SIG Sauer continues to do things their way. It’s hard to argue against this considering their extended run of success. At this point, we should accept it as the norm. With personal defense, law enforcement, and military-focused products such a central part of their business model, the bolt action Cross introduction in 2020 many surprised a lot of people. The reason for this was because the Cross was not tactical in nature. Rather the Cross was a blend of a hunting rifle with a tactical precision rifle. The result is a light, handy, and extremely versatile rifle.

To date, the Cross line up has added three different models to the original—each emphasizing different parts of the original design, i.e. lighter in weight for hunters or more emphasis on accuracy for PRS-style shooting activities. This is the SIG way… listening to feedback from consumers in order to continue honing weapon capabilities. The latest SIG Cross is yet a different beast from the initial offering. The Cross Magnum is a long action variant chambered in the powerhouse 300 Win Mag cartridge. You can bet different calibers are in the works taking advantage of the new action length…including 300 PRC and 338 Lapua Magnum variants.

SIG Sauer has chosen to go a different path with the Cross Magnum when compared to competitor’s heavyweight chassis rifles. The key here is the monolithic Cross receiver. The receiver is entirely independent, with the folding buttstock attaching to its rear and the barrel assembly to its front. The Cross Magnum offers enhanced cartridge performance while maintaining key characteristics of accuracy and relative light weight with handy ergonomics.

THIS IS THE WAY

SIG is known for its innovative approaches in weapon design. Much of this stems from SIG’s background of responding to military solicitation, especially from SOCOM forces. The desirable characteristics for a precision bolt-action rifle are cold bore zero retention, accuracy, extended effective range, reliability, and handling. One overarching theme with the Cross Magnum is keeping weight down to maximize efficiency. You carry a rifle far more than you shoot it. No matter the role envisioned, competition, hunting, or even tactical (though not marketed as such, SIG’s law enforcement sales department tells me it has received inquiries about the SIG Cross Magnum) there can be no compromise in terms of consistent accuracy.

The Cross’s action is incredibly rigid, yet light, thanks to its one-piece minimalist receiver. This contrasts with more typical methods of setting the receiver and barrel into a separate stock or chassis. The Cross eliminates need for bedding, action screws, and other means of conjoining the components. The Cross one-piece receiver interacts directly with trigger, bolt, AICS magazine, and barrel; think of it like an AR-style receiver without upper and lower distinctions. This is a change from typical bolt-action construction methods and serves to minimize many of the accuracy-robbing factors associated with typical bolt-actions. The Cross more resembles an AR than a traditional bolt-action rifle in terms of control layout and grip. Following this AR theme, a barrel extension and nut are used to secure the barrel to the action. This makes barrel changes simple.

The SIG Cross in 300 Win Mag with 24-inch barrel weighs in at 8.9 pounds. Many will raise an eyebrow at this considering it seems too light for comfort considering the recoil associated with 300 Win Mag. Along these same lines, the monolithic aluminum receiver will cause skepticism. Don’t forget, the first Cross was designed to deal with high pressure 277 Fury ammunition. The Cross receiver is machined, not cast. The Cross receiver is more in line with the barrel instead of sitting under the barrel, thus minimizing barrel whip and other harmonics that could cause inaccuracy. The Cross design offers a rock-solid backbone conducive to long-range shooting. It features tightly toleranced rifling dimensions, minimum headspace, and trued chamber. A full-diameter bolt body makes the Cross Magnum smooth to operate.

The stainless-steel, medium contour 24-inch 1:9-inch twist 5R rifled, free-floated barrel is surrounded by full-length ARCA-railed handguard. An impressively effective radial muzzle brake is screwed to the threaded muzzle. This statement stems from the surprised looks on the faces of shooters after firing the first round. Usually, grand claims of recoil reduction are ignored as recoil sensitivity is often a subjective matter. However, SIG’s claim of a 45-percent reduction in recoil may actually be understated. The match trigger is another pleasant experience with slight two-stage take-up and a three-pound break. The PRS-style grip and-right side thumb safety rest is another revelation for those unfamiliar with this set up.

The Cross bolt is a 3-lug hunk of metal within the aluminum receiver. Three locking lugs give it a 60-degree handle lift—one of the shortest on the market. Scopes can be mounted low due to the minimal bolt lift. The short throw, combined with smooth operation, makes for one slick bolt action. Quick bolt manipulation translates into rapid follow up shots. The locking lugs being the same diameter as the bolt body means there’s no raceway needed, as compared to Mauser-style lugs that protrude outside the bolt’s diameter. This makes the Cross very strong since there is no need to remove material from the receiver to create a raceway. Rigidity is a must for consistent accuracy. SIG designed the Cross action to harness current and future cartridges.

