Tag Archives: ati

Is an Inexpensive MP5 clone on the Horizon?

I love MP5s! And there is no shortage of them. For instance, check out this awesome PTR 9CT I saw in Houston last week.

With the old-school “jungle” handguards and three-lug barrel, this thing almost screams, “You son of a…”

The thing is, even that no-frills PTR is $1800.

Well, I stopped by ATI’s booth and talked to Jaime, then he showed me this:

The above 9mm pistol is made by German Sports Guns GmbH, who has long made .22LR lookalikes of the MP5 and a 9mm replica of the “Schmeisser” MP40 so it is nice to see them pull the trigger on this format, and good on ATI for snagging it for import.

I’ll let you know more as I get it.

Shooting Sports Showcase?

This week, I had a chance to be on the ground in Northern Alabama for the annual Shooting Sports Showcase.

The Showcase is hosted by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association. Held on the ranges of the massive CMP Marksmanship Park in Talladega, this year’s event was the second of its kind, following up on last year’s inaugural show.

Photo dump ensues:

More here, after the jump. 

New to the Gun Circuit: The Shooting Sports Showcase

So I am back from a brand-new firearm industry event, this year’s inaugural Shooting Sports Showcase. In a year where SHOT Show was canceled, the SSS was like a breath of fresh air.

The event was put on by the Professional Outdoor Media Association, the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers and held at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s superb 500-acre Talladega Marksmanship Park on Monday.

Like you really need an excuse to hit the CMP Range…

While small compared to SHOT– there were only about 60 exhibitors– you still got to spend lots of quality time with the big boys like HK, Glock, and Sig Sauer, but also with the smaller guys like Sol Invictus, Century, and Taylor’s.

And they all had lots of interesting stuff on hand.

Looking forward to next year’s Showcase already.

So this is a thing

ATI, who has been importing all sorts of stuff from everywhere the past few years is fast becoming a major player in the interesting overseas gun biz. I’ve talked to them at a number of shows and they seem to have a lot of irons in the fire in a good way (including a polymer 1911 and a .410 AR upper that I saw in New Orleans last year)

They have long sold a .22LR MP40 replica made by German Sports Guns, and now are rounding the bend on a 9mm version.

ati 9mm mp40

Of course, its semi-auto only, departs from the original in with the use of screws (rather than rivets) and polymers where possible, but its still pretty neat and if you SBR it the company will supply you with the folding stock. MSRP is $650-ish.

According to ATI:

Now that we know that the gun is importable officially, GSG & American Tactical will purchase the factory equipment and parts to begin production, this will take set up time.

American Tactical will be selling these through our distribution network so gun stores will be buying them from wholesalers. These guns will only be available for direct purchase via our website when there is overstock in our warehouse. It will be a while before there is any warehouse overstock, so your local gun dealer is the way to go to get one. There is no waiting list, unless you are one of our distributors (listed on our website) you cannot order one from us.

Our best estimate for delivery of the first shipment is 6-8 months right now, which is not a lock and is subject to change depending on production gear up and any potential issues that may occur.

I’ll be sure to keep an eye out at their booth in Louisville in May.