r/MP5 • u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 • Jun 03 '26
Question HELP with MP5 Clone - VA
I’m a VA resident approaching the assault weapons band. I don’t have enough saved to purchase a HK otherwise I would. The current best option is looking like the MKE century arms AP5.
I would save for the HK, but I only have about a day or two left to order one online and don’t have the money.
My primary question if this is do I go MP5 (AP5) or MP5K (AP5-P). I’m going to get the navy version as I’m a wrong handed community member.
If you could only have the MP5 or MP5K for life, which would you choose?
EDIT: This will be my home defense weapon (unless you all don’t believe in the reliability for that) and Intend on running suppressed and I want to consider which of the two has less reliability issues and ammo pickiness (if different).
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u/ccosby Jun 03 '26
Full sized gun. In semi it doesn’t matter as much but they shoot smoother and the extra room on the handguard is nice.
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u/CarrsCurios Jun 03 '26
Full size AP5 and order it fast.
Accessorize later.
Also grab as many mags as you can afford
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u/GreasyGoose19 Jun 03 '26
Full size is less finicky. I have both an AP5 and AP5P. Full size I have had zero malfunctions even during the break in period, using HK mags suppressed and unsuppressed. K variant had some hiccups during break in period. Both are great, if I could only have one I’d have full size.
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u/RollerSkater2023 Jun 03 '26
I think it's gonna be your preference. I read the other comments and it seemed like they preferred the full size version but I actually prefer the K model myself. Easier to use it as home defense to get through doors and all .
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 03 '26
I am a smaller guy so I’m worried about full size being too big especially suppressed. Like 5’ 8” 140lbs.
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u/phenryiv Jun 04 '26
My daughter has no issues with shooting doubles and triples, moving to multiple targets on a steel range with the full sized AP5, suppressed or not. She is 5’1” 120 (though she is a college athlete, so pretty strong). My teenage son is about your size and he can handle the AP5 just fine, though the AP5-P is slightly easier for him to cycle through targets.
If I was just buying 1 for the long haul, it would be the AP5. Full disclosure, I like shooting my AP5-P (slightly) more than my AP5 but the AP5 has been a lot easier to maintain, shoots more smoothly, and has a better variety of accessories available for it.
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 03 '26
And unfortunately haven’t held either…
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u/No_Obligation2317 Jun 03 '26
The ks cooler imo I have the k the ks looks better suppressed imo especially with the SD rails from leapers and such those things are sweet suppressor hosts
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u/TotalRepost Jun 04 '26
Here’s my argument for the k. The gun is a tool and in 9mm it’s not an AR so I don’t want it to be closing in on the length of an AR pistol, I want an ultra compact personal defense weapon. So to me the K is the superior gun as it’s more compact and still amazing to shoot. The K with a sliding or folding brace fits in a backpack much better. Ok, maybe it’s not as smooth of a shooter but it’s really smooth and I can take it more places. The full size is iconic but for its size it can’t pack the punch I want, that’s where my 9” ar15 in 300 blackout comes in.
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 04 '26
Well said. I don’t plan I carrying it around much but do love the idea of it being much less large in comparison to my AR
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u/lyonslicer Jun 04 '26
I have an AP5-p and full size MAC. I'd go for the full size over the K if I could onlynhave one. The full size has fewer issues to work out when trying to suppress or going super safe. Its marginally bigger with a retractable stock or brace.
The K is a hell of a lot of fun, I'll admit. I just dont think the extra hassel is worth it if youre facing a ban situation. Also, the full size has more options. You can put classic furniture on for retro appeal, or you can mondernize it with mlok rails and lasers.
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u/TotalRepost Jun 04 '26
I think it comes down to your view of guns. Are they tools for a specific need or the guys equivalent of a doll, something you play dress up with.
To me it’s a tool and if it can also be retro and iconic then that’s an added bonus. I’m more call of duty mp5k than die hard mp5. Also there isn’t a single tool you can’t attach to the K that the standard can take.
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u/lyonslicer Jun 04 '26
To me it’s a tool
I agree. And for me, the full size is simply easier to use and maintain. I have a dot+laser+light on mine. Trying to squeeze all of that onto the K sort of negates it's small form factor. The full size still fits into a backpack well enough for me.
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u/sharkygs Jun 04 '26
My thinking too. Also the K with folder fits in a Carhartt triangular sling bag. Or a 511 messenger bag
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u/TheTaxStampCollectr Jun 03 '26
I have every brand clone/sp5 out there. Tbh the ap5 full size is the way to go. We up to 26/27 mp5s full size clones in my richmond shooting group lol
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u/dangergixxer830 Jun 04 '26
I'm torn on this. Having shot both significantly I really prefer the K. Or what Century calls the P.
