Background
Like many on here, I watched Die Hard and played Rainbow 6 as a kid, and the MP5 was just so freaking cool to me. My Dad took me to a range where we rented one and it was everything I had dreamed it would be.
Fast forward about 18 years, many other guns, and a recent renewed interest in HK after my Dad gave me his USP Tactical 45 and here I am. Browsing the picture threads of MP5s and clones got me dreaming again and I made my mind up to go with a Zenith Z-5P.
My Purchase
I reached out to Atlantic Firearms and worked with Blaine and Brad. Super helpful guys and they were able to really hook me up with a solid deal on the Z-5P in return for writing an honest review. Now, the first downer- no inventory. We went back and forth (mostly me bothering them to see if they knew when more were coming over from Turkey) for what seemed like an eternity but in reality was about 7 weeks. Finally, I got the notice they were in, quickly placed my order and 2 days later picked it up at my FFL.
Initial Thoughts & Unboxing
@timewaster1700 did a really nice review of his Z-5RS so I won't beat a dead horse about unboxing, but Zenith/MKE does a really nice job here. Nice hard case, 3 mags, cleaning kit, bore snake, sling, manual and Picatinny rail mount. All good and again very impressive. Compared to my CZ Scorpion, the "add-ons" win here hands down. When I first opened the box, I did notice a few imperfections on the finish which I wasn't thrilled about, but since its not going to be a safe queen, I am not that worried about it. First, there was a chip in the finish on the front of the magwell, almost like a sliver had flaked off. On the 3 lug, there was also a little imperfection. It will have a can on it most of the time so again not overly concerned. I am going to see what recommendations are out there for touch up paint for the magwell. At the end of the day, it wasn’t perfect, but such is life I guess.
As far as build quality, I can find no faults here. Welds are nicely done and it feels solid in the hand.
***UPDATE***
Atlantic had asked me to reach out to them if I had any issues. I was up in the air about complaining about the finish, since the gun shot beautifully and again I wasn’t just going to use it to post cool guy pics on Instagram. I reached out and asked for some recommendations for touch up paint, and Atlantic didn’t have an answer on exactly what finish was used, so they got me setup with Zenith directly. At this point, Zenith took over and was super helpful in providing UPS labels and promptly refinished the entire gun for me. Turnaround time from dropoff to return was about two weeks.
Once I got it back, it was perfect. The imperfections were fixed, and I can honestly say I am thrilled with how it turned out.
Range Report
Whatever slight disappointment I had in the finish quickly vanished when I got it to the range. I had forgotten how smooth these firearms are. I put 100 rounds of Federal 115gr through it first with no issues. Next, 100 rounds of Aguila 124gr. It really seemed to enjoy the hotter rounds and felt really good. I got a deal on them online so good news for me since I have a ton! Again, no issues. Just load up the mag and go. Sights needed a touch of adjustment but pleasantly suprised at how accurate it was out of the box. I do have an RMR waiting to go on with a custom mount from the GB.
Functionally, everything worked as it should (as expected) and felt good. Mags fit well and released easily. Cocking tube and paddle mag release functioned as they should.
It felt REALLY good- like an MP5.
Field Strip and Cleaning
Not much to say here. Super easy and no issues. If you are new to taking one of these apart, the book is pretty good. Also, there is this thing called YouTube....I dunno....has some decent info on it.
I am going be using Fireclean at the recommendation of well respected members on here. I have been a MPRO7 and SLIP2000 guy for a while, and will continue to use those on my other guns until I get some data on the Fireclean with the Z-5P.
Plans
Form 1- done
Buy ammo- done
Train
Train
Buy more ammo
Go to one of @Marine0303 classes
Train
Final Thoughts
I am really, really pleased with my Z-5P. It may not be a "real" HK, but at this time in my life that wasn't super realistic, this scratches the itch. I smile when I hold it and shoot it, and in my head I know I look cool- isn't that half the battle :biggrin:
For the price, I don’t know how to beat it. Obviously there are some who will turn there nose up at a clone and that’s their choice. But with a little guy on the way, this didn’t break the bank and is an absolute hoot!
Huge thank you to Atlantic Firearms, they were awesome to work with and I will be going back to them again. Zenith also stepped up and did the refinish for me. I will be purchasing a Z-5RS in the near future.
Also, thank YOU to the members of HKPRO for all the awesome info that helped me make this decision.
See ya at the range!
