Country of origin |
Germany |
Entered service |
1976 |
Caliber |
9x19 mm Parabellum |
Weight (unloaded) |
2 kg |
Length |
325 mm |
Barrel length |
115
mm |
Muzzle velocity |
375
m/s |
Cyclic rate of fire |
900 rpm |
Practical rate of fire |
30 - 100 rpm |
Magazine capacity |
15, 30 rounds |
Sighting range |
100 m |
Range of effective fire |
~ 50 m |
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The MP5K
submachine gun was developed by the German Heckler & Koch (HK)
company. It is a compact version of the famous
MP5,
intended for special services, VIP security teams, and other
security operatives, who need a concealed weapon. The letter "K" in
the designation stands for "Kurz" or short. This weapon was
introduced in 1976. Today it is still in service with a number of
countries, including Germany, Turkey and the United States.
This weapon
is based on the MP5, but has a shorter barrel and lacks buttstock.
There is a vertical handle instead of the foregrip, and a protrusion which protects the shooter's hand.
This
submachine gun has compact dimensions. It can be concealed under
clothes, or kept in the car's glove box and other confined spaces.
There are special suitcases, that can be used to carry this weapon
entirely concealed. There are different models, made of plastic or
leather. Some of these suitcases have a remote trigger, so this submachine gun can be fired directly from the
suitcase. Also these briefcases have a quick-draw mechanism.
The Heckler
& Koch MP5K is a blowback operated, selective fire weapon, chambered
for the standard 9x19 mm Parabellum ammunition. However this
submachine gun is unusual because it fires from a closed bolt
and has a roller-delay blowback mechanism, similar to that of the Heckler &
Koch G3
automatic rifle. Such mechanism significantly improves accuracy
of the weapon. Throughout its service life the MP5K proved to be a high-quality, reliable
and accurate weapon.
Because of
the lighter bolt the MP5K has a higher rate of fire than the
standard MP5.
Trigger unit
of the original MP5K was available with semi-auto and full-auto
firing modes. Modern versions additionally have a 3-round burst
firing mode. Fire mode controls are ambidextrous, at least on the
modern version. Cocking handle is mounted at the front of the
receiver, on the left side.
The MP5K is
normally fed from 15-round capacity magazines. Such small magazines
allowed to reduce dimensions, however small magazine capacity makes
fully automatic firing impractical. Also this weapon can use larger
30-round magazines of the MP5.
Sights of
this submachine gun are similar to other Heckler & Koch models and
consist of front post and rear rotary drum. Maximum sighting range is
100 meters. Red-dot, optical or night sights can be mounted on a
quick-detachable clamp. Range of effective fire is around 50
meters.
The original
MP5K can not mount any muzzle device, such as suppressor, because of
the barrel and foregrip design. However there are improved versions
of this weapon, that can mount suppressors.
Variants
MP5KA1
version is even further optimized for concealed carrying. This
submachine gun has low-profile sights, that blend with the weapon,
and smooth upper surface. So
the sights do not catch the clothes of the holster, when the weapon
is being pulled.
There are no
MP5KA2 and MP5KA3 models. These Heckler & Koch model numbers
indicate fixed and retractable stock. Originally there were no
versions with stock.
MP5KA4
version has a four-position trigger group, with an additional 3-round burst firing mode.
MP5KA5
version is similar to the MP5KA1. It has low-profile sights and
smooth upper surface. However this weapon additionally comes with a
four position trigger group, that adds 3-round burst firing mode.
MP5K-N
version is intended for special operation forces. It has a so called
"Navy" ambidextrous trigger group. It also comes with a threaded
barrel and can be fitted with silencers or other muzzle attachments.
MP5K-PDW
(Personal Defense Weapon). This weapon has a side-folding stock and
a threaded barrel for mounting quick-detachable suppressor. This
version was introduced in 1991. It is intended for special
operations aircraft and vehicle crews. It comes with the "Navy"
ambidextrous four position trigger group and has semi-auto, 3-round
burst and full-auto firing modes. Even though it is called a
Personal Defense Weapon, this weapon is actually just a compact
submachine gun.
SP89 is a
civilian semi-automatic version.
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