Masterpiece Arms
MasterPiece Arms (MPA) is a Georgia-based manufacturer producing two very different but equally impressive product lines: the Defender series of MAC-style semi-automatic pistols — the most faithful production descendants of the original MAC-10 and MAC-11 — and the BA series of precision bolt-action rifles that compete directly against custom shop builds. Impact Guns stocks MPA pistols, bolt rifles, and accessories across their full lineup.
Read our full MasterPiece Arms Buying Guide ↓
MPA Defender: The Modern MAC-11 Successor
The MPA Defender series are open-bolt-style semi-automatic pistols built on the MAC-11 platform in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .22 WMR. They are the closest production equivalent to the original Military Armament Corporation MAC-10 and MAC-11 designs, maintaining the distinctive silhouette and simple operation while meeting modern manufacturing standards. The Defender is legal to own as a pistol in most states and is popular both as a collector piece and a range gun. For buyers searching for a MAC-11, the MPA Defender is the definitive in-production answer — no transfer delay, no NFA paperwork.
MPA DS9 and BA Competition Bolt Rifles: Precision at Production Prices
MPA’s bolt-action competition rifles represent the other end of the spectrum — purpose-built precision platforms for PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competition and long-range hunting. The BA Hybrid and DS9 series use chassis-based designs with aluminum or hybrid stocks, heavy-contour threaded barrels, and triggers adjustable to competition specifications. Available in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, 6.5 PRC, and other precision calibers, MPA bolt rifles deliver custom shop performance at production rifle prices. The DS9 TC Hybrid is their flagship, competing directly against Accuracy International and similar high-end platforms.
MPA Defender vs. Military Armament Corp: MAC Pistol Comparison
Both MPA and Military Armament Corp (MAC) produce MAC-pattern semi-automatic pistols, but they serve slightly different buyers. MPA emphasizes modern manufacturing quality, with better fit-and-finish and more reliable feeding than many MAC-pattern alternatives. Military Armament Corp focuses on strict historical fidelity to the original design. For a shooter who wants a reliable range gun with MAC aesthetics, MPA wins on quality. For a collector who wants the closest thing to the original, Military Armament Corp is the more authentic choice. Both are far more accessible than original MAC-10 and MAC-11 transferable machine guns.
MPA in 5.7x28mm: The Defender 5.7
MPA offers select Defender models chambered in 5.7x28mm — the same cartridge used by the FN P90 and FN Five-SeveN. The 5.7x28mm round is exceptionally flat-shooting with low recoil, making it an interesting choice in the MAC-platform pistol. MPA’s 5.7mm Defender uses proprietary magazines and delivers the high-velocity, low-recoil experience of the 5.7 cartridge in a compact, affordable platform compared to the FN America alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions: Masterpiece Arms
What is Masterpiece Arms known for?
Masterpiece Arms (MPA) is a Comer, Georgia manufacturer producing two distinct product lines: the MPA MAC series (semi-automatic pistols and carbines in the style of the classic MAC-10 and MAC-11 open-bolt submachine guns) and MPA precision rifle chassis systems used extensively in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) competition. The MAC-style pistols made MPA’s reputation; the chassis systems represent their current growth market. MPA is one of the few manufacturers that successfully serves both the budget tactical pistol buyer and the precision rifle competition community.
What is the MPA MAC and how does it relate to the original MAC-10?
The original MAC-10 and MAC-11 were open-bolt semi-automatic pistols designed by Gordon Ingram in the 1960s and produced by Military Armament Corporation — notorious for their high cyclic rate in full-auto configuration and distinctive boxy appearance. MPA produces closed-bolt semi-automatic pistols and carbines in the MAC form factor, chambered in 9mm, .45 ACP, and .22 LR. The MPA versions use the classic MAC aesthetics while meeting all requirements for civilian semi-automatic pistols. They are not legal to convert to full-auto.
What is the MPA BA Chassis?
The MPA BA (Bolt Action) Chassis is MPA’s precision rifle platform — an aluminum chassis system designed for Remington 700 footprint actions, used widely in PRS and F-Class competition. The BA Chassis features adjustable length of pull, adjustable cheek weld, ARCA rail and Picatinny options, and a folding stock on some variants. It is one of the most popular production chassis systems in precision rifle competition and has helped establish MPA’s reputation beyond the MAC pistol market.
See Also: Pistol Caliber Carbines • Competition Guns • AR-15 Parts • Bolt-Action Rifles
