MP5

Lore & Background

The MP5 was created as the HK54, a selective fire carbine chambered in a handgun cartridge. Development began in 1964, and in 1966 it was adopted by the Bundesgrenzschutz and by Bundeswehr special forces, initially as the MP64, before being redesignated as the MP5. The MP5 achieved iconic status during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege, when British Army Special Air Service operatives used MP5s with top-mounted flashlights. It has since become a mainstay in militaries, special operations forces, and police tactical units worldwide.

Reader's Guide

The primary version is the MP5A2, a selective fire delayed blowback-operated 9×19mm Parabellum weapon firing from a closed bolt. It uses curved steel magazines with 15-round or 30-round capacity. The adjustable iron sights consist of a rotating rear diopter drum and a front post in a hooded ring. The non-reciprocating cocking handle is located above the handguard at a 45° angle.

Did You Know?

• The MP5 uses a roller-delayed blowback operating mechanism similar to the G3 rifle.
• The MP5 has over 100 variants and clones, including suppressed and compact models.
• The MP5 is manufactured under license in several nations including Greece, Egypt, Iran, Mexico, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.