Heckler&Koch MP5 (Germany)

The MP5 is the culmination of countless efforts to blend reliability, controllability and firepower into a small package.   With the MP5, that design objective has been achieved.   The MP5 is that by which all other designs are judged. 

Originally designate the HK54, the MP5 has evolved into the most versatile weapon system in history.  In addition to being chambered in 9mm, versions have been built in the popular 40S&W and the over-powered 10mm. As of 2000,  with the introduction of the UMP, HK will only market the 9mm versions of the MP5 and the MP5K.  The MP5K is shorter version of the standard MP5.  The MP5K and the MP5K-PDW have become popular with counter terrorist and VIP protection groups, such as the State Departments DDS. Another version is the MP5SD,  this version has a built in sound suppressor.  One drawback to the design is the amount of velocity lost from the suppressor.  In fact, it slows the standard 9mm NATO round to the equivalent of a .380 ACP round. Due to the recycling of the expansion gases it is extremely dirty and maintenance requirement is higher.

The most famous scene for the MP5 would be Operation: Nimrod.  When the British SAS rescued hostages from the Iranian Embassy in May of 1980.  Since then the MP5 is synonymous with Counter-Terrorist and Special Police Groups...

 IMI UZI (Israel)

Data, UZI.
Caliber: 9x 19mm
Action: Blowback, fires from open bolt
Overall length: 47/65cm (collapsed/extended)
Barrel length: 26cm
Weight: 3.5kg empty, 4.104kg loaded/32rds.
Muzzle velocity: 400m/s (1312fps).
Muzzle energy:  637 J (470 ft/lb)
Cyclic rate of fire: select-fire, 650 rpm

Second only to the MP5 in popularity, the UZI came about during the 1950’s with the birth of the new nation of  Israel.  Designed by Israeli weapons genius Uziel Gal, It is considered as one of the most robust submachine guns ever developed. 

Over the years, several variants were developed, in 1980 the Mini-UZI was adopted.  With all the power of the original, the rugged Mini was simply a smaller package (also having a folding metal stock), mainly used by covert special forces. Most recently by counter-terrorist police in Peru.  From there, the UZI continued its shrinking act and soon the UZI pistol (or Micro-UZI) emerged as a miniature lightweight version.  Also, in 1980 the semi-auto UZI was introduced. The semi-auto versions were popular in the U.S. until 1989 when they were banned from importation, along with most foreign made military weapons.

The UZI probably reached its height of acceptance in the U.S. during the attempted assassination of President Reagan in 1981.  Secret Service agents used them in this incident to subdue the would-be assassin, John Hinckley Jr.

The UZI and its variants have been in service in at least 26 countries, and have been produced by seven manufacturers around the world.  Although replaced in military front-line service by more powerful assault rifles, the UZI remains in use by the police and soldiers in non-combat roles.  The gun’s merits will ensure its use for a long time to come.  The legendary Uziel Gal also remains on the scene (having also designed the Galil assault rifle) with his latest work reflected in the design of the Ruger MP9 sub gun.

Recently the Utah-based company Vector Arms began selling "fully transferable" full-auto UZI and later Mini-UZI models, as well as semi-auto variants as well.  Many argue the quality of these weapons are superior to the military or converted IMI guns of the past. 

Colt SMG (USA)

In an effort to compete with the MP5 and UZI, Colt redesign the popular M16 to fire 9mm.  Though larger than most of its competition the Colt SMG proved popular due to its high level of accuracy and it ability to feed almost any 9mm JHP  ammunition.  In fact this weapon was selected by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as their official support weapon.  The only drawback to this weapon is its size and the lack of customer support from Colt.

FN P90 (Belgium)

The biggest question militaries around the world has been how to arm how to arm troops whose primary mission is something other than the use of small arms; and how to arm troops who need compact firepower for conducting special operations. Until recently most real echelon support troops had the option of being armed with a pistol or pistol caliber submachine guns.  The biggest problem with these weapons has been performance on the modern battlefield.  Especially with the increased use of body armor. Even military Special Operation Units have began to move towards carbine versions of full power assault rifles.  For certain operations this can be considered over-kill and increases the chance of collateral damage. This is especially the case for counter-terrorist and SWAT units

The P90 incorporates the use of a high-tech polymer design combined with a lightweight high-performance cartridge for a versatile support weapon.  The 5.7x25mm bullet is superior pistol calibers in every way.  Its effective range is 200 meters, with the ability to penetrate body armor (w/ titanium  plate) at a distance up to 150 meters. The recoil considered less than a 9mm MP5.  No handgun caliber submachine gun comes close to this performance.

Heckler&Koch MP7 (Germany)

What appears upon first look to be a weapon design to compete with the FN series P90 in 5.7mm x 28, the PDW promises to be a huge improvement on that system.  The heavy use of polymer again shows the design direction that the HK engineers are taking.  With a conventional 20 round magazine in the pistol grip or an optional 40 round magazine that extends below the gun, one of the most amazing aspects of the gun is its size, or lack thereof.  It is only slightly larger than a SOCOM pistol!

Sporting a retractable shoulder stock and a very small heads up display sight reminiscent of the Eotech/Bushnell Holosight, the PDW also has a T-shaped cocking handle somewhat like the M16 series.

Select fire, with safe, semi and full auto modes of fire, and production models sporting the now familiar red and white bullet in box pictograms, the stated cyclic rate on full automatic is 950 rpm.  The PDW has a foldable forward vertical grip.  The magazine is conventional staggered box, and the magazine release behind the trigger guard looks almost interchangeable with the USP series handguns.

Several features of the G36 series are present in the PDW as you can see in the photos below.   Extensive use of polymer, the rotating bolt and gas system all reflect the G36 series.

Designed by Johnny Salaza,