Zenith Z-5RS

Zenith Firearms · Pistol · Discontinued · 2014

Also known as: MKE Z-5RS, Z5RS, Z-5RS SB

Overview

The Zenith Z-5RS is a semi-automatic, roller-delayed blowback pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, manufactured by MKE in Turkey on genuine Heckler & Koch MP5 tooling and imported into the US by Zenith Firearms. A faithful semi-auto interpretation of the H&K MP5A1, the full-size Z-5RS features an 8.9-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with a 3-lug threaded muzzle, a stamped steel receiver, the classic hooded front and 4-aperture rotary drum rear sights, and ships with three 30-round magazines, a Picatinny optics mount, a sling, extra takedown pins, and a cleaning kit. The Z-5 line was Zenith's original product before US production shifted to the ZF-5, and the MKE imports were later carried by Century Arms as the AP5.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2495 g (88.0 oz)
Overall Length455 mm (17.91")
Barrel Length226 mm (8.90")
Sight Radius340 mm (13.39")
Action TypeRoller Delayed Blowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity400 m/s (1312 fps)
Muzzle Energy596 J (440 ft·lbf)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Maximum Range200 m (219 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist254 mm (10.00")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialStamped Steel
Barrel MaterialChrome Moly Steel
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2014-2020

Origin

Country of origin: Turkey

Notes

Discontinued as a Zenith import; the MKE guns are now imported by Century Arms as the AP5 family, while Zenith moved to US-made ZF-5 production. The Z-5P is an MP5K/SP5K-PDW-style pistol with a 5.8-inch threaded barrel at ~4.6 lb; the Z-5K is identical to the Z-5P but omits the threaded muzzle and 3-lug adapter. Weight roughly 5 lb 8 oz.

Background

MKE of Turkey holds genuine H&K MP5 tooling, so the Z-5RS was among the closest things to a factory MP5 available to American shooters - the gun that launched Zenith Firearms before it began building the ZF-5 in Virginia.