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. 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. Since the update, I have heard very good things about them. Phil O’Dell of O’Dell Engineering in Ontario, Canada has provided a lot of feedback on the lowers and rifles here at GHG. 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.
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.