Heckler - Koch HK MP7A1 Submachine gun

[pakomar]

Caliber: 4.6x30mm HK
Weight: 1.5 kg empty
Length (stock closed/open): 340 / 540 mm
Barrel length: 180 mm
Rate of fire: 950 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 or 40 rounds
Effective range: 150-200 meters


The HK MP7 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) is a member of a relatively new class of small arms, called Personal Defense Weapons (PDW; such specialized weapons are build since the start of WW2). The PDW are intended, as name implies, to be a defensive sidearm for second-line troops, vehicle crews and other military personnel who normally not issued with assault rifles. Previously, these troops were issued with pistols or submachine guns, but proliferation of body armor in recent years made those guns ineffective. The first firearm, intended as "the new age PDW" and offered in that class was Belgian-made FN P90, and it had special low-impulse, high-velocity ammunition, capable of penetration of current military body armor and helmets at ranges of 100 meters and beyond, while being much smaller and lighter, than assault rifle. The HK MP7, originally known simply as HK PDW, is another entry in the PDW class, and thus is a direct rival to FN P90.

The HK MP7, first announced in 2000, entered production in 2001 and, by early 2007, is officially adopted by German military, as well as some German special police units, such as KSK, and also offered for export sales. The British Military Police issues HK MP7A1 to its personnel since 2005, and it is believed that some South Korean special forces also use MP7A1.

The HK MP7 submachine gun / personal defense weapon has layout of a typical compact submachine gun (or a large pistol), with magazine being inserted into pistol grip, with folding forward grip and telescoped buttstock. The action of the MP7A1 is somewhat unusual for weapon of such small size, since it is gas operated, rotating bolt design, which strongly resembles the action of the HK G36 assault rifle, suitably scaled down. The ambidextrous fire mode selector/safety switch allows for semi-auto and full-auto modes. MP7A1 it designed to fire special, high velocity ammunition, 4.6x30mm, that looks like scaled down rifle round. That ammunition is unique to the MP7 and another HK weapon, the HK UCP / P46 pistol.
The receiver of MP7A1, along with integral pistol grip, is made from the polymer with steel reinforcements. Top side of the receiver hosts a Picatinny-type accessory rail for sight mountings. Standard sighting equipment is usually a set of low-profile open sights on quick-detachable mounts, plus a collimating (red-dot) sight Additional rails can be installed on either side of receiver, next to its front end. The MP7A1 could be fired single-handedly, or using both hands, either like the pistol or using a front grip. Telescopic buttstock can be extended to give additional stability. With buttstock and front grip are collapsed, the MP7 can be carried like any big pistol in the special holster, and can be effectively used in close combat.

The 4.6x30mm ammunition is loaded with pointed all-steel bullets with brass jacket. Bullet weight is 1.6 gram (25 grains) and the muzzle velocity is 725 m/s (ca. 2400 fps). Manufacturer claims the 100% penetration of the CRISAT body armor (1.6mm of Titanium plus 20 layers of Kevlar) at the distance of 200 meters. Other types of ammunition, including tracer, frangible, spoon-tip (rapid-tumbling for use against unarmored human targets), blank and trill (inert) also available for MP7A1; ammunition is currently manufactured in UK by BAE Systems / Radway Green plant.

 

[wild peace]

Specifications
H&K MP7A1 4.6x30mm with Zeiss Z-Point red dot sight. This MP7 shown in SMG configuration.
Heckler & Koch MP7A1 4.6x30mm with Zeiss Z-Point red dot sight and 40-round magazine

* Heckler & Koch MP7A1.
* Type:SMG/PDW
* Caliber: 4,6 mm x 30
* Length: 14.96 inches w/stock closed
* Barrel Length: 7.09 inches
* WeightGun: 3.53 pounds w/o magazine.
* Muzzle Velocity: 2,329 feet per second
* Maximum effective range: is 200 meters
* Cyclic rate of fire: 950-1150 rounds per minute

 

[wild peace]

 

[black tiger]

Cool gun, but what about it's stopping power??

