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

Christensen Evoke 01
Christensen Evoke 01

New For 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke In .375 H&H & .450 Bushmaster

The Christensen Arms Evoke is an affordable, bolt-action rifle platform that is now chambered for two unique big-game chamberings.

Preview: Thacha L-1 Lightweight Hooded Pullover

Thacha’s three distinct clothing lines allow sportsmen to adapt their apparel to the environment in which they will be hunting, and the L-1 Lightweight Hooded Pullover serves as the outermost component in the company’s L-1 warm-weather layering system.

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 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.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.