TK
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Like many on here, I watched Die Hard and played Rainbow 6 as a kid, and the MP5 was just so freaking cool to me. My Dad took me to a range where we rented one and it was everything I had dreamed it would be.
Fast forward about 18 years, many other guns, and a recent renewed interest in HK after my Dad gave me his USP Tactical 45 and here I am. Browsing the picture threads of MP5s and clones got me dreaming again and I made my mind up to go with a Zenith Z-5P.
My Purchase
I reached out to Atlantic Firearms and worked with Blaine and Brad. Super helpful guys and they were able to really hook me up with a solid deal on the Z-5P in return for writing an honest review. Now, the first downer- no inventory. We went back and forth (mostly me bothering them to see if they knew when more were coming over from Turkey) for what seemed like an eternity but in reality was about 7 weeks. Finally, I got the notice they were in, quickly placed my order and 2 days later picked it up at my FFL.
Initial Thoughts & Unboxing
@timewaster1700 did a really nice review of his Z-5RS so I won't beat a dead horse about unboxing, but Zenith/MKE does a really nice job here. Nice hard case, 3 mags, cleaning kit, bore snake, sling, manual and Picatinny rail mount. All good and again very impressive. Compared to my CZ Scorpion, the "add-ons" win here hands down. When I first opened the box, I did notice a few imperfections on the finish which I wasn't thrilled about, but since its not going to be a safe queen, I am not that worried about it. First, there was a chip in the finish on the front of the magwell, almost like a sliver had flaked off. On the 3 lug, there was also a little imperfection. It will have a can on it most of the time so again not overly concerned. I am going to see what recommendations are out there for touch up paint for the magwell. At the end of the day, it wasn’t perfect, but such is life I guess.
As far as build quality, I can find no faults here. Welds are nicely done and it feels solid in the hand.
***UPDATE***
Atlantic had asked me to reach out to them if I had any issues. I was up in the air about complaining about the finish, since the gun shot beautifully and again I wasn’t just going to use it to post cool guy pics on Instagram. I reached out and asked for some recommendations for touch up paint, and Atlantic didn’t have an answer on exactly what finish was used, so they got me setup with Zenith directly. At this point, Zenith took over and was super helpful in providing UPS labels and promptly refinished the entire gun for me. Turnaround time from dropoff to return was about two weeks.
Once I got it back, it was perfect. The imperfections were fixed, and I can honestly say I am thrilled with how it turned out.
Range Report
Whatever slight disappointment I had in the finish quickly vanished when I got it to the range. I had forgotten how smooth these firearms are. I put 100 rounds of Federal 115gr through it first with no issues. Next, 100 rounds of Aguila 124gr. It really seemed to enjoy the hotter rounds and felt really good. I got a deal on them online so good news for me since I have a ton! Again, no issues. Just load up the mag and go. Sights needed a touch of adjustment but pleasantly suprised at how accurate it was out of the box. I do have an RMR waiting to go on with a custom mount from the GB.
Functionally, everything worked as it should (as expected) and felt good. Mags fit well and released easily. Cocking tube and paddle mag release functioned as they should.
It felt REALLY good- like an MP5.
Field Strip and Cleaning
Not much to say here. Super easy and no issues. If you are new to taking one of these apart, the book is pretty good. Also, there is this thing called YouTube....I dunno....has some decent info on it.
I am going be using Fireclean at the recommendation of well respected members on here. I have been a MPRO7 and SLIP2000 guy for a while, and will continue to use those on my other guns until I get some data on the Fireclean with the Z-5P.
Plans
Form 1- done
Buy ammo- done
Train
Train
Buy more ammo
Go to one of @Marine0303 classes
Train
Final Thoughts
I am really, really pleased with my Z-5P. It may not be a "real" HK, but at this time in my life that wasn't super realistic, this scratches the itch. I smile when I hold it and shoot it, and in my head I know I look cool- isn't that half the battle :biggrin:
For the price, I don’t know how to beat it. Obviously there are some who will turn there nose up at a clone and that’s their choice. But with a little guy on the way, this didn’t break the bank and is an absolute hoot!
Huge thank you to Atlantic Firearms, they were awesome to work with and I will be going back to them again. Zenith also stepped up and did the refinish for me. I will be purchasing a Z-5RS in the near future.
Also, thank YOU to the members of HKPRO for all the awesome info that helped me make this decision.
See ya at the range!
TK
