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Heckler & Koch MP series facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Hkmp5count-terr-wiki
The Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun: a favourite with law enforcement and the military.
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Ministry of Defence police with MP7 weapons, on patrol in central London
Heckler & Koch MP7A1
The latest version: MP7A1, fitted with a suppressor (less noise), extended magazine (more rounds), and a reflex sight (better aiming)

The MP series includes special weapons called "personal defense weapons" (PDWs). They are made by a company called Heckler & Koch in Germany. These weapons are some of the most popular submachine guns in the world. Many different armed forces, counter-terrorism teams, and police groups use them.

What is the MP5?

The main version of the MP5 is called the MP5A2. It uses 9mm pistol bullets. This gun can shoot very fast, about 800 rounds every minute. That's about thirteen bullets each second! The usual size for its magazine (where the bullets are held) is 30 or 15 rounds.

There are many other types of MP5 guns. Some use different sized bullets. Others are shorter or have special features. One important type is the MP5SD series. These MP5s have a special part called a suppressor built in. A suppressor makes the gun much quieter. This means MP5SDs can be used for stealth missions. Many special forces teams use the MP5. This includes the Navy SEALs from the United States. The British SAS also uses it.

Because heroes in movies and games often use it, some people call the MP5 the "good guy gun."

Different Types of MP5s

  • MP5
  • MP5K (The "K" means kurz, which is German for short)
  • MP5SD (The "SD" means Schalldämpfer, which is German for suppressor)

What is the MP7?

The MP7 is a newer, updated version of the MP5. It was designed with a new type of bullet. This new bullet travels much faster when it leaves the gun. It was made to meet new rules from NATO in 1989. Modern personal defense weapons need to be able to get through body armour. Older weapons used regular pistol bullets that could not do this.

The MP7 started being made in 2001. It is a direct competitor to the FN P90, made in Belgium. That weapon was also designed to meet NATO's new rules. The MP7 has been improved since it first came out. The version made today is called the MP7A1.