Jatimatic
Finnish open-bolt submachine gun with a unique angled bolt.
The Jatimatic—short for Jali Timari Automatic—is a Finnish submachine gun chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum. Jali Timari designed it in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it first appeared in 1983. Only about 400 were ever made, initially by Tampereen Asepaja Oy in Tampere, and later by Oy Golden Gun Ltd under the name GG-95 PDW, which was an unsuccessful reintroduction in 1995. The weapon was meant for police, security forces, and armored vehicle crews. The Finnish Defence Forces never adopted it, though they did test the GG-95 PDW version in the 1990s.
The Jatimatic is an automatic, open-bolt, blowback firearm. Its bolt guide rails sit at a 7° angle to the bore axis, so the telescopic bolt—which encloses most of the barrel—recoils up an inclined plane when fired. This slows the bolt and counters the barrel’s upward movement during automatic fire. The shooter’s hand on the pistol grip aligns directly with the barrel’s longitudinal axis, and the grip sits higher than on many other submachine guns, directing recoil straight back instead of upward. This eliminates muzzle climb and improves one-handed control.
The extractor is in the bolt, while a fixed ejector sits in the trigger housing. Because the bolt moves upward to fire, there is no feed ramp; the bolt pushes rounds directly from the magazine into the chamber. The ejection port is covered whether the bolt is forward or retracted, keeping out dust and debris. When the bolt is cocked to the rear, the left side of the bolt shows the word “FIRE” through the port as a visual warning. The trigger is two-stage and progressive: a short squeeze gives semi-automatic fire, and pulling it all the way through and holding it produces full automatic. There is no selector switch. A striker firing mechanism uses a fixed firing pin inside the bolt, and the dual-purpose return spring also acts as the firing pin spring.
Many parts—including the frame, pistol grip/charging handle, trigger, sear, and disconnector—are plastic, while others are stainless steel. The whole gun has only 39 components. The receiver is stamped sheet steel with a hinged cover. There is no integrated folding stock; the weapon is fired unsupported from the hip or raised arm. Separate stocks were sold that attach to the bottom of the pistol grip, improving accuracy and protecting the rear sight.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Finland
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Designer
- Jali Timari
- Design Date
- 1982–1983
- Manufacturer
- Tampereen Asepaja Oy
- Production Date
- 1983–1986
- Number
- Approx. 400
- Variants
- GG-95 PDW
- Weight
- 1.65 kg
- Length
- 375 mm
- Part Length
- 203 mm
- Cartridge
- 9×19mm Parabellum
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Jatimatic was designed as a stakeout gun for easy concealment under civilian clothing. Its operating mechanism features a telescopic bolt that recoils up an inclined plane at a 7° angle to the barrel, providing a braking effect and resisting muzzle climb. The pistol grip is positioned higher than on many submachine guns, directing recoil backward rather than upward, which improves controllability when firing one-handed. The weapon has no feed ramp; rounds are pushed directly from the magazine into the chamber by the bolt. The ejection port is covered in both the forward and retracted bolt positions, protecting internal mechanisms from dust and debris. A visual warning sign labeled 'FIRE' is engraved on the left exterior of the bolt and is visible through the ejection port when the weapon is cocked. The firing mechanism uses a two-stage progressive trigger for semi-automatic or fully automatic fire, with no separate fire selector. Many parts, including the frame, pistol grip, and trigger, are made of plastic; the receiver is stamped sheet steel with a hinged cover. The weapon lacks an integrated folding stock, but separately sold stocks were available that attach to the lower side of the pistol grip. Reloading involves charging the folding vertical forward grip, which also serves as the cocking handle; when stowed, the grip immobilizes the bolt, acting as a safety mechanism.
Reader's Guide
The Jatimatic gained a criminal reputation after a batch of 22 pieces was stolen from the Tampereen Asepaja workshop in 1984, leading to the revocation of the shop's manufacturing license and the end of production. Despite its limited numbers, the firearm appeared in the 1984 film Red Dawn and was famously featured on the theatrical poster and in the 1986 film Cobra, where it was wielded by Sylvester Stallone. It also serves as the primary weapon of DC Comics vigilante Wild Dog. A Chinese clone, the Norinco Model 411, was manufactured and exported by Norinco, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and 7.62×25mm Tokarev, though production dates and quantity are unknown. The Jatimatic's unique design—particularly its angled bolt and high pistol grip—aimed to improve controllability in automatic fire, but its limited adoption and production kept it a niche weapon. Its legacy is tied more to its notoriety in crime and popular culture than to military or police service.
Did You Know?
- The Jatimatic's bolt recoils up a 7° inclined plane relative to the barrel, providing a braking effect.
- The weapon appears in the 1984 film Red Dawn and on the theatrical poster of the 1986 film Cobra.
- The Norinco Model 411 is a clone of the Jatimatic, available in 9×19mm Parabellum and 7.62×25mm Tokarev.
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