Heckler & Koch MP5K
Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1976
Also known as: Maschinenpistole 5 Kurz, MP5K, SP89
Overview
The Heckler & Koch MP5K (Kurz, German for 'short') is a compact variant of the iconic MP5 submachine gun, developed in 1976 at the request of a South American customer requiring a weapon optimized for close-quarters battle and covert operations. The MP5K retains the parent weapon's renowned roller-delayed blowback operating system, firing from a closed bolt for exceptional accuracy, but packs it into a dramatically smaller package with a 115mm barrel and an overall length of just 368mm. The shortened barrel and lighter bolt assembly increase the cyclic rate to approximately 900 rounds per minute compared to the standard MP5's 800 rpm. Lacking a buttstock in its base configuration, the MP5K was designed to be fired from the hip, from a briefcase using a special trigger mechanism, or with an optional sling. The weapon became the preferred concealed protection weapon for executive protection details, close-protection teams, and VIP security units worldwide, and has been adopted by special forces and law enforcement agencies in over 40 countries.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2720 g (95.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 368 mm (14.49") |
| Barrel Length | 115 mm (4.53") |
| Height | 205 mm (8.07") |
| Width | 50 mm (1.97") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 375 m/s (1230 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 524 J (386 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 900 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| 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, Trigger Group Safety
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Closed Bolt Firing, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Select Fire, Modular Trigger Group, Iron Sights, Vertical Foregrip, No Buttstock, Compact Design
Variants
- MP5KA1 — Smooth Upper
- MP5KA4 — Three Round Burst
- MP5KA5 — Smooth Upper Burst
- MP5K-PDW — Folding Stock
- SP89 — Semi Auto Civilian
Base model
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police (GSG 9) · as MP5K
- United States Secret Service · as MP5K
- United States Delta Force · as MP5K
- British Special Air Service (SAS) · as MP5K
- French GIGN · as MP5K
- Turkish National Police Special Operations · as MP5K
- Australian Federal Police · as MP5K
- South Korean Special Forces · as MP5K
- Royal Malaysian Police · as MP5K
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces · as MP5K
- Egyptian Armed Forces · as MP5K
- Indonesian Special Forces (Kopassus) · as MP5K
Conflicts
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 1976-present
Produced in significant quantities for over 40 countries; exact numbers undisclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller
Notes
The MP5K was specifically designed for close-quarters battle and covert carry scenarios. A specialized briefcase was developed that allowed the MP5K to be concealed and fired through a trigger mechanism without removing the weapon. The foregrip replaced the standard MP5's handguard and serves as both a grip surface and a barrel guard. The MP5K-PDW variant, introduced in 1991, added a folding stock and threaded barrel for suppressor attachment, making it more versatile for extended engagements. The SP89 was the semi-automatic civilian version sold in the United States before import restrictions. MilitaryFactory lists 1991 as the introduction date, likely referring to the MP5K-PDW variant, but the original MP5K dates to 1976.
Background
The MP5K was originally developed for a South American client needing an ultra-concealable automatic weapon. HK designed a special briefcase with an internal trigger mechanism that allowed the MP5K to be fired without removing it, making it the ultimate executive protection weapon.