Best of SHOT Show: Magpul’s ‘Tactical LEGOs’

I recently made a video talking about how I love everything retro. I was addressing a re-release of an older model gun in celebration of its 50th anniversary and how sometimes timeless classics don’t need to change much to maintain relevance or performance. However, for the firearms consumer industry, “if it works, don’t change it” is not a common occurrence. Most of the time, improvements, re-innovation or improvements based on more modern materials or production techniques make something good even better. After all, this is why SHOT SHOW happens annually.

Unfortunately, when it comes to innovation in the firearms industry, it can be a challenge.  There’s not much that can be done to “reinvent the wheel” so to speak.

Small tweaks, fancier grip textures, caliber swap, color anodizing anything, cool if that is what you are in the market for, but these aren’t innovations, and certainly not “game changing.” Fortunately, every so often, something comes along that makes a firearm enthusiast say, “whoa, that’s brilliant” and this year Magpul certainly came though. The manufacturer known for changing the rifle magazine game has now changed the storage game with the release of their “DAKA Universal GRID Organizer”, or as I like to call it, “tactical legos.”

According to Magpul, “The DAKA Universal GRID Organizer – Rifle brings Magpul’s innovative GRID organization and protection system to virtually any hard case. Built from lightweight, crush-resistant Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), the Universal GRID offers fully customizable, cut-to-fit Panels and Blocks that secure rifles, optics, and gear with precision. Each panel features pre-marked cut lines for easy shaping and serrated undersides to channel included DAKA Gear Straps, ensuring your loadout stays locked down even when your case doesn’t. Unlike open-cell foam, the GRID resists water, oil, and chemical absorption—keeping your equipment protected, organized, and mission-ready anywhere you go.”

The system is super straightforward, the GRID panels come pre-marked for easy cutting to fit about any hard case you already have. Then you snap in the modular blocks at any height to cradle your equipment before using the included gear straps that thread through serrated channels on the panel. No more shifting, sliding or scratched finishes or chipped holstein cow pattern cerakote. Easy, right?

My biggest complaint about the numerous firearms cases that I have is that once you create a particular layout or configuration, that is all that you have. Trying to use a case set-up for a rifle isn’t going to work to repurpose into carrying 5 handguns to the range. Yes, I could always get more foam and take the time to build a new layout to meet my immediate need, but again, my case is limited to that exact configuration. After a few more range trips, I either have tons of foam inserts laying around, or I make it easier on myself and buy more cases. With this economy, I certainly don’t want to buy anything additional just to store and transport items I use to train with frequently. This is where Magpul’s industry standard upgrade shines.

I call them “tactical legos” given that the options are not limited. Have a 20-inch rifle in a case with 6 magazines, optic and bipod, easy day. To change the case to support a few pistols, remove the blocks and reconfigure them in seconds and you are done.  Also, in just a few more minutes, the other case you had can be converted from carrying camera equipment to securely housing a helmet, NODS and laser aiming device along with a bin for all the CR123A batteries you want to bring. The system isn’t limited to storage for firearms either.  These “tactical Legos” can be used to securely store everything from rocket launchers to cross bows, and everything in between. (You can even accommodate your favorite range-friendly drinks!)

To provide maximum compatibility with minimal effort, Magpul has released many pre-designed systems to accommodate many of the most popular cases including Pelican and Plano, as well as a universal “starter kit” that will work with any case you already own. Additionally, they even designed modular bins to store batteries, tools and the small bits and pieces that often end up at the bottom of a range bag, or more likely lost (looking at you detent pins and springs).

 As an instructor that travels the country who constantly juggles with different platforms from compact pistols to full-size rifles, I live for anything that helps me maximize case space without turning my gear into a chaotic mess. Any way I can make my life easier, I am willing to try. To me, more time saved is more time on the range or classrooms and I have no problem spending my money on products for the solutions and flexibility they provide me with. Since I am not a paid spokesperson, sponsored by Magpul nor received this product for free, I have no obligation to give a glowing review. The ten minutes that I worked with it during SHOT SHOW gave enough of a lasting impression that I intend to order a GRID organizer and see how best it will work with my needs.  Strangely enough, out of the countless fancy booths, flashy marketing, “revolutionary” new products and overall hype, this was the one thing that got me most excited to have at home and I highly recommend you check this system out for yourself.

Editor’s Note: The mainstream media continues to lie about gun owners and the Second Amendment. 

Help us continue to expose their left-wing bias by reading news you can trust. Join Bearing Arms VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.