Probably the news of the day: Bushmaster and Magpul Team on Advanced Weapon

Bushmaster Firearms International, LLC (BFI) announced today that it has signed an exclusive license deal with Magpul Industries Corp. for the production, future development, and sales of Magpul’s prototype MASADA weapon system.

The Bushmaster ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) will initially be offered in 5.56 NATO, available for law enforcement and civilian purchase second quarter 2008. This release will be followed by military ACR versions in the 3rd quarter of 2008.

As you can probably imagine, the reaction is mixed. Many folks who have been following the Masada hype for the past year are disappointed with th news and worried that Bushmaster might take a good thing and ruin it. Others are glad to know that Magpul has a major manufacturer to make what appears to be a very promising rifle.

Despite a number of "don't 'F' this up, Bushmaster!"-type comments, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that no one has been really sure how a company like Magpul was going to pull off production of this weapon in the event it went big-time. Bushmaster, obviously, has the capability to do so, and we should all keep our fingers crossed that Magpul will make sure that their baby gets the treatment it deserves.

I'm wondering what new info will be available at the SHOT Show.