HK MP5A3
Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1970
Also known as: Maschinenpistole 5A3, MP5A3
Overview
The HK MP5A3 is a select-fire submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH since 1970. Featuring a 30-round magazine capacity, this submachine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 680 mm (26.77") |
| Folded Length | 490 mm (19.29") |
| Barrel Length | 225 mm (8.86") |
| Height | 133 mm (5.24") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 37.5 N (8.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 650 J (479 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 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 | Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Trigger Group Safety
- Features: Retractable Stock, Three Round Burst, Full Auto, Semi Auto, Roller Delayed Blowback, Navy Trigger Group
Variants
- HK MP5A2 — Fixed Stock
- HK MP5SD — Suppressed
- HK MP5K — Compact
- HK MP5N — Navy Trigger Group
- HK MP5/10 — Alternative Caliber
- HK MP5/40 — Alternative Caliber
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police (GSG 9) · adopted 1977 · as MP5
- British Special Air Service (SAS) · adopted 1980 · as MP5
- United States Navy SEALs · as MP5N
- Federal Bureau of Investigation · as MP5
- French GIGN · as MP5F
- Bundeswehr · adopted 1966 · as MP5
Conflicts
- Iranian Embassy Siege (1980-1980)
- Troubles (Northern Ireland) (1969-1998)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 1970-present
The MP5A3 is one of the most widely produced MP5 variants; exact numbers undisclosed but part of overall MP5 production exceeding hundreds of thousands.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller
Notes
The MP5 gained worldwide recognition during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London, where the British SAS used it during a televised hostage rescue operation. The roller-delayed blowback system provides exceptional accuracy and controllability compared to direct blowback submachine guns.
Background
The MP5A3's retractable stock made it the preferred variant for vehicle crews and close-protection teams who needed a compact weapon that could still be shoulder-fired accurately. The three-round burst trigger group was particularly popular with units concerned about ammunition conservation.