At the 2015 SHOT Show, American Tactical Imports (ATI) is now showing a prototype polymer 1911 pistol. This is the same gun that I first brought news of from the 2014 NASGW expo.
The new guns are still in a prototype form, but I have been able to get some of the information about what the new guns will be like when they ship later this year. Here’s what I know…
American Tactical Imports (ATI) is now selling an AR-15 pistol based on the company’s Omni-Hybrid lower. Â The gun is chambered in 5.56 NATO and weighs a mere 4.75 pounds.
ATI introduced the Omni polymer lowers in mid-2012 (read my review of them here) and later updated the receivers with a metal insert for high stress points. Â Since the update, I have heard very good things about them. Â Phil O’Dell of O’Dell Engineering in Ontario, Canada has provided a lot of feedback on the lowers and rifles here at GHG. Â It is worth reading through his comments.
ATI Outdoors (ATI) announced new grips for the Taurus Judge and model 85 revolvers. ATI appears to be taking a different path than other companies that make thin, low-profile grips. These grips appear they could make shooting the guns as comfortable as possible. And, let’s face it: the new grips have a bonus feature of looking like something out of Blade Runner as well.
A few days ago, a photo leaked of a possible new tactical version of the Ruger Mini-14. At the time, I stated that it looked like a Mini-14 with the ATI stock on it. Well, that is exactly what it is.
Ruger was showing the “new” Mini-14 at the 2009 Media Day at the Range. According to the Ruger rep, ATI is manufacturing the Strikeforce stock with the Ruger emblem and shipping them to Ruger, where the Mini-14 is assembled and shipped to dealers. According to the rep, that’s it: no other new features or items that you wouldn’t get by ordering your own ATI Strikeforce stock and putting it onto a Runger Mini-14.
The Mini-14/20CF is finished in matte black and fitted with the ATI stock. This stock has a quad rail fore and an adjustable, side-folding buttstock. It is a nice set-up and feels solid. The folks at Ruger say these are already shipping and are already on some dealers shelves. The MSRP is $872.
I’ve had several people recently inquire about the availability of aftermarket stocks for the Ruger Mini-14. Specifically, they were interested in tactical style stocks for the Mini-14. There are two Mini-14 stocks I suggest people consider if they are looking for something more tactical for their Ruger: the TAPCO and the ATI stocks.
TAPCO is a company based in Kennesaw, GA, that has been involved in the firearms industry for many years now. I recall stopping into their offices back during the Clinton years and buying SKS stripper clips from them when I still lived and worked in that area. The TAPCO people are good folks.
TAPCO manufactures a Mini-14 replacement stock called the FUSION system. The FUSION system is a complete stock replacement that gives the owner a M4 style, adjustable buttstock, SAW-style pistol grip, and a Picatinny rail on the top and the bottom of the barrel cover. Other nice features about the FUSION system include the pistol grip has a storage compartment, the lower rail has a removable cover, the system is available in black, dark earth, and olive drab colors, and the system works with the Mini-14 in .223 or 6.8 SPC plus the Mini-30. MSRP is $129.99 and is worth every penny.
Advanced Technology, Inc. (ATI) manufactures glass-filled, injection-molded stocks for a wide variety of firearms. ATI recently introduced the Ruger Mini-14 Strikeforce Package, which gives your Mini-14 a definite tactical look and feel.
The Strikeforce gives the Mini-14 four Picatinny rails on the forend of the stock and molded inserts to cover them when they are not in use. The Strikeforce also features a folding, six-position adjustable buttstock that can store batteries in the tube. The stock has a pistol grip and a removable/adjustable 3/8″ cheekrest.
The Strikeforce MSRP is less expensive than the TAPCO at only $109, but only comes in black.