The MP5 is the original MP5 in a series of highly successful submachine guns made around the world. The MP5 (Maschinenpistole 5 or “machine pistol 5”) gained its fame and reputation when it was used by the West German police and special forces. The MP5 was originally developed in the mid 1960s. Subsequently, variants of the basic MP5 gun were developed. The MP5SD was introduced in 1974. Two years later the MP5K gun developed in response to a demand for a more concealed weapon. Due to the demand for an MP5A2 type weapon but more compact, in 1991 the MP5K-PDW was introduced. The MP5-N was developed exclusively for the U.S. Navy Seals in 1986. It has the benefit of firing after being submerged in water. Additional features of this gun include: retractable stock, ambidextrous 3-position trigger group, lugged, threaded barrel and Tritium sites.
The firing bolt of all MP5s is a roller-delayed blowback mechanism, firing from a closed bolt position – a design which originated in Nazi Germany. The MP5 and its variants have since gained world wide acceptance by numerous law enforcement and special military forces. With a suppressor and sub-sonic ammunition (9mm, 147-155 gr. ball) these are truly quiet weapons, as shown here.
For a complete history and listing of MP5 variants, click here.
The MP5 had many variants. Of the basic model, the MP5A2 came with a standard, non-retractable butt stock. The A3 variant has a retractable butt stock. The A4 with a fixed buttstock and 4-position trigger group, the A5 variant with a retractable buttstock and 3 burst trigger group. There are numerous accessories that may be added to an MP5 or one of its variants. Trigger groups other than the stand SEF (safe, semi, full) can be purchased as options. New HK German trigger packs are another rare item, which are no longer imported into the United States by H&K. They are now considered restricted items, needing a law letter to obtain one. We have a few remaining new HK German trigger packs available.
The conversion, sear guns are the HK SP94 modified to accept a sear to make it fully auto. A new trigger pack is a necessary addition to make it fully auto. Only previously registered sear guns are legal. It is illegal to make a new sear gun (machine gun) after May 19, 1986. Even then, only an individual having a valid FFL and Class 2 Special Occupational Tax Stamp can legally manufacture a new machine gun. These machine guns can only be possessed by the individual making them, or by transfer to law enforcement or military agencies. Do not take a semi-automatic weapon and convert it to a fully automatic gun. This is a felony and carries with it a severe fine and imprisonment.
MP5Ax Specs:
Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum
Action: Roller-delayed blowback, closed bolt
Barrel Length: 8.85 inches
Overall Length: 21- 26.37-31.69 inches
Rate of fire: 800 rounds/min (MP5A series
Muzzle velocity: 400 m/s (1,312 ft/s)
Effective range: 25 to 100 m sight adjustments
Maximum range: 150 m
Feed system : 15 or 30-round detachable box magazine, 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazine
Sights: Rear: rotary drum; front: hooded post
Heckler-Koch MP5SD
The HK MP5SD is one of several variants of the MP5 family of submachine guns made my Heckler & Koch. This family of submachine guns was immensely successful around the world, being used by SWAT teams, special forces, special tactical teams, Navy Seals and other counter-terrorism specialists. The SD version of the MP5 has a partially integrated suppressor in a modified version of the MP5. Its internal construction is identical to that of the MP5A3 with retractable stock. Due to its ported barrel, it does not require use of subsonic ammunition for effective sound reduction like most conventional sound suppressed submachine guns. The suppressor will reduce the velocity of standard 9 mm supersonic ammunition to subsonic levels. This allows the operator to use readily available ammunition stock. The removable sound suppressor is integrated into the weapon’s design and conforms to the normal length and profile of a conventional, unsuppressed submachine.
For a complete listing of MP5 variants click here. HK MP5-SD machine guns are remarkably quiet – see video.
Forces that need suppressed firepower use the MP5SD. They are used in CQB and other closed quarter tactile situations. The barrel is ported and the suppressor lowers the velocity of the projectile to subsonic levels, while maintaining reliability in full auto fire mode. This gun offers the advantage in that standard 9 mm ammunition can be used. The design of the weapon is to reduce the velocity of the projectile to subsonic speeds. All MP5SD guns were manufactured exclusively by Heckler & Koch.
