HK MP5

   The MP5 submachine gun was developed by Heckler & Koch company in the mid 1960s. In 1966 it was adopted by German police, border guard and special forces. Despite it's age, the MP5 is in service with at least 20 countries, including Germany. It's production still continues. This weapon is license-produced in Greece, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey and the United Kingdom. It is one of the most famous firearms of it's class. It's only rival in terms of proliferation is the IMI Uzi.

   The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a blowback operated, selective fire weapon, chambered for the standard 9 x 19 mm ammunition. It fires from a closed bolt and has a roller-delay mechanism, similar to that of the G3 automatic rifle. It is also referred as a scaled-down version of the G3. The MP5 is a high-quality, reliable and accurate weapon. It's effective range of fire is up to 100 meters.

   Trigger units of the HK MP5 are available with various fire mode options, including semi-auto, full-auto and various burst modes. Modern versions have ambidextrous fire mode controls, mounted on either side of the receiver. Cocking handle is mounted at the front of the receiver, on the left side.

   First production models of the MP5 were fed from a straight box-shaped magazine. In 1977 a curved magazine was introduced. It has 15- or 30-rounds capacity. This SMG is also compatible with 100-round drum magazines.

   Sights of this submachine gun are similar to other Heckler & Koch models and consist of front post and rear diopter. Red-dot, optical or night sights can be mounted on a quick-detachable clamp.

   A number of improvements were made to this SMG over time.

Variants

   HK MP5A1, an original model, which had no buttstock;

   HK MP5A2, fitted with a fixed stock. It is the primary version of the MP5 family;

   HK MP5A3, fitted with retractable stock;

   HK MP5SD a silenced version with integral non-detachable silencer. This version uses standard ammunition, rather than special subsonic rounds;

   HK MP5K a compact submachine gun, with no stock and integral vertical grip. It is intended for various security units;

   HK UMP, it was developed as a successor to the MP5 in the mid-1990s. It was being targeted primarily at US law enforcement market.