Masterpiece Arms MPA-30?

[Dionysusigma]

So, the list of autoloading pistols on my "Whenever I Turn 21" list so far has: a Beretta 92FS; a good-but-not-over-$500.00 1911; either a Glock17/19, Steyr M9, Springfield XD9, or Walther P99 for carry; and a CZ-52 for fun. But I want something inherently "evil" too, probably for plinking and such. I know I'll not be able to afford an UZI anytime soon, so I'm looking at *flame suit on* MACs.

The only two I can find, though, are the Cobray version (PM-11)http://www.gunsnstuff.net/FAC/010.asp for $189.00, and the Masterpiece Arms version (MPA-30) for which I am unable to find a price. I've heard the "horror" stories about MACs, and equally bad stuff about Cobray, but... what about Masterpiece Arms? Their (unfortunately) official site http://www.masterpiecearms.com is no less than crap, and I've never seen a dealer in Oklahoma carry them.

So what's the low-down on the MPA-30 (I'd like one in 9x19, no offense to those with MPA-10s)? Comparative price/reliability/accuracy to Cobrays/Ingrams? Or should I just keep looking for something else?

 

[Dionysusigma]

... anyone... ?

 

[Rocko]

Well, no direct experience with their complete guns per se.... I've got an SWD M11/9 and got one of the RPB's sidecocking uppers. It's a hoot in full auto, but even with a decent stock, somewhat difficult to hit the broad side of a barn with the factory sights. I frankly don't think it would be fun in semi, shooting as a pistol, and you'd better be "plinking" large appliances if you want to hit something.

Now... with some sort of optic on it, it is pretty decent for what it is. I still don't it would be fun as a semi pistol, though. They aren't exactly that light. The main advantage of ths sidecocker is it allows the mounting of a large optics rail. I suppose it is a bit easier to cock, but it also adds significantly to the width of the gun. The factory cocking knobs have a tendancy to shear off as well, at least with the subguns - dunno about semis. Most people probably don't shoot their semis enough for this to be a worry - my guess is the semis are best for sitting there looking evil rather than enjoyable shooting.

I believe the MPA's also take STEn mags, which while cheap and abundant, are a bitch to load. Don't even think about loading them by hand w/o a loader.

Anyway, I'd say skip it. The so-called "assault pistols" never seemed like much more than a novelty to me - and one that would quickly wear off. The money would be better spent elsewhere, like some quality leather for your carry gun (expect to spend ~$100) or extra practice ammo. If you want something "evil" and still useful/practical, stick to a long gun.

Rocko

 

[Rocko]

Actually, I revise my "money better spent" recommendation. You don't have a .22 pistol in your list. You'd be much better served with one of those. The Browning Buckmark gets my nod, but lots of folks, of course, like the Ruger MkII's (and the MkIII should be out shortly...).

If you want something "evil", start putting a few $$$ towards one of the budget .22 cans (if your state and locality allows it) for it and get as close to "hollywood quiet" as possible...

Rocko

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I have seen the Mac clones and that Skorpion on the same page... I think it would be neat to have it, but then again, if shooting it isn't fun, why bother? So I have not picked one. Though still, it would look cool sitting in the safe next to my wife's Desert Eagle I think!

I am going to keep track of this thread to see what actual owners say...

like some quality leather for your carry gun (expect to spend ~$100)

I admit if it isn't ammo, I have a hard time spending much on it. My cheapo holsters work better for me than the $40-$70 holsters I have tried...

 

[russlate]

Only reason I looked at a M11 (?) was after getting a call from the BATF asking about the one I bought.

Seems an unscrupulous dealer that I'd bought an AR-180 from had filled out the back of the yellow sheet and added the M11 after I left the store. Informed BATF I'd be very eager to testify to that. Unfortunately he was arrested for being involved in delivering a bomb to a State Troopers front doorstep that badly injured the Trooper. He went away for a long time for that.

I was even madder when I did take a look at the M11. It was an eggregious insult to me to allege I'd ever even consider buying a piece of junk such as that. I had ( and continue to have ) far better taste than that.

( Edited to add ) IMHO, that is.

 

[Marcus]

A friend of mine has a Cobral M-11 carbine. It`s pretty much a heavy POS. It trigger slaps,isn`t all that reliable even after I went through it and deburred/polished it here and there. The sights are a laugh. That said it`s a bunch of fun to shoot. The MPA look to be MUCH better overall quality. A local dealer that sells mostly black guns said they`re recieved rave reviews from those who formerly had Cobrays. Truthfully I`ve thought about buying one in 9mm with the sight rail and side cocker. With a red dot, and a stack of cheap Sten mags loaded with Win. white box it seems like it would be a whole lot of fun. Sure it doesn`t serve any "serious purpose" but who says every gun we buy has to? Marcus

 

[Dionysusigma]

As mentioned before, it's just for plinking... and maybe some "OOooo evil gun" novelty factor too. The main factors involved are 1) Money, 2) Cost, and 3) Can I afford it?

Cobray PM-11: Cheap/inexpensive.
MPA-30: Costs a little more, but supposedly a whole heck of a lot better.

Cobray mags: $30.00 per 30rder, somewhat difficult to find.
Sten mags: $6.00 per 32rder, really easy to find.

Availability of Cobray: Can be ordered from FAC.
Availability of MPA: Dang near impossible here in Oklahoma.

Both websites are crap, so the companies themselves aren't making this any easier...

Does anyone actually have one of these (or even know someone who does)?

 

[walking arsenal]

I just got one of these and the quality seems good. I'll let you know how it shoots as soon as i get a hold of some ammo. Any one have any grain recomendations?

 

[wardog]

I don 't have an MPA, but I have heard some good things.

Try here for more info:

http://www.uzitalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=82

 

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

I have a friend who had a MAC 10 (Powder Springs) for awhile in the early 80's. He got tired of it soon and sold it for a bit of a profit.

Interesting MAC link here:

http://www.firearmsid.com/Feature Articles/012001/Mac10History.htm

I never cared much for it, myself, no matter how 'fun' it was to shoot. It was great if you were blasting old abandoned refrigerators and the like. I was into Uzis about the same time and got tired of them. At best, I always considered the MAC a close-range bullet hose...and by close range, I'm talking less than 15 feet. At worst, the semi-auto variants are roughly as much fun to shoot as a .45/9mm cinderblock and just as ergonomic.

Of course, I'm a lot older now. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have bought a good quality .22 pistol and a wheelbarrow full of ammo and had a lot more fun without any stress. I still like and appreciate Title II stuff, but some things- particularly accurate things- are more interesting than others.

Regards,
Rabbit.

 

[walking arsenal]

I test fired my MPA today.

As a note it is 15 degrees here in northern MN and even in the cold climate the gun worked without a hitch.

I fed it Fiochi 147 GRN FMJ and FMJHP, it digested both fine.

Accuracy was nothing to write home about but i didnt expect much either so i wasn't disapointed.

I think a little more practice with it is in order and i will be able to make it group better.

I say, buy one while you still can.