The MP5SD came in several variants as well, SD1-SD6. The SD1 and SD4 have an end cap instead of buttstock, the SD2 and SD5 have a polymer buttstock and the SD3 and SD6 have a collapsible buttstock. Additionally, the SD1-3 have the standard “SEF” trigger group while the SD4-6 have the three position Navy version: Safe, 3 round burst and full auto. This latter trigger pack is also ambidextrous. Other trigger groups and multiple accessories can readily be substituted on the stock configuration group.
For a Heckler & Koch demonstration video of this fine weapon click here.
It is uncommon to find factory original SD guns available for purchase. Even more rare is to find an SD gun with matching suppressor serial number. These are fine examples of German made superior machine guns. The rarity of this particular MP5 model cannot be understated.
Spec MP5SD:
Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum
Action: Roller-delayed blowback, closed bolt
Barrel Length: 5.74 inches
Overall Length: 26.37/31.69 inches (buttstock retracted/extended)
Rate of fire: 285 m/s (935.0 ft/s)
Effective range: 25 to 100 m sight adjustments
Maximum range: 150 m
Feed system: 15 or 30-round detachable box magazine, 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazine
Sights: Rear: rotary drum; front: hooded post
Heckler-Koch MP5K & MP5K-PDW
The HK MP5K is the smaller version of the standard MP5. It has a shorter bolt and receiver. As such, it has a higher firing rate than the MP5, 900 rounds/min vs. 700. The MP5K is named for the “kurz” or short MP5 gun. It does not have a buttstock. It is really a machine pistol. This weapon was designed for closed quarter tactical work and other self defense or concealed adaptations. Because of its shorter length and lack of shoulder stock, a foregrip has been added for improved firing control.
See MP5K video.
The barrel ends at the end of the foresight. While allowing for improved concealment, this prevents addition of a suppressor or other muzzle device. The civilian variant, the HK SP89 was developed in a semiautomatic configuration. This gun is frequently modified to use a sear and full auto trigger pack to convert it into a machine gun. This can only be done legally with a registered sear. Additionally, HK German trigger groups are now a restricted item, requiring a law letter to obtain one. We have some of the few remaining, unrestricted full trigger groups in various configurations. Additionally, an after market barrel (Urbach) can be added, which has the 3 lug and threaded barrel extension, allowing for addition of a suppressor or other muzzle device.
Specs MP5K, MP5K-PDW
Cartridge: 9x19mm Parabellum
Action: Roller-delayed blowback, closed bolt
Barrel Length: 4.52 inches (MP5K)
5.51 inches (PDW)
Overall Length: 12.79 inches (MP5K)
14.48 (PDW, buttstock retracted)
23.74 (PDW, buttstock extended)
Rate of fire: 900 rounds/min (MP5K series)
Muzzle velocity: 375 m/s (1,230.3 ft/s)
Effective range: 25 to 100 m sight adjustments
Maximum range: 150 m
Feed system: 15 or 30-round detachable box magazine, 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazine
Sights: Rear: rotary drum; front: hooded post
The HK MP5K-PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) was developed in 1991. This subgun has a folding shoulder stock on it, making it into a short barreled rifle. It maintained the small dimensions of its brother the MP5K but added additional firing control characteristics of the MP5A2. The MP5K-PDW has a folding Choate stock and tritium sights. It comes with a Navy trigger group – Safe, Semi, Full marked with symbols instead of the standard SEF. Navy trigger group also has ambidextrous fire control.
The HK MP5K-PDW was designed as a Personal Defense Weapon, hence the designation “PDW.” It is almost identical in configuration to the MP5K gun but with two distinct modifications: (1) a barrel extension which allows for addition of a suppressor or other muzzle device (2) a folding buttstock which allows the gun to be used as a short barreled rifle, but maintaining the compact size. The PDW is a compact submachine gun designed for vehicle operators, aircrew members, security details, and others who require a small, but powerful weapon; it is comparable in performance to full size MP5s. It is an ideal choice of weapons where a rifle or full-sized submachine gun is unmanageable and a handgun is a poor compromise. this remarkable weapon can be seen here.