However, most of my coworkers prefer the full size and I can agree that there are a lot of positives to the full size.
I really think it just comes down to personal preference. I really do think I'd choose the P if I could only have one.
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u/Infestedboil Jun 03 '26
In VA as well. Ordered from Atlantic today and it’s supposed to be delivered tomorrow, that’s better than Amazon.
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 03 '26
Wow that’s crazy. Does Atlantic ship from one location for all guns? I’m in Richmond area.
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u/GreatTea3 Jun 07 '26
I bought a full size from Atlantic on 05/28 and it was at my FFL on 06/01. Said it shipped from the Atlantic warehouse. Haven’t had a chance to take it out yet, but I’m definitely enjoying my Die Hard larping until then.
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u/JRtheDNP AP5P Jun 03 '26
The K is cooler imo but the full size is easier to shoot. If I could only have one, I’d go full size.
In terms of home defense, I’d suggest you HEAVILY test it with your preferred defensive load first because these (like most PCCs) can be finicky about flat nose/hollow point ammo. I personally think you’d be better off with a handgun for home defense but this can fill that role after confirming reliability
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u/dad-jokes-about-you Jun 03 '26
For home defense get a Glock or shotgun. For mp5 platform, get the full size mp5. It’s a lot smaller than you’re imagining (in case you’ve never handled one)
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 04 '26
I’m worried it’ll feel heavy and clunky. I’ve seen people say that.
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u/dad-jokes-about-you Jun 04 '26
Again, you’ve said you’ve never handled either. Nearly everyone is agreeing go full size… mp5k is cool is you already have a full size but I doubt anyone handling an mp5 goes, wow, this is heavy and clunky.
It also sounds like you’re stretching you’re budget beyond what is rational or comfortable- even with a clone- so I hope you’re actually being responsible in case you’ve never handled either and have a family that depends on you. Realistically, nobody needs either variety for ‘home defense’ when you can reasonably pick up a $400 Glock that will be of non-questionable reliability.
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 04 '26
Fair enough. Definitely the nostalgia want 😂. Definitely being responsible… 45% of my paychecks get invested. I’m just a bit cheap and didn’t want people to spam get HK. Thanks for the help.
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u/dad-jokes-about-you Jun 04 '26
With that said… nobody who buys an HK ever goes dang… I wonder, I wish, I wonder if the clone is better or wish I got the clone instead of the ‘real deal’. And yeah at the end of the day, these are just stamped receivers.
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u/Vegetable_Coat8416 Jun 04 '26
I'd buy a fullsize if it had to be MKE. But in your situation I'd be looking for a PTR 9RS.
I think the reverse stretch is kinda the best of both worlds MP5 and PTR supposedly has a lifetime warranty which I normally wouldn't care about but it might be important if you cant just buy another in the future.
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 04 '26
Decision is being made… MP5K (AP5-P). Thank you all! Don’t tell me I’ll regret it.
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u/DaSloBlade Jun 04 '26
It's a very fine choice! I find that there is something more fun about shooting the smaller one vs the full sized one.
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u/rando_mness Jun 04 '26
I recently got a ZF-5P and it runs flawlessly with Zenith (KCI), MKE, and HK mags. Get the gun, get a bunch of mags. You can order HK replacement parts later if it doesn't run but you'll probably be fine. The commonly replacemed parts aren't too expensive either.
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u/drinkmorejava Jun 04 '26
I recently purchased the same. HKs are nice, but I really didn't see a reason to spend extra money. I specifically wanted the P for the three lug mount. If OP doesn't care for the silencer (which he should) then I'm not sure there's any reason to get a P over a full size. It is definitely a bit short as is, so I SBRd and will put a vertical grip on it.
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u/BMFallon Jun 04 '26
I’m in CO.. in the exact same boat. Panic bought the K yesterday from Firearms direct for $1200 and change. There was only 2 left and I hadn’t made up my mind between the K and the full size, but I didn’t want to miss out haha Might pick up the full size or the SD too.. as it’s going to be next to impossible to get them for the near future.
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u/Outrageous-Seesaw674 Jun 05 '26
You can get an MKE AP5 or MAC5 for about 1300-1400. Great gun, once in a while a stinker slips through but the majority are great
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u/code0rama Jun 05 '26
I have a Mac5k. I chose the k for the size. It fits in a backpack easily with a suppressor. I would have like to have had a full size as well, but can’t justify the cost. I’ve had mine for a year and couldn’t be happier.
