The history of the MP5 is one of myths, legends and tall sky-scraper movies. It was a design that was born out of the lessons learned with PCCs and SMGs (submachine guns) during WWII. The laws of production offer three options of good, fast, and cheap; however, as you know, you can only pick two of the three. Nearly all SMGs were built fast and cheap — in some cases, hurriedly manufactured from what seemed like just a pipe, barrel, bolt and spring.
The “fast-and-cheap” production goals compromised “good” quality, precision and accuracy. Reportedly, WWII-era SMGs delivered astonishingly poor controllability and accuracy with a 50/50 chance of landing one round at 50 yards with a full mag burst. Late in WWII, Mauser invented the roller-delayed blowback mechanism later updated on the CETME rifles. H&K adapted that design into the G3 and later the MP5, which exponentially changed those SMG hit ratios.
The rather large advantages to this G3/MP5 design were roller-delay and closed bolt firing. Both of these still remain core advantages for PCCs. First-round accuracy was greatly improved because the heavy open bolt did not have to slam forward first after the trigger was pulled. The roller delay allowed for a much lighter bolt, which delivered a flat-shooting platform that was far less prone to muzzle rise and bouncing around with bolt movement during shot strings.
Like the G3 design, the MP5 system was far more complex than a simple blowback design and thus was no longer “cheap;” however, it did deliver the “good” precision, control and accuracy military customers were looking for. Though H&K attempted to minimize the cost of the MP5 platform with polymer molded parts and stamped steel construction, it was still very expensive to produce. It was considered one of the most premium-priced SMGs of its time. Today, the MP5 is still an expensive gun, considering a 50+-year-old original MP5 now can be legally classified as a Curio and Relic firearm.
Century Arms AP5 Models & Variants
Century Armssaw an opportunity to bring their AP5 (MP5 clone) models to the U.S. market. According to Adam Ruonala, VP of Marketing at Century Arms, “There is a huge market gap for quality, period-correct 1970-1980 historical MP5 platforms. We saw an opportunity with MKE to bring a premium-quality licensed MP5-compatible platform to the U.S. In many cases, the U.S has only seen one or two MP5 platform variants, and we wanted to offer the most significant configurations in history that have not been available in the U.S. for decades. The Century AP5 models include a rifle, mid-sized, pistol, micro and specialized models. The standard AP5 is iconic and popular; the N, P, M, L, SD and Navy models are less common but are very fun configurations. We even offer the 5.56 NATO and .308 Winchester AP51 and AP53 pistols. Some models include modern 1913 rear brace mounts. This has been so much fun seeing dealer and customer excitement over the last few years as we have added more and more models at an attractive price point. The quality is exceptional and indistinguishable from the original.”
A fun fact is that MKE has actually been producing many MP5 variants longer and at higher volumes than H&K. Turkish MKE is producing the firearms under H&K license on original H&K 1970s tooling based on MP5 original blueprints and metallurgy specs. Century Arms was very clear that these are not just look-a-like clones with dubious quality — the quality is based on licensed production, 1970s-era tooling, and quality requirements established by H&K.
All models include a claw-top Picatinny optics mount, two magazines, extremely nice case and period-correct cleaning kit and sling with H&K-style clips. Our AP5-SD included a 1913 rear brace mount with an attached sling mount. Based on our direct comparison of functionality, accuracy and visual comparison of the AP5 platforms on hand to a modern production H&K SP5, the models were indistinguishable other than the branding. Additionally, all standard MP5 aftermarket parts such as those featured in the article from Magpul and Timney fit the AP5 platform.
Period Correct and True to the Original
Due to the historically correct 1970s original H&K tooling, sharp collectors will note some very subtle differences between the AP5 versus a brand new H&K SP5, with one update most consider a positive. The AP5 does use the newer Action-3 bolt head, considered the modern, more reliable standard. Century Arms and MKE have worked hard to assure that the AP5 models carry forward the historically correct and iconic configurations while delivering the highest reliability.
Century Arms AP5-SD
Our testing sample was the unique AP5-SD model originally designed with an oversized handguard to accommodate the integrally suppressed barrel and suppressor. The last time H&K offered this military variant in the U.S. was 1986. When first introduced, the H&K MP5-SD included a specialized barrel ported just forward of the chamber to bleed off excess gas and assure all Nato-spec 9mm ammo remained subsonic. A proprietary integral suppressor sealed and encased the ported barrel to deliver one of the quietest and softest-shooting suppressed 9mm platforms made. Even in today’s $0 suppressor tax stamp environment, Century Arms knew that would be a challenging sales cycle and opted for a compromise solution, which I think they nailed perfectly.
