H&K MP5 Ultimate Guide (+ Current Clones)

The Heckler & Koch MP5 (Maschinenpistole 5) was developed in the 1960s in West Germany and has since become one of the most widely adopted submachine guns of all time.

It originated from HK’s “Project 65,” leveraging a scaled-down version of the roller-delayed blowback system first seen in the WWII-era MG42 machine gun.

Early adoption by elite units like Germany’s GSG-9 in 1977 and Britain’s SAS in 1980 put the MP5 on the world stage.

These high-profile hostage rescue operations (such as GSG-9’s Operation Feuerzauber and the SAS raid at the Iranian Embassy) demonstrated the MP5’s superb handling in close quarters.

By the late 20th century, the MP5 was in service with countless military and law enforcement units worldwide, prized for its accuracy, low recoil, and compact size.

Its cultural impact was cemented by appearances in 1980s action films, such as the Christmas classic Die Hard, where even movie prop departments chopped civilian HK94 carbines to resemble MP5s for that authentic look.

In short, the MP5 earned a reputation as the benchmark 9mm subgun, combining German engineering with real-world proven performance.

Brief History of the H&K MP5

For decades, American gun owners have clamored for a genuine HK-made MP5 they could own. (Myself included)

Heckler & Koch famously resisted selling a civilian MP5, offering only rare semi-auto variants like the long-barreled HK94 and the SP89 pistol in the 1980s.

Finally, in late 2019, HK relented with the SP5, a semi-automatic 9mm pistol that is essentially a civilian-legal MP5.

The SP5 is manufactured in the same Oberndorf factory in Germany as its military sibling and shares all the iconic MP5 features: a Navy-style 8.8-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel with threaded tri-lug muzzle, the familiar drum diopter sights, a fluted chamber, and the robust roller-delayed action.

In fact, HK emphasizes that the SP5 was designed to match the look and feel of the legendary MP5, right down to the wide “tropical” handguard and paddle magazine release.

There are a few differences from a service MP5, all driven by legal necessity.

The SP5 is semi-auto only (fire selector marked “0-1”) and lacks the attachment for a full-auto sear. It’s sold as a pistol, meaning it comes with no stock – just a receiver endcap with a sling swivel. (Many owners file paperwork to register it as an SBR so they can add a collapsible or fixed stock, thus recreating the MP5 experience.)

Out of the box, HK even includes a bungee single-point sling, encouraging the shooter to use the sling for support in lieu of a shoulder stock.

In terms of shooting, the SP5 is as close as one can get to owning a real MP5. It runs buttery-smooth and reliably, being virtually an MP5 in all but name.

The fit and finish are HK-excellent, and parts like magazines interchange with the originals. The main drawback?

Price and availability – the SP5 is a premium offering (typically $2500+) and tends to sell out fast. But for purists, it’s “the real McCoy”: an authentic HK roller-delayed gun, finally attainable after years of hoping.
MP5 Clones in the U.S. Market

MP5 Clones (Unrelated to Star Wars, kinda)

Not everyone can snag an SP5 (or afford one), which is why the U.S. market now overflows with MP5 clones and variants.

These are guns made by other companies that closely copy the MP5’s design.

Below, we’ll dive into the notable clones available today – including Turkish imports and American-made replicas – and how they stack up.

Century Arms AP5 (MKE Import)

One of the most popular clone options is the Century Arms AP5 series, which is a licensed copy made by MKE in Turkey. (MKE is a Turkish state arsenal that produced MP5s under HK license for military contracts, so they have genuine HK tooling and specs.)

“AP5” stands for “Apparatus Pistol,” and Century imports these in three versions: the full-size AP5, a mid-size AP5-P, and a micro AP5-M.

The full-size AP5 is essentially a standard MP5A2/A3 style pistol (8.9″ barrel, similar to an MP5N(Navy) configuration).

The AP5-P is a shorter variant (comparable to an MP5K “PDW” with a 5.8″ barrel plus tri-lug), and the AP5-M is an even more compact K model built for maximum concealment.

All come as pistols (no stock), but it’s easy to add a brace or even a stock if you was to turn it into an SBR.

Quality-wise, MKE’s guns have an excellent reputation – they are often considered the closest thing to buying a brand new MP5, since HK’s oversight in the past means the specs and metallurgy are on point.

The Century AP5s feature the correct roller-delayed blowback action, and they ship with a nice suite of accessories.

