H&K SP5: The Best Civilian MP5?

The HK SP5 is really the only sub-gun pistol worth comparing to the MP5.

Since the MP5 for the most part is illegal for citizens to own in the United States, Heckler & Koch built the semi-automatic HK SP5 as a damn near one-for-one alternative.

Built on the same assembly line as the legendary MP5 in Orbendorf, Germany, there is no reason why you shouldn’t own one.

I grew up on the 80s and 90s action movies such as Lethal Weapon and Navy SEALs. Both movies featured the HK MP5.

As a young boy, I always wanted to have one of my own; now I can.

Heckler & Koch

The SP5 from Heckler & Koch is the newest and ONLY true sporting pistol comparable to the MP5 because it’s the only one made by HK.

There are many models of the MP5 out there made by different companies, but all shooters know the difference between an HK MP5 and one of the off-brands, such as the Zenith Z-5RS and the PTR 9CT.

Both the Zenith and the PTR are actually incredibly well make sporting pistols, but the HK feels better and shoots better at a much higher consistency. Today, we will discuss the newest in the already legendary line of HK submachine guns, known as the HK SP5.

HK SP5 For Sale

H&K SP5

H&K SP5L

H&K SP5K

Why Should You Consider The HK SP5?

The SP5 was built with a new bolt-carrier group, known as the F Bolt-Carrier Group, which increases the overall effectiveness of the gun. The following parts have been modified from the MP5 to make this gun more accurate and easy to shoot:

• Improved firing pin
• Much better retainer spring
• smaller bolt carrier neck
• Better recoil spring retainer for even more reduction in felt recoil
• Larger bolt carrier recoil

Sling Shooting With The Included Bungee Sling

The HK SP5 ships with an adjustable single-point bungee sling which connects to a swivel at the rear of the pistol via a ‘mash hook’.

Not only does the bungee sling add to the nostalgia of the MP5, but it’s also practical for law enforcement, federal agencies, and executive protection details to keep the gun more concealed and closer to the body.

Shooting via sling tension works surprisingly well.

For more information on the SAS sling shooting method, check out our blog on Sling Shooting Subguns | SAS Sling Method.

HK SP5 Ballistics

The 8" barrel of the HK SP5 provides improved ballistics to the 9mm round being fired. 6" is generally the optimal barrel length for many pistol caliber carbines, but HK optimized the SP5 with an 8" barrel giving you the best performance possible out of this compact firearm.  The improved ballistics are more noticeable with heavier bullets and +P loads.

For example, Black Hills 124gr +P loads clocked an impressive 1,430 feet-per-second coming out of the 8" barrel. Why is this so impressive? Well, with this type of ballistic performance, you’re getting into 357 Magnum territory with a 9mm +P cartridge.

H&K SP5 Specs

Pros

• Improved bolt carrier group makes this gun easier to fire and control
• The bungee sling is easy to install and helps with preventing fatigue from a long day at the range
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Ambidextrous safety lever
• Almost 2 lbs lighter than the MP5!
• more options for carrying capacity than the MP5
• Almost 10" shorter than the MP5
• Somehow provides even less felt recoil than the MP5 and MP5K
• Easily accommodates accessories, such as suppressors, lights, lasers, optics, and scopes.
• The roller-delayed blowback system reduces the felt recoil enough to continually shoot with precision, shot after shot

Cons

• Very expensive base price
• Adding a suppressor or optic will push this gun to 5k, easily.
• Shooters with smaller hands might be thrown off by the added width of the grip by half an inch

Features

• Bungee sling
• Fully Ambidextrous safety and mag release
• Picatinny Rail system for easy and secure customization
• Much improved bolt carrier group
• Fluted barrel and bolt carrier to reduce the weight and increase accuracy

How Much Does an HK SP5 Cost?

The SP5 can be bought directly from an HK dealer or can be bought from some of our favorite online stores, such as guns.com and Armslist.

You could always try Gun Broker, but I recommend reading our Blog on the top things to know about Gun Broker before you buy.

HK SP5 vs. MP5?

As we all know, the MP5 reached legendary status with the British SAS in the Iranian Embassy Hostage situation. From this point on, everyone in the world became intrigued and infatuated with this unique automatic submachine gun.

However, since it’s illegal for most Americans to own an automatic machine gun, HK had to create a semi-automatic version. The SP5 is built to be the premier replacement for the MP5 as a legal compact carbine for CQB.

The SP5 is very similar to the MP5 in its height, weight, operation, and feel, but it’s legal.  The SP5 is fully ambidextrous for easy use for either left or right-handed shooters with the famous paddled magazine release.

The HK SP5 is fitted with the patented MP5 threaded 3-lug barrel that is cold-hammer-forged and made from the same cannon-grade steel. The barrel threading is meant to fit almost every type of suppressor on the market.

HK has earned the respect of so many people in the world that when they put out a new weapon every gun owner on the planet comes running. The HK SP5 is the civilian sporting pistol model of the HK MP5. Even with its stock retracted an MP5 is 4" longer than SP5 and at least 1.5 pounds heavier.

