Airsoft Review: Mako MWG Magazine Well Grip

First things first, if you’re a Magpul fanboy, you won’t agree with the function of a mag well grip, but hey, I’m old school. The Mako MWG Magazine Well Grip is a pretty solid little accessory for RS and airsoft rifles. The MWG is available from Amazon for around $22 depending on the color you choose, as well as Mako directly. Speaking of which, it is available in Black, OD, and Flat Dark Earth and is made of MIL-SPEC polymer (whatever that magical substance is).

The MWG serves to convert the mag well of the rifle into a modified type of a fore grip. As you likely realize, people have been using this style of grip for a long time, typically on SMG’s and for cqb engagements. Recent trends however have replaced the traditional mag well grip with an extended grip on the rifle’s rail system or on a vertical\angled fore grip. According to the manufacture the MWG offers four benefits to the tactical carbine user (see I’m a magpul fanboy too):

• Allows a tighter stance for speed and maneuverability
• Prevents possibly accuracy affecting pressure on non-free-floating rail systems
• Keeps the users hands off the mag
• Functions as an extended and flared mag well to speed reloads

Installation should be easy…right, like that ever happens. Supposedly there are two versions of the MWG available, the first gen and the second gen. The newer model (though there’s really no way to tell them apart as far as I can tell) supposedly has more tolerance incorporated into the design to increase aftermarket receiver compatibility. That’s all fine and good for the RS user out there but what of the lonely airsofter? Well I can’t speak for the fit on an M4, which it admittedly is intended for, but to fit it to my Echo 1 SCAR-L I had to do some pretty decent grinding on it.

Here you can see a comparison of the modified half and the original half:

Ahh, the dremel. A gamer\modeler\airsofter's best friend...

After getting the fit down, it’s literally as simple as three hex screws. The only problem I ran into is when tightening the MWG, it would compress the receiver and not allow the mags to seat correctly. Simply loosening the screws a little solved the problem easily, and the screws are still tight enough so there’s no concern of one dropping out. If you’re the sort that might worry, a drop or two of loctite will solve things nicely.

Aww...look at that cute little gingerbread house. It was my first ever. I know sad at 31...

As to the function of the MWG let’s see if it actually does what it says it will…

• Allows a tighter stance for speed and maneuverability – Well the MWG doesn’t actually do this since that style of hold has been around long before this accessory. It does however allow for more stable and comfortable handling of the rifle when using a mag well hold. So in that respect, it does help with cutting corners more rapidly and shooting over\through barricades while exposing less of your body.
• Prevents possibly accuracy-affecting pressure on non-free-floating rail systems – I suppose this would be true, but few if anybody in airsoft uses non-free-floating hand guards anymore, so yeah.
• Keeps the users hands off the mag – While this is true, if you’re holding on to the mag while using a mag well hold, then you’re doing something wrong to begin with. It does however serve as a great point of reference for quick grip changes or for the beginner\novice that may not be familiar with proper grip implementation.
• Functions as an extended and flared mag well to speed reloads – Again while this is true in theory, I find that it takes some small adjustments. When reloading I found my tendency was to not seat the mag completely because I felt like it was going farther into the gun than it actually was. This is solved with simple practice and a good tap on the bottom of the mag when doing a reload.

You may be thinking at this point, “Well if it only sort of does what it says it will, then what’s the point?” My answer to that is simple. If you already use a mag well hold, or have been thinking of implementing it, then this accessory will certainly make it more comfortable and secure. The MWG isn’t a game-changing accessory, but it is a solid piece of gear that can support your play style. It’s certainly sturdy enough for airsoft use. I’ve yet to have any concerns about craftsmanship, even after spending an hour dremeling it to bejezuz and back.

The finished mod

As a final thought, and partially why I got it in the first place, the MWG allows for a comfortable grip if you are short on rail space. For instance, my SCAR is in the process of getting the DMR treatment. As such it will have a bipod on the bottom rail, a peq box, and possibly a secondary 1x red dot. The SCAR in comparison to many rifles has a lot of rail realty. However the lower rail is rather short. So the MWG allows me to have a good solid fore grip, while not taking up valuable space.

Now I just wish they made one for the MP5. Then my life would be complete…