In the box you typically get two 30-round magazines, a cleaning kit, a Picatinny optics mount, and a sling. (Including a clamp-on optics rail is a big perk – it saves you about $100 and lets you easily mount an optic from day one.)

The barrel on the AP5 and AP5-P is threaded 1/2×28 and also has the tri-lug, giving you both suppressor attachment methods standard.

In terms of shooting, the AP gives the feel of running a legit MP5, but you run the risk of the guns not being as reliable as a true HK production. While these are built off licensed blueprints, these blueprints are decades old and haven’t been updated to the current spec of the current HK variants.

You can always upgrade some of the parts to HK and run HK magazines to improve reliability while still coming in much cheaper.

One notable aspect: MKE guns have the paddle magazine release and properly fluted chamber, just like the originals, so mag changes and extraction are on par with a true HK. The lower and the safeties aren’t as ergonomic as the modern HK offering, but they are more period correct if you’re building the gun to mimic a classic MP5.

Overall, the AP5 series hits a sweet spot – authenticity and reasonable reliability at a lower cost than an SP5. It’s a top choice if you want a real MP5 feel without the HK price tag.

Zenith ZF-5 (Made in USA)

Zenith Firearms was originally known for importing MKE-made MP5 clones (branded as Zenith Z-5 rifles and pistols).

However, after Zenith’s import partnership with MKE ended (and Century picked it up), Zenith decided to make their own.

As of late 2022, Zenith began manufacturing the ZF-5 in-house at their Virginia facility(there’s a great brewery right down the road).

The ZF-5 is an American-made semi-auto MP5 clone that stays very true to the classic design.

It has an 8.9″ cold hammer-forged barrel (with tri-lug and 1/2×28 threads), a stamped steel receiver, and a polymer lower trigger housing with ambidextrous safety selector.

In other words, it’s specced just like an MP5-N variant.

Zenith wisely included all the desirable features: the ZF-5 has the iconic diopter drum sights, a functional paddle mag release, and even the correct fluted chamber for reliable extraction.

The end cap has a sling swivel, and the gun ships with no brace or stock (again, as a pistol) – but it’s ready for you to SBR or attach a brace if desired.

Where Zenith stands out is offering different finish options and packages.

You can get the ZF-5 in seven finishes, including classic black or a retro “battlefield brown” cerakote.

The Essentials package (around $1,780 MSRP) gives you the gun, one magazine, and a soft case.

The Premium package (around $2,375 MSRP) ups the ante with three mags, a sling, a flash hider, a cleaning kit, and an optics mount – all in a hard case.

In terms of shooting, early reviews indicate the ZF-5 runs well, as one would expect from a newly-made roller-delayed gun.

Build quality is reported as excellent, and Zenith claims to use US-made parts of equal or better quality than the originals.

Essentially, Zenith took their experience with imports and translated it into a domestic product.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more for an MP5 clone, the ZF-5 offers a premium fit and finish (and the pride of supporting a US-made firearm).

It’s a compelling option for shooters who want something a step above the typical import in terms of refinement, and with Zenith’s established support network.

PTR 9CT and PTR’s MP5-Style Offerings

Another major player in the clone arena is PTR Industries, an American company that initially specialized in HK91/G3-pattern rifles.

PTR now produces several 9mm MP5-style firearms, with the PTR 9CT being their flagship model.

The PTR 9CT is a semi-auto pistol with an 9″ barrel (threaded and tri-lugged) and it closely mirrors the look of an MP5A3.

PTR builds these on a new-production receiver, using a mix of US-made parts.

Notably, PTR includes modern enhancements: the 9CT comes with a modular M-LOK handguard and a welded top Picatinny rail for easy optic mounting.

Out of the box, PTR ships it in a hard case with two 30-round mags, a single-point bungee sling, and a sight tool, which is a nice package.

The 9CT’s internals include a full-auto style bolt carrier with a tungsten weight (to mimic the proper weight and balance).

If a lawful full-auto sear owner drops in their registered pack, a PTR can actually run full-auto – a testament to how true to spec it is.

For the average user, this just means PTR didn’t cut corners; the gun is built to handle sustained fire.

In handling, the PTR has all the familiar MP5 traits: a non-reciprocating charging handle on the left, the dual mag release (paddle and button), and no last-round bolt hold-open.

Users have found the PTR 9CT to be accurate and smooth shooting, with recoil as soft as any MP5-type thanks to the delayed blowback system.

The trigger pull tends to be around 9 pounds – a bit heavy, but consistent (PTR likely kept it duty-weight for safety).

