HK MP5N
Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1983
Also known as: MP5N, MP5 Navy, Maschinenpistole 5 Navy
Overview
The HK MP5N is the U.S. Navy variant of the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and introduced in 1983 for the U.S. Navy SEALs. Built on the MP5A3 with its retractable shoulder stock, the MP5N adds a purpose-built 'Navy' trigger group offering safe, semi-automatic, two-round burst, and full-automatic fire, plus a threaded three-lug barrel for mounting a stainless-steel suppressor and fixed tritium-illuminated front sights for low-light engagements. Its roller-delayed blowback action fires from a closed bolt at roughly 800 rounds per minute, delivering the accuracy and controllability that made the MP5 family a benchmark for special operations and counter-terrorist forces. The corrosion-resistant build and suppressor-ready muzzle make this submachine gun well suited to the maritime and clandestine missions for which it was developed.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3000 g (105.8 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 2, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Navy Trigger Group Safety
- Features: Retractable Stock, Threaded Barrel, Three Lug Muzzle, Navy Trigger Group, Two Round Burst, Full Auto, Semi Auto, Tritium Sights, Roller Delayed Blowback, Suppressor Ready
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Navy SEALs · adopted 1983 · as MP5N
- United States Federal Bureau of Investigation · as MP5N
- French Armed Forces
- South Korean Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War on Terror (2001-present)
- Gulf War (1990-1991)
Production
Production years: 1983-present
Produced as a dedicated U.S. Navy variant of the MP5 family; exact numbers undisclosed but part of overall MP5 production exceeding hundreds of thousands.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller
Notes
The 'N' designates the Navy model. The MP5N's three-lug muzzle device was developed alongside a stainless-steel suppressor produced by Knight's Armament Company for SEAL use. It retains the MP5A3's collapsing stock and 8.9-inch barrel.
Background
Adopted by the U.S. Navy SEALs in the early 1980s, the MP5N became closely associated with American special operations and was carried by maritime counter-terrorist teams who valued its suppressor compatibility and reliability after immersion in water.