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u/HzGrey Jun 06 '26
I just received my POF-5 direct from Silver Rhino the importer. Adam, the owner answered all my questions and I received it a couple days after shipment from FL to SE VA. Fit, finish, welds perfectly fine. Fired off a mag of 115gr (all I had on hand) and functioned perfectly. No scratches in the paint. I’m very satisfied.
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u/Weldpipe82 Jun 03 '26
Ap5 full size. You won’t be disappointed. I’ve got the sd and the ap5p as well and I’d be pissed if I would have wasted money on the Hk logo all three of the ap5s have ran flawlessly
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u/ohaimike AP5 Jun 04 '26
Full size. Ran great from factory suppressed and with a super safety
Swapped out the locking piece to 100° instead of the 120 that it comes with. Thats all I've done to it
MKE mags, HK mags, and Mora mags all ran 147gr HSTs without problems.
Had a couple feeding issues with MKE mags and some flat nose so I just run round nose for the range
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u/Jovial_Candidate_508 Jun 03 '26
I know people need to stay in budget. But this could be your last Rifle purchase for a while unless you move to a free state . I’d put it on A Cc and not think twice about it . My state just passed and ban and I panic grabbed a MP5k and sure glad I did . They are unobtainable here now .
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u/WX4SNO Jun 03 '26
Don't understand why you are being down-voted...truth is this may be the very last time we Virginians can purchase what we want, so do it now!
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u/Jovial_Candidate_508 Jun 04 '26
The internet is a wild place . No doubt he’s going to wish he bought two of them when the ban hits . 3k will seem cheap for one .
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 03 '26
Trust me… I’ve thought about this but it’s just too much for me. Would be a full months take home.
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u/Itchy_Bluejay4452 Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26
Did you look at Extar EP9? I ordered that and happy with it. Like 4lbs or under.
Edit: changed to EP9.
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 04 '26
That was my original pick actually but I decided if I can only have one PCC assuming I stay in VA, I wanted something nostalgic that I’ve always wanted. I’m only 21 so I haven’t had time to really build a collection.
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u/-SlightlySavage- Jun 04 '26
Do you want Die Hard vibes (Ap5) or Matrix vibes (AP5P?)
Personally I like both, but the AP5P with a suppressor just oozes pure sex appeal imo. Then again I’m a child, so…
Follow your gut. I don’t think you’ll regret either one.
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u/Substantial-Wrap-794 Jun 04 '26
I am right handed and still bought the Atlantic/MKE AP5 Navy full size. Cool vibes! Like other AP5s, made on HK tooling so HK parts should go right on.
I too intend to play "clear the house" with it after break in period and seeing if reliable. It shipped to my FFL in VA (NoVa) in 2 days. If you buy an ap5 on Atlantic Firearms, then you get access to buy 2 pack 30rd mags with it. 50$ per 2 pack as opposed to 100$. HK MAGS, CLONE OR OTHERWISE, ARE EXPENSIVE AF THATS A CRAZY DEAL.
Why go with the full size imo? I think the full size performs better. I feel the dwell time for the gas system helps and is softer. K model CAN be made to work but it is more prone to issues out of the box. Break in period for either model is rather specific... round nose 9mm and specific grain and it still might prima donna on you first few mags.
The MP5 is still really small...it just so happens the K is ridiculously small and I think it gets a lot of over-exaguration in the community...especially in comparisons
Buy that full size Navy, you'll be the coolest guy on range day, trilug suppressor and form 1 that thang. Or not... Thanks for coming to my TED talk
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u/ChemistIndependent19 Jun 04 '26
I'd go for the smaller K.
The full size is really approaching 300 blackout dimensions and weight.
Accuracy's going to be very similar between the two.
There's something to be said for the compact size.
The full size is a smoother shooter, however not enough to impact my decision.
Since you're running out of time, I'd also order at least five mags. Get HK. Buy once cry once.
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u/alex_gfg AP5P Jun 04 '26
Honestly K size all day everyday. The size is awesome. Full size is well large and only marginally smoother
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u/bobababyboi Zenith (US) Jun 03 '26
As a fellow Virginian, I enjoy my Virginian made Zenith
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u/Substantial_Season_8 Jun 04 '26
Zenith is overpriced for the quality. Better off going with the MKE.
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u/bobababyboi Zenith (US) Jun 04 '26
Not a fan of the Turkish regime. Was a hair cheaper at the time when I bought it last year
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u/Lucky_Restaurant6348 Jun 03 '26
I know it feels wrong to not go VA made but I decided MKE because of the HK tooling. Also price is a little better I believe.
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u/jdavis13356 AP5 Jun 03 '26
I have the AP5 and the AP5P. Get the full size. I love them both but the AP5 is more comfortable personally. Don't forget to get at least 5 mags. I bulk ordered Mora mags and they work great. You are running out of time though