Heckler & Koch MP5SD
Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · In Production · 1974
Also known as: MP5 Schalldampfer, MP5 SD
Overview
The MP5SD is an integrally suppressed variant of the MP5 submachine gun, introduced by Heckler & Koch in 1974. It uses a 146 mm ported barrel housed inside a two-stage suppressor that bleeds propellant gas to reduce muzzle velocity below the speed of sound, allowing standard supersonic 9x19mm ammunition to be fired with subsonic ballistics. The result is one of the quietest, most reliable suppressed submachine guns ever fielded.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3393 g (119.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 807 mm (31.77") |
| Folded Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Barrel Length | 146 mm (5.75") |
| Height | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Width | 67 mm (2.64") |
| Sight Radius | 340 mm (13.39") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 285 m/s (935 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 320 J (236 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 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, Burst 3
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Selector
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Ported Barrel, Diopter Sights, Closed Bolt Operation, Subsonic Velocity At Muzzle, Fixed Or Retractable Stock Options
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Navy SEALs
- British Special Air Service
- GSG 9
- Kommando Spezialkrafte
Conflicts
- Operation Nimrod (Iranian Embassy Siege) (1980)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Operation Neptune Spear (2011)
Production
Production years: 1974-present
Part of the MP5 family with over 100 nations as users; SD variants favored by tier-one special operations units worldwide.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller
Notes
Six SD sub-variants (SD1-SD6) differ by stock type (none/fixed/retractable) and trigger group (S-E-F vs S-E-3-F burst).
Background
The MP5SD's clever ported barrel/expansion chamber design lets shooters use any standard 9mm ammunition while still achieving subsonic muzzle velocity, eliminating the logistical headache of stocking specialized subsonic loads. It became the signature weapon of British SAS counter-terror teams after its televised use during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege.