IWI Masada Striker-Fired Pistol Hands-On Preview Online Exclusive

I was lucky enough to be invited to visit IWI (Israeli Weapons Industry) in Israel back in November last year. I was able to get access to one of the few prototype Masada pistols. It’s named after the ancient fortress in southern Israel’s Judean Desert (not to be confused with the Magpul Masada concept rifle that later became the Remington ACR). It has 17+1 rounds capacity with 4.1″ long cold-hammer forged barrel. It features fully ambidextrous slide lock and magazine release with modular back straps in 3 different sizes. It has a trigger weight of approx. 5.5 lbs. The trigger guard is enlarged for use with gloves.

IWI US did not show this pistol at SHOT Show 2018 in Las Vegas and it was also not shown at NRA Annual Meeting 2018 in Dallas. We got word that the production has been delayed until early next year due to the factory reaching manufacturing capacity from receiving large orders globally especially with their newly announced Tavor 7 .308Win rifle that have yet to reach retailers as of when this article was written.

I was able to try it with the brand new Meprolight MicroRDS red-dot sight with its innovative quick-detach feature.

As a long time G17 shooter, the Masada feels right at home. With my medium size hand, I tried it with both the small and medium back straps and both felt comfortable with no difficulty for my thumb to reach the mag release.

Needless to say, IWI have lots of exciting products coming to store shelves for us! If only we can be more patient, the reward is very much worth it.