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Firearms

Best MP5 Clone Buyer’s Guide [Field Tested]

Everyone wants an MP5, but nobody wants to pay HK prices. Here, we go over the top 5 MP5 clones that won’t break the bank.

Real MP5s from Heckler & Koch are full-auto, and very few of us are lucky enough to be able to afford a genuine transferable example. While much less expensive, even the semi-auto versions made by H&K are unfortunately out of most shooters’ price range. If on a budget, you may not be able to get the H&K logo on your receiver, but thankfully there are MP5 clones available now that will scratch the same itch for a fraction of the price.

How I Picked The MP5 Clones

Frankly, the market isn’t exactly awash with MP5 clones, but there are more than these five models out there (especially when you include variants from the same manufacturer). Based on my personal experience with various brands of MP5 clones, as well as the experiences of some trusted colleagues, I took a look at what’s available, tallied up their pros, cons and prices and determined that these were the best options for most American shooters based on their manufacturing quality, features and affordability.

The Best MP5 Clones 

Specs Comparison Of The Top MP5 Clones 

Model Caliber Format Country Of Origin Bbl Length OAL Muzzle Weight MSRP
Century Arms AP5 9mm Pistol Turkey 8.9 Inches 17.9 Inches 1/2×28 threads and tri-lug 5.5 Pounds $1,360
HK MP5 .22 LR Rifle .22 LR Rifle Germany 16.1 Inches 26.4 Inches (collapsed) N/A 7 Pounds $750
Military Armament Corporation MAC 5 9mm Pistol Turkey 8.9 Inches 17.9 Inches 1/2×28 threads and tri-lug 5.5 Pounds $1,295
Century Arms AP5SD 9mm Pistol Turkey 5.75 Inches 16 Inches (butt to end of handguard) 1/2×28 threads and tri-lug 6.7 Pounds $1,700
American Tactical Imports GSG-16 .22 LR Rifle Germany 16.25 Inches 28.5 Inches (collapsed) N/A 5.8 Pounds $440

Best Overall: Century Arms AP5 

Century-Arms-AP5-MP5-clone

PROS:

  • Very reliable,
  • Nice good fit and finish
  • Threaded barrel & tri-lug adaptor

CONS:

  • Comes with slim handguard, not classic triangular
  • Included optic mount and sling aren’t great quality

Century Arms AP5 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Format: Pistol
Country Of Origin: Turkey
Barrel Length: 8.9 Inches
Overall Length: 17.9 Inches
Muzzle: 1/2×28 threads and tri-lug
Weight: 5.5 Pounds
MSRP: $1,360
Website: centuryarms.com

Based on the time I’ve spent behind the different MP5 clones on the market, the MKE models made in Turkey and currently imported by Century Arms are the best in my opinion. The MKE-made MP5s simply have a better track record for reliability and general fit and finish from what I’ve seen. That doesn’t mean other brands can’t be good or that Century never puts out a lemon, but I personally rank MKE at the top of the clone hierarchy. MKE got its tooling from HK, so the receiver and parts should be about as clone-correct as it gets.

The AP5 ships with an original-style “slimline” handguard, but most people will probably want to replace it with the more iconic triangular “tropical” handguard. Besides aesthetics, the slim version heats up a lot quicker too. The included optics mount and sling aren’t great, but besides those nitpicks the AP5 is the best 9mm MP5 clone to get if you don’t want to pay for an HK.

Century Arms AP5 Deals

Battlehawk Armory $1,400 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935
Palmetto State Armory $1,500 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935

Best Plinker: HK MP5 .22 LR Rifle

hk mp5 clone 22hk mp5 clone 22

PROS:

  • Licensed by HK
  • .22 LR is cheap to shoot
  • Legally a rifle
  • Iconic MP5SD aesthetics

CONS:

  • Can’t mount a real suppressor
  • It’s a .22 LR

HK MP5 .22 LR Rifle Specs

Caliber: .22 LR
Format: Rifle
Country Of Origin: Germany
Barrel Length: 16.1 Inches
Overall Length: 26.4-32.3 Inches
Muzzle: N/A
Weight: 7 Pounds
MSRP: $750
Website: hk-usa.com

Most people want an MP5 for fun, and H&K lets you have it for a shockingly reasonable amount, considering that we’re poor and they hate us. The HK MP5 .22 LR rifle is authentic(ish), affordable, and probably the best one to buy in the grand scheme of things as long as you’re fine with the .22 LR chambering. The barrel is hidden under a faux suppressor that’s designed to look like the famous MP5SD variant which adds a lot to the cool factor, too.    

