Defence & Space

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

The Philippines Ordered 12 FA-50PH Block 20 Aircraft

The Department of National Defense of the Philippines has signed a contract with the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries for…

2025-06-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Karkonosze Program: A Game-Changer for the Polish Air Force’s Tankers?

The Polish Air Force has been requesting the acquisition of aerial refueling tankers for years. The program to procure a multi-role transport…

2025-05-23 | Sławek Zagórski | 5 minutes

Swedish A26 Submarine and Poland’s Orka Program

In early April, Saab organized a visit for representatives of the Polish defense media to the Saab Kockums shipyard, located in Karlskrona…

2025-05-08 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 16 minutes

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

The Philippines Ordered 12 FA-50PH Block 20 Aircraft

The Department of National Defense of the Philippines has signed a contract with the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries for…

2025-06-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Iberian Blackout: Is Poland Prepared for a Similar Scenario?

The blackout on the Iberian Peninsula has prompted a few cautious questions about whether Poland is secure in the event of…

2025-05-02 | Krzysztof Zagórski | 6 minutes

IDET & PYROS 2025: KALAN Tracked Amphibious Vehicle as the Successor to the PTS

During the International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair PYROS (held alongside IDET 2025 in Brno), the Czech company New…

2025-05-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Patria AMV XP 8×8 with TURRA 30 Turret

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2025 in the Czech Republic, Finnish company Patria Oyj showcased its…

2025-05-29 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

The Philippines Ordered 12 FA-50PH Block 20 Aircraft

The Department of National Defense of the Philippines has signed a contract with the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries for…

2025-06-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

IDET & PYROS 2025: KALAN Tracked Amphibious Vehicle as the Successor to the PTS

During the International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair PYROS (held alongside IDET 2025 in Brno), the Czech company New…

2025-05-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Leonardo and Weststar Join Forces to Supply Helicopters to Malaysia

During the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Italian company Leonardo and Malaysian firm Weststar…

2025-05-20 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Iron Beam with new laser director

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israeli Ministry of Defense unveil new Iron Beam laser director. Company to Showcase Full High-Energy…

2025-06-05 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

The Philippines Ordered 12 FA-50PH Block 20 Aircraft

The Department of National Defense of the Philippines has signed a contract with the South Korean company Korea Aerospace Industries for…

2025-06-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Polish Minister of Defence Travels to the U.S. for Meeting with Pete Hegseth

A press conference was held at the 1st Airlift Base with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz…

2025-05-26 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Another Meeting at the Polish Ministry of National Defence with a Delegation from South Korea’s DAPA

Polish Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Bejda met with Deputy Minister of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA),…

2025-05-14 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Airbus, CNES and VAST reaffirm commitment to strengthening EO capabilities in Vietnam

Airbus Defence and Space, the French Space Agency, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have signed a Declaration of…

2025-05-26 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

ICEYE and IHI start cooperation to develop SAR satellite constellation in Japan

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Japanese IHI Corporation are beginning cooperation in the construction of a constellation of up to 24…

2025-05-22 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Grand Power Showcases M4M1 Carbines for the Slovak Armed Forces

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2023 in the Czech Republic, Grand Power — a Slovak firearms manufacturer — showcased…

2025-05-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X and TLR-8 HL-X sub

Streamlight introduces the TLR-8 HL-X flashlight with an integrated laser sight, producing a beam with up to 1,000 lumens of power, offering…

2025-03-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

Direct Action Spitfire Plate Carrier – Part 1: Testing the Carrier

Nowadays, the market offers a wide range of options in the gear and load-bearing equipment category. One of the most basic…

2025-05-08 | Michał Gaweł | 14 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Grand Power Showcases M4M1 Carbines for the Slovak Armed Forces

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2023 in the Czech Republic, Grand Power — a Slovak firearms manufacturer — showcased…

2025-05-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

Direct Action Spitfire Plate Carrier – Part 1: Testing the Carrier

Nowadays, the market offers a wide range of options in the gear and load-bearing equipment category. One of the most basic…

2025-05-08 | Michał Gaweł | 14 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Test: FAB Defense Podium

At the end of 2016, the Israel based FAB Defense, introduced an interesting AR-15 accessory into their product range. The Podium is a mini-bipod made of plastic. Interestingly it is not mounted to the accessory rail or weapon body but to the pistol grip and magazine well. Certainly it looks appealing, but is it useful and practical?

The first iteration of mini-bipod from FAB Defense was destined for Israeli bulpup rifles from IWI Tavor family – namely TAR-21 and X95. Presently the Podium is available for all types of AR-15 and AK variants. The black rifle model was the one that MILMAG received for testing.

Why Podium

FAB Defense representatives state that this new solution is better than the typical bipod for a number of reasons. One of the suggested reasons is that is saves space on the accessory rails. This is a slightly exaggerated argument in my opinion, as there is sufficient space for additional equipment on an AR-15 carbine.

A second reason carries more weight. The Podium`s placement between the grip and the magwell, near the weapon`s center of gravity influences weight balance. A normal bipod, attached at the front of the gun, makes the rifle front-heavy. The FAB Defense solution does not cause this and allows for easier target transitions and rifle handling. In addition, deploying a classic bipod usually takes about 10 seconds and involves using one of the hands. More time is taken by adjusting the height of the bipod legs to match the surface. Sometimes there is no time for this in a rapidly developing situation. With the Podium all that is required of the shooter is to move the hand on the grip and press a button. The legs deploy automatically.

