Zarvan
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Heckler & Koch MP5 is probably the most popular post-WW2 submachine gun design of the world. It is compact, reliable and lightweight. It uses H&K’s roller locked design, which proved to be a successful concept judging from the number of countries utilizing it. No surprise it is popular in the civilian market, too. This gun has become so popular, that not only many countries adopted it, but also manufacture MP5s domestically. In this article, we’ll go through MP5 clones manufactured in different countries. Those chambered in calibers other than 9x19mm (such as .22LR guns by GSG and ATI) are not included in the list. So, without further ado, let’s see who makes MP5s:
1) Beitler Waffentechnik BWT5 (Germany)
Yes, there are even companies in Germany (besides H&K) who make MP5 clones …actually two of them. This particular company makes the standard length version with fixed stock and the short “K” version without a stock. They are also specialized in MP5 parts manufacturing.
2) Oberland Arms OA5 (Germany)
This German company used to manufacture classic fixed stock style MP5 clones. Now they’ve discontinued the OA5 and are making AR-15 and AR-10 style rifles.
3) Brugger & Thomet BT-96 (Switzerland)
B&T was also making MP5 licensed clones. Reportedly they were only assembling the guns using all H&K made parts. BT-96 was made for the civilian market.
4) WTC Special Weapons Inc. SP-10 (Philippines)
Image from HKPro.com
This is another MP5 clone, but as you can see it has a redesigned upper receiver. It looks like a cross-breed between MP5 and UMP.
5) Luxembourg Defence Technology HSG94, HSG94K and HSG95 (Luxembourg)
LDT HSG94 is the fixed stock version and HSG94K is the short version with collapsing stock. This Luxembourgian company also makes a modernized version of the rifle called HSG95, which features top Picatinny rail as well as rails on the handguard. HSG95 also has an AR-15 stock adapter. All these guns are semi-auto civilian copies of the MP5.
6) Russian Arms Company RA-5 (Russia)
This one is relatively new. It is made by a Russian company called “Russkaya Oruzheynaya Kompaniya” (Русская Оружейная Компания – Russian Arms Company). It is designed for the civilian use, to meet the demands of the growing pistol caliber carbine market of Russia. The gun is a copy of HK MP5SD, however, it uses a fake suppressor. Suppressors are highly regulated in Russia. Although RA-5 is certified as a hunting carbine, it should be more interesting for competitive shooting and defensive roles, as well as for enthusiast of the platform in Russia.
RA-5 features Picatinny rails on sides and bottom of the forearm. It is also possible to mount a top rail, which clamps on the receiver.