ICYMI: Strike Industries Unveils SI 2017 “MP5 Project”
Earlier this week, Strike Industries dropped a massive surprise when they announced a new, MP5-compatible receiver group that they’re calling the SI 2017. The news was first reported by Soldier Systems, and The Firearm Blog and Strike’s concept is compelling. Essentially, they’ve taken the main operating components of the MP5 (bolt, barrel, etc.) and dropped them into a new aluminum upper. The SI 2017 is still compatible with standard MP5 trigger housings.
Atop the SI 2017, you’ll find a full-length Picatinny rail, and the forearm sports M-LOK attachment points. The rear of the receiver is similar to SIG’s MCX and MPX in that it features a vertical Picatinny section to facilitate stock mounting.
Since the MP5 design dictates that the SI 2017 will need to be a serialized part, Strike Industries has gone to considerable lengths to ensure that it is as modular as possible. The length of the fore-end can be adjusted by using different inserts. The barrels, despite being original MP5 parts, are reportedly drop-in parts that are readily swappable. And of course, because the trigger housings and packs are MP5 originals, those too can be easily exchanged.
Some people have raised eyebrows at the fact that the SI 2017 retains one of the MP5’s worst features – its trigger. However, consider that Brethren Armament plans to release an MP5 trigger housing that supports AR-15 grips and fire control groups. An SI 2017 with a Brethren Armament housing, a Geissele trigger or similar, and SIG’s adjustable folding MPX/MCX stock could be a very compelling 9mm carbine or SBR.
Details like pricing, weight, and availability have yet to be revealed. I’ll be dropping by Strike Industries’ booth (#20,114) at SHOT Show in January.
An information security professional by day and gun blogger by night, Nathan started his firearms journey at 16 years old as a collector of C&R rifles. These days, you’re likely to find him shooting something a bit more modern – and usually equipped with a suppressor – but his passion for firearms with military heritage has never waned. Over the last five years, Nathan has written about a variety of firearms topics, including Second Amendment politics and gun and gear reviews. When he isn’t shooting or writing, Nathan nerds out over computers, 3D printing, and Star Wars.