One advantage of the PTR is the inclusion of that Picatinny top rail from the factory; you don’t need a claw mount adapter to add optics.

Also, the M-LOK forend is ready for lights or accessories, whereas many other clones ship with the plain slim handguard.

PTR also produces other variants like the PTR 9KT (a shorter “K” pistol with a 5.16″ barrel and even more compact frame), and the PTR 9R carbine (16″ barrel rifle version for states where pistols may be restricted).

All in all, PTR offers a quality American-made clone that blends authenticity with a touch of modern features.

They’re often a bit more affordable than the Zenith, and have good customer service, making PTR a solid choice for an MP5-style firearm.

Roller-Delayed Blowback: Why the MP5 Shoots So Smooth

One of the MP5’s biggest claims to fame is its roller-delayed blowback operating system.

But what does that actually mean, and why does it make the MP5 so pleasant to shoot?

In a nutshell, roller-delayed blowback is a system that uses mechanical delay to slow the bolt’s opening, rather than a traditional locking mechanism.

Inside the MP5’s bolt head are two small rollers (one on each side).

When a round is fired, these rollers cam outward into recesses in the barrel extension, momentarily holding the bolt closed.

Only after pressure drops to a safe level do the rollers retract, allowing the bolt to cycle and extract the spent case.

This all happens extremely fast – but that brief delay makes a huge difference.

The guns are smoother on full auto than semi-auto (repeal the NFA), which is not normal for 99% of firearms. Roller lock guns are a dream to shoot in both semi and full, but full auto is a real treat!

By delaying bolt movement, the MP5 can use a lighter bolt and weaker recoil spring than a simple direct blowback weapon would require.

Most older submachine guns (like the Uzi or MAC-10) relied on heavy bolts slamming back and forth, which creates more recoil and muzzle rise. In the MP5, the clever roller system tamps down the initial recoil impulse.

The result is a smoother shooting experience with less felt recoil and muzzle climb. Shooters often remark that the MP5 “shoots like a laser” – it’s easy to keep bursts on target, which is one reason it’s been so effective in special operations.

The system also handles higher-pressure rounds well; in fact, HK later made 10mm Auto and .40 S&W MP5 variants using the same delay mechanism, something a straight blowback couldn’t manage easily.

Another benefit is that the MP5’s barrel is truly fixed and free-floated in the receiver, which contributes to its renowned accuracy.

Of course, roller-delayed guns are more complex to manufacture – there are more moving parts and precise fitting involved.

Over a very long service life, parts like rollers and locking pieces may need replacement as they wear.

This system tends to run a bit dirtier, as some combustion gas blows back into the receiver during cycling.

But with reasonable maintenance, an MP5 will chug along reliably.

In practical terms, expect to clean a bit more after heavy use, especially if running suppressed (more on that shortly).

Bottom line: the roller-delayed action is the secret sauce that gives the MP5 its signature low recoil and high reliability, making it shoot far softer than most 9mm carbines.

It’s a brilliant 20th-century engineering solution that remains impressive even by today’s standards.

Quirks and Oddities of the MP5 Platform

Even legends have their quirks, and the MP5 is no exception. Understanding these will help you run the gun more effectively and manage expectations:

Charging Handle & “HK Slap” – The MP5’s charging handle is a cocking lever located on the front left of the receiver, and it does not reciprocate with the bolt.

To lock the bolt open, you retract the handle and rotate it upwards into a notch – a very unique manual of arms.

This is where the fun “HK slap” comes in: inserting a fresh mag and slapping the charging handle down releases the bolt to chamber a round.

It’s a cool move (and incredibly satisfying), but it’s a manual step every time since the gun doesn’t lock open automatically.

Some users find the forward placement of the handle a bit awkward, especially if they’re used to AR-15s or other platforms.

It requires you to move your support hand off the grip to charge. However, with practice, the HK slap reload can be very quick. Just mind your fingers – if you ride the handle improperly, you might get a nasty pinch!

No Last-Round Bolt Hold Open – Perhaps the biggest operational difference from modern rifles is that the MP5 does not lock its bolt back after the last round.

When your magazine runs dry, the trigger goes “click” on an empty chamber.

You’ll then need to manually cock the charging handle and lock the bolt open if you want to reload with the bolt held back.

