The story of IWI US begins in 1933 when Israel Military Industries (IMI) Ltd. began firearms production in Israel under the British Mandate. In the late 1950s, IMI began collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with the goal of developing the small arms systems based upon the demands of troops fighting in urban areas and harsh arid terrain of Israel. IWI arms are also a function of the harsh political environment in which Israel finds itself. Not only do implacable enemies surround Israel, but they also exist within Israel’s own borders. In 2005, the Israeli government decided to spin off and privatize the small arms division of IMI, and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd. was born. IWI US, Inc. is a proud member of the SK Group. This includes IWI Ltd., IWI US, Inc., Meprolight Ltd. (electro-optical systems), Camero-Tech Ltd. (through-the-wall sensing systems), Israel Shipyards Ltd. (ship manufacturing and repair) and Uni-Scope Optical Systems Ltd. (optical periscopes, riflescopes and binoculars).

Personal defense handguns have certain basic tenets that are simple to list, yet complex and somewhat nebulous in achieving. Such things as trigger pull, ergonomics of operating controls, sights, capacity and “carryability” all contribute to overall feel of a handgun. One thing that is not negotiable is reliability no matter the operating conditions.

Choice is what makes the free market economy so tantalizing. What am I talking about? Sure, there are existing polymer striker-fired pistols on the market, but that does not stop other companies from introducing their take on the topic. All of this leads to productive competition with the consumer benefiting. IWI’s reputation lends credence to any new introduction on its part; especially its first foray into the crowded striker-fired polymer market space. When the IWI MASADA arrived in the U.S., the opportunity to test and evaluate was seized upon. The Israeli take on the striker-fired handgun is worth exploring.

The MASADA

The MASADA features fully ambidextrous controls, and well-thought-out ergonomics provide for natural and instinctive aiming. Three interchangeable backstraps allow for end-user tweaking for the best fit. The MASADA’s frame is made of high-strength, impact-resistant, fiberglass-reinforced polymers. IWI has conducted extensive testing to make sure the MASADA can function and endure in any environment.

The MASADA trigger is set at a 6-pound pull weight. Trigger snobs will wrinkle their nose at this. The MASADA is a personal defense/service weapon, not a competition piece. The MASADA trigger pull is clean with no crunching or grinding. A graph of the trigger pull would be interesting as there is something about it that positively resists words. Reset in length is minimal with positive tactile feel. This translates into a handgun that can send rounds downrange rapidly and accurately.

Sights on the MASADA are the standard-issue, three-dot affair. If the end user wants to replace these, the MASADA uses SIG SAUER pattern-cut sights; thus, aftermarket P320 or P226 sights will work giving customers plenty of options, including extended height suppressor sights. What am I talking about? The MASADA has the ability to mount various red dot sights straight from the factory without having to resort to a gunsmith to mill the slide. This is accomplished via four adapter plates that accommodate Trijicon RMR®, Vortex VENOM, Leupold DeltaPoint® Pro and SIG SAUER ROMEO1™ miniature red dots. A blank plate covers the rear receiver when no red dot is being used. The plate mates seamlessly to the slide. A packet of screws and an instruction manual are included with the MASADA, explaining red dot mounting procedures. Having a slide milled to a specific red dot sight limits your flexibility in choosing various red dots. The IWI is a solid alternate method.

The miniature red dot concept seeks to answer how best to enhance the handgun. The solution is the same as the one most users had already opted for with their rifles—add a red dot sight. The explosion of factory-ready, red-dot-compatible handguns is proof the industry has heard customer demands. IWI integrated this into the MASADA. It will be interesting to see how long before a threaded barrel option arrives.

The IWI MASADA arrives with two 17-round magazines; 10-round magazines for those living in restrictive states. Well-made front and rear serrations ensure a solid purchase when manipulating the slide. The 4.1-inch, cold-hammer forged, 1:10RH barrel has polygonal rifling. Weight when empty is 22 ounces. Ambidextrous slide lock levers and magazine release buttons are standard. The polymer frame features a MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail for lights/lasers.

The IWI MASADA disassembles quickly via locking the slide open and rotating the takedown lever downward on the frame freeing the slide from the frame. There were no tool marks evident and no lateral play in the slide’s fit to the frame or barrel to slide. The barrel locks up tight when in battery. The MASADA operates via a modified Browning’s locked breech short-recoil method with a single locking lug milled above the barrel’s chamber. The MASADA’s slide mass and shape are engineered to aid in increased muzzle control for double taps or longer strings of fire. A low bore axis relative to the shooter’s hand allows for a very stable sight picture no matter how many or how rapid rounds are fired.

