The SIG Mosquito Becomes the GSG Firefly
This is one of those tidbits of news that seemed to fall through the cracks, but might interest some folks. A couple of weeks ago, American Tactical Imports (ATI) announced that they would be importing the .22 pistol formerly known as the SIG Mosquito under new GSG Firefly branding. According to German Sport Guns (GSG) Chief Executive Director, Michael Swoboda, SIG Sauer recently changed company policy and discontinued the rimfire pistol. In response, GSG will be working with ATI to bring them into the country, sans SIG markings.
I’ve always thought the Mosquito looked nice, but most shooters have criticized its reliability. It also happens to be approximately 85% scale in comparison to a centerfire P226, which is something of a turnoff. Frankly, I had no idea that GSG was the OEM for the pistol, but it makes sense when you consider that SIG’s .22 LR 1911 is identical to the GSG 1911. My guess is that SIG recognized past issues with the Mosquito and decided to terminate the contract. It will be interesting to see how this turn of events impacts the aforementioned, and relatively well regarded 1911.
If GSG can turn out a reliable product with the Firefly, it might be a decent option for younger and smaller-framed shooters. With an MSRP of $269, it certainly is priced to sell. Since ATI already has ATF approval for the Firefly, import is set to begin immediately. See the full GSG press release below.
Jeremy Mallette is co-founder of International Sportsman. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he has spent more than a decade in the outdoor industry, from hiking and camping to silencers and hunting. His father taught him to shoot at age six, and he received his first firearm at age eight — a 1942 Colt Commando .38 special revolver. He enjoys yearly trips to Kansas for pheasant hunting, spending time with his children at the deer lease, and collecting unique firearms.