Many users do a speed reload by not locking open: simply swap mags and sling-shot the charging handle in one motion. Doing this runs the risk of not properly seating the magazine which means it might fall out or fail to feed. Downloading the magazine to less than 30 rounds helps but I still suggest locking back the charging handle when reloading.

In any case, it’s an extra step compared to platforms with a bolt catch/release. This quirk is a byproduct of the 1960s design; most subguns of that era (Uzi, etc.) also lacked last-round hold-open.

It’s something you get used to, but can be an “oh, right…” moment for new shooters.

There have been a few attempts by aftermarket tinkerers to devise a last-round hold-open for MP5 clones, but none are widespread or 100% reliable yet.

So, MP5 users learn to count rounds or just reload when in doubt.

Magazine Release and Ergonomics – The MP5 has two mag release methods: a paddle lever at the back of the magwell and a small push-button on the right side (near the magwell front).

The paddle release is the primary method, and it’s ambidextrous (you can thumb it with your firing hand or use your support hand).

The push-button, on the other hand, is not ideally placed – it’s a bit too far forward for most people to hit with their trigger finger without shifting grip.

Thus, virtually everyone uses the paddle (which is slower than an AR15 style magazine release).

A minor gripe is that the paddle can pinch your finger against the mag if you’re not careful during insertion, but that’s easily avoided with proper technique.

Overall, the ergonomics of the MP5 are good for its era, but by modern standards, you’ll notice things like: no rails (on old models), a narrow handguard, and the need to work that charging handle.

You can always upgrade the handguard to make mounting accessories easier but you need to make sure they don’t interfere with running the charging handle. This means items like lights, lasers, and pressure pads may not have ideal ergonomics like they do when mounted on more modern designs.

Still, handling an MP5 has a certain vintage charm that most owners happily accept in trade for the performance.

Suppressed Fire and Gas Blowback – The MP5 is famously great with a suppressor, especially the integrally suppressed MP5SD, which was designed for ultra-quiet operation.

However, when running a normal MP5 (or clone) with a screw-on or tri-lug suppressor, you may experience increased gas blowback.

Because the roller-delayed action is closed-bolt and holds tight briefly, you won’t get the massive immediate blast of gas like an open-bolt Uzi.

But after a few rounds, some gas does flow back through the ejector port and around the bolt gap.

When suppressed, the extra backpressure can send more soot and gas towards the shooter’s face.

It’s not usually outrageous (the MP5 still runs cleaner suppressed than a typical direct-blowback 9mm carbine), but you’ll notice your eyes watering after a long string in an indoor range, for example.

The gun will also run dirtier, so be prepared for a good cleaning.

HK actually offers different locking pieces (the angled part of the bolt assembly) to tune the timing for suppressors – for instance, some users swap in a locking piece with a different delay angle to slow the cyclic rate and mitigate wear when shooting suppressed.

This is an advanced tweak; most casual owners won’t need to do it.

The bottom line is: a suppressed MP5 is tons of fun and very quiet (especially with subsonic 147gr ammo), but you’ll get some face gas and grime.

Wearing shooting glasses (which you should anyway) and maybe a ball cap will help deflect the smoke. And remember to lube up – a bit of extra lubricant keeps things running smoothly under suppressor-induced stress.

Maintenance and Spares – The MP5 is a robust design, but it does have a few small parts that periodically need attention.

For example, the extractor spring is a known wear item – it can lose tension after many thousands of rounds, causing extraction issues. It’s wise to keep a spare extractor spring or two in your kit.

The rollers in the bolt head can also wear down over a very long round count; armorers measure them and can replace with oversize rollers if needed to maintain proper bolt gap.

These maintenance quirks aren’t major, but they’re part of living with a roller-delayed system (as opposed to, say, an AR-15 where the locking lugs either work or they break – very different design).

Fortunately, spare parts for MP5s and clones are readily available from places like HK Parts, and they’re not expensive.

With basic upkeep, an MP5 will last for decades of regular use.

Just don’t forget that unlike an AR, you can’t just slap on any old aftermarket part – the MP5 has its own ecosystem of parts (many of which are proprietary). Stick to quality components and your roller gun will treat you well.

In summary, the MP5’s quirks – from the HK slap to the lack of bolt hold-open – are all manageable with training and good gear.

Many owners actually enjoy these idiosyncrasies as part of the MP5’s character. It’s a bit of an analog experience in a digital age, but that’s part of the charm of running an MP5.

Essential Accessories and Upgrades for the MP5

One fun aspect of owning an MP5 (or clone) today is the wide array of accessories available.

