HECKLER & KOCH MP5

Posted May 19, 2023

Heckler & Koch MP5: A Comprehensive Review

Heckler & Koch, a German firearms manufacturer, has been producing industry-leading submachine guns since the late 1950's, including the iconic MP5. Initially created in 1966, the MP5 has grown to become one of the most popular and recognizable submachine guns of all time. It is widely used classic with elite military and law enforcement units, due to its high accuracy, reliability, low weight, and easy of control in fully automatic fire. In this comprehensive review, we will look closely at the features, performance, and reliability of the MP5.

Overview:

The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a popular submachine gun first produced for the West German police and military in 1966. This model combined elements of the Heckler & Koch G3, the CETME, and the AK-47 into a more ergonomic platform with superior accuracy and reliability. It is a short-barreled, select-fire weapon chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum round. It is available in a wide range of variants, including the MP5A2, MP5A3, MP5SD, and the MP5K-PDW.

Design:

The MP5 features an iconic design, with a curved stock, long foregrip, and slim profile. It is made of high-quality steel and polymer components, with all moving parts made of heat-treated steel. The stock and forend are made of polymer, while the handguard is made of aluminum. The pistol grip is made of hard rubber, and the trigger pull is adjustable from 4.5 to 8 pounds. The upper receiver is milled into the lower receiver, and the barrel is fixed in place.

The MP5 is a select-fire weapon that fires from a closed bolt. The selector switch is located on the trigger guard and allows for semi-automatic, three-round burst, and full-automatic fire modes. The magazine release is located at the top of the receiver and is protected by a plastic guard. The MP5 also has a bolt release and three sling attachment points for either a single, double, or triple point sling. The charging handle is located on the left side of the receiver and reciprocates with each shot.

Performance:

The MP5 is renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. The standard barrel length is 8.9 inches, and the muzzle velocity is around 1,100-1,400 feet per second, depending on the ammunition used. The standard magazine capacity is 30 rounds, but 40- and 50-round magazines are available. The MP5 is laser accurate at short and medium ranges and easy to control even at full-automatic fire. The weapon has a lightweight of about 6.9 pounds, making it actually lighter than some pistols. The MP5 is also renowned for its modularity; the upper and lower receivers have several attachment points so that the user can add a variety of accessories like silencers, flashlights, scopes, and more.

Durability:

The MP5 has been extensively tested and tested before being fielded, and remains one of the most reliable weapons on the market. Heckler & Koch, the manufacturer, offers a lifetime warranty on all their weapons, and they are known to stand by their products. Many soldiers, police officers, and civilians have used the MP5 for decades, and it has become a status symbol in many countries. The MP5 is also known for its durability in harsh environmental conditions; it is able to withstand temperatures between -36 C and +52 C and can still fire accurately.

Conclusion:

The Heckler & Koch MP5 is one of the most iconic and recognizable submachineguns of all time. With its lightweight and compact design, accuracy, and reliability, it has become the weapon of choice for many elite military and law enforcement units around the world. The weapon is also highly modular, allowing users to customize it to their own needs with a variety of accessories. It is a reliable and durable weapon that will serve its users for years to come. The MP5 will continue to be a classic for many years to come and will remain a popular choice among those who use it.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Highly reliable and accurate

-Compact and lightweight design

-Easily customizable with a wide range of attachments

-Very easy to operate and maintain

-Simple design lends it a classic appeal

Cons:

-Expensive compared to other guns of similar caliber

-Availability of spare parts can be an issue

-Magazine capacity is limited

-It can be more difficult to shoulder compared to some other submachine guns

Who Should Buy

The HECKLER & KOCH MP5 is a semi-automatic rifle that is designed for military and law enforcement use. It is not appropriate for civilian use and should not be bought by anyone who is not an authorized law enforcement officer or a member of the military.

Comparisons

Product	Caliber	Capacity	Barrel Length	Weight	Price
HECKLER & KOCH MP5	9mm	30 Round	10.5"	6.42 lbs.	$1995
SIG Sauer MCX	5.56x45mm NATO	30 Round	14.5"	6.35 lbs.	$1,379.99
Colt M4 Carbine	5.56x45mm NATO	30 Round	14.5"	6.36 lbs.	1,359.95
AK-47 WASR-10	7.62x39mm	30 Round	16.25"	7.27 lbs.	$549

Features / Specs

• Caliber: 9mm

• Length: 32 – 39 inches

• Weight: 7 pounds

• Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds

• Effective Range: 150 meters

• Sights: Flip up iron sights with optional optics rail for mounting optical and night sights

Popular Accessories

The most popular accessories for the HECKLER & KOCH MP5 include a red dot sight, laser sight, optic mount, forward grip, bipod, handguard for rail systems, angled foregrip, flashlight mount, suppressor, and sling.

Accuracy

The Heckler & Koch MP5 is renowned for its accuracy and precision. It’s renowned for its ease of use, too: with a short-stroke gas piston system and lateral placement cartridge case extraction, the MP5 operates quickly and reliably, ejecting spent shells with little ‘kickback’. The MP5 boasts an adjustable hop-up system, allowing users to effectively hit targets at varying distances. While the MP5 isn’t intended for long-range combat, it consistently achieves accuracy over short- and medium-range distances. When using a 9mm silhouette cartridge estimated groupings of 1.5-3 inches at 25 meters is achievable. With lighter target loads, tighter grouping can be obtainable, allowing for precise long range shooting.