Design

The Podium consists of AGR-43 pistol grip, base with extendable supports and a magazine well clamping ring. The overall weight is 357 grams (12.6 ounces) and includes the pistol grip. Without it, the weight equals 237 g (8.4 oz.). The tested unit was made of a strong, dark green plastic. Black and tan colors are also available.

The supports are spring loaded and when collapsed fit into the wide base. The legs are deployed by pressing a small button, placed on the back of the base, near the bottom edge of the pistol grip. As the button is pressed, the supports deploy and remain in this position. The legs can also be deployed partially, but in this case the locking mechanism will not work.

To collapse the supports, the shooter must pull on them in their direction. This can be done by touch only, without taking the eyes off the immediate surroundings. Even in total darkness the shooter knows that the legs are folded as there is an audible click when the lock is engaged.

Assembly

The Podium is fixed to the pistol grip and to the AR-15 magazine well by means of the mentioned clamping ring. It`s easy enough and does not require visiting the gunsmith. Fitting the bipod takes about 4 minutes and requires a screwdriver (used for removing the existing grip). Other tools (2 Allen wrenches) are included in the kit. With a little bit of experience it can easily be fitted in the field.

The original pistol grip has to be removed first. A note of caution here: do it carefully with the rifle resting on its side. The fire selector/safety spring sits just above the grip and if it is yanked hard the spring (which is very small), could very well fly off and be difficult to locate.

The kit consists of 4 elements – grip, 2 parts of clamping ring and a base with integrated bipod. 5 bolts and 2 Allen wrenches are also included.

The FAB Defense AGR-43 grip is then fitted, using the same bolt. It is necessary to use it as the Israeli manufacturer did not want to create a universal base. There are thousands of grips available on the market and creating a fit-all base for all grips was out of question. If the operator wants to use the Podium they will have to get to grips with the FAB Defense grip. Ergonomically, it is better than most pistol grips for AR-15 and a rubberized surface promotes better handling even with wet hands.

Fitting the Podium to the rifle is very easy and takes less than 5 minutes. One has to be careful not to loosen the fire selector/safety spring when removing the pistol grip.

The Mag well ring must be assembled from 2 parts, fixed together by 3 bolts. Interestingly, there is an access hole drilled into it, which enables easy removal of trigger guard pin without disassembly of the clamping ring itself. This can be especially useful in winter when the shooter might be wearing thick winter gloves.

The supports fit into the base, which also serves as an enlarged hand-guard. The forward part of the supports have serrations which improve the grip and prevent the hand from moving.

Using it

After assembly, everything looks quite pretty and part of the ring acts as an enlarged hand-guard. Functionally and ergonomically, the bipod placed in the center of the rifle has its real advantage. The normal front grip can be easily fitted and nothing will get in a way when using it. Traditional bipods, even with collapsed supports can often hinder the front hand. Also the weapon balance remains unaffected. The standard,steel bipod can weigh up to half a kilogram and quite often it is located beyond the usual support points for carrying and shooting the rifle.

When fitted, the bipod does not make the rifle significantly larger and still allows full access to weapon controls and the magazine.

Initially, I was concerned about problems with magazine changes when the Podium supports are deployed. These concerns were unwarranted as the legs move easily and magazine can be changed without any issues.

When collapsed the supports fit into the base. There are no protruding elements that could catch on the shooter`s clothes, equipment or surroundings. This is another advantage of FAB Defense solution.

The rifle equipped with the Podium bipod sits about 40 – 50 mm (1.5 – 2 inches) higher off the ground than one fitted with a traditional bipod. There are no adjustments in the supports and they always extend to the same length. The deployment is very quick, literally at the press of a button. To press it, the shooter must either move his hand on the grip or use the other arm.

At the range

The Podium supported rifle sits fairly high. It does not create any problems with posture or weapon handling and even makes it a bit easier to aim at targets below the shooter. Of course the rifle height makes camouflage slightly more difficult.

When shooting, the rifle is stable and I did not notice any significant difference between the Podium and a typical bipod. One has to realize – this is not a precision shooting accessory and was not designed as one. For proper marksmanship, the traditional, adjustable bipod is better (yet heavier).

While I keep calling Podium a bipod it is in fact an additional accessory similar to a front or side grip. After the supports are deployed the weapon will always sit straight and there is no side movement without taking the legs off the supporting surface. To track the target the shooter has to move the whole rifle.

Despite the rifle sitting higher than the standard bipod, with supports mounted in a different spot, I did not notice any significant increase in weapon jerk. However, I wonder if this would be the case with AK rifles, which recoil stronger than AR carbines.

The supports move easily when the magazine is changed and do not get in a way when handling the weapon.

The release button is located in an easily accessible place (at the lower part of the pistol grip) yet it is hard to press it by mistake.

The Podium supported rifle sits quite high. It does not hinder the shooter in any way and at times might even be easier to aim at targets located below shooter`s line of sight.

Additional functions

When not shooting the Podium also doubles as a very practical…..stand! With the legs deployed the rifle will always stand perpendicularly to the ground. This makes it easy to strip, clean or add other accessories to the weapon. If the shooter is on a muddy or snow covered range the Israeli invention is very handy as the rifle can be rested on ground without too much worry.

Is it worth it?

In one word? Yes! The FAB Defense`s Podium works great for recreational shooting and for dynamic competitions when rifle supports are allowed. It does not get in the way of using the gun and access to weapon controls and the magazine release is not hindered.

I had no reservations about using it when training or just shooting for fun or recreation. Moreover, when it started getting wet and muddy I appreciated having a clean and dry weapon in my hands. The Podium cost is around 110 dollars.

 

This article was originally published on MILMAG 01/2018

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