Century Arms’ AP5-SD version includes a standard unported 5.75-inch barrel that is about two inches shorter than the handguard length to allow “tuck-in” suppressor attachment. The result is the ability to tuck about two inches of a suppressor or the included faux suppressor inside the handguard for “the look.” This design sidesteps the problematic cleaning requirements of the original MP5-SD barrel/suppressor system.
The AP5-SD also has a unique handguard design that proves plenty of room to attach even wider suppressors like my YHM R45. The unique round handguard cannot accept the standard AP5 handguard; however, the trade-off is an acceptable compromise that delivers a longer sight radius and loads of room on the handguard with a barrel length that is actually shorter than the compact AP5-P models. The AP5-SD shipped with a 7-inch faux suppressor that can simply unscrew to attach your muzzle device or suppressor of choice. Shooting with just a tri-lug mount barely recessed inside the handguard, the AP5-SD is a highly maneuverable pistol like the AP5-P models and offers more hand protection when suppressors are attached. I think this is one of the best compromise models that support suppression and short configurations exceptionally well, depending on your shooting mode.
Testing AP5-SD
Though I was not running around shoeless in khakis and a tank top during testing, the experience shooting the AP5-SD next to my H&K P7 did produce a grin that I had a hard time concealing for a few days. Yes, I also own a P7, and that did amp up the testing and also create a line of friends willing to help with testing and decrease my ammo supply at the same time. The historical format from Century Arms feels the part and proved exceptionally accurate and reliable.
Of note, the AP5 (like all MP5 platforms) like to be run fairly well lubed and broken in with several hundred rounds. Our AP5-SD did take a few magazines to break in, but after that and a quick relube, the function was perfect and very smooth over the next 500 rounds. It is incredible to experience a period-correct, smooth MP5 platform that feels like it would have more than 60 years ago. There is some charm in a sight that seems modern and historical at the same time, a heavy deliberate trigger and selector operation, no last-round bolt hold-open and a magazine catch that makes you reach for it. Once you experience that silky-smooth recoil, you forget about the less modern appointments. The AP5 delivers on the historical feel and promise of light, accurate and reliable shooting — but we do have plenty of modern upgrades as well if things like a 1960s trigger, safety and ergonomics start bugging you.
Customization-Ready Out-Of-The-Box
Since we are modernizing the Century Arms AP5 platform with some modern upgrades, the perfect fit would be the cutting-edge Primary Arms GLX-MD-21S solar-failsafe night-vision-compatible ACSS-CQB reticle optic. It is the perfect tech to update a legend. The included Century Arms factory optics claw mount was attached for the Primary Arms GLX-MD-21S, and the optic did prove significantly faster than the 1960s-era iron sights.
The AP5 platform is easy to work on, only requiring pushing out a few take-down pins to complete updates. The included rear 1913 Picatinny backplate was swapped with a collapsible Magpul BSL Arm Brace. Other Magpul upgrades tested were the SL Grip Module (trigger housing), extended lever ESK Ambi Selector, and PMAG D50 50-round drum magazine. The Magpul trigger housing and selector significantly upgraded ergonomics with a more modern grip angle and feel paired with an easy-to-manipulate ambi selector that my fingers and thumb could actually reach. The D50 looks amazing and allowed us to shoot about 80% longer between a reload, and it was functionally perfect for burning through $20 worth of ammo quickly. Part of that need for more capacity was the upgraded two-stage Timney Trigger unit, which begs the shooter to pick up the pace with faster trigger feel that is transformational compared to the factory 1970s-era trigger.
The great thing about all these upgrades is that with just two take-down pins, I can be back to retro cool configuration in just a few minutes. Of note, Magpul’s SL Grip Module trigger housing is designed to allow for fitting. There are so many variances across H&K, Zenith, Century Arms and other variants at the magazine release weld point (weld thickness varies) that they wanted to assure all had a proper fit. In my case, a quick Dremel trim allowed the SL Grip module to click right in.
Final Thoughts
The quality of the AP5 is exceptional, rugged and matching the period-correct specs of the 1970s-era MP5s. Century Arms is delivering not only the best MP5 clones, but one of the most affordable, high-quality options we have seen. Though the standard AP5 will likely be the top seller, dealers and customers are going to also like the product’s breadth, driving additional sales with unique configurations never offered in semiauto format. Century Arms and MKE are excited to bring these options to the U.S. consumers in a rugged and proven format in a variety of models. All AP5 models are available through current Century Arms distribution channels.