 

[wild peace]

Any of you may know about this little slice of Firepower Heaven. For those that do not
The MP7 is a personal defense weapon manufactured by Heckler & Koch (H&K) and chambered for the 4.6x30mm cartridge. It was designed in conjunction with the new cartridge to meet NATO requirements published in 1989 calling for a machine pistol or submachine gun with greater effect against body armor than current models which are limited due to use of standard handgun cartridges. It is a direct competitor of the FN P90 also developed to meet the new NATO requirements. The weapon has been through four revisions and the current version is the MP7A1 (see Variants). The MP7 is classified as a personal defense weapon (PDW). It went into production in 2001. It is compact and light using polymers in its construction.

The proliferation of high-quality body armor has begun to make guns that fire pistol ammunition (such as HK's earlier MP5 or USP) ineffective. In response to this trend, HK designed the MP7 (along with the brand new UCP, which uses the same ammunition) to penetrate body armor, but small enough to be used in place of either a pistol or a submachine gun.

Design details
The MP7 essentially operates like a scaled-down assault rifle, with the same action as HK's G36. It fires a specially designed, armor-piercing round with a muzzle velocity nearly as high as that of the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge used by many modern rifles. This ammunition is unique among submachine guns in that the bullet is made almost entirely of a hardened steel penetrator instead of softer brass or lead. The ammunition is virtually exclusive to the gun (save for the H&K UCP and a planned variant of the Brugger & Thomet MP-9) and also offers low recoil. The round also has a small diameter (it can almost be described as a scaled down .223 Remington), allowing for high capacity in a very small magazine. Even though the round is much smaller in diameter than a 9 mm bullet, its special properties give it comparable stopping power. The projectile is designed to tumble in tissue after penetrating body armor, thus causing more damage than a bullet of this size would normally do. But this is still a point of widespread discussion since the MP7 and its specially designed ammunition have yet to prove themselves in action.

The weapon allows a conventional 20-round or 40-round box magazine to be fit within the pistol grip (the former being comparable in size to a 15-round 9 mm magazine, while the latter compares to a 30-round 9 mm magazine). The weapon features an ambidextrous fire-select lever and rear cocking grip. It has an extendable stock and a folding front grip. It can be fired either one-handed or two-handed.

The MP7 is marketed as a direct competitor to the FN P90. Some observers make the distinction that the MP7 is closer to a true machine pistol than a submachine gun. The FN P90 features a simpler straight blowback design that fires with a closed breech, so there is no rotating bolt or gas system, but it is bulkier and heavier than the MP7.

Variants


The 2005 model MP7A1 of the Bundeswehr with a Zeiss Z-Point red dot sight and laser light module

* The first prototype shown in 1999 was designated the 'PDW' (Personal Defense Weapon) and only had a small Picatinny rail on the top. It also had a smooth pistol grip.
* In 2001 it was named the 'MP7' and went into production. It included a full length Picatinny rail, a thick curved stock and an anti-slide surface on the pistol grip much like the HK USP. It also featured folding iron sights mounted on the Picatinny rail and an easier to use folding foregrip (the button to fold the foregrip was made larger).
* In 2003 its designation was changed to 'MP7A1' and featured a more curved pistol grip, a smaller flat-ended stock, side mounded Picatinny rails as standard and the folding iron sights were made more compact. The weapon was made slightly longer, but because the stock was shortened, the overall length did not change. The stock is also able to be locked in 3 positions.
* The current 2005 version, still called the MP7A1, is basically the same as the 2003 model but with the addition of a 'Safety Trigger' similar to a Glock pistol, the middle section of the trigger must be pulled first and then the outer part will move. This helps to stop accidental discharges if the trigger is bumped. Another change was to the flash suppressor; it was slightly shortened. New G3 style iron sights (the same used on the HK416) are added to the MP7A1 package along with the compact folding iron sights.

Each revision of the weapon is slightly heavier, possibly due to the addition of more Picatinny rails and product improvements. The main body of the MP7A1 was made slightly longer than the MP7 and was given a smaller flat-ended stock; the overall length did not change, but this could have added a small amount of weight.

Accessories


MP7A1 with suppressor and sight.

