.

Above: Masada G36 and M4A1 comparison

The Masada is available in both tan (although from pictures it looks closer to FDE) and black. I purchased the black version for the simple reason it was the only version in stock at the time making my choice an easy one.  The construction of the Masada is predominantly flat matt black polymer with the only external components being the outer barrel/flash hider, trigger, top rail, and iron sights being made out of metal. This makes for a relatively light weight and compact package, with excellent fit between components and a complete absence of rattle.

Stock the Masada comes with a 14inch barrel, a nice touch is the outer barrel and inner barrel and hop-up are designed as a single quick changeable unit, mimicking the functionality of the real steel Masada. Other companies have attempted in the past to implement such system with mixed success, the Star/Ares scars being worth of note, unfortunately for the wrong reasons as the locking system was not the best resulting in lost barrel units at times. Fortunately A&K has done an excellent job on the Masada, implementing a lug and lock system that will hold barrel in place no matter what you put your Masda thought.

Above: Details of the quick change barrel on the Masda

A replacement 10inch CQB barrel is available for the Masada although it appears in limited number going by there availability, I was able to get hold of one after a long wait and daily checks off a number of retailers. The CQB barrel is sold as a complete unit made up of the outer/inner barrel and hop-up unit and is supplied pre assembled ready for use out of the box.

Above: comparison between the two available Masada barrel lengths

The hand guard is similar to the G36 with the battery storage located underneath. The hand guard slides on and is held in place by a pin, fortunately the pin is a tight fit meaning there is little to no chance of the pin working itself lose during use, a common problem at times with G36 replicas. The Masada’s hand guard is supplied without rails but these are available separately and attach the same way as the Magpul M4 MOD hand guard and can be attached at 2, 6 and 10 o’clock position.

Above: Masada handguard, rails can be attaches at the 2 6 and 10 o'clock position

The stock folds to the right, unfortunately on mine the stock does not lock into position when folded and can easily swing free. I’ve previously mentioned my broken stock catch, from research online this does seem to be an area of weakness and mine was not an isolated case, and would be a concern due to the unavailability of parts at this time. An adjustable check rest is included along with an extendable stock section with 7 positions allowing 75mm of movement,  in its locked position the stock is rock solid with no movement, rubber butt pad is included. The stock is comfortable to use and offers a large amount of adjustment to suit most body types.

 Above: Adjustable stock and cheek rest

Above: Mid body QD sling point

The pistol grip and lower receiver nod strongly towards the G36. The Lower receiver and gearbox come away from the body of the Masada in a similar manor to the G36 with a one piece contraction. The safe/semi/auto markings are nicely and clearly moulded into the receiver and the selector switch is solid with a positive response on changing position with the switch locking into place nicely with no wobble. The pistol grip is similar in design to the Magpul MIAD grip which is available for the M4/M16.

Above: Comparison between G36 and Masada receivers

Above: Details on the Masda lower receiver

All control are ambidextrous the selector switch and magazine release are easy to operate and anyone who is used to an M4/16 will be at home. The bolt and charging handle are functional to allow access to the hop-up, the bolt release is located in a slightly awkward position and you would need to move your from the pistol grip to release the bolt with your trigger finger, fortunately with an aeg this is not much of an issue with little impact.

Above: Ambidextrous controls and working bolt cover on the Masada

Iron sights are supplied with the Masada, the front sight is built-in and of a flip up design without any adjustment. The rear sight bolts onto the 20mm rail which runs the AEGs length and is adjustable for windage and elevation. Although basic the design is perfectly adequate for the engagement ranges of airsoft and considering most people will be throwing on there optics of choice out of the box, they will more than likely remain unused by most people.

Above: Masada iron sights

Above: Masada with replica acog optics

Above: Masada with replica eotech 556

I've tested as many magazines as I have available, MAG, King Arms, Star and Dboys and all are compatible without modification and feed well.