This .22 MP5 is a factory-authorized clone made by Umarex. It has everything it needs to make it look like a real MP5SD (besides the windowed 25-round rimfire mag) and because it’s a rifle, it comes out of the box with a telescoping A3-style stock. No tax stamp required. The only real downside I’ve found is its barrel isn’t threaded and doesn’t have a tri-lug adaptor either, so you can’t attach a real suppressor.

The average price is about $540, less than half of what the 9mm clones typically go for. It’s made by one of the best airsoft/rimfire manufacturers licensed by HK, and you can shoot the heck out of it for pennies.  

HK MP5 .22 LR Rifle Deals

Sportsman’s Warehouse $540 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935
Cabela’s $540 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935

Best Budget 9mm: Military Armament Corporation MAC 5

mac 5 mp5 clonemac 5 mp5 clone

PROS:

  • Threaded barrel & tri-lug adaptor
  • More affordable than MKE clones
  • Comes with a lot of extras

CONS:

  • Tight magwells
  • Comes with slim handguard, not classic triangular
  • No optics or accessory mounts

MAC 5 Specs

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Format: Pistol
Country Of Origin: Turkey
Barrel Length: 8.9 Inches
Overall Length: 17.9 Inches
Muzzle: 1/2×28 threads and tri-lug
Weight: 5.5 Pounds
MSRP: $1,295
Website: milarmamentcorp.com

Military Armament Corporation’s MAC 5 is made in Turkey, just like Century’s AP5, but the two guns come from different factories. These are relatively new to the market at the time of writing, but so far they seem to be building a great reputation. The MAC 5 I shot, ran through mags without a single issue and felt about the same general quality as Century’s offering.

However, others on our staff have had issues with the gun, despite walking away overall impressed with the platform. In particular, the rollers had to eventually be replaced to ensure proper bolt-head gap. That, combined with the MAC 5 being known to have tighter-than-normal magwells, keeps it from being at the top of my list, but I still think it’s a great option for those on a budget who want a 9mm MP5 clone.

Military Armament Corporation MAC 5 Deals

Palmetto State Armory $1,050 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935
Midway USA $999 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935

Best Suppressor Host: Century Arms AP5SD

AP5SD review extendedAP5SD review extended

PROS:

  • Threaded barrel & tri-lug adaptor for suppressors
  • A lot of extras included
  • Iconic MP5SD aesthetics

CONS:

  • Optic mount and sling aren’t great
  • Expensive clone
  • Shorter barrel than standard MP5 clones

Century Arms AP5SD Specs

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Format: Pistol
Country Of Origin: Turkey
Barrel Length: 5.75 Inches
Overall Length: 16 Inches (butt to end of handguard)
Muzzle: 1/2×28 threads and tri-lug
Weight: 6.7 Pounds
MSRP: $1,700
Website: centuryarms.com

This is Century’s newest AP5 variant, and I’m a very big fan. It has everything that’s great about the standard AP5 but in an MP5SD-style package.

It ships with a removable faux suppressor mounted to the 1/2×28 threads on the barrel’s muzzle. The barrel is shorter than normal models and sits inside the special SD-style rubber handguard, meaning that once the faux suppressor is removed, a real suppressor can be attached via the threads or the tri-lug mount. The result is a gun that looks just like the classic MP5SD, but one that can use any normal 9mm can with compatible mounting options. The AP5SD pictured here has already been tricked out with a Rugged Obsidian45, a Magpul MP BSL pistol brace, an optic, light and sling.

