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TGC Podcast 114 - JMAC Customs

The Gun Collective Podcast
Published on October 11, 2023
Category: Tactical & Gear
Duration: 63:20

This episode features Justin and Ashley from JMAC Customs, discussing their journey from AK accessories to a broader range of firearm components. They highlight their innovative Modular Mounting System (MMS) for AKs, designed to improve accuracy and modularity without permanent firearm modification. The discussion also covers their AR-15 muzzle devices, including KeyMount technology, and their meticulous approach to producing high-quality, American-made parts.

Tags

JMAC Customs
AK Platform
MMS Handguard
1913 Gas Tube
Modular Mounting System
AR-15 Muzzle Devices
KeyMount Muzzle Devices
360 HD Muzzle Device
Forged AR Lowers
Firearm Accessories
West Virginia Manufacturing

Quick Summary

JMAC Customs, founded by Justin and Ashley, designs and manufactures high-quality firearm parts and accessories, initially focusing on the AK platform and expanding to AR-15s. Their innovative Modular Mounting System (MMS) for AKs improves accuracy and modularity without firearm modification, while their AR-15 KeyMount muzzle devices, including the 360 HD, offer versatility and no barrel length restrictions. The company prioritizes American manufacturing, meticulous quality control, and continuous improvement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to The Gun Collective Podcast & Sponsors
  2. 00:44Introducing Justin & Ashley from JMAC Customs
  3. 01:25What is JMAC Customs? The 30-Second Pitch
  4. 02:01JMAC Customs Beyond AKs: Product Evolution
  5. 03:06Top Selling Products: 1913 Folding Stocks & Muzzle Devices
  6. 03:42The Origin Story: From Office Job to Entrepreneurship
  7. 04:49Building Trust: The Foundation of JMAC Customs
  8. 05:35Personal Life: French Bulldogs and Family
  9. 06:42Humvee Rides and West Virginia Adventures
  10. 07:30Funny Story: The Swing Incident
  11. 08:15Manufacturing Facility: MDI in Illinois
  12. 08:44The 'Who' Principle: Trusting Your Partners
  13. 10:01Partnership with MDI: A Pivotal Connection
  14. 11:10Transparency and Trust in Remote Manufacturing
  15. 12:16The Importance of Trusting Your Team
  16. 13:21Why Start with AKs? Passion for the Platform
  17. 14:08Identifying Market Needs: AK Shortcomings
  18. 14:56Early Projects: East German Gas Block & Clones
  19. 15:31Modernization of the AK Platform
  20. 16:47Perception vs. Reality: AK Quality
  21. 17:00Impact of Price Shifts on the Firearms Market
  22. 18:19Analyzing AK Price Increases: Imports vs. Domestic
  23. 19:04Focus on Value and Quality for the Consumer
  24. 19:30Product Durability Testing: Stock Adapter Torture Test
  25. 20:03JMAC Customs YouTube Channel
  26. 20:18The Misspelled Business Card Story
  27. 21:38Expanding Beyond AKs: Strategic Growth
  28. 22:08Avoiding the 'AR Parts Manufacturer' Trap
  29. 22:35Intentional Design: Filling Market Voids
  30. 22:58Developing the 1913 Folding Stock
  31. 23:44Balancing Competitive Products with Brand Identity
  32. 24:14Motto: Intentional, Purposeful, High-Quality
  33. 24:26From Garage Startup to Manufacturing Partner
  34. 25:00Navigating the Pandemic: Growth and Challenges
  35. 25:29The Toll of Running a Business: Health Impacts
  36. 26:06Doctor's Orders: The Need to Hire
  37. 26:24Entrusting Justin and Partnering with MDI
  38. 26:38Dual Shipping and Inventory Transition
  39. 27:05Mental Strain of Home-Based Business Operations
  40. 28:05Unmatched Work Ethic and Scalability
  41. 28:26Perfect Timing: MDI Partnership and Pandemic Demand
  42. 29:04Well-Positioned for Supply Chain Fluctuations
  43. 29:40Local Anodizing and Nitride Facilities
  44. 30:04The Difficulty of Managing a Growing Business
  45. 30:22MDI's Team and Finding the Right People
  46. 30:49Hiring Opportunities at JMAC Customs
  47. 31:07Personal Sacrifice: Not Getting Paid Initially
  48. 31:31Maintaining Control vs. Shedding Responsibilities
  49. 32:06The Purpose-Driven Nature of Business
  50. 33:03Striving for Excellence: Personal and Business Goals
  51. 33:31Challenges in Growth and Finding New People
  52. 33:47Sponsor Shoutouts: Blackout Coffee & Vertx
  53. 34:21Post-Pandemic Growth and American Manufacturing
  54. 34:36Latest Innovations: The MMS Handguard for AK
  55. 35:14Explaining the MMS: Space Age Technology
  56. 35:21MMS Design: Barrel Attachment, Not Receiver Interface
  57. 35:521913 Gas Tube for Optics and Accessories
  58. 36:05Addressing AK Optic Mounting Challenges
  59. 36:19Zero Modification Installation of MMS
  60. 36:34Modernizing the AK with MMS
  61. 36:53Bringing Your AK to the 21st Century
  62. 37:02Accuracy Anomalies from Barrel Attachment?
  63. 37:07Accuracy Improvement Through MMS Design
  64. 37:12Traditional AK Handguard vs. MMS
  65. 37:33Inducing Barrel Harmonics in Traditional Systems
  66. 38:22Reliability Improvement with MMS Gas Tube Attachment
  67. 38:33Maintaining Rigidity for Accessories
  68. 38:51Rigidity for Lasers on the 1913 Gas Tube
  69. 39:11Handguard Flex and Its Impact on Point of Impact
  70. 39:38Barricade Dives and Point of Impact Stability
  71. 40:00Rigidity for Lasers vs. Handguard Flex
  72. 40:17Imparting Force and Accuracy Loss
  73. 40:40Reverse Engineering Accuracy Gains
  74. 41:07The AK Platform's Precision Debate
  75. 41:17AK Platform Effectiveness vs. Precision
  76. 41:44AKs for Field Effectiveness, Not Paper Punching
  77. 41:59Gaining Accuracy: Consistency vs. Tighter Groups
  78. 42:15MOA Improvement with MMS Handguards
  79. 42:45Realistic Accuracy Expectations for AKs
  80. 43:40JMAC Customs Products for AR-15 Platform
  81. 43:51AR-15 Muzzle Devices and Handguard Accessories
  82. 44:11BRN-180 Outfitting Example
  83. 44:42KeyMount Muzzle Devices: Top Selling AR Product
  84. 45:05360 HD KeyMount Option: No Barrel Restrictions
  85. 45:27No Barrel Length Limit for 360 HD
  86. 45:40The Story Behind the 360 HD Development
  87. 46:41Manufacture of Forged AR Lowers
  88. 47:06Lessons Learned with AR Lowers: Quality Control
  89. 47:49Pitting Issues and High Standards for Lowers
  90. 48:44Pocketed Lower and Premium Finish
  91. 49:54Brand Image and Premium Parts Standard
  92. 50:11Personal Standards Over External Judgment
  93. 50:22Legacy and Long-Term Quality of JMAC Products
  94. 51:11Trust in JMAC Products: Prestigious Quality
  95. 51:40Customer Appreciation and Feedback
  96. 52:18Recap: Ashley Almost Died During Pandemic
  97. 52:31Impressive Resilience: Waiting Three Days to Seek Medical Help
  98. 53:03Building a Trustworthy Team
  99. 53:11Guess Justin's Other Job
  100. 53:33JMAC Customs as a 'Child': Growth and Investment
  101. 53:57Future Growth: Expanding the Team
  102. 54:39Remote Team Structure
  103. 55:11Job Description: Long Hours and High Stakes
  104. 55:23Long-Term Vision: Where JMAC Customs is Heading
  105. 55:42Personal Goals vs. Company Goals
  106. 56:21Diversifying Portfolio for Financial Strength
  107. 57:03Expanding Horizons: Beyond the AK Niche
  108. 57:42Lifestyle Channel: Other Passions and Projects
  109. 58:05Rumor Mill: 5.45x39 Ammunition Production?
  110. 58:46Ash's Current Passion Project: Unknown Liquid in Hair
  111. 59:43Next Year's Focus: Continuous Improvement and Lean Approach
  112. 01:00:23Innovation for 2023: The MMS System
  113. 01:00:42Launched Over 60 New Products This Year
  114. 01:01:01Invitation to GunCon Next Year
  115. 01:14Final Thoughts and Call to Action
  116. 01:16Newsletter Subscription: Exclusive Updates and Discounts
  117. 01:30Upcoming JMAC Customs x CW Gun Works Collaboration
  118. 01:42Concluding Remarks and Sponsor Reminders

