MP5 assault rifle: description with photo, specifications and firing range

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

Probably every person who is at least a little interested in weapons has heard about the MP5 assault rifle. Although, since it uses a pistol cartridge, it would be more correct to call it a submachine gun. The MP5 has excellent performance and at the same time is reliable, like all German weapons. No wonder he is trusted by professionals around the world.

History

In the mid-sixties of the last century, many weapons experts came to the conclusion that pistols no longer meet the requirements of special forces soldiers. And machine guns are not suitable for them because of the large weight, low stopping power and increased penetration. Yes, the last factor is a disadvantage when it comes to weapons used in large cities, if there are civilians nearby.

That is why, in 1964, experts from the Heckler and Koch factory (by the way, the real heir to the legendary Mauser) began work on creating a completely new weapon. And in the same year, a prototype was exhibited, called NK54. The number 5 meant that the weapon is a pistol -machine gun. A 4 showed that it uses the very popular 9x19 Parabellum cartridge. the letters NK denote the manufacturer - Heckler & Koch.

After two years of testing and bringing the weapon to ideal performance, it was adopted. First of all, they were armed with the GSG9, one of the units of the German special forces, which proved to be highly effective in performing the most difficult tasks. Then he received the usual name MP5 - Maschinenpistole. So the HK MP5 machine began to march around the planet.

Specifications

As mentioned above, the weapon used a 9x19 cartridge - proven over several decades of active use, including the Second World War. This provided fairly high power with excellent stopping power. At the same time, the penetration properties were not too high - exactly what both policemen and special forces soldiers needed.

However, a relatively small supply of gunpowder reduced the power of the shot. Yes, it reduced the combat range. But it increased accuracy and ease of firing. And the high range when shooting indoors is not at all an important plus.

Compiling a review of the MP5 machine, many experts note a small weight - 3.03 kilograms. And, more importantly, the weapon turned out to be compact, with a very well located center of gravity. This allows experienced fighters to fire with maximum comfort, resulting in excellent performance.

Modifications even with a fixed butt have a very short length -only 680 millimeters. If we consider a weapon with a telescopic butt, then this figure is reduced to 550 millimeters.

A small charge of gunpowder led to the fact that the speed of the bullet is not high - only 400 meters per second. But when working in a city or buildings, this, as already mentioned, cannot be called a disadvantage.

But the rate of fire is very impressive - 800 rounds per minute.

Magazines with a capacity of 10 to 30 rounds can be used for feeding.

Key features

Now let's see why the weapon is so popular - it is no coincidence that the MP5 airsoft gun is one of the most sought after, not to mention real weapons.

First of all, it is worth noting the high muzzle energy - about 650 joules. This provides excellent striking and stopping effect of the bullet.

If necessary, weapons can be modified. Silencers, optical and collimator sights, a tactical flashlight are installed on it, which significantly increases the level of comfort when working.

The design is quite simple, which further increases the reliability.

Finally, the submachine gun boasts excellent ergonomics and thoughtful design. The weight of 3 kilograms is not too big anyway, but here it is also correctly distributed. In addition, the angle and shape of the handle provide the most comfortable grip. And you can remove the weapon from the fuse or switch the fire mode even without loosening the grip of the handle.

Maindisadvantages

But every weapon has flaws. And the MP5 machine, the photo of which is attached to the article, is not an exception at all.

One of the downsides is the high cost. Needless to say - quality materials and high-precision fit are expensive. Perhaps that is why the Bundeswehr has not yet abandoned the Israeli Uzi and switched to its own weapons.

Also, a disadvantage can be called capriciousness to the conditions of detention. Even a small amount of dirt or dust, falling on the moving parts of the weapon, can temporarily disable it. Therefore, it is clearly not suitable for mass armament of the army.

Replacing the magazine takes quite a long time. Even for an experienced fighter, this will take a few seconds - in the conditions of fleeting urban combat, this time can cost the user their life.

Existing modifications

To date, there are seventeen modifications of this legendary weapon. Some are obsolete and out of production, while others are actively produced and used around the world. The latter include six models. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.

1. MP5 A2 is a classic model, significantly lightened thanks to the empty plastic stock. The weight of the weapon is only 2.54 kilograms.
2. MP5 A3 - differs from the previous model only in the stock. It was made telescopic, which made it possible to make the weapon much more compact - the length is 550 mm.
3. MP5 K –a product of the desire to minimize the dimensions of the weapon. Designed in 1976. I received a shortened forearm and barrel, due to which the length was further reduced - only 325 millimeters with a weight of 2 kilograms.
4. MP5KA1 is the most compact weapon in the lineup. Compared to the previous modification, the width has been reduced to 50 mm.
5. MP5 SD1 is a very successful weapon developed in 1974. The submachine gun received a perforated barrel and a built-in silencer.
6. MP-5N is the most modern version. The folding butt reduced the size, and the body, almost entirely made of plastic, reduced the weight. It has a thread on the barrel for the installation of PBS. It is from this weapon that the Galaxy G 5 MP5 PDW airsoft gun was copied.

As you can see, the list is quite large, which is an indicator of success.

Where used

Today, the MP5 submachine gun is actively used all over the world. Only officially it was purchased for more than three dozen countries. Among them are Russia, Kazakhstan, Switzerland, USA, Thailand, Japan, China, Norway, Vatican, Georgia, India and a number of others.

In some cases, weapons are in service with the army. But most often it is used only by special forces. For example, in the Vatican, this is the legendary Swiss guard. In Kazakhstan, they are armed with the guards of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. In Russia, it is used by the Alpha and Vympel units, as well as special units of the Airborne Forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Conclusion

This concludes our article. From it the reader learns more aboutfamous submachine gun. And also about its history, technical characteristics and other important features.