The weapon features a full-length, top-mounted Picatinny rail that comes standard with folding iron sights attached, but also comes with HK MP5 style iron sights which can easily be changed by loosening a single screw and lifting them off. It can fit additional rails on the sides of the barrel, which allow it to mount commercial optical sights (telescopic and red dot sights), laser aiming modules (LAM), and tactical flashlights. The MP7 can also equip a suppressor.
eel:


According to Marui specs, the gun weighs around 1.4kg (or just over 3 lbs for those of you base ten challenged), which is just under the weight of the real MP7A1. Contrasting this to other guns, the MP7 seems very heavy and bulky for a pistol, but is a feather among SMG's. The weight of the gearbox is readily apparent when manouvering, but very well offset by the battery weight. The net tendency should be towards a backheavy gun, particularly with the buttstock extended, but once shouldered, the gun is simply an extension of one's shoulder, effortlessly and thoughtlessly manouvering in tight quarters, and with the off-hand using the vertical grip, the gun intuitively snaps to a target. Fired as a pistol or SMG, the weight distribution is flawless, allowing fluid motion and effortless aiming. Silly German engineering.


The size of the pistol is really the simultaneous strong and weak points of the gun -- too large to be a pistol, but very compact firepower for an SMG. Unlike the older UZI SMG design, or particularly the crude and tiny Mac11 design, the pistol grip is just the correct size -- people with small hands will have a bit of a hard time accessing the mag release (as with a USP or Mk23), but for 90% of shooters, the grip itself is the right size. You won't find yourself stuggling to keep your pinky happy just hanging off the grip, nor will you have to modify your grip to comfortably hold the gun and squeeze the trigger. The foregrip is a tad narrow, but understandably, and still provides a very solid gripping platform. Adequate spacing is provided, and the only peice of the gun that might interfere with my front hand is the far side rail making incidental contact with my thumb. This can be remedied simply by using the gun in streamlined configuration.
Unsurprisingly, the controls are second nature for any H&K aficionado, the selector switch is natural to operate, just like the G36, the magazine release works just like the USP, and though it sounds odd, the charging handle/forward assist is intuitive, and even the seemingly awkwardly placed buttstock release feels like pure muscle memory. Even the non-functional bolt catch has a very positive feel.
Basically, every control is accesible, intuitive, feels correct, and positively works. Silly German engineering.


A cheif critique of other Marui gun designs is the lack of rigidity and sturdiness -- no such complaints here. The bulk of the gun is the reciever: a monolithic peice of plastic including the pistol grip/magwell, with metal rail added on top -- it's very solid. The foregrip is very sturdy, and attached in an extremely solid fashion, and very positively locks in the down position.
A BIG concern prior to release was how sturdy the retractable stock would be: I am honesly very impressed. Retracted, it's on there, no questions asked. Extended, there's a small amount of up/down play, remarkably little side to side play, and a little bit of rotational play. It feels very solid, and honestly, I appreciate a small amount of play as I will be using it as a sidearm, and *gasp* it might get dropped. Last, the flash hider is a lot more solid than I had expected, and using the included 14mm CCW (counterclockwise, also known as 14mm- or Negative) the gun can mount an impressive array of silencers, flash hiders, or the Marui tracer unit. Silly Japanese Engineering.


The trigger is quite similar to those of the Glock pistols -- while I am personally not that familiar with them (the trigger can't be pulled unless the center safe action part is pulled even with the rest of the trigger), these triggers are evidently another safeguard against negligent discharges. The actual trigger pull is right on par with any other Marui AEG, but is comparatively short. I personally like shorter trigger pull, and am a big fan of limited travel after the break point -- once you're actually firing the gun in a skirmish situation, you won't notice the trigger, and with any practice, the gun will simply shoot when you want it to, your fingers will just work with the gun.


The magazines are quite their own animal -- they have a metal body, sturdy plastic bumper and top assembly, but still feel unrealistically light. While this is great for an extensive loadout, if Marui had put weights in the magazines, it would have been a cheap way to bring the TM weight up very close to the HK gun's weight without affecting the superb balance. That said, despite the light weight, the magazines are very solid feeling, quite sturdy, and feel extremely durable.
http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/506/medium/IMG_0829.JPG
Click image to enlarge


The only three items that seem to detract from the feel of the gun are the awkwardly light magazines, plastic mag release lever, and troublesome charging handle/hopup adjust.


