SHOT Show 2020: Heckler & Koch SP5

by
posted on January 19, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The iconic submachine gun of the late 20th century, the Heckler & Koch MP5 is one of the most recognizable firearms on the planet. Unfortunately, American consumers haven't had an opportunity to get their hands on a commercial variant of this gun...until now. New for 2020 is the official Heckler & Koch SP5.

H&K USA first hinted at commercial variants of the MP5 with the initial launch of the company's SP5K, a model that had the MP5 design at its core but featured a shorter, more-modern design at the muzzle-end of the gun. What the SP5 does that the SP5K didn't is offer consumers a classically styled, semi-automatic firearm that featured the same furniture and overall construction as the famous submachine gun.

To avoid NFA classification as a short-barreled rifle, the H&K SP5 comes equipped with a sling-loop point at the rear of the receiver, though consumers can certainly install a pistol-stabilizing brace or even a stock, once they receive NFA approval.

For more details on the Heckler & Koch SP5, watch our American Rifleman First Look video above.

Latest

smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss
smith & wesson performance center model 19 carry comp moss

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Army Announces Type Classification Of New Infantry Rifle, Machine Gun

In May 2025, the U.S. Army’s Soldier Lethality Project at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey announced the official type classification of SIG Sauer’s M7 rifle and M250 automatic rifle, previously known as the XM7 and the XM250, respectively.

RXR22: Savage Arms Redefines The Budget Rimfire Rifle

Savage Arms has a long history of producing affordable and accurate rimfire rifles, but with its RXR22, the company is bringing a new level of affordability and modularity to rimfire rifle fans.

SARCO: A Lifetime Covered Up With Surplus Firearm Parts

When it comes to selling gun parts and gun-related military surplus, Charles “Cholly” Steen has been at it for longer than almost anyone. It all started when, as a 5-year-old, he began stashing odds and ends in the drawers of his clothes dresser.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.