With a few add-ons, you can modernize and customize your MP5 for your needs – whether that’s home defense, range fun, or competition.

Below we’ll go through some recommended accessory categories, with tips for each.

Optics and Mounting Solutions

Iron sights on the MP5 pretty good – you get a hooded front post and an adjustable rear drum (with four diopter apertures).

But adding a red dot sight can dramatically improve target acquisition and make shooting even faster. A red dot is also much easier to use in low light. The challenge is mounting an optic on the MP5’s smooth top.

Traditionally, HK designed a proprietary claw mount system: the receiver has recessed rails where a claw-style mount clamps on.

Original HK claw mounts were built for scopes and sat a bit high, but they were repeatable and allowed you to still see the iron sights underneath.

Nowadays, most people opt for a lower-profile Picatinny rail solution.

If your gun didn’t come with a rail, you can buy a claw mount Picatinny adapter that locks into those receiver grooves.

Some popular ones are made by B&T (Brügger & Thomet) and MFI – they sit low and snug.

There are also a variety of claw mounts that are specific designed to mount a specific optic such as the aimpoint T2 or the Aimpoint Acro P2. This reduces a potential failure point by removing need for a 1913 mount.

Many clones (like the PTR 9CT) come with a Picatinny rail welded on top, which is even more convenient.

For optics, a micro red dot is the go-to choice.

The Aimpoint Micro (T-2 or its cheaper alternative the Holosun HS403 series) on a low mount is a classic pairing – it ends up just above the iron sights.

If you en up going this way there are mounts that allow for 1/3 cowitness with the MP5 sights.

This setup is robust and keeps weight minimal.

Other excellent dots include the EOTech EXPS (for faster acquisition, albeit larger and heavier) or a SIG Romeo 8T, etc. The dots have a small center dot with an outer ring. You can use the bottom of the outer ring when shooting at close distances like 7 yards. This works well to account for height over bore of the optic when the gun is zeroed at 25 yards at 2 using the center dot.

If you prefer magnification, you could mount a compact prism sight or even a low-power scope, but that’s uncommon on an MP5 since it’s a 9mm weapon typically used under 100 yards.

The key is to ensure your mount is solid: return-to-zero is important if you ever remove it. The good news is the better claw mounts hold zero well.

One more option – if you have an MP5K (the short variant) with no top space, some companies make optics mounts that replace the rear sight drum or attach to the handguard.

These are more niche solutions. For most, a top rail + red dot is the ticket.

Pro Tip: zero your red dot at about 25 or 50 yards for general use; 9mm has a mild drop, and that zero will keep you on target from point-blank out to ~100 yards with minimal holdover.

Suppressors for the MP5

Suppressors and MP5s go together like coffee and doughnuts – especially since one of the MP5’s coolest variants (the MP5SD) is integrally suppressed.

A big advantage of MP5-style guns is that most come with a tri-lug muzzle adaptor, which was an HK invention that allows quick attach/detach of a suppressor.

With a tri-lug, you can just push and twist a compatible suppressor and it locks on instantly – no threading needed. This makes it very convenient to go quiet or loud as you wish.

The standard tri-lug size on MP5 barrels has become an industry norm, so many 9mm suppressors offer tri-lug mounts.

For example, Brügger & Thomet (who supply suppressors to many European militaries) make dedicated MP5 suppressors that attach via tri-lug.

In the U.S. commercial market, popular 9mm cans like the SilencerCo Omega 9K, Dead Air Wolfman, Gemtech Raptor II, or Rugged Obsidian 9 can be outfitted with tri-lug adapters.

These will all work great on an MP5.

If your MP5 clone also has threads (most do: typically 1/2×28 threads just in front of the tri-lug), you could use a direct-thread suppressor.

Direct thread is secure and slightly lighter (no mounting module needed), but slower to attach.

The tri-lug is really the star here – it was literally designed for MP5s and is very secure even under full-auto fire.

When choosing a suppressor, consider your typical ammo: if you plan to shoot a lot of subsonic 147gr through your MP5 it’ll be quieter than 124gr nato or 115 grain loads. The gun was designed to shoot 124gr nato ammo but will still work with heavier ammo.

If you shoot 150gr, 158gr or 165gr, you’ll get a Hollywood-quiet experience, since there’s no supersonic crack. This is a lot of fun but it may not be as reliable as the 124 gr NATO.

Standard 115gr or 124gr will still make a crack, but sound reduction is significant.

