The HK 9MM MP5 submachine gun is one of the most recognizable firearms on the planet. It is known for it’s presence in films, tv shows, and video games as well as being the choice of military and law enforcement in almost 100 countries. The MP5 began as an evolution of the roller locked G3 rifle and has been designed to be lightweight and versatile for personal defense and close quarters combat. However, as the MP5 begins to phase out and be replaced with UMPs, let’s take a closer look at why this firearm is so popular.
The MP5 is the most circulated gun in its class, and this is no accident. The size is small and convenient which is a huge plus of its overall handling and close quarter defensive purpose. It has a highly modular design that offers easy tactical adjustments on the fly and the controls feel natural while being remarkably user friendly. Adding on the collapsible stock, this gun is exactly what people look for in close-quarters combat.
HK decided to continue using their traditional delayed blowback action. However, HK did this intentionally since they seemed to have figured out how to mitigate many of the notorious issues with this action. It is known to be more ammo sensitive and, however this is compromised because it also keeps the gun cleaner than the more common gas impingement. Additionally, the blowback action is easy to control and thanks to its air-cooled construction lowers the amount of maintenance the firearm needs between rounds.
Now it’s time to talk about the trigger, arguably one of the most important parts of any firearm. The trigger on the MP5 is long and mushy, but that is what you need in a close quarters firearm. The recoil is almost non-existent because of the action used and specs of the gun. It’s closed-bolt, locked breech design helps with the innate accuracy while shooting this gun. Finally, the MP5 has a selective-fire switch. The switch enables the shooter to toggle between safe, semi-auto, full-auto, and burst mode when firing.
For those who enjoy the aftermarket shopping and switching to create the perfect gun for themselves, the MP5 has tons of options for magazines and accessories. Magazines have options of 15, 30, or 40 round detachable boxes, as well as some models that can chamber a 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazine. HK also markets magazine loading and unloading devices and magazine clams as the unloading action and process can be a bit cumbersome.
In addition to the magazines, the MP5 offers many options for attachments. The most popular attachment is a foregrip, however there are also places for other tactical parts like flashlights and optics.
The specs and decades of worldwide experience the MP5 has prove it’s no ordinary firearm. Being one of the most circulated and popular gun it its class gives all the reason it needs to be on the market.
