Shortly after introducing the MP5 submachine gun, Heckler & Koch added an integrally suppressed model to its line at the request of special operations forces. It was called the MP5SD, for “schalldampfer”, or suppressed. In order to minimize noise, the barrel was drilled with holes immediately in front of the chamber to bleed off combustion gases and reduce the muzzle velocity below the speed of sound.
The first model was available in 1968, and used a wire mesh type of suppressor. This proved unacceptable, as it became excessively fouled within just 70 rounds of firing. Between 1970 and 1972 a new pattern was developed, using a round aluminum tube body and an internal set of baffles formed from a single piece of aluminum square section tubing. This was light and easily manufactured, and would prove to work exceedingly well - setting the MP5SD at the top of the heap for suppressed submachine guns. It has really not fallen from this position since, thanks to an excellent combination of noise suppression, accuracy, weight, and balance.
VIDEO HERE (8:05 minutes)
And about as heavy as a Cadillac too. But all those guys are in good shape. Right?
ReplyDeleteIf ya never had the good fortune to spend a bit of time shooting one of them you missed one of life's real treats.
ReplyDeleteUsed to be my fave years ago but not anymore.
ReplyDeleteFor those after one, get it from S&H Arms. Aerospace class welding and workmanship.
When I lived in the safe-house in Kabul the lead guy living there had a H&K MP5SD. It was a sweet gun and fairly quiet. I slept with a 870 Magnum 12 gauge at my side but my daily carry was a Russian PP-919 Kashtan in 9x18 Mac rounds. The suppressor was shot out and was at half volume. I carried 10-30 round mags when I was outside the safe-house or the bases. I would love to have a 919 in 9x19 Luger here in the states. Select fire is a cool option.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always wanted a 9mm sub gun, especially one of those. But, since I ain’t got that kind of coin, it’ll be a CZ scorpion pistol with a suppressor I gotta screw onto the end. Maybe one day.
ReplyDeleteGator
I used to do LE training. The SD was a lot of fun. The bigger departments had them and many of those used WW silvertips.
ReplyDeleteThe barrel did bleed power from supersonic to subsonic.
A few years later subsonic became the rage. The suppressor would also bleed the subsonic down. This could cause some malfunctions. Especially in colder weather.
The screw on external suppressors became popular and were quiet also.
All of the guns were fun to shoot and very easy to teach for new shooters.
Paul J
Here is another very informative video concerning the development of the MP5SD.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKKpH7tsAns
I've always wanted the MP5/10.
One of the best days of my life was going to the range at Ft Campbell with a buddy from 5th Group at the end of the fiscal year to burn off ammo. I shot the BAR, the AK-47, AK-74 and the MP5. Seriously, next to weddings and children being born, best day ever.
ReplyDelete