Tactical 22s: A New Class of Rifles
(15 Photos)
Mimicking guns such as the AR-15, HK MP5 and SIG 550, tactical look-alikes in .22 LR are more common than ever. From the article "Tactical .22s"
Posted by: Hannele Lahti
ATI GSG-522
This rifle was the most enjoyable to shoot. The original HK MP5 is in 9 mm Luger, so it didn’t seem too odd shooting .22 Long Rifle from the compact gun. Also, in keeping with the original MP5 design, the left-side charging handle locks into a notch in the fore-end, and there is something satisfying about slapping it downward and letting it slam forward to chamber a round. The rest of the controls also mirror the MP5, including the ambidextrous safety selector, as do the diopter rear-drum and fixed front sights. A magazine safety must be engaged for firing, and the bolt locks open after the last round is fired.
The gun appears and feels well-made, in keeping with the Germans’ reputation for mechanical prowess. The trigger pull was long and rough, however, and there was one failure to feed with CCI Select ammunition.
Importer: American Tactical Imports; (800) 290-0065; www.americantactical.us
Receiver: aluminum upper, polymer lower with integral grip
Barrel: 16"; faux suppressor
Rifling: six-groove, 1:16" RH twist
Magazine: 10-round and 22-round detachable box, load-assist button
Sights: detachable rear diopter drum, fixed front post; Picatinny rail
Trigger Pull: 5 lbs., 6 ozs.
Stock: fixed, black synthetic: length of pull, 133⁄4"; drop at heel, 13⁄4"; drop at comb, 13⁄4"
Overall Length: 33¾"
Weight: 7 lbs. (tested)
Accessories: owner’s manual; lock; cleaning brush; screwdriver
Suggested Retail Price: $599