Interestingly, the rear interfacing surfaces of the bolt lugs are angled and tapered, not square as is the more traditional approach. This is to facilitate locking the bolt into place like an artillery breech when turned into place. The bolt head is pinned into the bolt body, with just a bit of play to enable the locking lugs to find equal bearing when closed. A stout extractor is dovetailed into the rightmost lug. It reliably removes fired cases from the chamber. The ejector is a spring-loaded plunger throwing brass clear of the receiver.

The 5R rifling used in the Cross barrel was developed by Barrett “Boots” Obermeyer. 5R is different from conventional rifling by changing the shape and configuration of the lands and grooves. 5R rifling uses five lands and grooves versus the more common four or six land and groove profile. This puts lands opposite of grooves on the facing side of the barrel face, with another tweak being the transition from the top of the land to the groove is sloped. 5R rifling reduces projectile deformation as the bullet passes through the bore when fired. The benefit is that a more uniform flying projectile equates to increased accuracy. 5R rifling is easier to clean and less prone to accuracy-robbing fouling, as well. All of this is not abstract theory as 5R rifling has developed a dedicated target shooting following that swears by it.

The Cross Magnum’s flat, ARCA-railed forend handles bipods or sandbags with equal aplomb. However, it is not exclusively designed for shooting from the prone or bench. The Cross Magnum is great for offhand and other types of supported fire. Clay pigeons were not safe at 130 yards offhand, and when placed in a Kopfjager tripod, 300 yards was still in the danger zone for those dastardly orange circles. This is what makes the Cross line of rifles so attractive to both the backcountry hunter and the precision rifle shooting competitor.

The ergonomics and adjustability of the Cross Magnum stock allow for a comfortable, repeatable cheek weld that, combined with optimal hand placement, enables the shooter to pull the match-grade flat-faced trigger straight to the rear for maximum accuracy when breaking the shot. The Cross’s skeletal aluminum buttstock provides adjustment for comb height, length-of-pull, and butt pad height. The forward angled PRS-style grip and right-side thumb rest safety also come into play here. The Cross Magnum uses detachable AICS-style 6-round detachable magazines.

SIG PARTY

A SIG Tango6 3-18×44 optic was mounted to the Cross Magnum using a one-piece SIG scope base. A SIG SLH 7.62 NATO suppressor was chosen for use with the Cross Magnum. A SIG SLH QD muzzle brake device was installed on the barrel, replacing the radial brake for certain parts of our review. The ability to wield a suppressed Cross rifle is a valued option.

Options for 300 Win Mag ammunition are plentiful. Examples of ammunition used for testing the Cross Magnum consisted of SIG Sauer Elite Hunter Tipped 180-grain, SIG Sauer Elite Copper Hunting 165-grain, Black Hills Ammunition 190-grain Match, Federal Premium 180-grain Accubond, and Hornady 180-grain SST Superformance and 178-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter loadings. The thought process is simple; if these loads do not produce accuracy, nothing will. None of these loads disappointed, all providing minute-of-angle accuracy with three-round groups; a great compliment to both the ammunition and the Cross Magnum rifle. The logistical advantage of a rifle that is not ammunition-sensitive cannot be overemphasized.

PERFORMANCE

After bench work establishing innate accuracy, the Cross Magnum was taken to the field for further testing. This consisted of shooting prone from a bipod and an Eberlestock pack at clay pigeons more than 300 yards away. As mentioned, a Kopfjager tripod was also used. The Cross Magnum’s bolt was worked, and targets acquired as quickly as possible. We verified that single-feed operation was possible by laying a loose round into the action on top of the empty magazine and had no issue chambering the cartridge. The Cross Magnum’s radial brake combined with the adjustable stock and slick bolt with short lift proved potent. The SIG SLH suppressor also proved an enhancement for taming recoil and blast signature.

FIELD TESTING

Other testing consisted of shooting steel silhouette targets out to 600 yards at Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC’s) known distance range. The Cross Magnum’s accuracy, combined with clear, powerful SIG optics, enabled first-round center-mass hits that quickly transitioned to head shots on stationary targets. Importantly, no malfunctions of any kind were experienced, even during rapid operation of the bolt and reloads. This is crucial. The operational reliability of even a simple bolt-action rifle should never be taken for granted. I have witnessed various loading, chambering, and ejection malfunctions over the years. Another important thing to test is how reliably the rifle ejects a loaded round. This important attribute is often overlooked, but it’s an essential operation if there is ever an ammunition problem. A cold bore shot was taken at every opportunity during our many visits to the range. The shot always landed where intended. Nothing instills more confidence in a weapon system—rifle, ammunition, optics, and marksman—than the ability to place the first shot exactly as aimed.