Test and Evaluation

Considering that the MASADA’s design is intended as an everyday carry (EDC) handgun, it was decided to dedicate some time evaluating the IWI MASADA, working around vehicles, breaching facades, door entries and other CQB activities. L.A.G. Tactical, Weber Tactical, ANR Design and CrossBreed have holsters in the product lineup to accommodate the MASADA. A L.A.G. Defender holster was chosen for use at Echo Valley Training Center’s onsite Hesco Shoot House and 360 Range, which were ideal test locations. A premium is placed on a quick handling accurate handgun such as the MASADA with multiple rounds fired in quick succession—the norm to put a target down. The natural pointability of the MASADA comes into its own in this realm.

A variety of 9mm loads were tested with the MASADA including Federal Syntech and HST, Hornady XTP and Black Hills Ammunition JHP. An ammunition can featuring a smorgasbord of random brands and types was also used. Loads fired spanned 115 to 147 grain with hollow-point and FMJ bullet types. Significantly, no malfunctions were experienced while test firing over 350 rounds with the MASADA.

The IWI US MASADA is the answer for the concealed carry practitioner wanting a handgun with maximum capability and adaptability.

The IWI MASADA produced 2- to 3-inch groups at 25 yards when fired from standing, unsupported positions. The MASADA’s trigger was a positive, keeping in mind it is a service handgun. A negative encountered was the profile of the magazine release button. The MASADA had to be shifted in the hand for the thumb to comfortably drop a magazine. This is one of the nebulous items of handgun design; someone with a different hand profile may have no issue.

A Trijicon RMR was mounted on the MASADA. The polymer mounting plate was initially a concern. Plastic will never instill the same sense of sturdiness as metal. However, the plate acts more as a spacer than a mount with the screws installed down into MASADA’s milled slide. One note of advice is to install after-market, co-witnessing iron sights if contemplating carrying the RMR-equipped MASADA as a personal defense weapon. This is easily achievable thanks to the MASADA’s compatibility with SIG SAUER sights. The adding of heightened suppressor-style iron sights acts as both back-up sights and quickly fixes the shooter’s eye to the red dot stationed above the front post. Both eyes open is strongly suggested; it is a must to get the most out of the red dot concept. Point shooting with the MASADA is still very possible via using the red dot’s window as a ghost ring—albeit a large ghost ring—if forced to react spontaneously to a threat. The advantage of using red dot sights in the competition environment is well-known.

The RMR-equipped MASADA came into its own, and it was hard to resort back to only iron sights. Groups with the IWI MASADA were markedly smaller with a red dot mounted versus iron sights. This statement became more true as distances increased. The ability to consistently ring a steel man popper target at 50 yards, even out to 100 yards with regularity, was validation why red-dot equipped handguns are here to stay.

As many “maturing” shooters can attest to, the single-focus plane of the red dot is simpler to shoot accurately than coordinating front and rear sights. Shooters can now do as nature intends for them to do, focus on the threat with both eyes open—all simply because the concept uses the eyes in a more normal manner.

The IWI MASADA’s ergonomics and handling characteristics were quickly appreciated. The grip frame with enhanced texturing and overall balance of the handgun minimized felt recoil. The key point with the MASADA is that it is eminently adaptable to individual carry needs thanks to the red dot mounting system. The IWI MASADA arrives ready to go right out of the box. The ability to use the MASADA as an everyday carry handgun is what sets it apart from other endeavors incorporating red dots on pistols.

