MagPul Maztech X4 fire control system, now available
The X4 system developed by MagPul and Maztech Industries as an entrant in the NGSW competition is now available commercially, adaptable to a wide array of long-range rifles
MagPul Maztech X4 fire control system, now available
The X4 Fire Control System, developed in collaboration by MagPul and Maztech Industries and first showcased as a prototype at the 2022 edition of SHOT Show, is finally available on the commercial market, at least in the United States, where it's distributed by MagPul.
Originally developed as an entrant for the NGSW-FC tender – aimed at the development and procurement of a fire control system for the XM7 assault rifle and XM250 light machine-gun, and won by the Vortex Optics XM157 – the MagPul-Maztech X4 system was subsequently redesigned as a commercial product for national and foreign civilian, law enforcement, and military sales.
When first showcased, the MagPul-Maztech X4 system had a late 2022 release date attached to it; Maztech Industries and MagPul ended up taking three additional years to refine and industrialize the concept into a modular system consisting of six elements (two electronic devices, a Picatinny mount, a connector cable and two independent three-button remote switches) each sold separately, easily combined and installed on a vast majority of long guns – both civilian and MIL/LE/Govt. – to obtain an easy-to-use, effective, high-technology comprehensive fire control system for tactical mid-to-long range shooting, and especially for AR-10, AR-15 and other modern sporting rifle variants.
At the heart of the system is the Maztech X4-FCS hard-anodized black 7075-T6 billet aluminum aluminum cantilever mount for 30mm low-power variable optics (LPVO) with a 30mm tube, featuring a ballistic computer on front based on the Applied Ballistics software.
The X4-FCS provides real-time ballistic calculations for first-shot impacts on target, even out to the maximum effective range of the ammunition, using parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, pitch, roll, and heading that are combined with user-supplied bullet and firearm data to creates a precise, ballistic-compensated offset aiming point that acts as the shooter's aimpoint through the LPVO. The X4-FCS is powered by two USB-C 18650 batteries, it's water resistant, will withstand harsh use, shocks and extreme temperatures, and can accommodate multiple ammunition types and weapons by memorizing up to thirty different ballistic profiles.
The Maztech X4-LRF laser rangefinder is the second element of the system, usable as an independent accessory or easily paired to the X4-FCS through a dedicated cable and Picatinny diving board mount, sold separately. Based on the Applied Ballistics software, the X4-LRF uses a 1534 nm, military-grade laser that’s not detectable by night-vision devices and a low-noise, high-gain Avalanche Photodiode (APD) photoreceiver to provide extremely accurate distance readings between the shooter and their target, up to 2 km for human-sized targets and up to 15 km for different types of targets, with the maximum level of sensitivity, depending from the variant.
The system can also elaborate dedicated ballistic solutions for an accurate engagement of the selected target based to the shooter's firearm and ammunition combo, returning them through the X4-FCS device or the embedded OLED display. Manufactured around a 7075-T6 aluminum chassis and powered by rechargeable batteries, the X4-LRF is extremely durable even in the harshest conditions of use.
Two different cabled remote control keypads are available for the Maztech X4-FCS and X4-LRF devices; independent and alternative to each other, each sold separately, they pair to the X4-FCS and X4-LRF via an ODU I/O plug.
Each is designed to a different shape, button position, profile and interface: one is made to attach to Picatinny rails, the other can be secured to a rifle's magazine well via a velcro strap. This allows shooters to select their favorite style and position for intuitive and comfortable operation.
The original MagPul-Maztech X4 project as showcased at the 2022 edition of SHOT Show was based on a dedicated lower receiver that would integrate the activation buttons for the devices, with a wireless connection. The use of separate cabled remote push button pads streamlines the design, makes it simpler to manufacture and more readily available even in those Countries and jurisdictions where receivers are regulated as pressure-bearing firearm components instead of being just considered accessories.
Of course, both the X4-FCS and the X4-LRF feature their own built-in sets of controls; the remote buttons, however, allow the users to easily and intuitively access all functions with minimum training and, most importantly, without leaving the shooting position, always keeping an eye on the target through their LPVO.
The MagPul-Maztech X4 fire control system does not come cheap: the X4-FCS and X4-LRF are sold at a minimum price of $3,495.00 and $2,195.00 in the United States, respectively; the X4-LRF dedicated diving board Picatinny mount and FCS-to-LRF connection cable are sold at $199 and $175, respectively; and the two remotes go for $250 each. The overall price for all six components reaches $6,564.00 – quite steep, but well balanced considering the overall technology content involved in what is, all things considered, the first commercially-available, universal fire control system for mid-to-long-range rifles dedicated to both civilian and professional customers.
For further information, visit the official MagPul Industries website; for information concerning local availability and pricing outside of the United States, consult the authorized MagPul Industries distributor for your Country.