Also, note what we mentioned earlier: suppressed shooting can cause more fouling.

Choose a suppressor that’s easy to take apart and clean (or at least one rated for high volume 9mm, so it doesn’t clog easily).

Some suppressors are “boosted” (Neilson devices) for pistols – those boosters aren’t needed on an MP5 since it’s a fixed-barrel firearm, so a simpler subgun can works fine.

Weight and length are considerations too; a short can like the Omega 9K keeps the package very handy, whereas a full-size can like an Octane 9 will quiet things a tad more but add length.

Finally, keep an eye on your locking piece angle if you shoot suppressed a ton – serious users sometimes get a specific locking piece (e.g. 80° vs 100°) to optimize the gun for constant suppressor use, but for most casual use the factory setup is fine.

In short: grab a tri-lug suppressor, try some subsonic ammo, and enjoy one of the smoothest, quietest shooting experiences in the gun world. Just be ready for the grins it will induce!

Pro tip: After a couple of hundred rounds, make sure to clean the gun to avoid reliability issues.

Slings and Sling Mounts

Given the MP5’s submachine gun heritage, it was designed to be carried on a sling a lot of the time.

A good sling is therefore a must-have accessory for practical use.

The classic MP5 sling setup is a 2-point sling attached at the front and rear of the gun.

The MP5 (and clones) typically have a sling loop near the muzzle (on the front sight assembly or handguard) and another at the rear (either on the end cap or on the stock).

Using these two points with an adjustable 2-point sling allows you to comfortably carry the MP5 and quickly shoulder it.

Many folks like a quick-adjust sling (like the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling or Magpul MS1) so they can cinch it tight or loosen it on the fly.

You can attach these using HK-style snap hooks or QD swivels if you have adapters.

The HK snap hook is actually named for its use on HK guns like the MP5 – it’s a metal clip that fits those loops perfectly. They’re robust and secure.

If your sling doesn’t come with one, you can add an HK hook or a Mash hook easily.

Some users prefer a single-point sling, especially for a pistol-configured MP5 without a stock. This is the preferred method on the MP5k variants. Historically, counterterrorist units have run this setup without a stock.

HK includes a bungee single-point with the SP5, which hooks to the loop on the end cap.

A single-point essentially lets the gun hang in front of you and can be useful if you plan to shoot it like a large pistol (pushing out against the sling for stability).

The downside is it can flop around more when you move. A 2-point sling, on the other hand, can secure the weapon against your body and provide more stability for aiming (you can tension it to reduce shake).

For most, a 2-point is the way to go, especially once you SBR the gun and have a stock. It gives the best balance of retention and support.

Mounting methods: If your gun lacks a rear sling loop (say you added a custom stock without one), there are aftermarket receiver end plates that have QD sockets or loops that install at the rear push-pin area.

Up front, if you use a railed handguard, you can add a QD sling swivel in an M-LOK slot or use a clamp-on sling loop. But the simplest is using the provided loops.

When adjusting, set the sling length so that you can quickly transition to a shooting stance but also drop the gun safely if you need to go to a sidearm.

Practice transitions and see what length works. One more tip: if using an HK hook, secure some paracord or a sling thimble through the loop and hook to that – it reduces metal-on-metal noise and wear.

In the end, a quality sling setup will enhance your mobility and weapon control, turning your MP5 into a very handy PDW that’s always by your side (literally!).

Magazine Carriers

The curved 30-round MP5 magazines aren’t something you can just shove in a standard AR-15 mag pouch efficiently – they need carriers made for their shape.

Whether for the range or a class, having extra mags at the ready is important. There are a few routes: traditional belt pouches, chest rigs, or inserting mags into a bag.

One convenient solution that has gained popularity is our Elastic MP5 Magazine Holder, especially for discreet carry setups.

This Lynx Defense mag holder is a velcro-backed panel that holds 4 MP5 mags in elastic loops.

It’s designed to stick inside a bag or on a loop field (like inside one of Lynx’s rifle cases or any hook-and-loop compatible surface).

The elastic securely keeps the mags from rattling, yet they can be pulled out quickly when needed. It’s a very handy way to organize mags in a discreet carry bag, for example – you open your case and your spare mags are right there in fixed positions.

The Lynx holder can also be used on a chest rig or plate carrier that has loop velcro fields. At around $15-$20, it’s an affordable piece of gear that adds a lot of convenience.

Aside from that, you can find dedicated MP5 belt pouches (typically holding two mags each).