The EVTC Jungle Walk Range was used to get a sense of the Cross Magnum’s handling characteristics. Targets were set up randomly along the meandering 575-yard path. A shooter must move down the path until their partner points out a paper or steel target. Often, unconventional, braced field positions were assumed, using a fallen tree or tree limb for support, especially if targets were over 200 yards away. While not a quantifiable trait, the Cross Magnum hangs and balances well from various shooting positions and was easy to get into and out of various field shooting positions. The Cross Magnum’s stock design allows for a good cheek weld that aids in handling recoil by preventing a slap of the face.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Cross Magnum proved easy to handle and point with no frantic searching for targets required when the rifle was brought up to the shoulder. The ability to move through varied terrain and engage randomly placed targets hidden within cover suited the Cross Magnum perfectly. If lucky, the hunter will be able to adopt a kneeling or sitting position in lieu of a pure offhand shooting position. A rifle weighing less than 9 pounds, chambered in a hard-hitting caliber, and capable of sub-MOA accuracy cannot be ignored by any hunter whether they spot and stalk, still hunt, or choose to hunt safari-style or from a blind. The Cross Magnum can handle it all.

SPECIFICATIONS

At the range and especially in the mountains, keeping your pack-out simple is huge. Opportunities to fill your tag can come quickly, but advanced ballistic solutions often require a lot of scrambling between pieces of gear.

Vortex has solved this problem for Western hunters, long-range, and competition shooters by taking its top-tier laser rangefinder and building in an on-board GeoBallistics solver. The ballistic app made popular by serious long-range shooters, GeoBallistics lets you create custom rifle profiles and more.

Heads-up display. Ballistic references charts. Interactive mapping features and a Comp tab to build and save range cards. This highly advanced solver inside the Razor HD 4000 GB lets you create accurate shooting solutions with ease. Combine all this with the Razor HD 4000 GB’s superior optical quality, plus Bluetooth connection capability with Kestrel devices (via the GeoBallisticsApp), and you get an unparalleled level of shot-calling precision in a device that can fit in your pocket.

Weighing just 10.1 oz., the rugged and fully loaded Razor HD 4000 GB delivers the same four target modes (Normal, First, Last, and ELR) and two range modes — Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) and Ballistics Mode (BAL) —high-level shooters and hunters have come to rely on. Built-in environmental sensors (temp, pressure, humidity) in conjunction with the GeoBallistics solver, two wind modes, patented Vortex Wind Bearing Capture Mode, and Full Crosswind Mode make solving ballistic problems fast and easy in any environment or shooting scenario.

Tripod adaptable. Water, fog, and shockproof. Intuitive, easy-to-use menus feature a simple, red, illuminated display that delivers the data you need without a single, unnecessary click. The Razor HD 4000 GB (MSRP: $1199.99 / MAP: $799.99) also comes with a premium carry case, utility clip, and CR2 battery.

To learn more about the Razor HD 4000 GB and the growing family of Vortex laser rangefinders, click here. To learn more about GeoBallistics visit the website.

By Rick Cicero

A Tool for Overcoming Physical and Mental Disabilities

Impetus for Learn to Shoot Again Program

In August 2010, I lost my right arm and leg from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Six months later, after learning to walk again, a trip to the range with my Dad rekindled my love of shooting. Over the next several years via trial and error and with guidance from other shooting professionals in the military and police, I developed new shooting techniques to work within my physical “limitations.” I was my own worst student. I knew what a proper stance and all the fundamentals should look like, I found myself shooting well, yet I would look down and see that my stance and grip were not what would traditionally be correct. That’s when I finally came to the realization that I had to learn to shoot again using different techniques to suit my abilities.

Advancements in technology, including the SIG SAUER Brace, have been instrumental in honing my skills. Each new success is built on previous successes. After attending an Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Family Day event, I became involved in supporting such activities. This organization created associations with other accomplished shooters such as Trevor Baucom and Chris Fleming, also injured veterans. The true success of that day was when I began taking fellow wounded veterans to the range, which was the impetus for what is now the Learn to Shoot Again program—LTSA.

