[trafdeputy]

Ok, I know this has been asked in several different threads, but I figured I would poke the bear again.

When one starts looking for a mp5 clone to purchase, theres the kit builds from ghillie, Dakota, DJ, etc on one side if you can find the parts kit and then theres the already built ones like MKE, Vector, SW -Coharie's etc etc. I based this on the average price of $2000 for a semi auto version.

From what I have read in some of the posts about the pre-built models, MKE seems to be close to HK out of the box.

Feel free to chime in one way or the other as im sure there are many of us who would like to hear the lowdown on different suppliers.

Thanks in advance

 

[JTinIN]

Best semi auto MP5 "clone" is one built on a German HK94 with a German barrel and Terry Dyer did a nice job on mine (the closer clone using a push pin trigger pack is no longer semi auto).

That said the next level down is one built with a German MP5 parts kit on a nicely formed / "adjusted receiver, from either one of the new HK smiths (the old guys typically only worked on German or contract receivers for the most part).

The US parts are getting closer each year and would a semi custom or custom build with all (most) US parts the next step down, with the step getting smaller each year.

If you are not going to install a sear, then the MKE might fit in there some place, or at least that is the story I have been told (no direct experience).

The factory mass produced guns on semi or poorly formed receivers tend to be hit and miss and on a good day probable not as good as any of the above average out to, but again my experience is with 223 guns and 9mm guns that friends sold off their sears for M16s and gave up on after five years (they later worked ok with a few dozen dollars of parts ;-)

 

[Lohe]

I would look for a kit build from Chopstix Kid or Guilliebear. They both do GREAT work and charge very reasonable prices. What happens with a lot of the cheaper mass produced clones is that they end up being tweaked by CK or GB or one of the commercial shops, get a massive infusion of stock German parts, and end up being as expensive or more expensive than it would have been to start with one of their builds in the first place.

 

[Lumbergh]

In all seriousness, Jeff or Joe + kit/flat are two of the best options at this time.

MKE pistol to rifle if you can find a good deal and don't own a sear.

A used CA94 on GB.

Stalk Sturm for a good deal on a parts kit, they happen. A year or so ago, I saw a MP5 A3 kit go for $1000. That is a screaming deal.

All things HK are expensive.

Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

 

[Chopstix Kid]

Thanks for the plug guys, your checks are in the mail. I think

 

[JTinIN]

Thanks for the plug guys, your checks are in the mail. I think

Getting paid by you would be like working at the gun store, does not matter how much one is paid there is always many times that in things that one is buying, so your pay check negative ;-).
Still have to stop by and see you on one of these trips to see the family in mid Michigan and get you shooting belt guns more ;-).

Take Care
John

 

[chopperduke]

I would say DT or Ghillie if you can though I love my MKE.

 

[Chopstix Kid]

Getting paid by you would be like working at the gun store, does not matter how much one is paid there is always many times that in things that one is buying, so your pay check negative ;-).
Still have to stop by and see you on one of these trips to see the family in mid Michigan and get you shooting belt guns more ;-).

Take Care
John

For sure, I would like that. We tried to get over to Mike's while at the NRA show to shoot some guns with him but 3 days ran so darn fast and the shows really do beat the heck outta ya.

For under $2000 and no need for a sear host, +1 on the MKE's.

 

[rickj1nd]

For under $2000 and no need for a sear host, +1 on the MKE's.

Agree w/ Joe on the non-sear capable MKE, however, if the fit, finish, stamping detail, etc. is a big deal to you, I would go with one of his or Ghillie's instead. Also, there is a level of service and accessability there that you will never get with the MKE gun. When I was tossing around a D54, Joe returned my call and answered all my questions on a Saturday while grocery shopping! Trust me... Thats customer care you ain't gonna find many other places.

 

[trafdeputy]

One thing I do have plenty of is time lol. I have spoken to Jeff about a build and at the moment LSC is out of kits. As far as a sear host, I have trouble paying attention let alone paying for a sear lol, so thats not a selling point.

 

[Clay]

I considered this same question when starting my mp5 build. I spoke with Jeff and Joe about builds, and because I was not planning to purchase a sear (still am not), Jeff suggested an MKE pistol conversion as the easiest way to . I picked it up from someone on the boards who also took care of getting the barrel cut, threaded, and lugged. I filed my SBR paperwork and started collecting US made parts for the completed SBR. I went with a complete trigger group, pistol grip, and foregrip. There are a few other parts I want to change to give me a more versatile build so I can change out parts as the mood strikes me. I sent the trigger pack to Bill Springfield to reduce the pull on it. I got my stamp back and made an appt to see Mike at TSC machine (pretty close, and really cool shop) to get my engraving done. Got to see a few really interesting projects and he was really nice and accommodating.

Gunwiki: 922(r) Worksheet for MP5 builds and Clones

 

[Wilhelm]

Low price and 100% function dictates an MKE. I just had my buddy's 8 year old son out last weekend for his first time shooting a real firearm (as opposed to a BB gun) and we took an MKE. He had a blast!! LOVE them.

 

[PolishX]

Well stay tuned I was in the same boat and order a DT, D54. I should be about 6 weeks out from getting mine. I will post a rediculously detailed report the weekend after I get it with targets and close up pics

 

[un2nedg]

buy once crye once with Ghillie and Chop. As opposed to buying a lemon and sending it off for warranty work

 

[retrodog]

The key is to buy several. One will work ok and you just play with that one while all the others are getting fixed.

 

[JTinIN]

The key is to buy several. One will work ok and you just play with that one while all the others are getting fixed.

That is why I recommend all sear owners to have at least one German host in as near as possible to factory configuration (i.e. HK91, HK93, MP5 (just barrel cut) or SP89).

 

[Lumbergh]

The key is to buy several. One will work ok and you just play with that one while all the others are getting fixed.

Sage advice for any weapons platform.