SPECIFICATIONS IWI MASADA

CALIBER: 9mm

BARREL: 4.1in

OA LENGTH: 7.4in

WEIGHT: 22.8oz

SIGHTS: 3-dot Iron sights/Mount plates for install of red dots

GRIPS: Interchangeably sized backstraps

CAPACITY: 17+1

MSRP: $480

PERFORMANCE

LOAD VELOCITY   AVG. ACCURACY  AVG@ 25yds Best

Federal 124gr HST   1080fps 2.66in        2.33in

Black Hills 115gr JHP EXP   1120fps 3.33in 2.8in

Federal Syntech 124gr TSJ 1010fps 3.25in 2.66in

Hornady 124gr XTP 1069fps 3in 2.75in

FOR MORE INFORMATION

IWI US

iwi.us

Federal Ammunition

federalpremium.com

Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com

Echo Valley Training Center

echovalleytraining.com

Hornady Manufacturing

hornady.com

L.A.G. Tactical

lagtactical.com

 SIG SAUER

sigsauer.com

 Trijicon

trijicon.com

At the 2007 SHOT Show, Magpul introduced their Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System.  There was quite a buzz around the booth from both the introduction of the Masada as well as their revolutionary new PMag polymer magazine.  The Masada is, of the entire current available piston operated 5.56mm weapon systems, the most advanced and conceptionaly new weapon system out.  Unlike the POF, Heckler & Koch and LWRC models, the Masada is not based off of an existing M4 weapons platform.  Like the Heckler & Koch XM8/G36 weapon systems and the British SA80 weapon systems, the Masada uses technology borrowed from the Eugene Stoner designed AR-18/AR-180 weapon systems of the early 1960s.  The Masada however, takes it to the next level.

The Masada name comes from the battle of Masada where the Roman X Legion laid siege to the Jews in 72 AD.  The fortress stood on top of a plateau and had a secure source of fresh water.  Due to this, the Romans were forced to build a ramp to permit their formations to attack the fortress without breaking ranks.  With the ramp being nearly complete, the Jewish defenders decided to end their existence rather than come under Roman rule.  The citizens of Masada left their food out in plain view so the Romans could see they were in no danger of starving and through this act of defiance, the citizens of Masada decided they would kill themselves rather than have their women and children raped and enslaved by the Romans.  The entire town perished by their own hand.  They controlled their own destiny.  Magpul found the story of Masada a bold example of defiance.  Most weapon systems bear the name of their designer; the Masada name is more of a symbol of defiance.

The Masada is the first weapon system to be developed by Magpul.  Magpul had thought of a firearm design for several years; however it was not until 2006 when pen went to paper.  Magpul’s Mike Mayberry headed the Masada design team and was designed in only 4 months time.  Like many other firms, their initial goal was to take the current successful M16/M4 weapon systems and incorporate those desirable traits into their weapon system.  Due to the excellent human engineering characteristics of the M16 weapons platform, this is a good starting point and it would offer potential users an easier transition.  During the developmental stages, many weapon systems were looked at.  Upon examination of different systems, Magpul was able to extract what they felt were the benefits of each design and would incorporate those into their final design.  Magpul was, however, able to keep some parts commonality with AR-15/M16 components.  These parts are the barrel and barrel extension, trigger, disconnector, hammer assembly, hammer/trigger pins, trigger spring, front sight assembly, extractor pin/spring/plunger, ejector/spring and retaining pin.

Magpul found that to retrofit the standard M16/M4 weapon system with their improvements would be quite difficult and costly.  In March of 2006 the decision was made to abandon the retrofit design and start from a clean sheet of paper and in the fall of 2006 the project commenced from scratch.  As previously stated, they would model the mechanics of the operating system of the AR-18/AR-180 though they had to make many modifications from that design.  The AR-18/AR-180 was not a combat proven design by any means.  The ArmaLite rifles were never manufactured in quantity for military sales – only for commercial sales.  The first military production of this system was the British SA80 which was, and is still, a disaster.  The H&K XM8 was never fielded and the G36 has seen limited use.

The author putting the Bushmaster ACR through its paces. Notice the AimPoint Com4 reflex sight and the Magpul PMag.

The Masada was covered in extensive detail in a previous SADJ exclusive (Vol. 1, No. 1, 2009).  However, that was with the Masada prototype.  Like ArmaLite in the 1950s, Magpul saw itself as a design firm and not a firearms manufacturer; so they would team up with a company that was geared towards manufacturing: Bushmaster firearms.  In January 2008, Bushmaster entered into a licensing agreement with Magpul where they would take on manufacturing and all further development of the ACR.  However, Magpul remained heavily involved with the development.  Bushmaster initially announced product release in second quarter 2008 but for various reasons it would not actually be released for production until 2009 – but not in major numbers until 2010.  Also the ACR was shown at Industry Day as a potential candidate to replace the M4 carbine as the next U.S. service rifle.  That has yet to be seen and it will likely compete in the trials in the summer of 2011.

Bushmaster realized early on that as received the Masada was not designed for mass production and several changes needed to be made.  The barrel assembly changes incorporated a different locking mechanism, barrel profile, and the ability to access the operating system from the front for ease of maintenance.  They also increased the reliability, durability, and maintainability of the system through design changes, coatings, and alternate materials.  Changes were also made in the brass deflector, hand guards, and lower (alternate material) to comply with military specifications.

