Last time, I introduced the Barrett M82A1 scale model from ATI MINI.
Just like with the Bullet figure, I saw it at the Victory Show and it looked well-made, so I decided to buy it.
When I saw it at the Victory Show, in addition to this product's M4 and the Barrett that I introduced last time, they were also selling an AK-47.
I was thinking of buying them all, but I decided against the AK-47 because I personally didn't think the design was very good.
After purchasing it and doing some research, it seems that the ATI MINI series is a fairly popular product in the United States. At the time of writing, there are only the three types I've introduced, but I have a feeling that more will be added in the future.
Now, let's get to the product review.
Outer box, contents
This is the outer box.
Like the Bullet, it features an elaborate design that makes the most of its contents.
This is the back side.
I personally like that the back clearly lists all the included parts and product features.
These days, some products have overly elaborate packaging designs that make it difficult to understand the product's features and specifications, so I really appreciate clear explanations like this.
Let's open the box.
Each part is neatly packed into its box.
Next is the instruction manual.
I appreciate that it comes with a thorough instruction manual.
Next, a screwdriver needed for assembly is included.
Regardless of the quality of the screwdriver, it's great that the necessary tools for assembly are included.
Next, let's look at each component.
Details of each part
Let's start by looking at the receiver.
The separate stock pipe (buffer tube) also has a realistic structure, especially around the handguard.
The front swivel also moves smoothly.
Next are the trigger and selector.
Each part moves smoothly.
It has a fully automatic selector, so I think it's probably an A1.
Next, let's look at the connection point of the stock pipe (buffer tube).
This type slides into a groove and fits into place.
This is the opposite side of the receiver.
One slight drawback is that there's a Phillips head screw on the back of the selector switch. I suppose this is unavoidable due to the design.
What's amazing here is that the charging handle is movable and the ejection cover opens.
The cover attaches to the bolt with a magnet, so when you close it, the cover closes.
Next is the stock pipe.
There will be 4 stock positions.
Next is the stock. It's a Bushmaster type, and while the real thing is made of resin, this product uses a metal stock.
The lever for changing the position moves just like the real thing.
The butt plate section is also meticulously crafted and well-made.
Next up is the magazine.
What's interesting about this product is that the magazine's followers function very well.
This magazine comes with about three dummy cartridges for loading.
As expected, there was no primer molding.
Load this into the magazine.
This gimmick is quite fun.
Let's take a look at the loaded magazine from the back.
It looks like it has a double cam, which is interesting. Personally, I'd like to put more cartridges in the magazine, so I hope they'll sell the empty cartridges separately (maybe I'll make them myself?).
Next is the rear sight. It's a typical LMT type.
This site is really well-made, and you can even customize it!
There's no real point in being able to adjust the sights on a model, but personally, I find it fun when there are lots of movable parts.
Next is the handguard. This is the RIS type handguard, which is probably the most common type used in regular infantry units.
Since it's made from cast metal, the edge finishing isn't perfect, but I think it's well-made.
Unfortunately, it did not come with a heat shield.
Next is the suppressor/silencer. I apologize for my lack of knowledge, but I don't know what type it is.
The mounting point to the barrel is threaded.
The tip is simply a hole.
I was hoping to be able to disassemble the silencer, but I wasn't. It would have been nice to see something like the suppressor's buffer structure.
Finally, here is the display stand.
The base is also beautifully crafted from metal, showing no shortcuts were taken, which is very appealing.
That's all the parts.
Complete
This is the assembled, finished product.
It's on the opposite side.
I think it's quite well done.
Let's extend the stock pipe all the way.
This will be quite long.
This is a site picture, although it's not very meaningful since it's a model.
Next, let's try attaching the included silencer.
The silencer cannot be attached over a flash hider like the Knights type; you have to remove the flash hider and replace it.
Once you remove the flash hider, a screw will be exposed, and you can attach the suppressor to that screw to complete the process.
I attached the suppressor and placed the main unit on the included stand.
This is the other side. I placed an Apple Pencil next to it so you can get a sense of the size (the pen is about 25cm long).
Since it's 1/3 scale, it's an impressive size.
This is a photo taken from above.
An interesting gimmick in the finished product is that when you pull the charging handle, a dummy cartridge peeks out from the chamber.
That's a pretty good production.
Finally, let's talk about weight.
At 301g, it weighs about the same as a small gas blowback magazine, which I personally think is a good weight.
Interestingly, it's heavier than the company's Bullet, which I introduced previously.
Summary
Like the Barrett, this model is large due to its 1/3 scale, and being a die-cast metal model, it has a substantial weight and an impressive presence.
One of the great things about this gun is that it replicates the actions of the real thing almost perfectly using a gimmick. What's particularly fun is that you can load dummy cartridges into a magazine with a structure similar to the real thing, which gives it a model gun-like enjoyment (though it can't fire or have a realistic internal structure).
Personally, I think it's perfect as a display model to place on a work desk or in a workspace (though it might be too big for some).
One drawback is that, despite having rails, there's nothing to attach other than the rear sight, which is a shame. For example, it would be more satisfying if it came with a standard PEQ, light, red dot sight or holographic sight, or scope (though this might be difficult from a cost perspective).
One more important point: since this product is not officially imported, the price is high at the time of writing. This is unavoidable, as it is a parallel import.
In the future, if a shop starts importing them, and demand increases, the price is likely to drop as the manufacturer gets serious about it, so it's worth keeping an eye on.
A major similar product is the Little Marmory series. The Marmory series is great because of its figure-sized figures, reasonable prices, and wide range of products, but as a standalone display model, I personally find this product more satisfying.
It's a bit pricey, but it's an impressive model, so I recommend it.
Thank you for your company.
Normally, I would include a link to the product I recommend, but I couldn't find any websites where it can be purchased in Japan.
The closest similar product, although it has a page on Amazon, appears to be out of stock for an extended period. I've included a link for your reference.
Goats Guns AR-15 Miniature AR15 Coyote Brown 1/3 Scale
This was the only similar product available.
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