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Heckler & Koch MP5 Identification Guide
 Work In Progress This article is still under construction. It may contain factual errors. See Talk:Heckler & Koch MP5 Identification Guide for current discussions. Content is subject to change. |
Please, don't panic when you see this page. I am currently editing this, but I wanted to save it early on in case of a computer crash or something. As I am currently editing this, please refrain from making any edits. Thanks.--JazzBlackBelt-- 20:00, 30 March 2012 (CDT)
This page is intended as a guide to identify the various H&K manufactured MP5 variants. This is not a complete list of all variants produced by H&K, and only contains those variants that have appeared in media. The preferred term for identification, be it the model name or simply the model number, is highlighted in bold.
| Weapon Name | Forearm | Trigger Grouping | Stock | Barrel Length | Magazine Type | Magazine Release | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP5A2 | Tropical | SEF, Navy | Solid Fixed | 20" | Standard Curved | Paddle | 
|
Glossary
Forearms
Slimline
The earliest version of the MP5 forearm which can easily be identified by its textured surface and slim profile. This forearm was used on the original production MP5A3, but can be fitted onto any MP5.
Tropical
The second forearm to be produced with the MP5. This is identified by its smooth polymer surface and larger profile. This is the current forearm on most MP5's.
Dedicated Forend
A unique forearm to incorporate a light into the forearm. These are produced by many third-party companies, and can be fitted to any standard length MP5.
RIS
This is a forearm with integrated rails. These are also manufactured by many third-party companies, and can be fitted to any standard length MP5.
MP5K Vertical Grip
The vertical grip used only on MP5K's. Due to the shorter barrel of the MP5K, this can only be fitted onto an MP5K.
SP89 Forearm
This forearm comes standard with SP89's. Similar to the MP5K, but without a foregrip and an extended shroud.
Trigger Groups
SEF
Used on the original MP5's, and still comes standard on most. Identified by an S-E-F pattern and
A variant of the slabside receiver with a screw pin at the front of the receiver is used on early Sporter models up to the AR-15A2 Sporter II. This variant of the slabside lower receiver is much more common than the genuine military slabside lower, meaning it is often used as a stand in for the correct M16 lower receiver in television and movies.
Most notably used on the XM16E1, although also used on a number of contemporary carbines and experimental weapons, the partial fence lower features a horizontal ridge under the ejection port, a captive push pin at the front pivot, and an unfenced magazine release button. The term partial fence is a misnomer as the ridge on the side of the receiver is unrelated to the magazine release button, but is instead a housing for the detent spring which retains the new push pin. The partial fence name has only been applied retroactively in relation to the later full fence lower.
Stocks
Solid Fixed
A solid stock without an internal storage compartment and one piece butt pad was used on rifles prior to the M16A1. This stock can also be identified by hinged rear sling loop.
Extending
The M16A1 introduced an internal storage compartment into the stock accessed by a textured trapdoor in the butt pad. The original hinged rear sling loop was also replaced by a simpler and more robust fixed loop.
PDW
The M16A2 used a new stock that was slightly longer (16mm, nearly indistinguishable to the regular observer) and made from a much stronger material. The easiest may to differentiate this stock from that found on the M16A1 is the squarer edges on the butt pad, and the fact that the butt pad is chequered over its entire surface (as opposed to the A1 stock which was only textured on the trapdoor cover).
Magazine Releases
Paddle
The original AR-15 flash hider, referred to as the “Duckbill”, was only seen on early prototypes. It was quickly abandoned due to the tendency of the front prongs to break off.
Push-Button
A strengthened variant of the early Duckbill flash hider, this could be seen on the majority of colt weapons prior to the M16A1.
