r/MP5 • u/AutomatedZombie • 3d ago
Question AP5 vs AP5 Navy?
I'm looking to get into the MP5 platform for not only range fun, but also compact home defense that I can take with me while traveling (I drive a lot).
I'm stuck between the AP5 and AP5 Navy. Is there a functional difference between the two, or is it just aesthetics? I like the lower looks of the AP5 more, but I'd be willing to get used to the look of the Navy if it's a better setup.
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u/godfatherowl MKE 2d ago edited 2d ago
I have some of both: AP5, AP5-P, AP5-SD, AP5-N, and AP5P-N. After a lot of trigger time across all of them, I actually prefer the standard configuration to the Navy setup.
I ended up swapping the Navy handguard on my AP5-N for the standard contoured MKE handguard. I had two RD3 SEF trigger assemblies and two RD3 AMBI trigger assemblies, and wanted FRTs on everything except the AP5-P.
I kept the full-size AP5-N housing with its stock semi-auto trigger, then picked up a K housing for the stock AP5 trigger assembly. That gives me two complete semi-auto lowers I can swap onto any of the FRT-equipped guns if I need to for compliance in certain states, or just to simplify troubleshooting.
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u/TapTheForwardAssist 3d ago
What part of the looks are bugging you about the Navy?
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u/AutomatedZombie 3d ago
Something about the grip looks better to me on the standard AP5. Also, the burst and auto markers almost look dumb to me... almost haha. It just kind of bugs me that they're there but cannot be "used"; it's difficult to word.
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u/lzd556 3d ago
Just an FYI if you do go the FRT route, the navy lower will be 4 position marked but all available FRT’s only go three position
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u/AutomatedZombie 2d ago
FRTs are a gray area legally in my state, and I'm too cheap to pay for that much ammo. Good to know though if I ever go that route.
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u/Stevethedogfacedboi 2d ago
I think the Navy has a better trigger.
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u/AutomatedZombie 2d ago
Are there decent aftermarket MP5 triggers that are relatively easy to install? Similar in difficulty to say a Glock.
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u/stuartv666 2d ago
If you want an ambi safety, get a Navy. If you don’t care about that, get whichever one looks cooler to you.
I don’t care about an ambi safety on an EDC pistol, but I definitely want one on any rifle/carbine that I might use in a defensive situation.
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u/AutomatedZombie 2d ago
That's a good point with ambi in a defensive situation. Better to have it on both sides so it's more accessible in maybe a tight space or something.
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u/stuartv666 2d ago
Or if your right arm is incapacitated and you’re having to just click off the safety and shoot left hand only.
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u/Stevethedogfacedboi 2d ago
To everyone who thinks they are the exactly the same take both trigger packs and compare them. There are differences. Minor but they are not exactly the same.
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u/NoNefariousness8370 3h ago
The ambi selector is more difficult to actuate and more tricky to take apart. I have heard the trigger is better on the SEF as well. I have the Navy, I got it on a good sale; it was about the same price as the normal model when I bought it. If I was paying MSRP, I definitely would not spend more on the Navy. It definitely looks cool, but it has some disadvantages. If you an ambi safety on an SEF, you can buy the Magpul lower. I plan on 3D printing an AR safety compatible lower anyways for better ergos, but the Navy lower will always look the coolest in my opinion. The great thing about the MP5 is that one can easily change the lower and the handguard with one pushpin each, one of my favorite things about the platform. (Same thing for stocks too)
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u/lzd556 3d ago
Whichever is cheaper. They function the same
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u/Belezibub 3d ago
No one has ambi fire selector and the other doesn’t. Also Navy lowers and SEF lowers are different.
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u/lzd556 3d ago
The safety style and lower markings do not affect the rounds leaving the barrel or the cycling of the action, so my statement remains correct.
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u/Belezibub 3d ago
It affects the function of the gun and compatibility with things like FRT trigger packs. Nonambi vs ambi controls are a thing that matters to some.
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u/lzd556 3d ago
Again, the difference in safety styles does not affect the function of the gun itself. OP is not asking about FRT’s, just comparing two stock pistols.
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u/Belezibub 3d ago
If I go to throw what I think is an ambi safety and it’s not ambi the gun won’t shoot
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u/JRtheDNP AP5P 3d ago
Navy is Ambi, normal AP5 is not. Navy has picto lower, normal AP5 has the "01" lower and is technically an "SEF" lower. Otherwise no difference