Heckler & Koch MP5K

   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.