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

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.