Frequently Asked Questions

What is JMAC Customs' primary focus?

JMAC Customs initially specialized in AK platform firearm parts and accessories, but has since expanded to design, develop, and manufacture high-quality components for a wider range of firearms, including AR-15s, driven by a commitment to innovation and filling market voids.

What is the JMAC Customs Modular Mounting System (MMS)?

The MMS is an innovative system for AK platforms that attaches directly to the barrel, allowing for the integration of modern accessories like optics, lights, and lasers without permanent firearm modification. It aims to improve accuracy and modularity.

What are JMAC Customs' KeyMount muzzle devices for AR-15s?

JMAC Customs offers KeyMount muzzle devices for AR-15s, including muzzle brakes, comps, and flash hiders, licensed through Dead Air. Their 360 HD option is notable for having no barrel length restrictions and easy installation.

How does JMAC Customs ensure the quality of its products?

JMAC Customs emphasizes meticulous quality control and American manufacturing. They are known for their premium approach, even rejecting parts that don't meet their high standards, such as forged AR lowers with minor imperfections, to maintain their brand's reputation for excellence.

What is the long-term vision for JMAC Customs?

JMAC Customs aims for continuous improvement, team expansion, and diversification beyond just firearm parts. They seek to grow their portfolio into areas like consumables and properties, ensuring financial strength and the ability to support their team and future ventures.

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