NRA Gun Of The Week: Heckler & Koch SP5

posted on August 13, 2021

From Heckler & Koch (H&K) comes its SP5 chambered for 9 mm Luger, a semi-automatic pistol version of the MP5 submachine gun. As many know, the MP5 has long been hailed as a golden standard for the modern submachine gun. Now H&K offers its SP5, a semi-automatic variant of the acclaimed MP5.

black metal gun receiver stamping letters numbers parts steel machine

The H&K SP5 is made from a stamped sheet metal receiver with a polymer trigger group and furniture. All of the SP5’s controls mimic the select-fire MP5N version contracted by the U.S. Navy, including the ambidextrous safety selectors, magazine release and charging handle just above the barrel. Slap the handle from its nested, open position to release the bolt to chamber a round and make ready to fire; the SP5 fires from a closed bolt.

metal plastic gun parts pistol sights assembly

 

At the muzzle is a three-lug suppressor mounting interface for attaching compatible 9 mm suppressors. Being a pistol, the SP5 comes with a polymer back-plate in place of a buttstock. H&K provides iron sights that are a diopter turret design for the rear with a hooded sight post up front. The rear diopter can be twisted to adjust aperture size and the range setting.

black metal plastic gun parts barrel steel handgun pistol

H&K continues its roller-delayed blowback action with the SP5 large-format pistol. Our range testers found the recoil to be mild and controllable from the 81.6-oz. pistol, and the charging handle responds just as it should, simply make ready with the authoritative “HK Slap” and enjoy the supplied 30-round magazine.

case bag compartment black enclosure with gun parts pistol handgun magazine tools lock

 

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video to learn more about the Heckler & Koch SP5 pistol.

H&K SP5 Specifications
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch GmbH (Germany)
Action Type: delayed-blowback, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Receiver: stamped steel; black enamel over phosphate finish
Barrel: 8.66" cold-hammer-forged steel
Sights: fixed post front; fully adjustable drum rear
Magazine: 30-round detachable box
Trigger: 7-lb., 15-oz. pull
Overall Length: 17.8"
Height: 8.66"
Weight
: 81.6 ozs. (empty)
MSRP: $2,799

Latest

Simeon North Flintlock Pair Commodore Isaac Hull
Simeon North Flintlock Pair Commodore Isaac Hull

Simeon North: First Official U.S. Pistol Maker

Arguably the first official U.S. pistol maker, Simeon North began contracting to the U.S. government with 500 horse pistols in 1798. After subsequent success, North went on to supply the Horse Pistol of Model 1799 -1800 by the thousands, manufactured Hall rifles and more.

Preview: Ammunition, Demystified

Billed as “Hatcher’s Notebook for the 21st century,” Ammunition, Demystified: The (Non) Bubba’s Guide To How Ammo Really Works is intended for both advanced shooters and reloaders, as well as industry professionals.

James Wallace Elected As 76th NRA Director

James L. Wallace has been elected by the members to a one-year term ending in 2025.

Rifleman Q&A: Marlin’s Mixed Markings

I have this old gun I want to shoot, but I’m not certain exactly what I have, and the gun appears to pre-date any description in the Blue Book Of Gun Values. The gun measures 43" overall, has a 26 9⁄16" barrel and its markings are as follows:

New For 2024: Diamondback Self-Defense Revolver (SDR)

Diamondback Firearms' handguns were previously of a polymer-frame, semi-automatic design, but with the release of its Self-Defense Revolver in 2024, the company is taking a new tack.

Preview: The Headrest Safe Co. Slide Bundle

For the armed citizen seeking to discreetly secure a defensive handgun in a vehicle, the Slide Bundle from The Headrest Safe Co. provides the ideal solution.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.