Dateline: 5 May 1980
Location: 16 Princes Gate Road, South Kensington, London, England
Operation: Nimrod
At approximately 19:30 hours, two British SAS Sabre Squadrons conducted an operation to rescue 26 hostages. The BBC broadcast the operation live. Troopers, dressed in all black, faces covered by protective masks, abseiled from the roof onto balconies, and blew open windows in front of the entire world. In seventeen minutes, history was made.
All but one of the hostages were rescued alive, and three of the four terrorists were dead. Even 45 years later, the images are still recognized. Not only did the operation tear back the curtain of secrecy on the British Special Air Service, but it also started one of the greatest marketing campaigns the firearms industry has ever seen.
The MP5 Makes History
During the raid, the Troopers were armed with various configurations of the HK MP5 9mm submachine gun. Designed in the 1960s, the MP5 was revolutionary. Previous generations of submachine guns fired from an open bolt, making them difficult to shoot accurately. The MP5 was designed to shoot from a closed bolt, like traditional rifles. The result was a very controllable and accurate system ideal for protective details, CQB, and hostage rescue.
The MP5 quickly became the darling of military and law enforcement units worldwide. The design allowed the stock to be quickly switched between a collapsible and a traditional fixed design. Different configurations were developed, including the ultracompact “K” model and various fire control units that offered full-auto and/or burst-fire options.
The Quiet One
In 1974, at the request of the German Border Police, Heckler & Koch introduced the MP5SD that featured an integral suppressor. At the time, one of the challenges with suppressing the MP5 was the supersonic crack of the 9mm ammunition.
To reduce the sound signature, HK ported the barrel and shortened it from 8.96 to 5.75 inches. The outer tube of the suppressor runs the entire length of the barrel. The suppressor consists of both an expansion chamber and a baffle. This unique design reduced the 9mm round to a subsonic velocity, making it one of the quietest suppressed submachine guns in the world.
Range Time With the HK MP5SD
I had the opportunity to shoot a current-production HK MP5SD with a fixed stock. I was already familiar with how well these guns shoot, having previously shot many submachine guns and having owned a registered MP5 conversion. With a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 800 rounds per minute, it is extremely controllable.
The HK MP5SD takes quiet to a new level. Most of the sound came from the action's cycling. The added weight of the suppressor, when combined with the fixed stock, made the SD even easier to control than a standard MP5. With proper shooting technique, the little gun stays on target, producing exceptional accuracy. From 10 yards, I was able to keep a 25-round burst inside a 10-inch circle. The closed bolt system allows for precise shots at distance. Steel targets at 50 yards were not a challenge.
The MP5 Series: Still Relevant
The MP5 series of submachine guns remains popular with law enforcement and military units worldwide. Models include the stockless MP5K, which has a 4.53-inch barrel and an overall length of just 12.6 inches. The MP5 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) has a 5.5-inch barrel and a compact folding stock. The standard MP5 is available in either an A2 or A3 configuration, with fixed or collapsible stocks.
One popular feature of the MP5 series is the various fire control groups. There are six different configurations that combine semi-auto, 2-round burst, 3-round burst, and full auto. Configurations are also available in semi-auto-only for agencies that want the advantages of the MP5 without full-auto.
While a full-auto MP5 is not available to the general public, HK offers the SP5 and the SP5K. These feature the same delayed roller block operating system and HK quality. To comply with ATF regulations, both models are sold as pistols and have an end cap on the rear of the receiver. The SP5 has an 8.86-inch barrel while the SP5K has a 5.83-inch barrel. For those who live in NFA-friendly states, both are easily converted to a short-barreled rifle. With the elimination of the $200 tax stamp requirement, owning a “semi-only” MP5 is even more accessible.
The Legend Turns 60
This year, the HK MP5 celebrates its 60th birthday, and it remains as viable as ever. It continues to serve in some of the most famous law enforcement and military units in the world.
Editor's Note: This article and companion video is first in a series. Check back regularly for the next installment at HK's INSIDER section.
