PTR Working on MP5 Clone
May 31, 2016
During my discussion with representatives from PTR Industries at NRA Annual Meetings 2016, the company let it slip that they are currently working on an HK94/MP5 clone (not pictured above) for the US market. They also stated that pricing for the new offerings would be in line with their current products. Considering the cost of current MP5-style firearms, this is welcome news. However, it comes with some serious caveats.
The first thing we need to understand is that the PTR-94 isn’t exactly coming out within the next few weeks. PTR’s willingness to talk about the project shouldn’t be taken as evidence that the gun is ready for release. Based on the follow-up information I’ve received, development is moving forward. However, there are still some issues with the test examples that need to be resolved before PTR can settle on final specifications. Rather, it will likely be sometime this fall as a best-case scenario.
Secondly, the notion that the PTR-94 will be priced in line with other PTR offerings could be somewhat misleading. PTR manufactures and sells a variety of HK-style rifles and pistols at a myriad of different price points. Their prices range from sub-$1,000 base models up to $3,000 special run guns. Because PTR still relies on some surplus parts for their builds, the premium that MP5 parts carry over HK91/G3 and HK93 parts will certainly be reflected in the PTR-94’s price. While the PTR-94 might come in cheaper than currently available clones, it likely won’t be as affordable as the company’s excellent PTR-91 rifles.
When the PTR-94 does come out, I am excited to say that Modern Rifleman will have one in for examination. I’ve already talked with Atlantic Firearms and plan to get an example to review as soon as they become available. Check back for more.
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.