Immediately following SHOT Show 2016, we assembled a team of combat veterans—most of whom sustained and recovered from major injuries including paralysis, loss of limbs and spinal injuries that would have sidelined most. With the support of the NRA and HAVA, the entire team became certified NRA Instructors. Additionally, SIG SAUER Academy has been instrumental in advancing the skills of the LTSA instructors by offering advanced pistol instructor and advanced carbine instructor courses. One of the main focuses of LTSA training is not only to perform, but to perform to the highest standards of the able-bodied shooter without any special considerations and in all environments. All of which lead to the most important benefits: teamwork, espirit de corps, return to a known work ethic, visual success and HAPPINESS!

LTSA has established monthly classes in Florida. Additionally, we work diligently to travel the country and bring the classes to those who will benefit from them the most. Our class format develops shooter skills to compete in pistol, carbine, 2 and 3 gun, and most recently long range.

The positive feedback within the veteran community and firearms industry has been nothing short of amazing. The industry stepped up immediately with optics provided by Leupold and SIG SAUER and rifles provided by Savage. When Kestrel offered to help, they provided directed training, products, shooting opportunities and fundraising; all of which was far beyond our expectations.

Beyond Expectations

This past April, we conducted the first full Long Range Class at the Peacemaker National Training Facility, where Katie Godfrey was a remarkable asset. Kestrel sent her with knowledge, rifles, ammo and Kestrel devices. Katie conducted her full classroom presentation followed by days on the range using the Kestrels to maximize every shot.

A unique challenge was offered to every student—those who hit a three-shot group on a Kestrel zero target at 400 yards would be given one. Even with stiff winds, every student completed the challenge and left with a Kestrel. All of these students now use the devices regularly to compete and or hunt; two of the students have become LTSA instructors.

Kestrel further surprised us by making HAVA/LTSA the benefactor of the Kestrel Challenge Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match at Peacemaker in August. Not only did Kestrel donate product, time and money, they coordinated with other industry support. Ruger donated two rifles, Leupold and Vortex donated scopes, Hornady donated ammo, and the list goes on. The funds raised from that event and match supported multiple classes for our veterans.

The greatest value of that match was to have two of our students compete and learn to be Range officers that weekend. Both Justin and Tyler have overcome significant limb and internal injuries that would have stopped most veterans. However, both of these men raised the standard by completing the match, assisting with the fundraiser and working as Range Officers for the match. Nothing can put words to the expressions on fellow shooters’ faces when they see these men in shorts and realize the injuries that no one noticed.

The secondary benefit from that match was the number of shooters who approached us throughout the day and thanked us, not for our service, but for motivating them. We have learned the unique aspect of providing a perspective to the able-bodied shooter that they often forget: it is about the team and not the individual.

Conducting training for our veterans exposes students and staff to so much more. We have encountered and overcome different physical personal challenges I would have never expected. Each student is unique in his or her own way and identical in so many others. We all come from the military whether it is the student with one leg and only two fingers on one hand, the legally blind man who can see through a very narrow field of vision or the man who comes to class in a wheelchair.

Sasquatch, a Defined Success

The success that counts the most for me is confidence and happiness in life. The particular student who comes to mind sustained a gunshot wound in combat and has significant challenges. Unlike most, he completed his tour and was discharged without a full retirement and wanted to go on as a civilian. Unfortunately, his challenges caused him severe pain and loss of consistent ability to hold a regular job. He fell into a depression like so many and expressed to me how he felt a failure.

After attending some of our classes he became a dedicated student in every way. When he told me how much our classes improved his outlook, daily habits and overall quality of life, I was left speechless. We all have demons, and this is the best medicine for so many. Who would have thought that? In true military form we all have nicknames; his is “Sasquatch” (his profile in a shadow is priceless!). He is the great giant of our team. He was among the students in the April Long Range Class and a coach at the Long Range Class just last month. He has competed in several matches and attended the NRA Instructor course. Just last week, he put those skills to work at the HAVA Family Day in San Antonio and the three day class for our veterans in that same area.

As the “Director” of LTSA, it is not a title of management, but a title of responsibility. For students and teammates like the Squatch, the resources, tasks and organization are all worth it. The trust we have in our instructors is exceptional because they are exceptional people. Often the visual prosthetic device or chair gains attention, while others are overlooked. Sasquatch raises that bar and has volunteered to be a leader. Many of us lead in the military, but so many fail to lead in the civilian world. Sasquatch has stepped up and is the remarkable example of this program for so many to follow.

LTSA Tool Box

We create tools to maintain every aspect of our lives—the LTSA tool box is no different. As firearms have advanced over the last several years, we have taken advantage of those that are most practical. We strive to train our students with readily available items that can give them the skills to be as confident and safe as other shooters.