Above: Star Green Label PMAG

Above: Magpul PTS PMAG

Above: Kings Arms VN mid caps

Above: Kings Arms HK Mid Cap

The supplied stock inner barrel is brass with a standard 6.08 inner diameter, perfectly serviceable and offering solid performance if your leaving it stock, the only recommendation would be to give it a good clean out of the box to remove the normal build up of crap (please see performance information bellow)

The hop up unit is another unique part within the Masada as previously mentioned and with the lake of spare parts it goes without saying ot be care full when working with this. The design is close to the AK slide design and offers a wide range of accurate adjustment that will not suffer from creep as can happen with a standard m4/m16 hop up design at times. The units is clear which helps with identify feeding problems. Clear hop up units used to be seen as a sign of a cheap product but with the leaps forward in terms of design and materials this is no longer the case and i find the package a solid performer especially when partnered with something like a guarder clear bucking, offering excellent performance.

Above: The Masada's unique clear hop up unit

The stock gearbox is a v2 design with only the nozzle being a unique part (the length is similar to the sr25 but not compatible, fortunately a replacement precision CNC nozzle has been released for the Masada thought RSOV) allowing for a wide range of upgrade options. Stock the gearbox is basic but solid, It is supplied with one piece metal bushings, the gears are generic branded A&K offerings and the piston and piston head are made of white polycarbonate material, the stock piston has 50% of the the 2nd and 25% of the 3rd tooth removed to help with premature engagement issues for anyone looking to replace the stock battery with something a little more substantial. The spring guide is metal but nether this or the piston head have bearings as standard. The shimming on my version was rather good and surprisingly the lubrication had not been applied with a paintbrush so neither of these had to be redone on mine.

Above: Stock A&K Masada Gearbox

Above: Stock piston with the supplied modification to the 2nd and 3rd teeth

Above: Stock branded A&K gear set, the discoloration of the spur gear was a concern when first opening gearbox, but fortunately on closer inspection it was revealed to only be a discoloration of the metal and not a build up of rust

The A&K Masada's battery is located in the from handguard, you can easily fit a 8.4 or 9.6 mini (or any correspondingly sized 7.4v or 11.1v lipos) inside without issue.

Stock my Masada was shoot an average of around 295fps with .20g bb and the hop up off, following a barrel clean to remove the customary detritus that had been deposited there to a nice average of 310. Perfectly unacceptable for the Irish market out of the box with room for a upgraded barrel without the need for opening the gearbox to downgrade the spring.

Accuracy was bellow average with a poor 30cm spread at 30 yard and 3 fliers, a change of bucking to a Guarder clear or Madbull blue is clearly on the cards. ROF was a brisk 1030 (+/- 10) on a 7.4 v 2000mha 20c lipo. Unfortunately the trigger response is slack and the motor sounds labored, it appears to lean more towards high torque and change to a high speed G&P 120 or similar would compliment its 1 joule output more and offer a cost effective upgrade.

Conclusion

The Masada is an excellent package, offering a solid piece of kit combining many of the best bits of the M4 and the G36 into an attractive package. It is comfortable to use and easy to carry around your local field all day. Performance stock is acceptable but with room for improvement. FPS is ideal for Ireland with its 1 joule limit and perfect for CQB in many other countries where as in the US for example many may see a spring upgrade compulsory to be competitive out on the open field.

The Masada is already a hit due to the Magpul fan base in airsoft and popularity of games such as MW2 so its availability is not the best, and the recent troubles within china coupled with he Chinese new year have only added to the problems with trying to source this product. While not my first choice for anyone new to the port due to some QC issues and the unavailability of a number of replacement parts I see the Masada as an excellent choice for anyone looking to pick something new up who has purchased an M4 in the passed without the need to spend additional money on new magazines and batteries, and add a unique and iconic modern design to there options.

With the future release of the Magpul PTS ACR many would see the A&k Masada as a poor relative but considering the expected cost of the ACR being close to $400+ vase cost with added accessory's on top, I believe the A&K Masada will still sell strongly as it offers an excellent value for money product for those on a budget while still offering a great plate form for upgrades due to its V2 gearbox for the future. The only negatives stems from its small number of unique parts and the lake of reliable replacements in the market, this especially comes to the for with the issue of the stock catch and its fundamentally flawed design creating a weakness. This issue need to always be considered as would would easily be left with a Masada shaped paperweight if the worst were to happen.

 

Skirmish Report – Coming Soon