The balance of the gun is simply superlative, the gun is solid all around, and the controls are positively excellent. I give it a 9.8/10 on feel, as it's very nearly perfect, exceeding my expectations. Silly engineering pays off.



Firing Impressions:


EDIT: 4/9/06

Parts and Accessories:


One of the most important part/accessory items are the magazines -- without proper mag function, the gun can't shoot, and without enough of them, skirmishing can become a long, painful experience. The pre-order free mag is what finally convinced me to order among the first batch, and I also bought 2 additional magazines. MP7 magazines will fit in any double stack pistol magazine pouch, which is extremely handy, especially since the only magazines available at release were the 50rd standard magazines. The cost per magazine is actually remarkably low (~17USD), and as always, for reliable feeding and quality control, Tokyo Marui standard magazines cannot be touched.
Still, the obvious question lingers: what of other magazines? In the real 20rd variety (grip length) the STD capacity exist, but it might be possible to make double-stack 'mid cap' magazines, as well as a short hicap mag -- as well as possibly very cheap 20 or 30rd magazine options. But there's more -- the MP7 uses shorter 20rd or longer 40rd magazines -- and each variety above can be repeated: what remains to be seen is if Marui will come out first with a long [40rd] hicap, short [20rd] hicap, or long standard magazine. Still, if the gun is as popular as the inital batch offering suggests, possibly most of these magazine variants will be avialable.


The sights are also an extremely important of a gun's overall function: the included KSK sights, as stated above, are a tremendous bit of engineering, and very handy to have on a gun like this. The top rail allows mounting of ALL SORTS of optics, most common among H&K literature are the Zeiss point sights, reflex sight, EOTech Holosight, or Aimpoint Comp sight. While the Zeiss sight looks fantastic on the MP7, is very compact and highly durable, the cost is up there, considering there are no precise repicas. EOTech sights are also quite fancy, but function extremely well on the gun, but again, are not that easy on the budget. I chose to go with a G&P Aimpoint Replica on L-Mount, which can be purchased for very competitive prices on eBay, mine from eHobbyAsia, great retailer. I consider the G&P AP to be the best value, particularly on the MP7, as the KSK flip-up sights are almost exactly in line with the 4MOA dot.
Marui also released the latest version of their Aimpoint replica Pro Sight -- low mount, flip-up sights. Although there are likely rumors that a minor earthquake knocked out the plant Marui contracted for making lenses on the older units, the lack of production or relative quality on these is debatable, so for the price, I still think the G&P replicas are the best for an exact AP copy. King Arms sights are also quite nice, but they are rather inexact replicas of the actual AP sight.


The included 14mmCCW adaptor is a very nice little bonus -- silencer attachment should be relatively easy, and the existing array of 14mm attachments means there are LOTS of possibilities here. The M4QD silencers are really too big, and anything intended for a sniper rifles will just look preposterous -- remember, compact SMG. Still any 100-180mm silencer should look exceedingly good on there, and in style, Marui has released their compact Pro silencer right in time *wink*.


One item that almost qualifies as an accessory is the instruction manual -- which is again classic Marui. Primarily in Japanese, with sparse, but gramatically acceptable English, the cartoons are very familiar, and describe every function of the gun. As always, the exploded parts diagram is extremely high quality, and confirms that the receiver is the primary peice of the gun, the fuse assembly is quite complicated, and that the MP7 has a lot of features designed into it. The front literature (Information on the H&K MP7A1, KSK, uses, and modified promotional material) is impressive in its depth, more so than any other Marui manual.

http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/506/medium/MP7_Parts.jpg

 

[black tiger]

Thanks brother.

 

[beckham]

MP7A1 with suppressor and sight.