The first tool to provide a significant benefit was the “SIG SAUER Brace,” proving to give stability to the one-armed or impaired shooter to build long-gun skills for stance, grip, sling, balance and flexibility for various platforms and calibers from a .22 to a .300BO.

The advent of ambidextrous pistols like the new SIG SAUER P320, Smith & Wesson M&P, Glocks and more are making one-handed shooting much more accessible—even for those with only a left hand or with great impairment to their right hand. Every advantage our students have helps to overcome their challenges.

Within our long range program, the benefits of left-handed bolt rifles create an option that is efficient and nothing short of a blessing. We have Savage and Remington to thank for such rifles. Even a vertical fore grip on a rifle is a huge benefit to those with prosthetic arms or limited abilities; their control improves drastically.

The Quick Clip provides multiple benefits for those with upper extremity impairments to safely change magazines, clear malfunctions or just walk while maintaining their balance. It also maintains the rifle in a safe orientation for wheelchair users while in motion. And even those with all of their appendages but who have balance issues can maintain control while walking with free arm swing.

Several other manufacturers have supported us by providing unique adaptations to firearms for better access, ergonomics and control.

As our industry develops these unique tools, our community realizes what is already available to expand their abilities. The greatest honor LTSA has is to continue to serve our country and communities through one of the best commonalities our veterans have.

Our Program is Growing

Over the last three years LTSA has trained over 300 students in classes from Florida to California and New Hampshire. We are offering classes for pistol, carbine, shotgun and even long distance rifle to 900 yards and beyond. In 2019 we will be teaching in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and more. We will also be at events like HAVA Family Days and shooting matches around the country to Coach, RO, Compete and Inspire our veteran community to get out and join us! If you are interested in attending such a class or know a veteran who could benefit from our classes please call Rick Cicero at 434-294-5883 or email at LTSA@honoredveterans.org.

The Black Rifle business has never been bigger or stronger. Nearly every company in the industry is making AR-15/M16/M4 rifles, components or accessories. Some of the companies make very high end gear for the professional user whose very lives depend on their equipment, and others are more suited for range shooting at paper targets. However, some of these manufacturers are literally on the cutting edge; creating components to carry the weapon system to the next level by increasing durability and reliability as well as making it extremely versatile allowing it to be set up mission specific.

Magpul is just one of those companies taking it to the next level. The company was founded in 1998 on a single product created by former Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Sergeant Richard Fitzpatrick. Anybody who has ever tried to pull a magazine out of a pouch under stress knows how difficult it is to get the magazine out. Troops learned a trick to speed up the process by taping a piece of 550 para cord to the bottom of the magazine creating a loop which they could grab quickly, or duct tape tabs. So when Sgt. Fitzpatrick got out of the service, he designed the Magpul (U.S. Patent 6212815): a rubber slip over loop that slid over the bottom of the magazine. A rather simple design, but it took off like wild fire. The company manufactured the Magpul for 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 9mm/.45 caliber magazines in black, olive drab green as well as flat dark earth. Law enforcement and military personnel bought them up. They sped up the reloading process and made it easier to pull magazines out of weapons with dirty magazine wells or out-of-spec magazines that fit tight. You would be hard pressed to find a SWAT team in the U.S. that does not use them for their M16 or M4 rifles. That innovation went on to the M93 Modular Stock (Out of production and replaced by the UBR) and the MIAD grip. The innovation of the company has also got into firearms design with their multi-caliber Massada. Magpul relies on real world users to drive their engineers to develop products that are needed in the field: soldiers designing for other soldiers.

The MIAD (MIssion ADaptable) Pistol Grip

The pistol grip was another area that Magpul felt could be improved. Not just in ergonomics and use with gloves but as a storage devise as well. The MIAD grip is a pistol grip that is customized for the user. Both the front and back strap are removable and can be custom fit for the user. The front strap has 4 different options. The F1 is the flat A1-style insert. This omits the finger swell for those who prefer it. The F2 has the finger swell identical to that of the standard M16A2/M4 grip. The F3 insert is for those who wish to use the MIAD as a vertical fore-grip. The F4 insert incorporates both the finger swell and enhanced trigger guard into one piece. The enhanced trigger guard is large enough to allow troops with heavy gloves to easily manipulate the trigger. There are three back strap inserts. The insert used depends on the size of the shooters hand. The B1 is the insert for the user with small hands. The B2 and B3 inserts both have an extended web area in the rear of the insert. The B2 is for those with medium size hands and the B3 is for those of us with really large paws.