The ACR is a truly modular weapon.  Everything including the stock, trigger group, barrel, bolt and handguard can be replaced to meet any requirement a small arm could have.  Starting in the rear of the rifle, the stock assembly is removed from the trigger group by pulling out on a captive pin and lifting it out of the receiver.  The stock strongly resembles the Magpul UBR stock.  The length has 7 adjustable settings and the cheek piece can be raised.  Additionally the stock can fold to the right side.  With the stock folded the weapon can still be fired.  The ejection port is clear and there is enough play in the stock in the closed position where a left handed shooter can manipulate the ambidextrous selector.  Additionally, the Magpul PRS precision stock has been adapted to work on the ACR lower receiver.

The lower receiver is manufactured from a super strong polymer.  It contains the pistol grip, fire control group and magazine well.  The pistol grip is based on the Magpul MIAD which has the stowaway core that takes various inserts.  The one provided with the T&E rifle accepted two of the CR123 batteries.  The trigger guard has the familiar Magpul enhanced trigger guard shape and the checkering on the pistol grip is the Magpul symbol.  The selector lever is ambidextrous and very easy to manipulate as is the ambidextrous magazine catch.  The bolt catch is ambidextrous and is located in front of the bottom of the trigger guard.  When the magazine is empty, the follower lifts the arm locking the bolt to the rear.  To close the bolt one only has to push down on either side of the lever.  The front of the magazine well has a gripping area identical to that of the pistol grip, the Magpul symbol.

The upper receiver is the serialized component.  The upper is manufactured from extruded aluminum and is marked for caliber as multi-caliber.  The upper was designed as a piston gun.  Rails inside of the receiver keep the bolt in proper alignment in the receiver.  The top rail is a continuous Mil-Std 1913 rail providing zero retention of optics.  Provided behind the ejection port cover is a fired cartridge case deflector.  To aid in the ambidexterity, the fired cartridge case ejects at a constant 1 o’clock direction insuring a left handed shooter would not be struck with a hot cartridge case.  The charging handle may be placed on the right or left side as the receiver is cut to accept it either way.

Over the past 10 years the industry has seen several new weapon systems emerge with the older piston technology making a comeback.  Due to the campaign of certain manufacturing firms, the consensus is that the older retro piston operating system is superior to the current direct gas system of the current issue M16 and M4 weapon systems.  While no statistical data has come forth to support the claim, several manufacturers are coming out with piston operated 5.56mm weapon systems including Colt, POF, Heckler & Koch, LWRC and, now, Magpul Military Industries.

Magpul introduced their Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System at the 2007 SHOT Show.  There was quite a buzz around the booth from both the introduction of the Masada as well as their revolutionary new PMag polymer magazine.  The Masada is, of the entire current available piston operated 5.56mm weapon systems, the most advanced and conceptually new weapon system out in the market.  Unlike the POF, Heckler & Koch and LWRC models, the Masada is not based off of existing M4 weapon platforms.  Like the Heckler & Koch XM8/G36 weapon systems and the British SA80 weapon systems, the Masada uses technology borrowed from the Eugene Stoner designed AR-18/AR-180 weapon systems of the early 1960s.  The Masada however, takes it to the next level.

Right side of the Masada. Notice the trademark Magpul enhanced trigger guard and UBR-type stock. The rifle is equipped with quad Mil-Std-1913 rails and has a PMag magazine equipped with the MagLevel windows. The Masada is designed to fit any stature with its 7-position stock and adjustable cheek-weld.

The Masada name comes from the battle of Masada where the Roman X Legion laid siege to the Jews in 72 AD.  The fortress stood on top of a plateau and had a secure source of fresh water.  Due to this, the Romans were forced to build a ramp to permit their formations to attack the fortress without breaking ranks.  With the ramp being nearly complete, the Jewish defenders decided to end their existence rather than come under Roman rule.  The citizens of Masada left their food out in plain view so the Romans could see they were in no danger of starving and through this act of defiance, the citizens of Masada decided they would kill themselves rather than have their women and children raped and enslaved by the Romans.  Controlling their own destiny, the entire town perished by their own hand.  Magpul found the story of Masada a bold example of defiance.  Most weapon systems bear the name of their designer or manufacturer; the Masada name is more of a symbol of defiance.