The SP5 is either identical to the MP5 or similar to the MP5 in capacity, trigger travel (creep), return travel, rate of fire, and barrel length. HK kept the same barrel from the MP5 and rebuilt the bolt carrier group with the F series bolt carrier group. The F-bolt carrier group makes the HK SP5 a little more accurate with the fluted bolt group and has less felt recoil than the MP5. However, the MP5 has a softer trigger and a little better max-effective range.

Obviously, you’d be lucky to own any one of these guns, but if you want the newer, smoother, and more efficient MP5, the SP5 will leave you in awe.

HK SP5K

The SP5K, developed by Heckler & Koch, is a semi-automatic civilian sporting pistol that emulates the aesthetic and functional attributes of the renowned MP5K submachine gun.

Designed explicitly to fulfill the criteria of a civilian pistol, the SP5K signifies the reintroduction of the roller-delayed blowback system in HK’s commercial offerings—a system renowned for its precision and dependability. This mechanism’s inception traces back to the Heckler & Koch G3 rifle and has been a hallmark of multiple HK firearms.

Preserving numerous essential characteristics of the MP5, the SP5K underscores its meticulously crafted components and the high standard of quality associated with its construction. It is entirely produced at the Heckler & Koch facility in Oberndorf, located in southwest Germany.

The SP5K has an overall length of roughly 14 inches, marginally exceeding the MP5K, attributable to its distinct handguard. This handguard has been engineered emphasizing ergonomics and safety, ensuring the protection of the user’s hand and affording a firm and comfortable grip.

Though compact, the SP5K is aptly tailored for sporting applications. Harnessing the established roller-delayed blowback system, the pistol’s inherent precision positions it as a top pick for target shooting and a potent tool for home defense.

The SP5K offers compatibility with a diverse range of accessories to enhance its versatility. An integrated Picatinny rail scope mount on the upper receiver facilitates the easy installation of optional sighting systems. Backed by Heckler & Koch’s limited lifetime warranty, the SP5K stands as a genuine representation of the iconic MP5K in semi-automatic pistol form.

H&K SP5K Specs

Pros

• Improved bolt carrier group makes this gun easier to fire and control
• The bungee sling is easy to install and helps with preventing fatigue from a long day at the range
• Ambidextrous magazine release
• Ambidextrous safety lever
• Easily accommodates accessories, such as suppressors, lights, lasers, optics, and scopes.
• The roller-delayed blowback system reduces the felt recoil enough to continually shoot with precision, shot after shot
• Shorter than the SP5, this gun can conceal in a backpack or shoulder holster (best-concealed carry backpacks)

Cons

• Very expensive base price
• Adding a suppressor or optic will push this gun to 5k, easily.
• I think it’s almost too wide at the grip for such a small pistol

Features

• Bungee sling
• Fully Ambidextrous safety and mag release
• Picatinny Rail system for easy and secure customization
• Much improved bolt carrier group
• Fluted barrel and bolt carrier to reduce the weight and increase accuracy

HK SP5K Vs. MP5K

The SP5K and MP5K are incredibly similar in barrel length, weight, capacity, and rate of fire. The SP5K has better components than the F-bolt carrier group, but it’s also at least $1,000 more expensive than the MP5K.

Personally, the MP5K would be my choice with a thinner grip by more than half an inch and a much softer trigger pull. Both guns are great, as with anything from HK, but I would make my decision solely on price point.

HK SP5 Frequently Asked Questions

Can you legally own a SP5?

Yes, you can legally own an HK SP5 in the United States. The HK SP5 is a civilian semi-automatic version of the famous MP5 submachine gun. It adheres to the legal requirements for civilian ownership, which means it does not have the fully automatic firing capability of the MP5. However, it’s important to check local state laws, as regulations regarding firearm ownership can vary.

Is the SP5 the same as MP5?

The HK SP5 is very similar to the MP5 in terms of design and functionality but with key differences. The SP5 is a semi-automatic firearm, whereas the MP5 is a fully automatic submachine gun. The SP5 was created to provide civilians with an experience close to the MP5 while complying with firearm regulations that restrict fully automatic weapons for civilian use.

Is the MP5 legal in the US?

The original fully automatic MP5 is generally not legal for civilian ownership in the United States due to the restrictions on fully automatic weapons under the National Firearms Act (NFA). However, there are semi-automatic versions of the MP5, like the HK SP5, which are legal for civilians to own. Fully automatic MP5s are typically restricted to military and law enforcement use.

How much does a legal MP5 cost?

The cost of a legal, semi-automatic version of the MP5, such as the HK SP5, can vary. Prices typically range from around $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the model, condition, and any additional features or accessories.

Can you buy an HK MP5 in the US?

Yes, you can buy HK MP5 variants in the US, specifically the semi-automatic versions like the HK SP5. These are legal for civilian purchase and ownership, complying with US firearm laws. The fully automatic version of the MP5 is generally restricted to military and law enforcement, but civilians can purchase semi-automatic models from licensed firearms dealers.

Conclusion

The HK SP5 is the civilian version of the MP5 with upgraded components to provide smoother operation and a better overall feel for the gun.

The SP5 is made with the same canon-grade steel as the MP5, but the frame and stock are shortened by at least 4" for a collapsed stock and 10" for an extended stock.

Although the SP5 is made for sport shooting, it could be a great home defense weapon when loaded with a 30-round magazine.