Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1542142
Visual appeal drives sales. We buy with our eyes. Customers often reject functional, even high-quality gear simply because it looks bad. Take the infamous Fiat Multipla: highly functio- nal, but arguably the ugliest car ever made. Its lack of aesthetic appeal overshadowed its utility. FB Radom made the right call by prioritizing external design and seeking outside expertise for their new pistol. GENESIS Designing a modern pistol is a complex challen- ge, particularly in the Polish industrial landsca- pe. Since the political transformation, only a few handguns have hit the market (MAG 95/ MAG 98, VIS 100/VIS 100M1 – all from FB, and the Wist 94). Facing geopolitical shifts, fierce global competition, and high demands from both uniformed services and civilian shooters, FB Radom decided to build Poland's first poly- mer-framed, striker-fired pistol. THE ROLE OF DESIGN IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY Design has always been part of military history, whether intentional or incidental. A weapon's form communicates its function. It suggests how to grip it, apply force, or use it. Visuals build confidence in reliability and lethality. A mechanically perfect tool can look „aggressive" and „mean," or it can look „cheap" and „flimsy." Designers must balance functionality with per- ception. The form dictates ergonomics but also shapes how users perceive reliability and preci- sion. The choice lies between minimalism (pure function) and expressive design (character buil- ding). A firearm communicates its specs thro- ugh its form language. Therefore, the design strategy must align with the end-user, the mis- sion context, and the brand positioning. Does the gun look professional, elegant, or rugged? These visual cues determine user trust. MARKET STYLE ANALYSIS The firearms market mirrors the automoti- ve industry: everyone wants a unique iden- tity. Decades ago, distinguishing between a Luger P08, Colt 1911, or Browning Hi-Po- wer was easy. Today, polymer injection molding and modern tech have created a sea of models. Stylistically, we see two extremes: • Glock: Radical minimalism. Every visual element serves a function. It is an icon of „Form follows function" and „Less is more." • Beretta APX: „Tactical elegance." A blend of Italian style and aggressive utility. For the MPS, the goal was to create a distinct visual identity for Fabryka Broni, a difficult task in a crowded market. The MPS Design Process The team split the process into three stages, consulting FB staff and external experts and specialists. STAGE I: RESEARCH AND VERIFICATION We started by analyzing global competi- tors in the striker-fired pistols segment. The designer required practical shooting experience and firearm familiarity. We con- sulted extensively with Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and competitive shooters to define user expectations. FIREARMS