The HK MP5 is one of the most iconic guns of the last 50 years, and now you can enjoy a genuine Heckler & Koch-made semi-automatic version: The SP5 is finally here. True Pearce spoke with H&K about it at the range at SHOT Show 2020.
This is about as close to an authentic MP5 many people will get in a generation. Manufactured by HK in Germany, the SP5 has all of the look, feel and controls of an MP5 in a consumer-friendly commercial version.
There have been many attempts by a string of companies to bring a semi-automatic version of the MP5 to the American market including Heckler & Koch, but everything from questionable manufacturing overseas to deliberate action by U.S. officials has largely prevented this product from making a strong showing outside of movies, TV shows, and video games.
While it still has a couple of small, but telltale signs of being a civilian-oriented pistol, the SP5 is, for all intents and purposes, the most real version of a semi-auto MP5.
The main thing about the SP5 is that it’s made by HK, the original supplier of the MP5, and not a licensed replica or post-patent clone or knockoff. The receiver and grip module are slightly altered to make them incompatible with full-auto components, but unlike early HK semi-autos, have ambidextrous controls including the paddle magazine release.
Another small change is that the SP5 comes with a pistol rear sight turret, not a submachine gun sight. It is compatible with factory and standard aftermarket rear sights, though. Also, the SP5 comes with a modified 3-lug suppressor mount with 1/2-28 threads under a knurled thread protector.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Length: 17.8″
- Height: 8.66″
- Barrel: 8.86″
- Weight: 5.1lb
- Magazine: 30rnd – 6.3oz / 10rnd – 3.5oz
- Magazine Capacity: 30rnd, 15rnd, 10rnd
- Trigger: 6.74 – 10.11 lbs
- Trigger travel: .24″
- Trigger return: .12″
- Barrel profile: 6 grooves, right-hand twist
The SP5 comes with a single point sling end cap and not a stock or pistol brace. While it seems like for now, HK isn’t interested in offering the SP5 with a brace or a stock sold separately, there is tons of aftermarket support already in place for people looking to install either, all NFA rules withstanding.
There is one catch. The SP5 is no budget range toy. Sure, it’s built to the same time-tested standard as the iconic MP5 and it will take a beating, but that doesn’t mean the SP5 is a cheap gun.
See Also: Heckler & Koch Unveils Semi-Auto SP5K
The suggested retail price for the SP5, with two 10- or 30-round factory magazines, a sight tool, a sling, and a carrying case is $2,799. While oftentimes pricing online and in stores is less, this is an authentic HK product and it will be in huge demand, especially at first, and prices are sure to be all over the map.
That is to say, if you see an SP5 available for sale, it’s probably going to sell to someone, and if you want one you’ll have to pay up. In time, when some of the new hotness of the SP5 wears off, better deals may be found, but at least for now, expect prices to remain high.
Additional 10-, 15- and 30-round magazines carry an $80 sticker price. The good news is that there’s a strong aftermarket for magazines, too.
So if you’ve been asking for a commercially available MP5 from HK, well, they listened. For more details and information visit the Heckler & Koch website.
