The gas adjustment valve is secured in place with a hairpin clip which was inappropriately oversized. The clip fell off easily when the handguard was removed, but the user can pinch the clip together to improve securement.
The clearance slots in the barrel nut and the location of the handguard's steel cross bolts interfere with each other such that the cross bolts are partially threaded into the barrel nut. The steel cross bolts are also threaded directly into the aluminum handguard which will degrade over time from disassembly and reassembly when cleaning the gas system. There was no thread locking compound used by the manufacturer to secure the cross bolts to the handguard. Metal dust was found when removing the handguard indicating the steel or aluminum materials have been degraded by the cross bolt assembly process.
The Picatinny and M-LOK rails are dimensionally out of spec which causes issues with mounting certain attachments to the handguard. The Picatinny slots are cut too shallow, and the M-LOK slots are too narrow. There is also insufficient width on the backside of the M-LOK slots to allow the T-nuts to fully lock into place. Additionally, the Picatinny rail does not align with the rail of the upper receiver.
Pulling back the charging handle and releasing causes the charging handle slide to wedge itself under the handguard. In addition to the metal chipping and peening, the charging handle can be wedged so tightly that the rifle must be mortared or slammed into a barrier to operate again. This is a significant and repeatable failure of the rifle during normal operation that cannot be neglected, though it may wear in through use.
The bolt catch is a proprietary design to provide clearance between the upper and lower receivers. The bolt release button is angled outwards from the rifle and requires excessive force to activate. This was determined to be due in part to sloppy tolerances which pinch the bolt catch into the lower receiver, though this may wear in and improve through use.
Reliability
For this range trip, 281 rounds were fired through the Makasi. The firing schedule began with 90 rounds of PMC X-TAC M193 ammunition to break-in the rifle while zeroing the optic. This ammunition was selected because it is considered “hotter” than typical loads. The first shot did not cycle the rifle – the casing extracted but the bolt did not pick up the next round in the magazine. The gas system adjustment valve was then switched to the suppressed setting to ensure that there was no user error in selecting the gas setting. Firing the next round did not extract the casing so the gas system was switched back to the unsuppressed setting. For the rest of these break-in rounds, the rifle operated identically to a straight-pull action rifle as the bolt always failed to pick up the next round. The variety of magazines had no difference in reliability.
13 cartridge loadings were tested for accuracy. Groups were shot over a period of 2 hours to allow the barrel to cool. In total, 131 rounds were shot during this period. Throughout the accuracy evaluation, the rifle continued to fail picking up the next round about 75% of the time with many failures to feed and jams regardless of the ammunition used. By the end of the accuracy evaluation, the rifle may fire up to 7 rounds at a time without jamming.
Accuracy
10 round groups were measured with various ammunition types at a range of 100 yards. Environmental conditions were cloudy with a high of 20°C and low to no wind. Groups were measured with all 10 rounds (100%), the tightest 9 rounds (90%), and the tightest 8 rounds (80%) to account for any fouling shots or shooter-induced error.
Cartridge Description
80% Group (MOA)
90% Group (MOA)
100% Group (MOA)
Federal GMM SMK 77gr
0.98
1.88
2.11
S&B 69gr HPBT
1.00
1.34
2.11
Barnaul 62gr SPBT
2.04
2.44
3.00
Barnaul 55gr HPBT
2.07
2.44
2.70
PMC XTAC M193
2.28
2.52
3.78
PMC Bronze 55gr
2.52
3.04
3.25
Chinese Surplus M193
2.88
3.01
3.87
Federal AE 5.56 NATO 55gr
2.96
3.75
4.44
MFS 55gr
3.07
3.74
4.02
Winchester White Box M193
3.14
3.75
5.11
Federal AE 223 Rem 55gr
3.44
3.56
5.19
PMC XTAC M855
4.52
--
--
Federal AE 62gr
4.91
5.02
6.60
Observations
The most concerning issue found during the construction review seems to correct itself through wear. The charging handle slide impacting the handguard removed enough material that there is now clearance between the components and it no longer becomes stuck. There is a significant amount of metal shavings where the material was forcibly removed.
While shooting, one of the gas block screws fell out. Notably, there is no thread locking compound to retain the screw. However, this may be inconsequential as the gas block is primarily retained by the coiled spring pin on the top of the barrel. Furthermore, after a full disassembly, it was discovered that the factory did not use any grease for the barrel extension or barrel nut, and there was no thread locking compound for the flash hider.
Warnings and Cautions
Given that the serial number is less than 500, I do not take seriously the argument that this rifle might be good because it has been on the American market for over 3 years. Low rate production may have allowed Brigade Mfg. to focus on their quality control. This substantially changes when you consider they must exponentially ramp up production in a short period of time to fulfill their orders for the Canadian market.
