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Classic Firearms first covered the Brigade Makasi at SHOT Show 2023 earlier this year. Now that we've had a chance to run the rifle through its paces, we're circling back for an in-depth review of this updated FAL-style firearm that accepts AR-15 magazines.
As a short stroke piston-driven hybrid of the FAL and AR-15, Brigade's Makasi rifle pays homage to the classic battle rifle while incorporating some of the features and controls of the AR platform. An improved folding stock and superior ergonomics allow the Makasi to function exceptionally well in a wide range of applications - from CQB to RECCE and everything inbetween.
The Makasi also accepts most AR-15 magazines, making it a more practical choice for a home defense or duty gun than the FAL in 2023. Mag compatibility among households or departments is often a deciding factor when selecting a rifle and since AR magazines can be found almost anywhere in the U.S., this is a huge plus.
Like the AR-15, the Makasi has a last round bolt hold open feature so you need only insert a fresh magazine and actuate the bolt release to continue shooting. This rifle also features an ambi safety and a robust charging handle (reminiscent of the original FAL's charging handle) that is easy to run, even while wearing gloves.
The Makasi utilizes a standard AR-15 trigger and pistol grip, both of which can be upgraded to suit each shooter's exact preferences. Cleaning and maintenance are a breeze, as the Makasi retains the FAL's intuitive ambi takedown lever, and the rifle even comes with a comfortable folding stock. It is worth noting that although the folded stock will interfere with the charging handle, the Makasi can still be fired with the stock in the folded position.
Regarding customization, the Makasi is available with either a Picatinny or an M-LOK handguard for mounting the optics and accessories of your choice. Brigade also offers several different colors and finishes, though even the standard black Makasi will stand out in any collection. Each rifle ships with Brigade's 3-prong muzzle device and two magazines.
We found the Makasi to be incredibly accurate and it was a pleasure to shoot at the range. It has a low recoil impulse and functioned flawlessly during our time with it. One small nitpick: we did notice some gas bleeding from the gas block which made contact with our hands - so we recommend wearing gloves or adjusting your grip to avoid this issue.
Overall, the Brigade Makasi proved to be a reliable and precise firearm with tons of great features right out of the box. The short stroke piston-driven design and folding stock make for a lightweight, compact rifle that handles incredibly well and is suited for a variety of use cases, including home defense and duty use. To discover more awesome 5.56 NATO guns that aren't AR-15s, be sure to watch our video below.
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