This isn’t the model for everyone, and there’s no reason you can’t just throw a suppressor on a standard AP5, but if you plan on mounting a can and leaving it on there I think this is the coolest way to do it. The special handguard helps protect the suppressor some, too, so it’s not just about the looks.

Read Our Full AP5SD Review

Century Arms AP5SD Deals

Palmetto State Armory $1,667 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935
Battlehawk Armory $1,700 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935

Best Budget Plinker: American Tactical Imports GSG-16 

GSG-16-MP5-cloneGSG-16-MP5-clone

PROS:

  • Most affordable option
  • .22 LR is cheap to shoot
  • Legally a rifle so it includes a collapsible stock
  • Swappable charging handle
  • Plenty of rail space for optics and accessories

CONS:

  • Looks the least like a classic MP5
  • It’s a .22 LR
  • Lower capacity
  • Faux suppressor barrel

ATI GSG-16 Specs

Caliber: .22 LR
Format: Rifle
Country Of Origin: Germany
Barrel Length: 16.25 Inches
Overall Length: 28.5 Inches (collapsed)
Muzzle: N/A
Weight: 5.8 Pounds
MSRP: $440
Website: americantactical.us (importer)

Some might call it heresy to put the GSG-16 from American Tactical Imports on this list, but it looks close enough to an MP5 in its general form that I’m including it. If you want something better, you’re going to have to pay for it. This option is for those looking to vaguely scratch their MP5 itch for as little scratch as possible.

The GSG-16 is an MP5-inspired rifle in .22 LR with a faux suppressor shroud on the barrel. Since the barrel length is 16 inches, no SBR stamp is needed for the included stock. The charging handle can be swapped to the right side, unlike the real thing, and the receiver is fully railed, so you can mount an optic with no issues. The handguard also has rails at 3,6 and 9 o’clock for other accessories. In terms of practicality, the GSG-16 has a lot going for it. It only really loses out in the looks department. 

MSRP is $430 and they can be found for less than $300 if you look around. Impressively practical, affordable, and therefore a heck of a lot of cheap fun.  

American Tactical Imports GSG-16 Deals

Battlehawk Armory $287 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935
Sportsman’s Warehouse $360 PngItem_4588935PngItem_4588935

Where The MP5 Came From

The H&K MP5 is an iconic SMG, partially because it was more or less the SMG for most of the Western world’s military and police during the Cold War era. Oh, there were some Berettas and Walthers and Uzis out there too, and Colt made a 9mm AR, but the MP5 is the one people remember. The design is so well-loved, in fact, that of all those SMGs listed the MP5 is the only one that really continues to see widespread service. Not just with poorer nations either, but with plenty of first-world police and military units as well. 

SAS-Iranian-Embassy-raid-MP5SAS-Iranian-Embassy-raid-MP5
SAS members sieging the Iranian Embassy with MP5s in 1980.

The MP5 is the SMG version of H&K’s roller-delayed blowback operating system, first used by the company in its G3/HK91 series of rifles before eventually being scaled down to 9mm in the mid-1960s.  

Despite how adored the MP5 is by armed professionals around the world, its real world use isn’t the main reason for its legendary status. Hollywood is to thank for that. Die Hard, Predator, The Rock, the list of great action movies that prominently feature the MP5 is practically endless, and these days you’ll find one in just about every shooter video game too. It’s one of those guns that’s so famous that even non-firearms enthusiasts will often be able to recognize it, and they might even know its name.  

Predator-1987-MP5-IMFDBPredator-1987-MP5-IMFDB
Carl Weathers dual-wielding MP5s (technically modified HK94s, but close enough) in Predator (1987). Photo: IMFDB.

Point being, many of us have been watching action heroes use the MP5 for our entire lives. Like the S&W Model 29 in the Dirty Harry films, the Beretta 92 in Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, the Walther PPK in the James Bond series, the MP5 will be forever desirable simply due to its place in pop culture.

Is A MP5 Clone A Good Choice?

Given the continued popularity of the MP5 among police units around the world, it’s still a viable weapon. Of course, they’re using genuine full-auto models, and that changes things.