A huge red flag is that many of the issues highlighted in this report have been problems from the very beginning of production. It has been over 3 years and the manufacturer has put no effort into even touching the digital user manual, design, dimensions, or manufacturing processes of this rifle. With production suddenly ramped up, I highly doubt they will address any of these issues before the rifles arrive in Canada.
What may redeem the design is that many parts are compatible with the AR15 so higher quality parts can be substituted to keep the rifle running reliably and more accurately. Considering its only real competition is the IWI Carmel which also has minimal civilian adoption in the American market, both platforms will have to be proven over time.
Aaaand there it is, I knew we were gonna get one of these reviews sooner or later. The gun always gave me Canadian 180 vibes. Idk why people keep jumping on $2k+ guns, that are designed and manufactured in-house, by small companies with low production volume.
Yeah, moral issues aside, anything from IWI will be dependable. My X95 has had thousands of rounds through it with zero parts failure. You don'tdidn't (RIP) even have to really clean it.
Yeah my thoughts exactly. Im a function over form guy typically, but the carmel just isn't appealing enough for me to drop the cash, even though its the more reliable option. Im also canceling my makasi pre order after the long weekend.
I kinda knew this gun would be rushed shit out of the gate, that was pretty much a given. There's a reason our US friends never made this gun take off. They know their stuff.
What I want is the receiver. Yes, the receiver. The glorious, semi-auto designated by our FRT-Overlords, reciever.
I have full faith that our AR-Lego starved CNC boys will fix whatever ails the Masaki. AND probably make it better in the weeks, months ahead after it lands here.
It will take a few weeks, months to iron out everything. Me thinks that TNA and other places will be at it once they get their hands one. I'm excited for my order and will buy whatever/iron out mods come out for it.
In the meantime, I have a dremil for the handguard issues/charging handle/bolt catch. I also have old hanguards I want to try on it.
Well.... this is disheartening, but not surprising anymore. Thanks for the review boss. This is actually the nail in the coffin for me, im canceling my pre order on monday. Your doing the lord's work for your fellow countrymen
Many of the popular positive reviews come from shills. The rifles manufactured for Canada will be hastily assembled to meet the demand so I would expect the QC to decrease even lower than my example.
For three grand I'm not dremmeling, I'm not replacing pieces, I'm not tweaking, I'm not loctiting, I'm not shimming.
I'm not doing shit except giving it a cleanup, putting on an optic, loading mags and sending rounds. Early evidence suggests this will be impossible. They can't even get pic rails and foreguard attachment right. I've heard enough.
Meh, they can keep this one. Got my popcorn and comfy chair for when the containers arrive. Should be quite a fireworks show.
People here were calling out other 5.56 options for months calling everything else cope and touting the upcoming Makasi like a saviour. At least those options functioned properly
People act surprised when a smaller manufacturing company makes a proprietary design, and then it has QC issues.
The IWI Carmel may look odd, but having a gun manufacturered by a company with years of research and solid military contracts makes all the difference.
I'd argue the IMI offering actually looks decent. But still at the end of the day, its a 5 round semi auto that costs 5x what an equivalent would cost if you lived in the USA
In accordance with the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[6] Transactions/Advertisements
Transactions of ANY TYPE, including trades/offers, "WTB/WTT/WTS", gifting, and direct advertising ARE BANNED from being conducted through Reddit, and will NOT be allowed in this subreddit. See ModPost - 22 Mar 2018 This includes not only firearms and other regulated parts, but any buy/sell. Users may be temporarily or permanently banned for any transactions posted on the subreddit. Please refer to the Reddit rules on restricted community content.
https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043513471-Illegal-or-Prohibited-Transactions
This may also include: Anything gun related, references/links to sales, asking where to find firearms or regulated parts, discounts, events, promotions, screenshots/pics of vendor websites/flyers/etc or links to 3d printed files. If a post/comment could be construed as an advertisement, either blatantly or subtly, it may be removed at Mod discretion.
In reference to this thread, we are expanding this rule to cover any links to retail sites, as well as references to purchase prices.
Vendors, self-promotion and official flair: Please send us a modmail with your business name and official email address, along with a website which we can use to verify your identity. We will then grant you flair and allow you to post on the subreddit.
Like I said in my previous comment, they were/are on sale for $999 USD ($1400 CAD). I know, I know ...Still not 1/5th of the cost, but half? Thats still a big difference
I've got a separate post where I have been detailing custom work I've done to my own Makasi.
The biggest draw the rifle has for me, is the decent amount of AR-15 parts that can be subbed in.
