HK MP5K

Heckler & Koch launched the first in the MP5 series of submachine guns in 1966. These weapons, designed for the German police and border guard forces, chambered 9 x 19 mm rounds. Though it might soon be redundant in an age of increasingly resilient body armor, the MP5 was a groundbreaking weapon for its time. It might soon be overshadowed altogether by more advanced assault rifles and carbines. The fact that its most advanced version - the MP5K PDW - seriously underperformed in Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia does not stand much in its favor, either. However , the MP5 model was designed by four of the most innovative minds in Heckler & Koch's arsenal of formidable talent - Tilo Möller, Manfred Guhring, Georg Seidl, Helmut Baureuter. Variants of this SMG included the MP5K-PDW, MP5SD, MP5N, MP5/F, MP5/10, MP5/40, MP5K and HK94 models.

The HK MP5K is a drastically abbreviated version of the basic MP5 model. This is denoted by the letter 'K', which stands for 'kurtz' (the German word for 'short'). Nevertheless, it has not compromised on the most salient features and can be fitted with standard MP5 magazines. The HK MP5K was developed at the behest of a South African representative of the Heckler & Koch company. Unfortunately, the shorter barrel has resulted in seriously compromised range and the HK MP5K is really only effective at fifty meters or less. On the other hand, its unique roller-locked delayed blowback system of firing ensures that it remains accurate at that range in semi-automatic mode. It weighs 2.09 kilograms and measures 349 mm in length, while the barrel measures 127 mm. It shoots its 9 x 19 mm NATOrounds at a rate of 900 rounds per minute at the stated accurate range of fifty meters. The HK MP5K employs a box magazines that accommodate either 15 or 30 rounds.

The HK MP5K does not include a shoulder stock like the other MP5s, being primarily a weapon meant for instant one/two handed use. This had made it extremely popular for field operations in law enforcement and anti-terrorist units. It is easily concealed on the body or in vehicles and can be transported without detection under most low-surveillance circumstances. In fact, it can even be fired form a special carrying case that was designed specifically for this purpose in 1978. The potential and possibilities for inflicting damage without warning with this versatile SMG is therefore limited only by imagination.

1991 saw the introduction of a far more advanced alternative to the HK MP5K - namely the MP5K PDW. The PDW stands for Personal Defense Weapon, and it included features that made it admirably suited for its designated purpose. It had a butt-stock that could be folded to the side, thereby lending it a shoulder-operated option and increasing its accuracy considerably. The brilliant design of the stock allowed it to be extended by the simple act of thrusting it away from the shooter's body. It was adaptable for suppressors with the addition of a three-lug barrel. The trigger was made suitable for right and left-handed use.

This weapon was specifically designed for use by vehicle or aircraft personnel. However, it was also favored by security personnel for VIPs and SWAT teams that appreciated the fact that it was designed for ambidextrous use, as well as its high accuracy under sustained fire It fit easily in large glove compartments or under car seats. It was accurate at ranges up to 150 meters, which made it a decided upgrade on the basic MP5 model. It also featured a self-luminous front sight for inadequately lit shooting conditions and incorporated Heckler & Koch's patented claw lock mounts for optical sighting and aiming devices.

The MP5K PDW is a simple and eminently portable personal weapon in situations that call for submachine gun-type firepower coupled with easy portability. Despite the many innovative features included on it, the MP5K PDW did not exactly see widespread use and rumor has it that it will soon be replaced by 5.56 mm NATO-chambered alternatives.