The original real world Magpul Masada was created to enhance the features of the M16/AR15 rifle but during its design and manufacturing phase where other platforms were being looked into, the manufacturers decided to incorporate the best features from different platforms into one single unified design.

And as we all have learned to expect in the world of Airsoft, when a real world weapon is manufactured, an airsoft replica is surely soon to follow. But there is something different and more special about this Airsoft Replica as it is produced by the Professional Training and Simulation Division of Magpul itself and it is being sold or labeled as the training weapon and not merely a weekend run-around cheap replica like those that are now swamping,not just the airsoft market, but also the skirmish fields around the country.

To be honest, I was not very keen on the looks of the Magpul PTS Masada when it first came out. When I first saw it, it looked like it resembled a fish and looked quite unattractive. I was so put off by the looks of it, I did not even attempt to have a closer look at it which I think was my biggest mistake. There were no plans for me to do a review on this AEG until one of the players in my location said that he was quite disappointed with the Magpul Masada that he bought and that it was not what he expected it to be. This made me very curious as I know the hype this AEG had from the start, even comparing it to the very high-end of the Professional Training Weapon category.

OUT OF THE BOX

As I have mentioned earlier, my biggest mistake was not to take a close look at this AEG at my local airsoft shop when I had the earliest chance to. The packaging was very good and the AEG is well supported inside. This would work best if you purchased your unit from abroad. The AEG appears to be well protected from within the box.

Being a high-end branded AEG, do not expect to get much compared to the cheap ACMs out in the market today. Inside you will get the Magpul PTS Masada AEG, a Magpul PMAG that holds about 120 rounds of BBs, an MBUS (Magpul Back-Up Sight), and a plastic bag containing the instruction manual both in print and PDF format, a warranty card and a dummy bullet used as a disassembly tool.

The Magpul PTS Masada AEG is well built and as I expected, at closer look, the build quality is one if not the best that I have ever seen on an AEG. It has to be held and seen to actually appreciate the quality that Magpul gave this AEG to get it to look as close as possible to the real thing. All components sit and fit well to each other. This is probably the first AEG that is so solidly built, it does not rattle when you shake it even with the PMAG in place.

The MBUS sight is a big bonus as these retail for around 30 to 40 GBP here in the UK. Both front and the rear M-BUS sights are spring loaded flip up sights.

The PMAG is well made at very high quality Polymer and Magpul even made the effort of adding a dust cover that also fits on the underside of the magazine when the mag is in use.

FEATURES

The Magpul PTS Masada is completely reproduced in all details based on its real world inspiration. It is labeled as the ACR or Adaptive Combat Rifle and can be rapidly reconfigured from barrel length, to magazine compatibility depending on the need of the operator.

The core features of the Magpul PTS Masada AEG as contained on the instruction manual are:

• Enhanced version III type gearbox
• Tool-less quick-change barrel system
• CNC machined upper receiver (serialized) is made from 6063 aluminium alloy
• Milled into the top of the receiver is a 37 slot, continuous, military spec 1913 rail for mounting optics.
• Flip up iron front sight compatible with standard Airsoft M4/M16 rear sights.
• The lower receiver is made from reinforced polymer
• Fully ambidextrous controls include the fire selector, magazine release, and bolt release/bolt lock-back.
• Accepts most brand of M4/M16 AEG magazines
• Optional rail mounting points are integrated on both the short and long versions of the polymer hand guard at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.

EXTERNAL BEAUTY

One thing that this rifle has that any player can't deny is the quality of its build externally. Magpul did say that they made this as close as possible to the real thing. I have not seen the real Magpul Masada but looking at the PTS version makes you appreciate the time and effort that the manufacturer sacrificed to create this masterpiece.

The flash-hider is a standard M4/M16 bird cage flash hider. There are aftermarket replacements and also a Magpul QD suppressor that can be purchased. The barrel is one of the best made AEG barrels that I have seen. The quality of the material used is superb and appears of high quality. The best feature of this rifle like the real one is the tool-less quick change barrel system. To access this, simply remove the hand guard via a push pin located on the end that connects it to the receiver. Once removed, you will find the built in barrel wrench. If you hold the rifle up with the butt on the floor, turn the barrel wrench counter clockwise and simply pull the barrel off. Make sure that the hop is open or not engaged as there has been instances of the bucking getting damaged when pulling the barrel out or folding it when installing it back in. The detachable barrel contains the inner barrel and the hop bucking. The hop-up unit remains connected to the upper receiver. Again, after market CQB 11.5" barrels are available to purchase although not that cheap costing at more the £100 each.