The Masada is the first weapon system to be developed by Magpul.  Conceptually, Magpul had thought of a firearm design for several years; however it was not until 2006 when pen went to paper.  Magpul’s Mike Mayberry headed the Masada design team and it was designed in only four months time.  Like many other firms, their initial goal was to take the current successful M16/M4 weapon systems and incorporate those desirable traits into their weapon system offering potential users an easier transition.  During the developmental stages, many weapon systems were examined and Magpul was able to extract what they felt were the benefits of each design and would incorporate those into their final design.  Magpul was able to keep some parts commonality with AR-15/M16 components that included the barrel and barrel extension, trigger, disconnector, hammer assembly, hammer/trigger pins, trigger spring, front sight assembly, extractor pin/spring/plunger, ejector/spring and retaining pin.

The Masada with the stock totally collapsed and folded. Notice the stock is out of the way of the ejection port and will not interfere with ejection of fired cartridge cases.

Magpul found that to retrofit the standard M16/M4 weapon system with their improvements would be quite difficult and costly.  In March of 2006, the decision was made to abandon the retrofit design and start from a clean sheet of paper with the project commencing in the fall of 2006 from scratch.  As previously stated, they would model the mechanics of the operating system of the AR-18/AR-180 making many modifications from that design.  The AR-18/AR-180 was not a combat proven design by any means.  The ArmaLite rifles were never manufactured in quantity for military sales, only commercial sales.  The first military production of this system was the British SA80 which was, and in this author’s opinion still is, a disaster.  The H&K XM8 was never fielded and the G36 has seen limited use.

The Masada was not designed to fit any military requirement so Magpul had freedom to do what they wanted in order to build their own vision of a durable and reliable weapon system.  Military weapons programs will often mandate parts interchangeability with current systems, which are good for the supply channels but do not allow the weapon to perform to its capabilities.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Worden fires the 14.5 inch barrel Masada prototype equipped with the AAC silencer. Notice the Magpul PMag.

The final design shows clear M16 influence in the way the weapon breaks open for maintenance, the bolt and the fire control group.  The standard M16 NATO magazine is used which we will discuss later.  However, Magpul has integrated several of their trademark enhancements into the Masada including the ability of the pistol grip to accept MIAD cores, Enhanced Trigger Guard, UBR Stock concept and PMag.  The Masada will allow the user to be able to change calibers by simply changing the bolt and barrel and, depending on the cartridge, the lower receiver magazine well.  The 7.62x39mm Masada will use a special lower receiver enabling it to accept standard AK47 magazines.  The Masada will be available in 5.56x45mm, 5.45x39mm, 6.8 SPC, 6.5 Grendel and 7.62x39mm calibers.  Magpul will make available barrels, bolts and if needed, lower receivers to let the customers convert their Masada to a different caliber.

Upper Receiver and Handguards
The Masada utilizes a one-piece upper receiver.  Throughout the industry, several companies have designed one-piece upper receivers including Colt, LMT, VLTOR, FN and more and the benefits are many.  One of the first things an operator will do when he gets a weapon is to procure a quad rail system.  Often, the addition of an aftermarket rail system will increase weight.  Many of these are not going to free float the barrel and will transfer heat from the front sight assembly back into the receiver. Additionally the extra weight put on the barrel from the addition of optics, lasers, flashlights and vertical pistol grips may cause accuracy issues and, in extreme cases, the barrels to bend.  Free floating handguards assist with both accuracy and cooling.  The Masada’s upper receiver is manufactured from high-strength 7000-series aluminum alloy and extruded in a closed box profile.  There is a fired cartridge case deflector at the rear of the ejection port to prevent left handed shooters from being struck in the face with a hot cartridge case.  On the top is a 37-slot Mil-Std 1913 rail.  Magpul provides a front sight that is identical in length to standard M16 front sights permitting the use of a standard BUIS (Back-Up Folding Sight).  No BUIS is provided and the user may use any commercially made M16/M4 BUIS.  The Masada uses a steel-on-steel interface.  Bolted into the receiver are internal receiver rails that guide the bolt carrier group.  Bolted and pinned into the receiver is a steel alloy barrel trunnion that is heat treated to cope with the heat caused from high firing schedules.  The receiver will accept a 40mm grenade launcher.

Field stripped Masada. No tools are needed other than a round of 5.56mm ammunition.

The handguard (lower) is injected molded from high strength polymer with the ability to accept Mil-Std 1913 rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.  There are two lengths of handguards.  The standard length allows 11.5+ inch barrel lengths while the short handguard permits the use of a 10.5 inch CQB barrel.