This is a very simple but pretty ingenious development for your rifle (sort of). OneUp Design Labs (the same folks that brought you the MultiTasker) is offering a replacement floorplate for the PMAG that essentially turns the magazine into a defacto “bipod” (well, stability support platform). Essentially it squares off your rifle so you’ve got a permanently deployed support platform (well, permanent as long as you’re using a modified magazine and until you run dry on ammo). If you’re someone that runs a bipod, it may not impress you, but if you’re not a lover of furniture, or you shoot high thumb without a Grippod, this might be just the thing for you. Installation (as you’ll see in this video) is fast and simple according to OneUp Design Labs; It’s manufactured of glass reinforced nylon with an overmolded Santoprene insert to allow for a grip on slick surfaces.
Kit Up! The MagPod from the guys that brought you MultiTasker
Currently, the MagPod is made only for PMAGs. I’ll be talking to Shane at MultiTasker in the next day or so at SHOT—when I do, I’ll find out if there are going to be other versions for other mag manufacturers, or for AKs and FN FALs or whatever.
Kit Up! The MagPod being installed.
The MagPod is tentatively scheduled for release in June of this year. More on the MagPod website, and on the new MagPod Facebook page.
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{ 40 comments… read them below or add one }
An interesting idea, but I don’t think it’ll hold out. On a related note, I’ve heard a lot of conflicting gouge about the GripPod. Whats the deal with it?
I try not to lean on my magazine and use it as a Bipod. On the GI alumin mags, there is a potential to cause feeding issues. That’s what my grip pod is used for. I haven’t heard much on any issues with the Grip pod.
ditto
Agree, It also make stability issues since not all Pmags or any mag will be 100% fit into your mag well you can get alot of wobbles from resting on your mag.
The practice of using the magazine as a bipod with the AR platform IS absolutely the preferred technique for modern shooters. I’ve got nothing against your method Go Navy, but the myth that putting your magazine on the deck will cause malfunctions during firing is just that. An AR must fire with the mag on the deck. If it doesn’t, then something is wrong with the magazines or the gun, or both. Properly spec’d mags in good condition are the key. Worn out aluminum GI mags may not work on the deck. When going prone in a hostile environment, the mag should be your shock absorber on the way down as well. It should take the brunt of the impact as you slam to the ground. Again, if this causes malfunctions, get rid of your mags or get your gun fixed.
Using the magazine as a monopod while shooting from the prone (along with a good position) will ensure that the shooter is the most stable position possible. This position will also allow the shooter to recover shot to shot much quicker. I have never had a magazine or weapon related malfunction when shooting from this position or banging the magazine on the ground on the way down. I use PMags and Surefire mags almost exclusively. I also ONLY run high quality “MilSpec” or better AR’s. Again, not dissing on you or your methods, I’m just just expressing my thoughts on the accepted modern method.
Where did you learn or were taught to use the mag as a shock absorber for hitting the deck? I was always taught (in the Corps) to use the buttstock to break your fall, but of course, this was with the A2 and not an M4 so things might be a bit different with a collapsible stock.
In Army Basic, we were taught the same method. Collapse to your knees, use your buttstock to break your fall, and fall forward into the prone position. If you really look at this method for what it is, you start to see its inefficiencies. Over the years I learned different ways to get into the prone. Todd Jarrett (personal friend and mentor) taught me to go straight down planting my hand on the ground, kick my feet straight back while simultaneously planting the magazine into the deck, then quickly get behind the gun in the prone. This method was a lot faster, gave me a more controlled decent, kept the gun out in front of me pointed at the target, weapon hand stayed on fire control during the whole process, and it allowed me to go prone in close quarters. Essentially your dropping straight down into position in the same spot you were standing as opposed to falling forward.
The reason I plant my mag hard into the ground is so I can keep some stability and set the gun up into position extremely fast. Once I plant the mag, the gun really doesn’t move again unless I’m behind it shifting for a different shot.
