HK MP5A2
Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1966
Also known as: MP5A2, Maschinenpistole 5
Overview
The HK MP5A2 is a fixed-stock, selective-fire variant of the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It uses the company's roller-delayed blowback action with a closed-bolt, hammer-fired mechanism that gives the MP5 its hallmark accuracy and controllability. The A2 features a rigid plastic buttstock and offers single-fire and full-automatic fire modes at a cyclic rate of around 800 rounds per minute. Introduced in 1966, the MP5 became one of the most widely adopted submachine guns in the world, serving with military, police, and special-operations units across more than 40 countries.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2600 g (91.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 680 mm (26.77") |
| Barrel Length | 225 mm (8.86") |
| Height | 260 mm (10.24") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Sight Radius | 340 mm (13.39") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| 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 | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| 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
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Selector Lever
- Features: Fixed Stock, Roller Delayed Blowback, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Drum Rear Sight, Free Floating Barrel
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police (GSG 9) · adopted 1973
- British Army (SAS)
- United States Navy SEALs
Conflicts
- Iranian Embassy Siege (1980)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 1966-present
Adopted by more than 40 countries; manufactured under license in several nations including Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Greece.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller, Manfred Guhring, Georg Seidl, Helmut Baureuter
Notes
The A2 designation denotes the fixed (non-retracting) polymer stock; the otherwise identical MP5A3 substitutes a sliding metal retractable stock. The base MP5A1 omits a buttstock entirely.
Background
Developed in the mid-1960s from the G3 battle rifle's roller-delayed action scaled down to a pistol cartridge, the MP5 gained worldwide fame after Britain's SAS used it during the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege, broadcast live on television.