Before arriving at SHOT Show 2023 (my first of hopefully many to come), I’d heard of MEAN Arms, but I’d not really taken a hard look at them or what they’re doing with the AR market. I guess I’d kind of written them off as yet another manufacturer of AR-style firearms and nothing more. Big mistake.
I’d added them to my SHOT Show planner but wasn’t expecting much fanfare. I figured, “well, they’re right down the row from U.S. Arms (another favorite of mine), so what can it hurt to stop by?” I’m glad I did. Upon stepping into the booth, I was warmly greeted by Wayne Hardesty and Ray Fowler, who graciously agreed to walk me through their new bearing-delayed blowback bolt system; their new, not yet in-production hybrid lower; and their new MA Loader, which is specifically designed for restricted states. California readers: That means you. Check this thing out!
As I walked away from the booth and tried to process what I’d seen, my mind kind of went “kaboom.” I couldn’t get them out of my head. So, despite my feet hurting, my stomach growling, and the day quickly coming to an end, I went back to MEAN to get another look and take notes. Here’s what I’ve got for you.
The Mean Arms Magazine Loader
Compatible with most AR-15 and AR-10 models (right-handed only), the MA Loader is a California-compliant, side-loading 10-round speed loader, built to quickly—and safely—reload a fixed (or removable, for free state shooters) 10-round magazine without the need to disassemble or modify the gun. According to MEAN, all you need to do is lock the loader in place in your rifle’s ejection port and press the ergonomic thumb ring slider down. Let the loader do the rest. Not only does the system load rounds into the magazine in a quick, clean motion, but it also automatically drops one in the chamber for you, getting you ready for action in less than a second.
While it looks like something stemming from the old side-loading SMGs of WWII, the concept is nothing short of perfection. It’s smooth. It’s reliable. And better yet, it’s affordable. Even though I happily live in a very free state without capacity restrictions, I was incredibly impressed with this loader and had to get my hands on one for myself. I like innovation and I appreciate when companies, like MEAN Arms, find ways to respond to a need. I owe a huge apology and a round of applause to MEAN. They friggin’ nailed it, man.
The MA Magazine Loader is super affordable, coming in at only $29.99, or $39.99 for the AR-10 model, so you can get just one or add several to your arsenal for speedy reloads without breaking the bank.
The NEW Ball Bearing Delayed-Blowback System and the Endomag Conversion Magazine
MEAN Arms announced their new—and rather impressive—Ball Bearing-Delayed Blowback 9mm PCC at Industry Day At The Range 2023. Compatible with MEAN’s well-known Endomag system—which works with any multi-caliber AR lower and most blowback-operated 9mm AR uppers—the ball bearing-delayed blowback system uses three ball bearings to create a soft-shooting and easy-to-control firing system, similar to the famed roller delayed system of the HK MP5.
The whole system fits within a standard AR-pattern upper receiver and the front half of the system is easily disassembled to expose a group of interchangeable cams. These are designed to allow users to tune the system using various buffer weights and the interchangeable cams to match the system to specific loads or shooting applications for versatile and reliable performance. In case you missed that part, I’ll say it again. This user-friendly system allows shooters to tune their firearm to their specific needs WITHOUT the need for a gunsmith or expensive upgraded parts.
While MEAN Arms couldn’t disclose a precise delivery date, I don’t think it will be long before we start seeing them on the shelves. I’ll be on the lookout, for sure. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these suckers again. MEAN Arms will offer several versions of the firearm, including pistol-length and rifle-length options, and will list somewhere in the ballpark of $1,500. And, in my opinion, that’s 1,500 buckaroos well-spent.
In closing, don’t be like me and write off manufacturers before you really take a hard look at what they’re doing. Not only will you regret your passive and maybe, dare I say “snobby,” attitude, but you’ll also just look like a dummy when you realize just how off-base you really were. Be sure to check out MEAN’s current product offering and keep your eyes peeled for that oh-so-lovely ball bearing delayed blowback AR. But, let me get my hands on it before it sells out, okay?
