What’s the Latest on “MP5” style SBR 9mm ?
Posted by AlexNowShuttup@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 25 comments
I’ve been searching here and elsewhere trying to understand the latest “state of the industry” if I want a “MP5 clone” SBR in 9mm. Lots of info I found is outdated or no longer in-production, what’s the deal nowadays ?
I saw this article which gave me some ideas: https://www.guns.com/news/2024/09/23/best-mp5-clones but that was last year.
Century arms AP5 ? But it’s so expensive, doesn’t that get closer to real HK prices almost ?
I like the MAC 5K, price is good but I don’t want the “K” short style, want the traditional MP5 handguard look.
ZENITH FIREARMS ZFS? Maybe fits the bill…but are they out of production? Seems hard to find in stock.
Anything else I should be aware of ?
I know there are .22 clones but not focused on that, right now. I’m fine with buying a “Pistol” then paperwork to SBR it with a Form 1. Want one with a threaded mount for my suppressor.
Darth_Dman32@reddit
Psa arv isn’t a clone but is cheap and looks fairly similar
AlexNowShuttup@reddit (OP)
I thought about just taking one of my existing AR-15 SBR’d lowers and making a 9mm out of it, but … in this case I wanted more historical MP5 “look and feel” for my collection.
Night_Raptor_22@reddit
I have one of these, and it runs like a scalded dog with an FRT in it. It’s stupid fast. And fun. 😁
I also have a Century Imported AP5-P and actually had issues with mine. Century told me to go fornicate myself.
EddieMcClintock@reddit
Where are you seeing your pricing? AP5s are ~$1100, SP5s are $2500+. You can split the difference with a PTR 9CT.
SayNoTo-Communism@reddit
I got a PTR9ct-cl for like 1270 beans
gun_runna@reddit
The AP5s are MKE imports unless something has changed. They’re made on old HK tooling and in my experience when zenith was importing them they were super reliable.
fitzbuhn@reddit
They are not made on old HK tooling - they were made on HK tooling like 50 years and all that is left of that is on display in the MKE lobby. The real thing they got was the complete data package and HK engineers back in the day to help them out but they have been coasting on that ever since.
gun_runna@reddit
You have more colts than I do guns. I choose to believe you. 👑
fitzbuhn@reddit
🙏🏼 just my personal pet peeve lol
gun_runna@reddit
I honestly appreciate you correcting me. It reinforces my superiority complex to be correct. I will now be that much more correct. Thanks friend.
Diligent-Parfait-236@reddit
And if OP is looking at old info that's likely the zf5 they're referring to and not their American reverse engineered ones.
gun_runna@reddit
The reverse engineered ones that suck tbh.
ExoticGeologist@reddit
Just get the AP5 LT(?) that Atlantic runs during the holidays for sale. It's like $875, is a full size pistol that can be easily SBR'ed and the only difference is it doesn't have trilug but has barrel threads
AlexNowShuttup@reddit (OP)
It doesn’t appear to be in-stock anymore. I see it listed on Atlantic’s website, made by MKE. Looks nice, but not seeing it in-stock nowadays?
Oh wait… the one in-stock are Century Arms AP5’s, made in Turkey by MKE, so … same item different name ?
Double_Minimum@reddit
Yes, MKE makes the guns that Century sells. They are the same gun, just cheaper from Atlantic. Mine from Atlantic were lower cost and literally come in cases and with manual from Century.
Same gun.
If you feel the need to pay a premium or can afford it, get an HK SP5, but otherwise wait until an Atlantic sale and get and AP5 for half that or less.
ExoticGeologist@reddit
The LT is a promotional model I believe since Atlantic only sells it during the holidays. It will likely be back around Black Friday since they sold it Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day this year.
gregiorp@reddit
Not sure about a timeframe but I got the POF MP5 and had no issues with it. They sporadically come into stock.
AngriestManinWestTX@reddit
If you're nervous about buying from Century/MKI, I got the Zenith ZF-5 "essentials" a few years ago for\~$1,400. They're in stock or backorderable (4-6 weeks) on the Zenith website. I've been impressed with my Zenith (looks great with an A2 or A3 stock on it) especially since I SBR'd it.
RedBullTaco@reddit
I have an AP5. It's been great. No problems at all.
LegendActual@reddit
The AP5 is less than half the price of an HK.
LedyardWS@reddit
I got a PTR 9ct on sale for 1k. A few issues with it so far but PTRs customer service is amazing and fast.
pingpongwatch@reddit
Check out the MAC 5, not the MAC 5K, picked up one for a smidge over 1k$, came with a hard case, 2 mags, strap and muzzle break, oh and it has a threaded barrel. One last thing, IT'S FUN TO SHOOT!
Pete_Steele556@reddit
MAC also makes a standard MP5 variant in addition to the MAC-5K. Probably the best bang for your buck right now.
AlexNowShuttup@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I see it now, “MAC 5 FULL SIZE PISTOL PACKAGE” I found at a dealer online.
Broke_Bak_Jak@reddit
MAC does make a full size version. PTR industries is a common recommendation for clones as well. With a bit of patience you can get an SP5 for well under MSRP, I got mine earlier this year for just under $2200, NIB, shipped to my LGS.