NRA Gun Of The Week: Heckler & Koch SP5

posted on August 13, 2021
** 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. **

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

Guns Ai F
Guns Ai F

Does AI Pose a Threat to the 2nd Amendment?

Several recent studies highlighted AI's propensity to dispense anti-Second Amendment propaganda, and more alarmingly, AI also seems willing to sacrifice human lives to avoid being taken offline.

I Have This Old Gun: Winchester 1886 Saddle-Ring Carbine

As our country was celebrating its centennial 150 years ago, Oliver Winchester dominated the lever-action market with his Models 1866 and 1873 and was just introducing the Model 1876.

First Look: Gunsmoke Arsenal Tactical Cigar Protection

Looking for a smoke after smoking some targets? The Tactical Cigar Protection case from Gunsmoke Arsenal keeps your stogie secured until you're ready to relax.

Making a Match-Ready M1 Garand

For decades, fans of the M1 Garand have gone to Camp Perry to shoot the John C. Garand match, a test of their shooting skills and rifles. Here, one M1 Garand enthusiast prepares his rifle and ammo for the shoot.

Will the USPS Allow Handguns to Be Mailed?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on April 2, 2026, published a proposed rule that would permit the mailing of lawful handguns through the U.S. mail for the first time in nearly a century.

The Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 mm: A Flexible Optic for Dangerous Game Hunting

Trijicon is probably best known for its military and law-enforcement optics, but the company is also serious about its commercial line of riflescopes designed for hunting.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.