For us civilians stuck with semi-autos, an MP5 could still be a viable choice for certain practical applications, but the reality is that there are better 9mm pistol-caliber carbines available now. So, if you’re in the market for an MP5 clone, you should recognize that you’re getting it for the cool factor and because of how fun of a range toy they are. If you’re looking for a PCC for home defense or competition, you should probably consider a different platform entirely.

Sure, the HK slap will put a smile on your face, but the reloading sequence is far less charming when you’re on the clock. Today there are several 9mm PCC options that cost less, are more practical to use and easier to accessorize. Keep in mind that the MP5 was designed in an era when flashlights were mounted with hose clamps and optics were attached with claw mounts. Sure, there are plenty of aftermarket accessory options available these days for modernizing an MP5, but it will be more expensive, more difficult and less ergonomic than if you tried to do the same with something more modern. MP5 trigger’s are notoriously mushy, too.

Ruger Charger TargetRuger Charger Target
This photo shows a fully accessorized Ruger PC Charger, the pistol version of the PC Carbine.

For example, a Ruger PC Carbine costs less than $800, accepts Glock magazines and is ready to mount a light and optic out of the box. That’s not something you can say about any 9mm MP5 clone.

That all said, very few of those 9mm PCCs shoot as nicely as an MP5. The roller-delayed action allows for their bolts to be much lighter and results in a very soft, pleasant shooting experience that’s incredibly easy to make hits with. That’s the quality that made them so loved by military and police, and I think it’s still a valid reason to buy a semi-auto clone of one today. If you can swing the price and clunky manual of arms, an MP5 clone could still be an excellent and practical choice.

MP5 Clone Price

H&K decided to reward us peasants with a civilian-legal, semi-auto pistol version of the MP5 a few years back called the SP5.

However, the awesomeness doesn’t come cheap, as they typically carry a price tag of $3,000 or more. HK throws in two magazines, whether you get the 30- or 10-round units, and they want you to pay $80 for any other HK-branded mags that you might want to pick up.  

Heckler Koch SP5 2Heckler Koch SP5 2
The H&K SP5.

And that’s just for starters.

Most folks will want to accessorize their gun, and the additional expense of an optic and light, proprietary mounts for them, a pistol brace or stock (if registered as an SBR) and extra mags adds up very quickly. By the time you’re done tricking out an HK SP5, you’re easily looking at a $4,000 project.  

For a gun that was first manufactured in the 1960s and has a stamped metal receiver, that’s absolutely bonkers. So, why not get a clone that does all the same stuff, takes the same parts and costs less? That’s the beauty of MP5 clones, you get the same cool factor for a fraction of the price. The only question left to consider is which of the MP5 clones is best for you. 

MP5 FAQ

What MP5 Do Navy SEALs Use?

The Charlie Sheen film Navy SEALs famously depicts SEALs using the integrally suppressed MP5SD, but the team in real life also uses standard MP5s and compact MP5Ks. It all depends what the mission calls for.

Why Did SWAT Stop Using The MP5?

People commonly think that SWAT teams around the country have completely stopped using MP5s, but that’s not true. They have been largely replaced by various types of 5.56 AR-15s, but many departments still have MP5s in their inventory that can be taken out for a mission if so desired. Some poorer departments may still use them purely out of necessity, but some SWAT team members with the option will still take an MP5 over an AR due to personal preference. For proof, take a look at recent Annual Military Equipment Reports published by departments in California, you’ll see the MP5 mentioned in plenty of them.

Is A 9mm Carbine Good For Home Defense?

Yes, 9mm carbines (either in the form of an SBR or a braced pistol) make excellent home defense weapons and are a popular choice. They’re small, easy to shoot, pack plenty of punch at close range and can use subsonic defensive ammunition in conjunction with a suppressor to save your hearing. That said, living situations vary, and factors like overpenetration could make a 9mm carbine a less desirable option compared to something else.

What Is The Point Of A 9mm Carbine?

As mentioned, 9mm carbines like an MP5 clone can make for excellent home defense guns. They’re tons of fun to shoot too, so they make for great range toys and are often used in competition as well. 9mm is also cheaper than .223/5.56 ammo, so you can spend more time plinking or training for less money.


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