The inside of the MIAD serves as a storage compartment with various cores offered by Magpul. The most innovative core offered is the Bolt/Firing Pin core. This core holds an M16/M4 bolt group with inserts for a firing pin as well. There are two cores available for those who use battery powered optics. The AA/AAA/N core offers the ability to carry two of each type of batteries. There is an additional insert that the two skinny AAA batteries fit into and slide up into the MIAD. A waterproof cover fits over the top of the core to protect the batteries from water. The 123 core carries the larger 123 batteries commonly used in tactical flash lights. That also has a waterproof cap that fits over the top. The final option is the three 5.56x45mm cartridge holder. This core holds three rounds of ammunition. The MIAD is the most innovative and versatile on the market. No other lets the shooter fit it to their hand size and preference. The MIAD can be had in black, foliage green and flat dark earth.

The Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard

The standard M16/M4 rifles have, since day-one, a winter trigger, which by pushing in a detent and pulling downward gives easy access to the trigger guard. That has not changed. However, there is a major disadvantage to not having the trigger protected. The trigger could easily get caught on clothing or any other gear and get unintentionally pulled. Magpul saw this danger and developed a solution to unintentional discharges due to an unprotected trigger. The enhanced trigger guard creates a deep loop-shaped trigger guard allowing heavy gloves to be used and still have a protected trigger simply by replacing the original trigger guard. The standard roll pin goes in the rear of the trigger guard and a small hex pin in the front right side to lock it in place. This feature is also offered with the MIAD grip F4. The main difference is the F4 is made of super tough polymer and the Enhanced Trigger Guard is made of aluminum. For those who do wish for a folding trigger guard, Magpul offers the Enhanced Trigger Guard in both folding and non-folding variations. Both Knight’s Armament Company and LWRC offer this as standard on their rifles.

The PMAG (Polymer Magazine)

Perhaps of the entire line of advanced accessories Magpul Industries offers, the PMAG is the most revolutionary designed magazine in their catalog, and maybe in the industry. Throughout the years, many attempts have been made to manufacture synthetic magazines for the M16 family of weapons and, for the most part, it has been a complete disaster. The only success was to be made by Diemaco in Canada. Their first attempt was a failure but their second was well received (although not by the Canadian military) by Diemaco customers abroad and Law Enforcement. The magazines were good, but did not have the durability that many would rely on in real world situations nor extreme rough handling. Magpul showed a prototype magazine at the 2007 SHOT Show with a cowboy boot heel digging into it. A magazine was requested for T&E (test and evaluation) and the first one received was a black PMAG without observation windows. A genuine GI, Okay Industry magazine was used as the standard for comparison. Magpul has posted numerous videos of their testing on the construction of the PMAG. This includes running them over with a good size Chevy 4×4. They ran over a GI magazine, H&K high reliability, Orlite, Thermold and PMAG magazine. The test included a slow run over, fast run over and a grind with the magazine under the tire. The only magazine to make it through all the tests was the PMAG and, after the testing, the PMAG was the only survivor and was test fired without failure. This set a new bar for magazine reliability for the M16 weapon system. It proves once again that new age polymers are stronger and more reliable than conventional steel and aluminum.

The construction of the PMAG is from the ground up and not a modified version of a previous design. The mag body itself has several departures from the standard magazine. Other than being made of polymer, the shape is quite different though it will fit in a standard mag pouch. The magazine has no bends in it like the standard GI magazine that has two bends. The shot column in the PMAG is one constant curve consistent with the way the cartridges sit increasing feed reliability. There are four gripping grooves on the sides and five on the front and back of the magazine. There are two different mag bodies; the first is called the PMAG, which has a solid magazine body, and the second is called the MagLevel PMAG, which has a window. The MagLevel PMAG has an additional change to go along with the windows. The magazine spring has blaze orange painted on it showing when in the magazine how many cartridges are in the magazine. The PMAGs drop free from the magazine well either empty or loaded. Due to the numerous manufactures and wide variety of specifications, some weapons may experience the magazine sticking in the mag well and have to be pulled free. Testing shows Colt and FN GI rifles made to military specification have had no issues with the magazines dropping free. The construction of the magazine allows the use of the standard U.S. GI stripper clip and loading tool to be slid and used on the back of the magazine. Additionally, the Maglula LuLa can be used to load and unload the PMAG as well as their Bench Loader which is designed for the standard GI M16 and British SA80/H&K high reliability magazine.

