Heckler & Koch MP5
Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1966
Also known as: Maschinenpistole 5, MP5A2, HK54
Overview
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a select-fire submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH since 1966. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this submachine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2600 g (91.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2820 g (99.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 680 mm (26.77") |
| Barrel Length | 225 mm (8.86") |
| Height | 210 mm (8.27") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Sight Radius | 340 mm (13.39") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 596 J (440 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Trigger Group Safety
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Closed Bolt Firing, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Select Fire, Modular Trigger Group, Interchangeable Stocks, Iron Sights, Picatinny Rail Capable
Variants
- MP5A2 — Fixed Stock
- MP5A3 — Collapsible Stock
- MP5SD — Suppressed
- MP5K — Compact
- MP5/10 — Different Caliber
- MP5/40 — Different Caliber
- MP5-N — Navalized
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police · adopted 1966 · as MP5
- GSG 9 · adopted 1977 · as MP5
- British Special Air Service (SAS) · adopted 1977 · as MP5
- United States Navy SEALs · adopted 1980 · as MP5-N
- United States Delta Force · adopted 1985 · as MP5
- United States FBI · adopted 1994 · as MP5/10
- United States Secret Service · as MP5
- French GIGN · as MP5
- Spanish GEO · as MP5
- Italian NOCS · as MP5
Conflicts
- Iranian Embassy Siege (1980-1980)
- Troubles (Northern Ireland) (1969-1998)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
- Mogadishu (Operation Gothic Serpent) (1993-1993)
Production
Production years: 1966-present
Over 100 variants produced. Licensed manufacturing in Greece (EAS), Iran (DIO), Mexico, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Adopted by 80+ countries.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller
Notes
The MP5's roller-delayed blowback system is unusual for a submachine gun and contributes to its legendary accuracy. The weapon originally featured a gray phosphate finish, with matte-black lacquer introduced for export models in 1977. The polymer 'Tropical' handguard was added in 1978. While some units have transitioned to carbine platforms like the M4A1 for primary CQB roles, the MP5 remains in widespread use for personal protection, covert operations, and specialized applications. The MP5 designation stands for Maschinenpistole 5 (Machine Pistol 5). The MP5K variant features a shortened 115mm barrel and increased rate of fire (900 rpm), while the MP5SD features an integrated suppressor and 146mm barrel with reduced rate of fire (700 rpm).
Background
The MP5 became an icon of counter-terrorism after the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London, where millions of television viewers watched SAS operators storm the building with MP5s. Its roller-delayed blowback system, borrowed from the G3 battle rifle, gives it accuracy unusual for a submachine gun.