Frankford Arsenal co-ax press

Gentlemen.
I just recently saw that Frankford Arsenal is selling what appears to be a knock off of a Forster Co Ax press. Minus the priming feature. I use the Forster myself. Does anybody have any experience with one of these yet ? Sorry for not being able to post a link for it.
Best Regards.

The Franklin Arsenal press seemed to perform well in this review.

Might look roughly similar, but there are many differences in functionality between the two presses. Examples include: the guide rails on the Forster move when the handle is cycled, whereas the guide rails on the M Press are fixed; shell holders are totally different from one another; The M press sits above the bench surface, whereas the Forster extends below the bench surface. There are other differences, too. I wouldn't call the M press a knock-off of the Forster.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/knockoff

JMHO

Those die blocks would be a deal breaker for me. JMO

I'm looking at this press conference n the near future. It seems to have good reviews but I'm interested to see if anyone on here has actually used one.

I took this picture while at Scheels yesterday for a good side by side of the two presses. Both seem like they are built very well, I have not used either myself.

cape cove said:

Those die blocks would be a deal breaker for me. JMO

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Those blocks add $5 to every die. This design keeps money coming in to FA.

marchboom said:

Those blocks $5 to every die. This design keeps money coming in to FA.

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Not too different then the Forster rings. I think they are right around $5 per.

cape cove said:

Those die blocks would be a deal breaker for me. JMO

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Yep.

tdot said:

Not too different then the Forster rings. I think they are right around $5 per.

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1st you do not necessarily need the Forster rings(they are nicer for many reasons)
2nd the Forster rings work with other presses.

I was actually moving my rings to Forster before I even got my COAX.

Maybe not technically a knock off. But it is certainly Inspired by the Forster.

rfurman24 said:

1st you do not necessarily need the Forster rings(they are nicer for many reasons)
2nd the Forster rings work with other presses.

I was actually moving my rings to Forster before I even got my COAX.

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That's a good point. I hadn't thought about multiple presses.

I only have a Forster on my bench might add an arbor press, but cant see the need for another press for along time.

If a fella were to go for the FA, and converted all their dies to those blocks. I cant see a huge need for another press. Maybe more convenient for someone starting out? Then someone switching with a huge assortment of dies.

cape cove said:

Those die blocks would be a deal breaker for me. JMO

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rfurman24 said:

Yep.

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So what is it about the block that breaks it for you two? It's great you stated this but please could you elaborate, some of us have no idea why this would be a deal breaker.

SavageHunter11 said:

So what is it about the block that breaks it for you two? It's great you stated this but please could you elaborate, some of us have no idea why this would be a deal breaker.

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Why would a company deviate from the typically lock rings that work in any and every other press made? I will not use proprietary "rings". I have and use multiple presses.