Heckler and Koch MP5 Series Submachine Gun

A shoulder-fired, selective-fire weapon designed for pistol-size cartridges, the MP5 is known worldwide for its accuracy and reliability. Used by a vast number of military, law enforcement and special operations forces throughout the world, this submachine gun is revered for its compact size, ease of maintenance and controllability, not to mention the over 120 variations on a theme that are available to address any tactical need.

History of H&K Series Submachine Gun

Heckler & Koch is by far the most successful designer and manufacturer of the MP5 submachine gun. First made in the mid-1960s as the HK54, the MP5 followed two decades of H&K producing sewing machine parts and gages for the machine tool industry in Germany. The current acronym "MP5" (Machine Parts) was adopted by the West German government for use by German police and border guard in 1966.
 
The first MP5s were sent to the United States in the early 1970s. The MP5 submachine gun is currently imported into the United States with the specific intent of use by law enforcement and military. Licenses to different countries are made by H&K stating manufacturing is for domestic use only.

MP5 Submachine Gun Use

Known for its reliability, ease of handling, simple maintenance, easy adjustments for variety as well as safety features, the MP5 is used in the United States and most of Europe as the submachine gun of choice for military combat, covert operations and civilian law enforcement.
 
The U.S. Navy uses the MP5 for its elite special ops unit, the Navy Seals. The FBI is mandated to use the MP5 for its Hostage Rescue Team. This weapon is used for close-quarter firing due to its accuracy, control and flexibility. It is also revered for its use in covert operations since it can be silenced and used with minimum impact on the close environment.
 
Over 120 options on the basic MP5 are available, including:
  • forearms
  • full automatic
  • optional buttstock
  • sight mounts
  • single fire only
  • two- and three-round burst options.
This flexibility is what is most valued in the MP5 and allows operators to meet most any mission requirement.

MP5 Options

You can get an MP5 submachine gun anywhere from a weight of 4.4 pounds to 7.63 pounds, length of 12.8 inches to 28 inches and 9 millimeter to 10 millimeter automatic. You can get a fixed or telescoping plastic or metal stock, a sliding retractable butt a chambered for 10 mm auto cartridge or a chambered for 40mm Smith & Wesson cartridge.
 
Here are just a few of the many choices available:
  • The MP5K is less than 13 inches long and weighs 4.4 pounds. It is easily concealed and carried. It is the ultimate close-quarters weapon, and can be configured to fire from inside a specially designed briefcase – the James Bond configuration.
  • The MP5SD is available with full sound and flash suppression for covert action.
  • The MP5SF is listed as an ideal squad car weapon because it is more compact, has more range and carries more ammunition than a shotgun.

A full range of modular parts are available to customize the submachine gun to meet any tactical requirement. This means that personnel can be trained once on the basic MP5 and be instantly competent with all fittings.

Specifications for Basic MP5 Submachine Gun
  • Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
  • Cost: Retail price is anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000
  • Length: 26.77 inches
  • Magazine: 15 or 30 Round Detachable Box
  • Operation: Roller-locked delayed blowback
  • Rate of fire, cyclic: 800 rounds/min.
  • Weight (empty): 5.6 pounds
  • Weight (loaded): 7.4 pounds.
 
The submachine gun is perfect for close-quarter action, and should not be used point blank or for long distances.
 
Resources
 
Kokalis, Peter G. (n.d).MP5: The choice of a new generation. Retrieved February 18, 2008, from the Remtek Web site: www.remtek.com/arms/hk/mp5/choice/coang.htm.
 
Military Factory.com (n.d.).Heckler & Koch KH MP5: Infantry weapons. Retrieved February 18, 2008, from the Military Factory Web site: www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_ids=21.htm.
 
Special Operations.com (n.d.).Heckler and Koch MP5 series. Retrieved February 18, 2008, from the Special Operations Web site: www.specialoperations.com/weapons/mp5.htm.
 
Streetpro.com (n.d).Information provided by HK. Retrieved February 18, 2008, from the Streetpro Web Site: www.streetpro.com/usp/hkmp5.html.