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

Ruger Lcp Max Gotw F
Ruger Lcp Max Gotw F

Gun Of The Week: Ruger LCP MAX Manual Safety

Ruger introduced its LCP MAX in 2021, but in recent years, the company has expanded the line with new models, including this two-tone version equipped with a manual thumb safety.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 28, 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.

15 Great Holiday Gifts For Gun Owners

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the gun guy or gun girl in your life? Here are a few great options from folks in the know.

October Gun Sales Numbers Signals New Normal?

Estimated gun sales numbers reported from the month of October give us a few clues as to the state of the firearm industry and the community of gun owners at large.

I Have This Old Gun: Japanese Type 38 "Arisaka"

Along with the Type 99, the Japanese Type 38 "Arisaka" was one of the main bolt-action battle rifles used by Japanese imperial forces during World War II.

New For 2025: Stoeger M3000 & P3000 Tactical

Stoeger Industries optimized its inertia-driven M3000 and pump-action P3000 shotgun designs for defensive and tactical use.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.