The weapon features a full-length, top-mounted Picatinny rail that comes standard with folding iron sights attached, but also comes with HK MP5 style iron sights which can easily be changed by loosening a single screw and lifting them off. It can fit additional rails on the sides of the barrel, which allow it to mount commercial optical sights (telescopic and red dot sights), laser aiming modules (LAM), and tactical flashlights. The MP7 can also equip a suppressor.
eel:


According to Marui specs, the gun weighs around 1.4kg (or just over 3 lbs for those of you base ten challenged), which is just under the weight of the real MP7A1. Contrasting this to other guns, the MP7 seems very heavy and bulky for a pistol, but is a feather among SMG's. The weight of the gearbox is readily apparent when manouvering, but very well offset by the battery weight. The net tendency should be towards a backheavy gun, particularly with the buttstock extended, but once shouldered, the gun is simply an extension of one's shoulder, effortlessly and thoughtlessly manouvering in tight quarters, and with the off-hand using the vertical grip, the gun intuitively snaps to a target. Fired as a pistol or SMG, the weight distribution is flawless, allowing fluid motion and effortless aiming. Silly German engineering.


The size of the pistol is really the simultaneous strong and weak points of the gun -- too large to be a pistol, but very compact firepower for an SMG. Unlike the older UZI SMG design, or particularly the crude and tiny Mac11 design, the pistol grip is just the correct size -- people with small hands will have a bit of a hard time accessing the mag release (as with a USP or Mk23), but for 90% of shooters, the grip itself is the right size. You won't find yourself stuggling to keep your pinky happy just hanging off the grip, nor will you have to modify your grip to comfortably hold the gun and squeeze the trigger. The foregrip is a tad narrow, but understandably, and still provides a very solid gripping platform. Adequate spacing is provided, and the only peice of the gun that might interfere with my front hand is the far side rail making incidental contact with my thumb. This can be remedied simply by using the gun in streamlined configuration.
Unsurprisingly, the controls are second nature for any H&K aficionado, the selector switch is natural to operate, just like the G36, the magazine release works just like the USP, and though it sounds odd, the charging handle/forward assist is intuitive, and even the seemingly awkwardly placed buttstock release feels like pure muscle memory. Even the non-functional bolt catch has a very positive feel.
Basically, every control is accesible, intuitive, feels correct, and positively works. Silly German engineering.


A cheif critique of other Marui gun designs is the lack of rigidity and sturdiness -- no such complaints here. The bulk of the gun is the reciever: a monolithic peice of plastic including the pistol grip/magwell, with metal rail added on top -- it's very solid. The foregrip is very sturdy, and attached in an extremely solid fashion, and very positively locks in the down position.
A BIG concern prior to release was how sturdy the retractable stock would be: I am honesly very impressed. Retracted, it's on there, no questions asked. Extended, there's a small amount of up/down play, remarkably little side to side play, and a little bit of rotational play. It feels very solid, and honestly, I appreciate a small amount of play as I will be using it as a sidearm, and *gasp* it might get dropped. Last, the flash hider is a lot more solid than I had expected, and using the included 14mm CCW (counterclockwise, also known as 14mm- or Negative) the gun can mount an impressive array of silencers, flash hiders, or the Marui tracer unit. Silly Japanese Engineering.


The trigger is quite similar to those of the Glock pistols -- while I am personally not that familiar with them (the trigger can't be pulled unless the center safe action part is pulled even with the rest of the trigger), these triggers are evidently another safeguard against negligent discharges. The actual trigger pull is right on par with any other Marui AEG, but is comparatively short. I personally like shorter trigger pull, and am a big fan of limited travel after the break point -- once you're actually firing the gun in a skirmish situation, you won't notice the trigger, and with any practice, the gun will simply shoot when you want it to, your fingers will just work with the gun.


The magazines are quite their own animal -- they have a metal body, sturdy plastic bumper and top assembly, but still feel unrealistically light. While this is great for an extensive loadout, if Marui had put weights in the magazines, it would have been a cheap way to bring the TM weight up very close to the HK gun's weight without affecting the superb balance. That said, despite the light weight, the magazines are very solid feeling, quite sturdy, and feel extremely durable.
http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/506/medium/IMG_0829.JPG
Click image to enlarge


The only three items that seem to detract from the feel of the gun are the awkwardly light magazines, plastic mag release lever, and troublesome charging handle/hopup adjust.


The balance of the gun is simply superlative, the gun is solid all around, and the controls are positively excellent. I give it a 9.8/10 on feel, as it's very nearly perfect, exceeding my expectations. Silly engineering pays off.



