In a previous review, posted in April, 2001, I had posted favorable comments on the MGI “Hydra” modular rifle system. I am withdrawing that positive review, and alerting SurvivalBlog readers to NOT purchase this product. While the sample I wrote up in SurvivalBlog worked flawlessly, I have recently been informed of some serious quality control problems with current-production Hydra rifles. Several SurvivalBlog readers that placed orders have received defective guns. One SurvivalBlog reader, after many months, finally did get a working Hydra. But another SurvivalBlog reader is still waiting. He returned his Hydra before he even took it out of the gun shop – it fell apart. And now, despite numerous attempted contacts, he can’t get any response from MGI nor have they offered a refund.
It would appear that we were all disappointed to one degree or another. So, be advised that I recommend that you DO NOT purchase MGI’s Hydra rifles or receivers until they have corrected their quality control problems and have established a good reputation for customer service in rectifying their past mistakes. – Pat Cascio, SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor
[JWR Adds: I greatly appreciate Pat Cascio’s honesty and integrity. His reviews are always frank, and he doesn’t hesitate to mention when the quality of a product changes–for better or for worse. I have updated the review that he mentioned, so that any readers searching the archives will be fully informed.]