Classic options include surplus style triple-mag pouches that German forces used – though those are often for older straight 15-round mags or dual 30s clipped together “jungle style.”

Kydex mag carriers are another modern choice – companies like ESSTAC or others have made KYWI inserts or Kydex pouches specifically molded for MP5 magazines, giving good retention and fast access.

HSGI and G Code also make bungee taco style universal pistol magazine carriers that work very well.

If you plan to run and gun with your MP5, consider a simple belt setup with two mags on your weak side, or a chest rig that holds 3-4 mags across the front.

But for discreet carry, the Lynx velcro holder is top-notch because it lies flat inside a bag. And speaking of discreet bags…

Trigger Upgrades and Ambidextrous Safety Options

The stock MP5 trigger is built like a military SMG trigger – it’s relatively heavy (often ~8 pounds) with a long pull, and a bit of creep.

It’s totally usable, but can be improved. There are a few trigger upgrade paths.

One is to have a trigger smith (like Bill Springfield or HK-specific gunsmiths) do a trigger job on your existing pack – polishing sear surfaces, installing a weaker trigger return spring, etc.

This can drop the pull weight a couple of pounds and smooth it out. Another route is aftermarket trigger packs.

There are modular drop-in packs (for semi-auto only) from companies like Binary Trigger makers.

Yes, you read that right – Franklin Armory makes a binary trigger for HK-style firearms: one shot on pull, one on release.

It’s a bit of a gimmick unless you really want to simulate full-auto fire legally.

But it exists as an option.

If precision is the goal, some niche custom shops have built match trigger packs, but they can be quite expensive and usually for the HK94/MP5 full-size trigger housing.

For ambidextrous controls, many clones already come with an ambi safety (often called a “Navy” style housing with pictogram markings).

If yours didn’t, you can buy an ambidextrous selector lever and install it into your pack or swap to a Navy trigger group housing easily.

This gives you a safety lever on both the left and right side, which left-handed shooters will greatly appreciate.

The original old-school MP5s had a one-sided selector (usually on the left side) which is hard for lefties to manipulate without breaking grip.

The ambi safeties solve that. Additionally, extended safety levers are available (with a bigger shelf) to make it easier to hit with your thumb.

One more popular upgrade is changing out the grip module.

The “SEF” plastic lower (marked S-E-F for Safe, Semi, Full, even if the full-auto position is dummy on a semi gun) can be swapped for the later Navy pictogram lower (marked with bullets icons or 0-1).

The Navy housing is a bit more ergonomic and always ambidextrous. Many clones come with this already, but if not, it’s a drop-in upgrade (the internals transfer over).

Aesthetically, a lot of people prefer the pictogram look – and if you convert to ambi, you’ll likely use that housing anyway.

In short, the trigger and controls can be tuned to your liking. It’s not a precision rifle trigger, nor should it be – it’s designed for combat reliability.

But you can definitely make it better than stock if you want a crisper break or easier controls.

Just be cautious modifying it yourself unless you know what you’re doing; the trigger pack has a lot of small parts and springs.

Many owners are perfectly content with stock triggers for practical use, given the MP5’s role as a PCC/SMG, but the options are there if you have the itch to tinker or enhance.

Cool Fact: On full auto the MP5 trigger is designed so if you pull it half way it’ll shoot in semi auto but if you pull it all the way you can fire it in full auto. This is hard to do unless you curve your finger around the trigger and use it as a trigger stop. This doesn’t take long to master and allows the user to take precise single shots while the gun is on full auto.

Carrying the MP5: Discreet Cases and Practical Transport

Once you have your awesome MP5 (or clone) and some accessories, you’ll face a practical question: how do I carry or transport this thing?

The MP5’s compact size is one of its selling points – with a stock collapsed or folded, it can be as short as ~19-20 inches.

This opens up possibilities for discreet carry that a full rifle wouldn’t allow. The goal for many is to have a case that doesn’t scream “gun” but still protects the firearm and allows quick access. Here are some great ways to carry an MP5:

Dedicated Discreet SMG Bags: Products like the Lynx Defense “Byte” Discreet Sub Gun Case are specifically made for SMG/PCC-sized firearms.

The Byte is a 21″ x 12″ soft case that looks like an ordinary slim sports bag, but inside it’s padded and velcro-lined for securing your MP5 and mags.

It’s designed for guns under 20″, so an MP5 with the stock collapsed fits perfectly.

