Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding Review

First Impressions of Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding

The Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding is a compelling addition to the AR pistol market, promising enhanced stability and compactness. Midwest Industries, known for their robust and well-engineered firearm accessories, aims to bridge the gap between pistol buffer tubes and full-sized stocks with this offering. This brace is designed for those seeking to improve the handling and maneuverability of their AR-platform pistols, and it piqued my interest as someone constantly looking for the optimal balance of size and functionality in my tactical setups.

I needed a brace that could significantly reduce the overall footprint of my AR pistol without sacrificing stability. Standard pistol buffer tubes always felt lacking, and I wanted a more solid cheek weld and a more secure platform for shouldering when necessary. The promise of a side-folding mechanism, combined with the reputation of Midwest Industries, led me to choose this brace over competing options like the SB Tactical SBA3 or the Maxim Defense CQB brace.

Unboxing the Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy construction. The materials felt premium, with the aluminum stock exhibiting a durable hard coat anodized finish. The heavy-duty steel folding mechanism inspires confidence, and the overall weight of 14.2 oz feels substantial without being overly burdensome. My initial thought was, “This feels like a quality piece of kit that is built to last.”

Compared to the SB Tactical SBA3, the Midwest Industries brace appears more robust and rigid. The Maxim Defense CQB brace offers a similar folding capability, but it is significantly more expensive. The Midwest Industries brace seemed to offer a sweet spot between price, durability, and functionality.

My first impression was one of excitement mixed with cautious optimism. The build quality is clearly top-notch, and the folding mechanism is ingenious. However, I reserved final judgment until I could put it through its paces at the range and in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle adding a slickness to the grip surfaces. I mounted the brace on my 300 Blackout AR pistol and prepared for a day of drills and accuracy testing.

The difference in stability compared to a standard pistol buffer tube was immediately noticeable. The wider cheek piece provided a much more comfortable and consistent point of contact, significantly improving my accuracy. Even in the slightly slick conditions, the brace felt secure and didn’t shift during firing. The five QD sling attachment points also proved invaluable, allowing me to experiment with different sling configurations for optimal weapon retention.

The only issue I encountered was a slight difficulty in actuating the folding mechanism initially. It required a bit more force than I anticipated to release the lock, but this loosened up after repeated use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my AR pistol. It has seen action in several range trips, a weekend-long tactical training course, and even a hog hunt in Texas.

The brace shows minimal signs of wear and tear despite the rigorous use. The hard coat anodized finish has resisted scratches and scuffs, and the steel folding mechanism remains solid and secure. The cheek piece and butt pad, made by Midwest Industries, continue to provide a comfortable and non-slip surface, even after prolonged use. Cleaning is also remarkably easy; a quick wipe-down with a CLP-soaked rag is all it takes to remove any carbon buildup or grime.

Compared to my previous experiences with other pistol braces, the Midwest Industries offering stands out for its robustness and functionality. It has significantly improved my accuracy and control while also reducing the overall footprint of my AR pistol.

Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding

Specifications

• The Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding features a heavy-duty side-folding mechanism constructed from 4140 heat treated steel. This ensures maximum strength and longevity under demanding conditions.
• It incorporates a full-length locking lug for maximum strength in both the folded and unfolded positions. This design detail minimizes wobble and contributes to a more stable shooting platform.
• The brace provides a solid positive lockup in both positions, ensuring it stays either fully extended or completely folded until intentionally released. This prevents accidental folding during use.
• A steel clamp with a large surface engagement provides a secure attachment to the pistol receiver. This minimizes movement and enhances stability.
• The brace can be configured to fold to the right or left, offering adaptability for different shooting styles and preferences. This is a notable feature for both right- and left-handed shooters.
• It features five QD sling attachment points, providing versatile options for sling mounting and weapon retention. This caters to a variety of tactical needs and preferences.
• The stock is made from Hard Coat Anodized 6061 Aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet durable construction. This material provides resistance to corrosion and wear.
• Its extremely rigid design minimizes flex and wobble, contributing to enhanced accuracy and control. The solid construction inspires confidence during use.
• The cheek piece and butt pad are made by Midwest Industries, offering a comfortable and functional interface. The components are designed for optimal ergonomics and recoil absorption.
• A polymer cheek piece and rubber butt pad provide enhanced comfort during extended use. These materials offer a pleasant tactile feel and improve recoil mitigation.
• The brace adds 9 1/8″ to the overall firearm length when extended. This provides a more substantial length of pull for improved shouldering.
• It adds only 0.75″ to the length of the firearm in the folded position. This minimal increase in length significantly enhances portability.
• The complete assembly weight is 14.2oz. The weight is a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
• Steel parts are mag phosphate finished, offering enhanced corrosion resistance and durability. This finish ensures longevity in harsh environments.
• A Velcro strap is included, providing an additional option for securing the brace to the forearm. This enhances stability for those who prefer to use it as a brace rather than a stock.

Performance & Functionality

The Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding excels in its primary function: providing a stable and compact platform for AR pistols. The improved cheek weld and positive lockup significantly enhance accuracy and control, especially during rapid firing or engaging targets at longer distances.

The folding mechanism, while initially stiff, becomes smoother with use and offers a convenient way to reduce the overall footprint of the firearm. The ability to configure the folding direction is a welcome feature, catering to individual preferences.

The main drawback is the added length when extended, which might be a concern for those prioritizing absolute compactness. Some users have also reported difficulty in actuating the folding mechanism. However, the benefits in stability and functionality generally outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Overall, the Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding meets and often exceeds expectations. It offers a significant improvement in performance and functionality compared to standard pistol buffer tubes, making it a worthwhile upgrade for serious AR pistol enthusiasts.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding is exceptional. The materials used are premium and the construction is robust, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability.

The brace feels comfortable in hand, with the cheek piece and butt pad providing a secure and ergonomic interface. The weight is well-distributed, and the overall design is aesthetically pleasing.

There is a slight learning curve associated with actuating the folding mechanism, but it quickly becomes intuitive with practice. The brace is also relatively easy to install, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of time.

Durability & Maintenance

The Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding is built to last. The hard coat anodized aluminum and mag phosphate finished steel components are highly resistant to wear and corrosion.

Maintenance is simple; a regular cleaning with CLP is sufficient to keep the brace in optimal condition. The robust construction minimizes the risk of damage, even under demanding conditions.

Based on my experience, this brace should provide years of reliable service with minimal maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding comes with a Velcro strap for additional stability. The five QD sling attachment points offer ample options for sling mounting, allowing users to customize their weapon retention setup.

While the brace itself does not offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with any AR pistol that accepts a standard buffer tube. This allows users to add accessories such as pistol grips, foregrips, and optics to further enhance the functionality of their firearm.

Popular accessories from brands like Magpul, BCM, and Strike Industries are generally compatible with AR pistols equipped with the Midwest Industries brace.

Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding