[ThreatNuetralized]

Hi all,

I never knew much about guns growing up, sadly, because I grew up in the increasingly socialistic country of America.

However, I've always loved the MP5. I've finally come to a place where I'm considering to purchase one. But I don't know much about them beyond their general purpose and design, and finding information is a little confusing. Here are a few specific questions:

1) As a civilian, what's something I can get with only a reasonable amount of trouble? I'm not looking for anything beyond basic semi-auto, but I want real MP5 quality, not some MP5 shell in a crappy gun.

2) I am not asking for legal advice, but generally speaking, is the MP5 classified differently than a regular long gun/rifle for government regulatory purposes?

3) Apparently there are MP5 clones, like the many AR-15 clones and variants. Are they reliable, or sub-par?

4) Sorry for the such a general question, but what else should I know before embarking on an MP5 purchase?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Bobby D]

This is the place

To get answers..

Welcome,

I'll do my best to answer, others will chime in and may differ, certainly their right.

First and foremost is safety. Know the four rules of gun handling, and live by them.

1. All guns are always loaded

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you aren't willing to destroy

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target

4. Always be sure of your target, and what's behind it.

there are more and an explanation and discussion at www.thegunzone.com

Plus others here.

Where do you live?,you need to investigate state and local laws, to see if you can own a "Short- Barreled Rifle" (SBR) or semi auto MP5, unless you are ok with say a HK 94, which is a semi auto MP5 with a 16" barrel. You'll want to check out www.titleii.com for more info on the various BATFE forms and rules.

This will probably be one of those strings that gets discussed in depth, but that's ok.

Like anything, quality varies from item to item, some have good luck with one brand, others don't. Of the HK clones, I would probably recommend Vector arms, again, others may differ, and that's fine. I own a Vector 53, a SBR in .223. It's not the most accurate, but it's fun to take to the range.

I own a Vollmer conversion MP5 ( an HK 94 converted to MP5 configuration before 1986) it has a sear pack, so I could swap the sear to other guns in 9mm, .223 and .308. I choose to leave it on the MP 5 in 9mm, for personal reasons.

Hopefully this helps to get you on the path to hk fanaticism, it's a lot of fun!

Feel free to bounce questions back, or to PM, if you in or near Indiana, let me know and we'll arrange some range time.

take care,

Bob

 

[CZ-75]

Are you looking for an MP5 (full auto machinegun), or the semi auto version (HK94)?

Depending on your state, ownership of an MP5 may be possible. You will need around $18,000 and a lot of patience waiting for NFA paperwork to be processed.

If you are seeking a semi auto carbine that simply looks like an MP5, then you have 2 options:

1) find a HK94. This will cost $3,000 - $4,000
2) get a clone which will cost a little less than $2,000

Each of those will have a 16-inch barrel rather than the 9-inch barrel of a true MP5. Each will also be semi auto only, no full auto like the MP5.

 

[ksj2004]

you also do not have to settle for HK quality MP5's or any converted clones. But I am in the same boat as you are my friend, and for personal reasons I wouldn't mind settling for a clone because when worse comes to worst a couple of semi-auto sbr blasts would offer enough self defense for me.

I'd like to see who else bestows their knowledge upon us..

 

[TronJohn]

Bobby D, what about your Vector 53 isn't right that you say it's not very accurate?

How far out are you shooting? What is the twist rate on your barrel?

 

[Bobby D]

You know

I haven't shot it in a while....put that on to do list, I've been at like 100 yards, I have recently read they are accurate much farther, have to get serious about it.

I'll also have to research the twist, I was using 55gr, may need to go with 62 grain. It's mostly for fun, and for Assault Rifle at Knob Creek.

I'll check into that and get back to you, thanks for asking

Bob

 

[ThreatNuetralized]

Thanks all, this is exactly what I was looking for.

That is extremely disappointing (and disturbing) that the barrel has to be 16" for the HK94. I'm not going for that. Not being able to have automatic is livable, but the size of the MP5 is half the reason I like it so much.

As far as getting a real MP5, I very unfortunately live in the People's Republic of Maryland. I'll try to research the laws, but I'm not hopeful, considering I can't get a concealed carrying license without multiple documented death threats. I'm not married to this state, though, I'd gladly move to VA or WV in the future if I ever get the chance.

Looking into guns has been a real eye-opener...

 

[dwillHK]

There are almost no civilian ownable factory MP5s out there because of the restrictions on imported machine guns enacted long ago. When people here talk about an "MP5", they can be talking about two different things.

First is a full auto "MP5", which started out life as a semi-auto HK94 or clone and got a short barrel and was modified to full auto. These are the closest to a factory original MP5 that a civilian can own, but they are very expensive (think $12K - $15K) and you need to live somewhere that allows possession of machine guns.

The other "MP5" is a short barreled semi-auto that looks the part, but isn't a machine gun. A lot cheaper, but you have to live somewhere that allows possession of SBRs (short barreled rifles).

If you don't live in a state that allows possession of a machine gun or SBR, the best you can do is an semi-auto with a 16" barrel, which is the minimum legal barrel length for a non-SBR, and that's the HK94 (or clone).

 

[CZ-75]

Right. If you live in a state that allows you to posess short barreled rifles (SBR), you can apply to the NFA branch of the BATFE to "Make and Register" a SBR from an existing HK94 or clone by going through the Form 1 process.

It is a lot of red tape, but worth it if yoiu really want the size to be less than 26" overall length or a barrel less than 16"

I have 4 registered SBR's with the 5th one pending approval at the NFA branch right nbow.

 

[mefly2]

Suggest Vector 94P as in PISTOL ... mucho bang for the buck! They show up infrequently and were originally about $1500 new. Short bbl and lots of fun. The Vector or Cohaire 89 series would offer similar sizing, but in an even more Kompact package. I shoot my 94P much more frequently than the HK SP89 ... another $.02

 

[JTinIN]

Bobby D, what about your Vector 53 isn't right that you say it's not very accurate?

How far out are you shooting? What is the twist rate on your barrel?

The fast twist (1 in 7 or even 1 in 8) long barrel .223's that I have fired do fine with good 55 grain ammo (have had good luck with Federal AE for FMJ) and while the best groups tend to be with Federal GM or Hornday TAP (75gr) this is as much due to being quality / match ammo IMO. However, not to say there is not a greater issue with the extra short barrel of the HK53.

I also have a Vector 53 and with a little work (clean barrel, rest and decent ammo such as Federal AE) will make a group at 100 yards good enough at least to set the sights. However for me the Vector 53 is an interesting alternate host for the sear and tend to stick with the longer barrel .223s (possible with a scope now days ;-) at a distance.

However, one has to adjust what is accurate and inaccurate from the poster. I have seen Bobby D shoot his full size AR and he is a pretty darn good shoot at 300 yards. Will be interested to see how his Vector shoots and with what ammo.

 

[bluetwister]

Actually, Maryland is fairly decent as it pertains to Class 3 items to individuals. LE signoff is not a problem, and the state wait only adds about a month to the processing.

Whereabouts in MD are you located?

 

[ThreatNuetralized]

Sorry to dig my thread up again, but I have another MP5 question.

Fire of all, thanks bluetwister, it looks like you are right, to my surprise it's not as bad as I thought. I can get a full auto, though, unless I'm mistaken, it looks like I can't own a mag with higher than 20 round capacity?? I'm in Frederick county.

My specific question is about the Bobcat MP5 clones. I've seen them around for seems like a remarkably low price for an automatic weapon, example:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=96098236#PIC

What's the deal with these Bobcat weapons? Anybody know? Thanks.

 

[SweedishMurdrMachine]

That's semi-auto only man. Says so in the description. And to be honest, Bobcat and Cohaire are essentially the same thing. So your best bet is to just go get a Cohaire for $1200, or contact Adam Webber at HKParts.net and get a parts kit and pickup a receiver flat off Gunbroker.com. Then you can have Jayson at IGF build you one from real HK parts. Your choice, but he can build it as a pistol and then you Form 1 it to SBR.

That's the route I'm going, just need the $1100 for the build yet hehehe

 

[ThreatNuetralized]

Wow, I read "This has been Factory test fired in Full Auto mode before shipment to me to ensure reliability" and totally missed that later is says it's semi-auto only.

Thanks for the info.

 

[themessenger]

MD looks to have pretty restrictive handgun laws. Doubtful it would be legal to have Jayson built it into a pistol and have it legally sent to MD. Damn..you can't even legally bring it in your car on a highway...thats messed up.