The follower is also a great improvement in the reliability of the magazine by utilizing a no-tilt follower. If you were to take a standard GI magazine with either the black or green follower and push downward on the front of the follower, you could jam the front of the follower into the inside of the magazine. This can cause the tip of the cartridge to jam on the inside of the front of the magazine body. The PMAG follower will not do this. There is no way for the follower to come out of alignment in the magazine body ensuring constant shot column location and proper feeding position on the top of the magazine. Realizing this benefit, Magpul has offered this style follower as a reliability enhancement to standard GI magazines. The enhanced followers are offered both in orange and grey and replace the standard GI followers.

The next true innovation of the magazine is the addition of a removable cap that serves a couple purposes. The most obvious is a dust cover to keep unwanted dirt and sand out. The next is to allow the magazine to be stored for an indefinite amount of time without damaging the magazine. When the magazine is to be stored for long periods of time, the cap when installed pushes downward on the top cartridge in the shot column taking pressure off the feed lips. What damages magazines over time is the force of the cartridge on the feed lips leading to the feed lips spreading apart and eventually even the spot welds can break on the standard magazine. The PMAG does not require the use of the protective cap. Magpul testing has shown that there is no feed lip creep in 11 months when stored without the dust cover. It is designed to be used for long term storage. If one should choose to use the cap on duty magazines, a simple loading drill addition would be to hook the back lip of the cap on the inside of the magazine well and pull: removing the cap and allowing the magazine to be inserted into the rifle.

The test and evaluation magazines have seen several thousand rounds through two magazines without failures of any sort. Most fire has been fully automatic out of Colt M4 carbines. A drop test was conducted with a loaded PMAG and a loaded GI aluminum magazine. Both were dropped from 7 feet on their feed lips on concrete. The GI magazine failed and was unusable. The PMAG fired the ammunition and was loaded twice more with no malfunctions. The PMAGs are offered in three different colors in both standard PMAG and MagLevel variations: black, foliage green and flat dark earth. The PMAGs are in use with several law enforcement agencies including the Rochester Police Department SWAT team. Additionally, they are seeing use in the Global War on Terror with American forces in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Additional Magazines and Accessories

The aluminum and stainless steel MagLevel magazines are standard GI-style magazines with some major enhancements. The MagLevel aluminum magazine is a standard GI-style magazine with the MagLevel system that allows the operator to know how many rounds are in the magazine. There are 5, 15 and 25 round indicators on the window on the left side of the magazine. The stainless steel magazine offers the same MagLevel system but comes with a black Teflon finish. Both magazines also come standard with the Magpul Self-Leveling- Followers. Both magazines also come with the options of either the Magpul Ranger or LPlate floor plates.

The Ranger and L Plate Floor Plates
The Ranger Plate incorporates a finger loop right into the magazine floor plate to allow rapid magazine control and repeatable index for magazine removal from magazine pouches. The floor Plate/loop is made of a rubbery material to prevent breakage from rough handling. This variation is also offered in the Speedplate configuration for the Glock models 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 26 and 27 magazines. They have a full loop and a compact loop.

The L Plate floor plate is flat and features integrated holes for use with para cord. Both the Ranger and L Plate can be used on any standard GI magazine by simply replacing the standard floor plate with the Magpul ones. Both floor plates are available in black, foliage green and flat dark earth colors.

XT and Ladder Rail Covers
With the increase in the use of rail systems, there has been a demand for rail protectors, not just to protect the rails but the shooters hand as well. Many companies have offered them and some companies offer them in different lengths to cover portions of unused rails not in use by vertical pistol grips or flashlight or any other accessories.

Magpul offers two different versions of rail covers. The XT panels feature a heavy texturing to provide the most positive grip in any conditions. The six inch panels can be cut into eight different lengths to custom fit your rail needs.

The Ladder rail covers offer a low profile rail protector that can be cut into 18 different lengths. It protects un-mounted rail sections and covers sharp edges. Both the XT and Ladder rail covers can be obtained in black, olive drab and flat dark earth color.

Magpul M4/AR-15/M16-Series Enhanced Stocks

CTR (Compact/Type Restricted)

The CTR stock is an advanced stock assembly designed to replace the standard GI type sliding buttstock. There are many aftermarket stocks available from a number of manufacturers. Most are very similar adding a battery compartment or a more ergonomic shape. The CTR offers a very unique feature: a shielded operating lever and a positive lock. That positive lock prevents the operating lever from being pushed accidentally and the stock collapsing with tough handling. Magpul offers a rubber butt-pad as well as cheek risers (.25, .50 and .75 inches) to custom align the shooter’s cheek weld to their individual optic. The CTR also uses a friction locking system that secures the stock to the buffer tube eliminating rattling and instability. Additionally featured are ambidextrous quick detach sling mounts. The CTR is offered in two configurations. The first is the Mil-Spec that has the proper dimensions for a Mil-Spec buffer tube (Colt). The second is what is called the Commercial configuration. There is a different dimension used in non-Mil- Spec buffer tubes that normally have six positions instead of four. However, both Lewis Machine and Tool and VLTOR offer Mil- Spec buffer extensions with six position engagement. The CTR is available in black and flat dark earth colors.

