Armory Sponsor
Posted: 7/15/2008 8:04:05 AM EDT
|
Commenting on the below site is appreciated. www.tacticalgunfan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=265&Itemid=1 More On Magpul's New FMG9 Concept Gun Friday, 11 July 2008 The FMG9 as shown uses a Glock 17 slide assembly. (Photo: Magpul) When Magpul's new prototype gun, the FMG9 (Folding Machine Gun 9mm) made its debut at the February 2008 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, company spokesperson Drake Clark said, "This is just a concept idea - it isn't something we're going to produce." However, by March, Magpul had published a Military Information Guide for the FMG9 that described it as "a rapidly deployable, ultra-concealable personal-defense weapon designed to offer maximum firepower and control in a compact and discreet package." And discreet it is. The FMG9, when folded, looks like nothing more than an innocuous plastic flashlight that could fit quite neatly in a pocket. What Magpul Says Magpul Industries of Erie, Co. is the highly touted creator of the Magpul Masada ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) manufactured by Bushmaster Firearms. The company's well respected in the industry as an innovative designer of stocks, grips, rail accessories, magazines and magazine accessories. It's gained even higher visibility among gun enthusiasts as a result of the widely viewed FMG9 video filmed at the SHOT Show that can be found on YouTube. TacticalGunFan asked Clark to comment on rumors that the gun had been quickly designed for the SHOT Show. "The concept gun, for the most part, was designed in one day by CEO Mike Mayberry while he was on a long overseas flight," Clark noted. The FMG9 as shown uses a Glock 17 slide assembly, any Glock 9mm magazine (including the Glock 18 31-round mag), a top Picatinny rail, a detachable carrying handle, along with an Insight Technologies tactical light. It features ready-to-fire push-button deployment and additional space is available for an auto-sear installation. While the prototype uses a 9mm NATO cartridge, Magpul's Military Information Guide mentions the possibility of a future caliber conversion to .40S&W or .357SIG. According to the guide, while the gun currently employs semi-automatic-only components, it may be offered in the fully automatic mode for qualified users. Rock Around The Glock When asked to describe Glock's reaction to the FMG9, Clark noted: "The Glock sales reps love the concept gun and think that it's very exciting, but Glock's catching some flak. For quite some time, Glock's planned to manufacture a carbine, and they're now in the position of fielding questions as to whether or not the FMG9 is that product. "We chose the Glock 17 because it presented an easy platform, using the upper receiver and trigger assembly," Clark added. "It's a very simple platform and it works." A Glock is also Clark's personal carry weapon as well as that of many other Magpul employees. On whether a fully automatic FMG9 would be comparable to the new Glock 18C, which cycles between 1100 and 1300 rpm, Clark said, "It's tough to say, as the prototype has never been fired. We're going through a prototyping phase to test ergonomics before cutting the mold, and the prototyping material isn't as strong as the actual production plastic. The semi-automatic version should be similar to shooting a Glock 19 with an aftermarket shoulder stock." Details Still Slim At this time, Magpul hasn't released any information as to the length, weight, pricing or availability of the FMG9. Because Magpul's a design company, if the gun does go into production, the company will likely enter into a licensing agreement with a manufacturer, as it did with Bushmaster for the Masada. Naturally, there's a great deal of interest about the gun. Clark noted: "The intended market for the FMG9 will be government, law enforcement and the military. We believe it would be an excellent backup weapon, especially during high-risk operations such as searches. As for a civilian market, that decision would be made by the company that builds the rifle." The semi-auto version would be classified as an SBR (short-barreled rifle), while a fully automatic FMG9 would be a Class 3 weapon. It's likely even gun-friendly states would consider it a concealed weapon while in the folded position. Notable > While commenting on the popularity of the YouTube video (4 million views in 4 months), Clark said: "A Border Patrol agent in Southern California included it in an officer-safety briefing. The briefing was forwarded from agency to agency across the country and gained momentum very quickly." |
I have to admit that I really like the idea of the FMG9, but I doubt that it is the Glock carbine most non leo/mil users have been waiting for. I would prefer a rifle that has a longer fixed barrel (Glock with longer barrels are available in Europe but I really do not like the concept) and a carbine that does look like a rifle all the time (to avoid problems with gun laws). My first choice would be the Magpul PDW using Glock mags in 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. This would be a direct replacement for HK MP5, HK94 or Colt 9mm rifles. If the same rifle would be available in 223 it might even have more possibilities. 
|
Armory Sponsor