Defence & Space

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 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

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

IFRE 2025: Communication Systems From INVISIO at the Megmar Booth

At the 5th International Fire Protection & Rescue Exhibition KIELCE IFRE-EXPO, Megmar presented the offerings of the Danish company INVISIO.…

2025-06-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland: Buffer zone on the border with Belarus extended for another 90 days

The Minister of the Interior and Administration has signed a regulation introducing a temporary ban on presence in a designated area within the…

2025-06-11 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Galvion awarded FBI contract for their Hellbender FE helmet

Galvion announces the successful award of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contract for their Galvion Hellbender Federal Edition (FE) helmet…

2025-06-09 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

What is the GBU-57A/B MOP Bomb?

In recent days, thousands of internet users have been asking the question: What is the GBU-57A/B MOP bomb? In the…

2025-06-23 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

SIG NEXT 2025: Long Gun – New 516-MOHAWK

As part of this year’s lineup of new products, SIG Sauer has unveiled a new version of its piston-driven AR-15 –…

2025-06-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: New Handguns – P211-GTO and More

The SIG NEXT 2025 event took place from June 17 to 19, during which the American manufacturer showcased its latest firearms…

2025-06-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Mactronic M-Fire Guardian – A New Flashlight for Professionals

Mactronic is introducing a new angle flashlight, the M-Fire Guardian. According to the manufacturer, it is the first angle flashlight with red…

2025-06-04 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

UF PRO Introduces Waist/Flex Belts to Its Product Line

UF PRO, a Slovenian manufacturer of professional apparel and part of the Mehler Systems group, is adding a new accessory to its lineup…

2025-06-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 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

SIG NEXT 2025: Long Gun – New 516-MOHAWK

As part of this year’s lineup of new products, SIG Sauer has unveiled a new version of its piston-driven AR-15 –…

2025-06-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: New Handguns – P211-GTO and More

The SIG NEXT 2025 event took place from June 17 to 19, during which the American manufacturer showcased its latest firearms…

2025-06-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 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

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

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 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

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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