Heckler & Koch MP5K

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MP5K
Image:MP3K ImgID1.jpg
Type	machine pistol (or submachine gun)
Place of origin	Germany
Production history
Manufacturer	Heckler & Koch
Specifications
Weight	2.09 kg (4.4 lb)
Length	349 mm (13.8 in)
Barrel length	127 mm (4.5 in)

Cartridge	9 x 19 mm
Action	Roller-delayed blowback
Rate of fire	900 rounds/min
Effective range	50 m
Feed system	15 or 30-round box magazine
Sights	iron sights

The MP5K (German: Maschinenpistole 5 Kurz, Machine Pistol 5, Short) is a submachine gun manufactured by Heckler & Koch.

[edit] Overview

The MP5K was introduced in 1976. It is basically a scaled-down version of HK's MP5 series, which in turn is based on HK's G3 series. The most notable differences include the lack of shoulder stock, the replacement of the MP5's handguard with a vertical foregrip, and the weapon's overall reduced size.

The MP5K is much smaller than the MP5, even though it retains almost all of the MP5's features. The only directly notable disadvantage is a seriously decreased effective range (only 50 m), due to its shorter barrel and lack of a shoulder stock (which makes the weapon more difficult to aim). Sighting is done through adjustable diopter iron sights, or using any optical sights compatible with the HK claw mount system.

Like its larger counterparts, the MP5 and the G3, the MP5K uses the tried-and-true roller-locked delayed blowback system. This system delays the weapon's recoil until after the bullet is fired from the weapon, increasing accuracy when firing in semi-automatic mode. The weapon usually has a S-E-F trigger group - S stands for sicher (safe), E for einzelfeuer (single shot) and F is for feuerstoss (full-auto). A newer model, the MP5KA4, features a pictogram-based Safe-Semi-Burst-Auto trigger group and the choice between a 2-, 3- or 4-round burst mode. The MP5K accepts standard MP5 magazines.

The MP5K's small size and low weight allow it to be easily concealed under clothes, in a car, or in a suitcase, and allows for high mobility, even in crowds. A special bag and suitcase have been designed, not only to carry the weapon in, but also to fire it from. Both have a hole for the weapon's muzzle. The suitcase has a secondary trigger in the handle, but when using the bag, the operator must stick his hand inside and fire the weapon as he would normally[1].

Because of its small size and low profile, the MP5K and its derivatives are popular with law enforcement agencies, VIP protection and counter-terrorist units, and many other paramilitary forces all over the world. The weapon is used by some members of the protection detail of the United States Secret Service who are tasked with the protection of the president and other prominent politicians and their families.

[edit] MP5K PDW

The MP5K PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) is a variant of the MP5K introduced in 1991. It is equipped with a side-folding buttstock and a threaded three-lug barrel for attaching suppressors, and is typically fitted with the ambidextrous MP5N trigger group. The side-folding buttstock can be fitted onto any MP5K with no modification to the weapon itself.

The PDW has seen only limited usage, mostly with special operations forces, aircraft crews, and tank crews. It is very popular with US Special Forces, who see it as a compromise between a pistol and a full sized submachine gun.