The HK MP 5 has earned its place in the world of subguns as the definitive model. It is one of the most recognizable platforms in history and has enjoyed a very long service life, around the world, for the better part of a century.
That has made it popular among civilian buyers who can afford it, no doubt. But even though legions love the smooth-shooting action, easy handling, and surprisingly compact profile, there is one demon lurking in the design of the MP 5 that you should know about before you shell out the tens of thousands to buy one.
It’s the feed ramp. It’s stepped.
What This Means
If you’ve never shot an MP 5 before and are just thinking about getting one, it’s important to understand what this means.
Instead of a smooth feed ramp, the MP 5 has a steep, stepped feed ramp. It works just fine with round nose, jacketed 9mm ammo.
Anything other than that, and you might have a serious problem.
The thing about this stepped feed ramp is that, while it works well with FMJ ammo, FMJ ammo is not really good for much except shooting at targets.
If you intend to keep your MP5 for defensive engagements, you’ll probably want performance with defensive ammo.
Sadly, the stepped feed ramp of the MP5 is notorious for jamming. For what it’s worth, wadcutters also tend to hang up on the chamber edge.
A PDW that jams with defensive ammo is not going to do you much good. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about this if your heart is still set on an MP 5.
What You Can Do About It
First, you can get an MP5 and then train with it. Some ammo will undoubtedly feed more reliably than other ammo with an MP 5. You just need to find out what it is and shoot that.
There is, however, a much more surprisingly utilitarian option. You can get an American-made MP5 as an alternative. Specifically, you can get a Zenith Firearms ZF-5 instead.
The first reason is to solve this issue. The American-made ZF-5 lacks the steep, stepped feed ramp of the HK MP 5. The smoother feed ramp is more reliable with a wider range of ammo.
But this is not where the advantages of this avenue end. The ZF-5 also preserves everything you likely covet most about the MP 5, including but not limited to the form factor, sights, smooth-shooting roller-delayed blowback, handling, and more.
Here are two more (huge) things: availability and cost.
Since it is American-made, you don’t need to pay any mind to 922(r) or to other ATF regulations regarding imports.
On top of that, it’s far more accessible. It’s hard enough just to find an HK MP 5 over here, let alone find the money to pay for it.
Which is another thing. The ZF-5 costs a small fraction of what an HK MP 5 costs, despite the fact that it captures everything that makes the MP5 great, while improving on the few areas of design that leave something to be desired.
Better (and More Affordable) Than an HK MP 5
Being aware, now, of the potential feeding issues that the MP 5 may raise, but are still in love with the overall platform, a Zenith ZF-5 might just be a better option.
To determine that for yourself, visit their website, Zenith Firearms, or get in touch with them directly if you still have any questions – they can help you out.
For more information about Mp5 Clone and Mp5 For Sale Please visit : Zenith Firearms