Riceball, I also learned to use the buttstock to break my fall with the A2, and transitioned that method to the M4. I haven’t yet broken a collapsable stock. Different units have different techniques, however, so I have to give formersfmedic the benefit of the doubt. GO NAVY, I understand your concerns, and yes, the AR magazine has a stress point where the magazine interacts with the magazine catch where breaking one’s fall with the magazine or constantly using one as a bipod can exert a lot of stress and perhaps deform the magazine catch notch, especially on an aluminum magazine. Beyond that, you are most definitely altering the nodes of vibration in the barrel, which would cause noticeably degraded accuracy beyond 300 yards for center mass hits. As a field expedient measure in combat, however, the magazine used as a bipod should be fine. I just wouldn’t do pushups on it like one can on an AK.
I guess it can be how much pressure you put on the mag. Be nice to the mag and it be nice to you.
You dont absorb anything with your weapon, you plant your arm and spraq your feet out when you go prone. and there is nothing wrong with resting your mag on the ground while shooting, it is very stable and is not the method taught in many schools and military units.
FormerSFMedic: That’s why I specifically pointed out on GI alumn mags. I have one of these original mags that wobbles a bit (plus the follower is tilts). (I keep this old mag in the safe as show and tell.) I exclusively use PMAGS, but do have a few Brownells latest Mags as well.
Never had issue with GI mags with Green followers. The fit fine and shoot well.
I have been using the LE version of the Grip Pod for over a year now and found it very useful as well as sturdy. The LEO doesn’t have the metal support inserts the military issue version does but it’s been tough with no signs of wear. Simple to use and very stable. Of course they don’t call it a bipod but stabilization device.
The Grip Pod deploys quickly with the spring button release. Just squeeze the legs together and lock them back in place —simple and fast.
True they are ugly as sin and kinda long but they are worth every dime:-)
Still won’t work with iron sights. You can’t get your head down that far while prone with armor and an ACH helmet ,even running slick with no pouches.
It’s interesting that you brought that up Ian. I’ve been showing students that you CAN get behind the sights with body armor and helmet as long as you utilize the proper prone position. I even demonstrate it to them by placing an armor vest on the ground and then going prone on top of it while wearing my own “bulky” loadout. That’s TWO armor vests I’m laying on and I can still EASILY get behind the irons with the mag planted on the ground in the proper position.
I’m not telling you this to disagree with you, but I hear this question all the time. “How is that gonna work when I’m wearing all my kit”. If you get into the proper prone position, you should be able to engage the target through your sights even with kit. If you can’t, then you may need to make an equipment change or practice more on the proper method.
As for the Magpod. It looks like a good idea. I’m sure it will work just fine and even if it doesn’t quite get the job done like the manufacturers claim, it’s still inexpensive and probably won’t get in the way. I’m willing to buy one and check it out. It might give me more friction in addition to more stability.
I’ve also run across a product made to clip two mags together but encloses the entire bottom of both mags. The edges are rounded to allow movement and also use it to stabilize the rifle in a prone position or resting it on a rock, hood whatever.
Sorry no link to them. It’s just come out and I got one of each for testing. One allows you to use standard mags while the other is made for P Mags.
The grip pods are everywhere in theater. The creator sells them to deep pockets Uncle Sam at $90 a pop. Fortunately for regular Joes everywhere, perfectly fine airsoft copies can be had for $10 on line.
They also break if you so much as look at them the wrong way.
bbb – my local army surplus sells authentic used ones for $10 – 20 ea. if you have to have the “brand name”.
welcome to Airsoft, bbb
I don’t get it.
All I’ve heard from people who have them is that the only thing they’re good for is for show. Or for holding your gun up while you’re going to the bathroom.
Although if the real ones aren’t stronger, I can’t imagine why someone would buy them to begin with.
I used one in Iraq. There are better bipods and better foregrips, but the gripod combines the two – there’s something to be said for having one less doodad hanging on your weapon. We were issued the ones with plastic legs and they were not very durable. Mine broke and a buddy’s broke as well. I imagine the ones with metal legs are sturdier but that is conjecture. Just my two cents.
You can absolutely use your mag as a stabilizing device, even in armor and ach. I have been doing it for years. I often tell my soldiers that there is no such things as “prone unsupported”. I have never had a malfunction caused by firing from this position.
I was thinking that this might be useful if you are running a 203 beneath the rifle as that takes up the position for the grip pod.
Maybe, but you’d have to have one on every magazine you bring to the party.
