Midland Arms Backpack: A Simple Single-Shot for Field Use

by
posted on January 9, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
midland-backpack.jpg

Midland Arms was purchased by Val Forgett Jr., founder of Navy Arms, in 1991. Production was moved from England to West Virginia, but after his death the company remained primary focused Navy Arms’ fine line of historic guns that continue to be popular to this day.

Three years ago, Forgett’s son, who took over the firm’s helm when his father died, seized an opportunity to breathe new life into the Midland line of guns. The budget-friendly long arms are quickly gaining favor among enthusiasts, and the Midland Backpack ranked eighth highest in sales among single-shot shotguns in GunBroker.com’s 2019 rankings.

It’s currently available in 12- and 20-gauge, as well as .410 bore. Barrel lengths available in 12 gauge include 18.5", 24" and 26". In 20 gauge, they measure 18.5", 22" or 26" and the .410 is available in the smaller pair of lengths.

All have steel forged receivers. Metalwork on the break-action shotguns is blued and match the synthetic stock, which is checkered at the fore-end and wrist, nicely. Studs are installed for QD sling swivels and, true to its name, the firearm folds for stuffing in a backpack or storage.

The barrels are threaded to accept Mobilchoke tubes. The gun’s buttpads are removable for storing survival items or other gear, and spacers are provided that allow lengths of pull anywhere from 12.5" to 14.5". The cheekpiece is ambidextrous and drop at comb is 1.5". Drop at heel comes in at 2".

The 12-gauge with the longest barrel weighs the most of all the models, 4.95 lbs., and measures 42.6" long when fully extended. Folded, though, it’s 26.3". The 12-gauge with the 18.5" barrel folds to only 18.75".

All come with a field extractor, trigger-block safety and cocking indicator. Prices start at somewhere around $150 for most .410-Bore versions and go up from there. The company also offers a US Constitution model with a patriotically themed synthetic stock.

Latest

Weatherby 307 New Models F
Weatherby 307 New Models F

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.