In regards to the barrel nut and handguard, its been worth it to modify a GI barrel nut and Delta ring to use drop in handguards. Midwest Industries 2 piece drop in will fit, after you cut a section out of the Delta ring the width of the base of the picatinny rail. Same cut is needed on the spring and retaining clip. For the GI barrel nut, you need to install and torque it, then mark the 2 teeth that bracket the piston entry hole on the upper reciever, after they are marked, remove the barrel nut, and grind those 2 teeth flat so the piston has clearence.
For the front end, a standard handguard end cap just needs a half moon cut out directly above the gas tube hole, depth is just to the inner far wall of the gas tube hole.
Last, and optional, I found a simple aluminum channel that had the proper outer width to match the upper reciever picatinny base, and inner width to allow the piston to pass through. I cut it the appropriate length, took a few millimeters off the base, and it fits under the drop in handguard, bracketing the piston where I cut the Delta ring, so everything is clean looking. Its held in place by tension (top and bottom sandwiched between handguard and barrel nut, sides sandwiched by either end of the Delta ring spring pressing on it)
The Makasi reciever is slightly taller than an AR15 reciever, so if you use iron sights with this set up, you will need to purchase an extra tall front site post to offset the height difference for your sights.
Few hours of dremel work, but looks good and doesnt affect function.
I swapped the barrel to a centurion chromelined 16 inch .223 wylde. Was my first time doing my own barrel pinning myself, went alot easier than I thought it would, the jig I got for it made it easier.
Basically, I've replaced the whole front end minus the short stroke system. I bought the gun wanting to explore its potential with AR15 parts. My tinkering, OCD side has been happy past few months.
Sad that in today’s Canada a $1200 Turkish semi auto performs better out of box than a US brand rifle x2 the cost. My $450 TNA semi shotgun went through 1000+ rounds with zero issues. I hope they improve the Makasi over time.
OP, I have a pre order that I am seriously considering cancelling, but from your post it seemed like the gun “opened” up more by the end of the 281 rounds to where you could shoot 7rnds continuously without jamming or failing to pick up.
Do you think if you had shot more, it wouldve fixed this problem by breaking in more?
I mean really this seems to be the biggest problem as other problems seem to be of less importance and can be worked around.
If it’s a straight pull pretending to be a semi automatic that is just disappointing. The one thing that has me so confused is how a rifle like this that’s had relatively good reviews in America on YouTube and on other obscure forums over the years is now all of a sudden having all of these problems. Makes me think all those reviews were paid for or maybe this is a lemon.
There is hope that the rifle runs more reliably once it breaks in. After the 281 rounds, it was barely able to cycle a full 10 round mag. Especially since the rifle is compatible with many AR15 parts, users can replace the operating system with higher quality components.
I've changed the barrel on my rifle and I can confirm the barrel must be carbine length gas with a 0.750" gas journal. You'd only need to drill out a hole for the pin of the gas block.
I've found many of the American reviews are from shills or people who neglect to mention their problems. But my greatest concern is that Brigade Mfg.'s QC will drop significantly to meet the demand of the Canadian market. They haven't produced this design at scale so I'm hesitant to say the incoming rifles will be high quality.
I have an AR I built ages ago with junk like giesle trigger group, DD omega hand guard rail, bcm bolt carrier, custom 223 wylde barrel, and all that jazz. I know you're not like an expert on the masaki but do you think it'd be not so bad if I threw in whatever it could take from my old AR? I have a preorder for the Masaki I'm considering cancelling after seeing your post but I might keep it if I can throw some of those parts in and have it be more performant.
The handguard may need modification to fit properly as the bore to rail heights are different. You can definitely reuse the BCM bolt and BCG components. The barrel would need to be drilled to pin the gas block. Trigger group and fire control group are compatible too. Despite my findings, I'm still hopeful the rifle will operate once it gets past the break in period and using higher quality parts. But for most people, I don't think $2400 is a great value for a platform that needs significant modification out of the box.
It was one lemon though. There are plenty of good reviews. 313operator bought the rifle with his own money and his worked great out of the box. He wasn’t paid for a review. I think it’s too early to cancel pre orders over a single review.
Yeah that kind of sucks about the construction of the rifle. Most likely will have to swap a few things out like the hand guard. hopefully the Canadian NR version is a bit better. It’s a new market for them so hopefully they’ll want to get a good name for themselves. But from most reviews I’ve watched the rifle seemed to work great. 313operators worked like a charm
Y'all are dooming too early lmao, I'm not going to cancel my preorder over a possible lemon.
I'll wait till I get it in my hands, try it out at the range, see what other people think, and if it's a widespread issue. Worst case scenario, I sell it on Gunpost for a partial loss.
The issues found in the rifle's construction have been reported by American gunowners over the past 3 years. Excluding the rifle's reliability, the design and manufacturing of the Makasi has been lacking from the very beginning.
https://giphy.com/gifs/YVvTCqTBglkOs
Why can’t we have nice things!!!!!????? All this is just making me want to be able to use my Bren 2 so much more!!!!!!