Very true, but I think with that hook in the video they are trying to also have a duel-use as a mag-pull as well – so you would want it on every mag (their reasoning I guess)
I’m not loving it why would u like the pivot point of your rifle recoil in he middle of the rifle even with the grip pod systems the pivot point is to far back towards the shooter causing more muzzle rise and taking longer to get back on target after a shot.
Negative! Planting the mag firmly on the deck when firing from the prone IS the most stable method possible. Dialed in shooters have been using this method when going prone for years. I’m surprised so many of you are questioning the technique. I’m sure a lot of the reason many of you are skeptical is likely do to outdated military weapons training. It is well understood by many shooters that the military is generally 5 to 20 years behind when it comes to weapons manipulation and shooting methodology. Many military “shooting” schools still teach myths as fact and force students to adhere to the methods Uncle Sam has laid out for them.
Resting the mag on the deck is considered the norm for shooting in the prone these days. There is no question to its effectiveness. This method gives you ultimate recoil control and allows you to recover shot to shot quickly. It also gives you the most stable platform for a steady hold at longer distances. Like Rapier975 said above in his comment, “there is no such thing as prone unsupported”.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, good to know!
Hmm, this really seems like user preference product but I think if it was some sort of clamp-on it would get around more. Just a thought.
Is there some kind of elevation adjustment on this that I’m not getting? It seems like if you want to shoot at anything not perfectly level with the gun, you’d have to tilt the gun forward or back and it wouldn’t really be better than the original mag.
We, Brits, have been teaching ” Prone, magazine supported” now for a good few years as the primary prone position, while it does take some getting used to by old school trained people we’ve, well at our training establishment, we get better results from the recruits.
The Grip Pod is also a standard issued unit on my work M4. I’m a medic and I’m on an abulance platoon. I can tell you from personal experience that dismounting with a Grip Pod and an AID bag even during training increases the likelihood of snagging. Your mileage may vary. I took mine off after almost eating dirt trying to get out the back of an MRAP to setup 360 in a simulated IED attack. That wasn’t even with real bullets.
Also to clarify there are two methods taught to going prone. Both methods are correct. But to add, the buttstock method is used from motion and the post-plant-spread from stationary.
All of these comments are great. I have always been taught that the magazine is NEVER supposed to rest on the deck while in the prone. I still remember making that mistake and getting kicked by an instructor while at SOI. I am not arguing which method is better, it’s just interesting to hear about other peoples training.
Regarding the gripods, I used one for a few months and never had any problems with it. I switched it out for grip that was smaller. I did hear about lots of Marines breaking theirs when we were deployed. Marines will find a way to beak anything though, and then complain about it.
FWIW, wouldn’t a regular Magpul have a similar effect? Plus have the functionality of, you know, being a Magpul.
Maybe if they made ranger plates (like the ones on SCAR-H magazines) out of a slightly rubberized material you could have the benefit of easier withdrawal but also a stable shooting platform, without having to do anything extra to your magazines.
I don’t know guys it’s almost a solution to a non-eistent problem the more I think about it. Anybody else feeling that way?
I was kinda thinking the same thing. I’ve never had any kind of problems with stability when resting a standard mag on the deck. The PMag Ranger Plates accomplish the same goal and have been around for awhile.
Nice but no thanks.
I was fortunate enough to spend some time talking with Shane (product creator) at SHOT and asked him about how they would respond to the monopoding on a mag debate. His response to me was that they wouldn’t, simply because they’re not trying to change your training or the way you shoot. He’s just offering a product for those who do monopod off their mags. Furthermore, the failure to feed issues that were common with the standard GI mags have been severely reduced/eliminated by the improvements Magpul has made with their PMAGs: anti-tilt followers, constant curve body, etc. He also mentioned that they are doing extensive beta testing with the product and running through thousands of rounds with the MagPod.
(My thought) This isn’t some gimmick product thrown out there for a quick buck. Serious thought is being put into design and performance for the “real world” shooter. If you don’t agree with monopoding off your mag, hey, that’s fine, but if you do this product will provide you with a more stable platform in which to do it. I think it’s a great idea.
This thread has long since cooled out……Not for me…..mag retention has not been eng’d
to absorp recoil shock …you are asking for trouble here.