MP5 Sub Machine Gun

The MP5 is a 9mm sub machine gun. It's compactness, accuracy and reliability has made it a favorite of Special Operations units the world over for more than 3 decades.

The MP5 was, for a time, the weapon of choice for US Counter Terrorist units such as Delta Force and DEVGRU as well as Navy SEAL boarding teams. Concerns over the stopping power of the 9mmx19mm round fired by the MP5 have, in recent times, led to the adoption of 5.56x45mm weapons such as M4A1 and CQBR carbines in the CQB (Close Quarters Battle) role. MP5s, of one flavor or another, are still used by US SOF units, particularly for personal protection and covert operations.

MP5A3 Specifications

MP5 - Images and Further Info

MP5A3 with stock extended. The variants of the full-size MP5 with folding stock are typically favored over the fixed stock versions by counter terrorist teams.	MP5SD with integral suppressor. When fitted with subsonic ammunition, the SD variants are very quiet when fired. The SEALs reportedly use a navalized variant, the MP5SD-N, with a stainless-steel suppressor.
MP5K fitted with a 15-round magazine. The super-compact MP5Ks can be readily concealed beneath clothing making them a favorite weapon for close protection operatives.	MP5k PDW (personal defense weapon) - essentially a MP5K with an attached folding stock.

Older photo of a US Navy SEAL armed with MP5-N, a navalized version of the MP5A3 with a 'Navy' trigger group, tritium-illuminated front sight post and 3-lug/threaded barrel for attaching a stainless-steel suppressor/flash-hider.

US DoD photo

A member of US Army Special Forces plays pool with Afghans during Operation Enduring Freedom. Note the MP5A3 worn in a sling, carried for personal protection.

photo by PH2 (DV) ERIC LIPPMANN, USN

Armed with a MP5A3 (no magzine fitted), a member of US Marine Corps (USMC) Military Police (MP) Special Reaction Team (SRT) trains in CQB. Although less common in US military front line units these days, MP5s are still commonplace in military police and law enforcement organizations.

US DoD photo : LCPL CHRISTOPHER RYE, USMC

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