Firing Impressions:


EDIT: 4/9/06

Parts and Accessories:


One of the most important part/accessory items are the magazines -- without proper mag function, the gun can't shoot, and without enough of them, skirmishing can become a long, painful experience. The pre-order free mag is what finally convinced me to order among the first batch, and I also bought 2 additional magazines. MP7 magazines will fit in any double stack pistol magazine pouch, which is extremely handy, especially since the only magazines available at release were the 50rd standard magazines. The cost per magazine is actually remarkably low (~17USD), and as always, for reliable feeding and quality control, Tokyo Marui standard magazines cannot be touched.
Still, the obvious question lingers: what of other magazines? In the real 20rd variety (grip length) the STD capacity exist, but it might be possible to make double-stack 'mid cap' magazines, as well as a short hicap mag -- as well as possibly very cheap 20 or 30rd magazine options. But there's more -- the MP7 uses shorter 20rd or longer 40rd magazines -- and each variety above can be repeated: what remains to be seen is if Marui will come out first with a long [40rd] hicap, short [20rd] hicap, or long standard magazine. Still, if the gun is as popular as the inital batch offering suggests, possibly most of these magazine variants will be avialable.


The sights are also an extremely important of a gun's overall function: the included KSK sights, as stated above, are a tremendous bit of engineering, and very handy to have on a gun like this. The top rail allows mounting of ALL SORTS of optics, most common among H&K literature are the Zeiss point sights, reflex sight, EOTech Holosight, or Aimpoint Comp sight. While the Zeiss sight looks fantastic on the MP7, is very compact and highly durable, the cost is up there, considering there are no precise repicas. EOTech sights are also quite fancy, but function extremely well on the gun, but again, are not that easy on the budget. I chose to go with a G&P Aimpoint Replica on L-Mount, which can be purchased for very competitive prices on eBay, mine from eHobbyAsia, great retailer. I consider the G&P AP to be the best value, particularly on the MP7, as the KSK flip-up sights are almost exactly in line with the 4MOA dot.
Marui also released the latest version of their Aimpoint replica Pro Sight -- low mount, flip-up sights. Although there are likely rumors that a minor earthquake knocked out the plant Marui contracted for making lenses on the older units, the lack of production or relative quality on these is debatable, so for the price, I still think the G&P replicas are the best for an exact AP copy. King Arms sights are also quite nice, but they are rather inexact replicas of the actual AP sight.


The included 14mmCCW adaptor is a very nice little bonus -- silencer attachment should be relatively easy, and the existing array of 14mm attachments means there are LOTS of possibilities here. The M4QD silencers are really too big, and anything intended for a sniper rifles will just look preposterous -- remember, compact SMG. Still any 100-180mm silencer should look exceedingly good on there, and in style, Marui has released their compact Pro silencer right in time *wink*.


One item that almost qualifies as an accessory is the instruction manual -- which is again classic Marui. Primarily in Japanese, with sparse, but gramatically acceptable English, the cartoons are very familiar, and describe every function of the gun. As always, the exploded parts diagram is extremely high quality, and confirms that the receiver is the primary peice of the gun, the fuse assembly is quite complicated, and that the MP7 has a lot of features designed into it. The front literature (Information on the H&K MP7A1, KSK, uses, and modified promotional material) is impressive in its depth, more so than any other Marui manual.

http://www.airsoftretreat.com/gallery/data/506/medium/MP7_Parts.jpg

why are u guys talking about air gun in a defence forum !!

 

[salman.altaf]

Does any one have information about POF PK 9, 10 and 12 if yes plz share and if pictures will be provided i'll be greatful .

 

[forcetrip]

I wonder how expensive this new round will be..

 

[Super Falcon]

i think pa should replace their old mp 5 with 7

 

[pakomar]

Good quality of mp7 is that it can be use as pistol or it can be extended and use as a rifle.

 

[mjnaushad]

i think In one of the videos of Power test the Gun is "Airsoft Gun" Not real.

 

[pakomar]

i think In one of the videos of Power test the Gun is "Airsoft Gun" Not real.

its real

 

[tyagi]

2 vid is of the paintball gun

http://www.opsgear.com/Tiberius-8-MP7-Kit-p/og-t8-mp7-kit.htm