Is there a high gas setting? Did you verify the gas block was properly aligned? Is the gas port blocked? I struggle to believe this is a systemic issue among Makasi rifles but an isolated case of this rifle having a defective part somewhere in the gas system.
The other issues are indeed notable but not dealbreakers as their nature is mostly cosmetic.
Accuracy testing is not surprising, but wouldn't be far off from results showing from other short stroke gas operated guns tested under the same conditions by the same shooter
Verified that I used the correct unsuppressed setting. Gas block is aligned nearly 100% and no burrs or damage to the gas block or barrel gas journal (after full disassembly).
Shooting 400 rounds at a 15 yard range doesn't provide any meaningful information other than the rifle's operation. He has a very low serial number indicating that his rifle was manufactured a while ago with likely better QC and attention to detail due to low rate production.
I’m not sure that I get the point of these overly negative reviews. How many different models of magazine fed, semi-auto, centrefire rifles are there that are still unbanned in Canada at the moment? A dozen? Less? I’m not buying one of these because I expect it to perform the same as a Mk 18 right out of the box, I’m buying it because I have enough discretionary income to do so, and because there’s nothing else available that scratches the black rifle itch. If it doesn’t work reliably at first, I’ll swap parts and tinker with it until it runs like clockwork - what else am I going to do? Buy another SKS?
It may work reliably after the break in period and you're absolutely right that parts can be substituted to make it work. However, $2400 is a significant cost to most people and many wouldn't appreciate spending hundreds more to get it running or having to bring it to a gunsmith out of the box.
Great review, though what makes you say the gas setting is incorrect? Is there a chance that could be the cause of the reliability issues (if they were in fact not mixed up in the manual)
I have called Brigade Arms and confirmed with one of their technical people that the correct Unsuppresed setting has the adjustment slot vertical , perpendicular to the ground. The fact that the online manual is still incorrect is ... annoying, since I did point out the issue. I have emailed them more recently, but I will give them another call on Tuesday.
The user manual describes the unsuppressed/suppressed settings of the gas adjustment value incorrectly. I tried both settings and verified that I was using the "higher gas", unsuppressed setting for proper operation.
Yeah I read more into your review and cross referenced MACs takedown segment in his review and you’re absolutely right.
Any clue as to the culprit of the reliability issues?
Overall - this review is very well thought out and designed (the full document specifically, I do love a good table of contents and figure caption). It’s disappointing that the quality is what it is.
That said, the biggest determining factor for whether they’d get my money will be how they respond to poor reviews. As a company it’s possible for them to smooth out their QC and customer service and try to salvage things, though this remains to be seen and it’s possible they don’t care since they can just take advantage of such a starved market.
Time will tell. Either way, we appreciate the hard work you put into this
From what I’ve seen on the brand itself, the google reviews are pretty mixed. A few people did mention the lack of QC. The bm9 series seems to be one of their most popular series and lots of people have been stating that the gun fails to LRBHO and won’t feed properly. Not to mention from indeed, the previous cnc machinists were not treated well. These were issues from a few years ago. I just hope that Brigade will pull their shit together for the high order volumes to Canada.
"This has the hallmarks of competitor-driven messaging rather than a genuine, independent review, allmore than an actual comprehensive review." Systemic?
atp im genuinely tempted to just get the backland hunter. Edit; i love how as soon as i mention anything made by crusader i get a swarm of people telling me not to buy it. Im aware of the issues, i was mostly joking.
Im aware of the issues. But if theres stuff wrong with the brigade. Its a hit or miss with the canadian market atp. I was considering getting the backland hunter to teach myself on modern firearms. But i was also looking at just getting the henry homesteader or akdas same with the adler
Eh the one i tested worked fine. Wild the stock broke though i was beating on the one in the store to get it into the middle setting (i hate the stock on them though theyre the my personal pet peeve)
I fondled one today at RDSC... you can see every machining process they did on every component, the machining marks across the entire barrel look like those on my wartime mosin, the gas block is the most pitted and roughly cast thing I've seen, the action is rougher than a Ruger American which I thought was lert near impossible, even adjusting the stock was a rough time. Oh and the backshot comp has a weird ass 2 part lower reciever which looks like it would make switching or servicing the trigger a pain, I knew the Crimgesader product was going to be shite but I was blown away at just how shite it was, vs the Makasi they had there on loan which was an exponentially nicer feeling and looking piece in just about every way
Since the days of WK180, same shit. These small scale Canadian production semi autos just don't have the reliability or design refinement to be given a chance.
64
u/HankHippoppopalous Aug 01 '26
This is the sort of quality I expected from my TM22 not a gun costing 8x the cost