UBR (Utility Battle Rifle)

The UBR, as of this writing, is in the final stages of development and getting ready to go into production. What separates this stock from the CTR is that it is designed to offer the same stability as the standard fixed rifle stock. With the adaptability of theM16/M4 family of weapons to larger caliber (6.8 Rem SPC, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39mm, 7.62x51mm, etc.), the UBR is designed to take the recoil and offer a constant cheek weld regardless of the position of the stock. The buffer extension comes with the UBR and is proprietary to the UBR. The stock moves independently from the cheek weld area as the cheek weld area is permanently fixed to the buffer extension. The stock is a separate piece that extends and contracts to the shooters choice of length. The shooter’s anchor point on the stock will not change. There are no sharp edges on the UBR to catch on anything. The shooter will also have options for a storage module, extended rubber buttpad, aluminum strike plate with 1.25 inch sling loop, wider triangular shaped cheek piece, front and rear quick detach sling mounts as well as an integral strike plate. The stock length closed is 8 inches and fully extended is 11.3 inches. The UBR will be offered in black, foliage green and flat dark earth.

The PRS (Precision Rifle/Sniper)

The stock has much to do with the accuracy of the rifle. Stability, cheek weld, proper length for the shooter and the ability to anchor the non firing hand are all key elements. The PRS does all these important jobs. The sample stock was placed on a Knight’s Armament Company 7.62x51mm SR25 sniper rifle. As the rifle came from the factory, it had a standard mil-spec A2 rifle stock. The A2 stock was removed and the PRS installed with no special fitting or tools; only a standard screw driver was used.

The PRS was designed by Magpul specifically for tactical precision rifles in the M16/SR- 25/AR-10 family of weapons. Both the aluminum buttpad and cheek weld are precisely adjusted with machined aluminum dials with posi-click detents. The rifle is adjusted for the individual shooter and can be changed by a simple dial. This means the shooter will have precise cheek weld for the optic on the rifle and will have the proper length according to the length of the shooter’s arms. There is an anchor point for the non shooting hand as well. On the bottom of the PRS is a Mil-Std-1913 rail for use with a monopod. There is a slipcover to protect the rails when not in use. Magpul offers the PRS stock in either AR- 15/M16 or AR-10/SR-25 variations. The difference between the two consists of a small cheek piece for the SR-25/AR-10 versions to allow the longer charging handle to function properly. Additionally the PRS is made for the FAL rifle (PRS-FAL) as well as the Heckler & Koch G3/91 (PRS-G3). As with all their other lines, the PRS is offered in black, olive green and flat dark earth.

Shooting impressions were incredible. After the PRS was adjusted to fit my long arms and big head, I found the stock made a big difference in my shooting. The rifle itself will fire 1/2 MOA all day long; better than me usually. But the feel of the rifle changed with the use of the PRS. It felt sturdier and more solid. Using the anchor point on the stock I was able to hold the rifle steadier with little effort and my groups consistently tightened. With Black Hills .308 match 168gr OTM bullets, the rifle shot consistently under 1/2 MOA at 100 yards. This stock is a must for anyone shooting tactical variations of this weapon system.
v Magpul is a growing company with incredible products. Their PMAG will set a new industry standard for durability and reliability in M16/M4 magazines correcting 40+ year old problems with magazine durability issues and should be seriously considered for the U.S. Army Enhanced Magazine Program. These magazines already fit the bill for that requirement and are fielded with several units now. The enhanced followers are also setting a reliability standard. The original Magpul has been in use with military/special operations forces as well as law enforcement all over the world. Their stocks are in use by the same exclusive group of users. This equipment is being fielded by U.S. forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This goes to show you what one operator can do when he thinks there has to be a better way, and does it himself.

Contact Information


Magpul Industries, Corp.
P.O. Box 17697
Longmont, CO 90308-0697
Phone: (877) 4MAGPUL
(303) 828-3460
Fax: (303) 828-3469
Email: magpul@magpul.com