Heckler & Koch UMP45

Heckler & Koch · Submachine Gun · Discontinued · 1999

Also known as: UMP45, Universal Machine Pistol, UMP .45

Overview

The Heckler & Koch UMP45 is a select-fire submachine gun chambered in .45 ACP, produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH since 1999. Featuring a 25-round magazine capacity, this submachine gun offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2268 g (80.0 oz)
Weight (loaded)2620 g (92.4 oz)
Overall Length690 mm (27.17")
Folded Length450 mm (17.72")
Barrel Length200 mm (7.87")
Height210 mm (8.27")
Width50 mm (1.97")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity25 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity285 m/s (935 fps)
Muzzle Energy606 J (447 ft·lbf)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Maximum Range300 m (328 yd)
Rate of Fire650 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialPolymer
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishBlack

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 1999-2020s

The .45 ACP and .40 S&W variants have been discontinued; only the UMP9 remains in production. Exact production figures undisclosed.

Origin

Country of origin: Germany

Notes

The UMP was designed to be more economical than the MP5, targeting markets where cost was a primary concern. While the UMP9 (9x19mm) proved most successful globally due to NATO standardization and lower recoil, the UMP45 appealed primarily to American law enforcement agencies that preferred the .45 ACP's stopping power. Production of .40 S&W and .45 ACP variants has since been discontinued, with only the UMP9 remaining in production as of 2020s. The civilian USC variant features a 16-inch barrel and lacks select-fire capability. The UMP's simplified blowback mechanism makes it less refined than the MP5 but significantly cheaper to manufacture.

Background

The UMP was designed as a cheaper, lighter successor to the legendary MP5, trading the complex roller-delayed blowback system for a simpler direct blowback mechanism. While it never achieved the MP5's iconic status, the UMP45 found favor with American law enforcement agencies who valued the .45 ACP's stopping power.