The interior features retention straps and pockets to prevent your gun and accessories from shifting.

The exterior of the Byte is very nondescript – no MOLLE webbing or tactical bling, just a low-profile solid color.

This means you can carry your MP5 in public (say, from your car to the range, or keep it in your vehicle) and it looks like you might be carrying a folding chair or keyboard, not a firearm.

Lynx Defense builds these cases with heavy-duty materials (1000D Cordura, good zippers), so it’s durable.

There are other similar SMG-sized bags on the market (like Savior Equipment’s Specialist bags, etc.), but the Lynx Byte is a popular U.S.-made choice that specifically mentions fitting MP5s.

Discreet bags like this are highly recommended if you want to avoid drawing attention.

Backpack Insert Kits (Lynx Defense “Policy” system): Another innovative way to carry an MP5 is to use a covert backpack with a dedicated insert.

The Lynx Defense Policy is an example of an insert that turns any regular backpack into a gun carrier.

The Policy 2.0 PDW Carrier is basically a rigid panel with a pocket that secures your MP5 (or similar PDW) inside a normal backpack.

It’s velcro-compatible and can hold the weapon in place so it doesn’t shift or print.

With this system, you could use an ordinary looking backpack (like a Jansport or a camera bag) and have your MP5 inside, ready to deploy.

The advantage is ultimate discretion – it just looks like you’re carrying a laptop or books.

Lynx’s Policy insert even has optional magazine holders and pouches that attach to it, so you can keep spare mags and gear organized inside the pack.

This approach is favored by some professionals who need a PDW in a low-profile manner (e.g. VIP protection details) and by civilians who want a “bag gun” for emergency personal defense.

When using a backpack carry, practice your access: know how to quickly unzip and draw the weapon.

Also, consider using a short vertical grip or mag as a foregrip on the MP5K variants, as it helps in quickly yanking the gun out and into action.

Traditional Cases (less discreet): Of course, you can use any ordinary gun case that fits, but the whole point of the MP5 is compactness, so why not exploit it?

A small hard case or a violin-style case can be a neat alternative. Some folks repurpose things like musical instrument cases (the old “Violin case SMG” trope can become reality).

As long as the case is padded enough to protect the optics and sights, you’re good.

If you’re traveling or need to be overt, there are custom cut hard cases (Pelican, SKB, etc.) for MP5s with cutouts for mags and accessories – great for air transport or long-term storage.

Two specific Lynx Defense offerings were mentioned: the Policy and the Byte.

To clarify, the Policy is more of an insert/backpack system, whereas the Byte is a standalone, discreet carry case.

Both are excellent; you might even combine them (the Policy insert can fit inside certain Lynx backpacks or others they specify).

These products are American-made and designed by shooters who clearly thought about what an MP5 or SBR owner needs.

They emphasize a balance of discretion (no one gives you a second look) and functionality (quick to deploy, with your mags and gear in place).

Lastly, consider how you stage the gun in the bag: Many will keep the MP5 with a loaded mag inserted, chamber empty, safety on.

That way, in one motion you can draw, charge the weapon with that HK slap, and be ready to fire.

If extra fast response is needed, some might carry chamber loaded and rely on the safety – that’s a personal choice and should be done only if your carry method covers the trigger well.

In any event, a quality discreet case or backpack setup is the best way to carry an MP5 day-to-day without drawing unwanted attention.

It lets you utilize the MP5’s compactness to its fullest, turning it into a “go anywhere” package.

Closing Thoughts

The H&K MP5 may have been born in the 1960s, but it’s still going strong today – and for good reason.

Its combination of superb handling, low recoil, and reliability make it as relevant and fun in 2025 as it was in 1985.

Whether you’re a prospective buyer eyeing a clone, or a long-time owner looking to optimize your setup, the MP5 offers a platform that can be tailored to many roles.

From its storied history with elite forces to the American civilian market’s embrace via the SP5 and the myriad of clones, the MP5 has proven to be far more than a nostalgic relic.

It’s a practical pistol-caliber workhorse with timeless appeal.

Equip it well, learn its manual of arms, and the MP5 will reward you with performance that few other 9mm carbines can match.

Plus, let’s face it – it’s just plain cool.

There’s nothing quite like the look, sound, and feel of an MP5 running at full tilt, suppressor whispering, brass dancing out the ejection port.

It puts a confident smirk on your face every time and now you have the complete guide to enjoy this iconic firearm to the fullest, quirks and all.

Stay safe and happy shooting!