As mentioned earlier, the upper receiver is made from CNC machined aluminium alloy and the lower receiver from reinforced polymer. Although the material used between each of these parts are different, they sit and connect together perfectly. The continuous rail on the upper receiver is perfect for mounting optics although the front flip up and the MBUS sights are more than enough to aim down the barrel. The handguard is also made from the same material as the lower receiver and also acts as the battery housing. A mini battery would first perfectly as would a 7.2v lipoly. It should always be kept in mind that using high voltage batteries would add strain to the internals and could affect their longevity.

The markings on the receiver are very clean and each unit has it's own unique serial number. Also, as a testament to the detailing of this rifle, the design of the textured finish of the pistol grip and the area above the mag well are actually the Magpul PTS logo. The carbine buttstock is likewise made of polymer material. It doesn't adjust in length but does feature a cheek piece the can be flipped up if needed. Replacement buttstocks are again available for you to buy and you can have a folding feature and length adjustment.

The PMAG fits perfectly in the magwell, probably the best fitting AEG magazine that I have ever seen. The Magpul PTS Masada does accept other M4 type mags although there are reports of some brands not locking in properly and needing some work done on the magazine lock slot to get it to stay in. All controls are ambidextrous, which makes it perfect for any user. The charging handle can be swapped to the other side to suite left handed people.

FIELD STRIPPING

Field stripping this rifle for any reason, may it be to change external parts or to access the gearbox is dead easy. Magpul did provide a dummy bullet to use as a stripping tool but if you have tough fingers, it can actually be done manually.

As I mentioned earlier, the handguard is removed by pushing the pin at its rear end. Once this is done, you can now detach the barrel. There are two pins at the rear end of the receiver, push the top pin to flip the upper receiver forward. You can now pull the butt stock out of its slot by pushing the second rear pin. To disconnect the upper and lower receiver completely, push the pin near the mag well. By removing the butt stock, the quick change spring feature can be accessed. Remove the big screw at the rear of the gearbox, with the correct size Allen key, turn the spring guide until the spring pops out.

To remove the gearbox from the lower receiver, unscrew four Allen screws located at the bottom of the pistol grip and within the magwell.

INTERNALS

From all the years I have been doing airsoft reviews, I have never seen or read so much controversy concerning the internals of a high end brand AEG.

The gearbox itself is good and even has the PTS logo stamped on it. It is a customised version III gearbox where the motor is caged. I am no guru when it comes to AEG internals but I think this is designed to prevent the motor from moving especially since the gearbox itself is not being held by a screw inside the receiver unlike most standard M4 AEGs.

The pressure switch trigger mechanism is also a clever design but not original. Having a pressure switch gives the trigger a nice and constant steady pull which does not change even when switched from semi to full auto firing mode.

Now the big debate...the main internal components of this AEG were not as expected. The gears are metal but do not bear any marks as to who made them. Some reviewers even speculated that they are cheap ACM gears. The piston is clear plastic similar to ones used by another high end brand, again, speculations that the internal were made by this company. One good feature is that the bushings used are ball bearing bushings. These combined with the light clear plastic piston gives the rifle a very nice and smooth ROF even with a mini 8.4v NiMh battery.

PERFORMANCE

Another positive feature of the Magpul PTS Masada is its weight. It is very light compared to full metal AEGs. Picking it up will actually make you feel that you could last a whole day skirmishing without having to sit out some games due to tiredness and aching arms caused by carrying a heavy rifle.

The trigger pull is really good, one of the best that I have ever used. The only thing that is probably better if not equal is the trigger pull of a Systema PTW. BB feed is very good and amazingly shoots straight and accurate even with the hop-up open. There have been reviews that claim of misfeeding problems which can be sorted out by replacing the hop bucking. BB grouping for both semi and full auto is very good. BBs fly in a straight line and end up in a tight grouping when they hit the target.

CONCLUSION

I think the hype that this rifle had during itS pre-production phase made a lot of airsoft players expect far too much of it. Far too much to the extent of some of them are forgetting that this is still a replica firearm that fire small plastic BBs.

Magpul classed this AEG as a professional training and simulation weapon bringing it up to the ranks of the PTWs out there in the market, at the same time tried to put it at a very competitive price bracket. And from experience, this is a very difficult thing to do. It's either make a really good expensive one or an okey'ish one for a much lesser price. But Magpul was able to pull this off. And I think this is where we need to look at this rifle when judging it.

For me, the Magpul PTS Masada is a great AEG. The build quality and performance is very good and far better that most AEGs in its price bracket. It it not perfect, but then, is there such thing as a perfect AEG out of dreamland?

Many thanks to Rules of Engagement for the review unit and helping out in the review photos.