Click HERE to learn more about Palmetto State Armory.
Developed by Heckler & Koch in the 1960s, the MP5 is one of the world’s most ubiquitous submachine guns. It’s been adopted by military and law enforcement agencies from around the globe, and H&K reports that there are over 100 variants of their popular design.
So, naturally, gun owners in the United States wanted another.
Palmetto State Armory has been teasing it for years, but it looks like they’re finally set to release an MP5 clone. Partnering with their sister company Lead Star Arms, PSA hopes to release their MP5 in the next few months, and Lead Star reps we spoke with at SHOT Show 2020 say it’ll be less expensive than the competition.
Lead Star CEO Derek Hicks, whose team is heading up the MP5 project, told us their goal is to modernize the MP5 and lower the cost of production while still maintaining the gun’s legendary design.
“The best part of that gun is the guts,” he said.
They’re keeping the internals largely the same (and full-auto rated), but everything else is getting a facelift. Starting at the front of the gun, Hicks noted that the three-lug adapter can be used to mount a suppressor or be removed to reveal 1/2×28” pitched threads. By adding a crush washer, users can mount virtually any muzzle device on their new MP5.
The front sight has also been upgraded to be more user-friendly. The easily adjustable design will resemble the front sight on an AR-15 more than the original MP5.
Models will be available with or without a top rail, so users can either go with a modern optic or keep the original look of the firearm.
PSA and Lead Star are partnering with Texas-based CMC Triggers to develop what Hicks called a “better MP5 trigger.” A few dry-fires at the PSA SHOT Show booth suggest that they may have achieved their goal (though only a full review can say for certain).
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PSA and Lead Star also partnered with Magpul on the furniture. The legendary polymer gun accessory company will be making pistol grips and handguards for the new MP5, and purchasers can use the provided SB Tactical brace, shoot the gun like a pistol, or register it as a short-barreled rifle under the National Firearms Act.
The PSA MP5 will come with one 30-round magazine. Additional magazines will be available for purchase as well.
No word yet on an official MSRP or release date, but Hicks was confident that his team would be able to complete the project in a timely fashion.
Click HERE to learn more about Palmetto State Armory.