Best MP5 Clones Reviewed: Buyer's Guide & Comparison Chart

Quick Answer

MP5 clones bring HK's legendary design to civilian shooters with options ranging from budget .22LR trainers to high-end, hand-built tactical models. Top choices include the HK SP5K, Zenith Z-5, PTR 9CT, Dakota Tactical D54, and HK's .22LR variant. Prices vary from $500 to $3,900, with pros and cons for each option depending on your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• MP5 clones = semi-auto civilian versions of HK's MP5
• Best budget option: HK MP5 .22LR
• Best authentic clone: HK SP5K
• Runner-up: Zenith Z-5 with modular configs
• Most modern: PTR 9CT
• Premium pick: Dakota Tactical D54

The Legend Behind the MP5

"Ho, ho, ho, now I have a machine gun"... These immortal words from Die Hard's John McClane helped cement the MP5's place in pop culture forever. But the gun's real-world reputation was already legendary.

For decades, the MP5 has been the choice of top police and military units. Most people remember the iconic photos of the British SAS storming the Iranian Embassy in 1980 with MP5s in hand. That single moment carved the gun’s image into history.

HK first built the MP5 in the 1960s, based on the G3 rifle design. Back then it was called the HK54. Soon after, it became one of the most widely used submachine guns ever. More than 40 nations adopted it for law enforcement and military service. 

For regular gun owners, getting hands on a genuine MP5 seemed impossible. That's where clones come in. They are semi-automatic copies that let civilians experience the magic of German engineering without the full-auto capabilities (or the hassle of getting a Class 3 license).

Why Consider an MP5 Clone?

The MP5 is not just a gun but It’s a pop icon too. Movies, games, and TV shows have kept it front and center. From Counter-Strikeplayers to Die Hardfans, the appeal is everywhere..

But getting an actual MP5 isn't easy. Import restrictions, German export laws, and the ban on new civilian machine guns since 1986 mean the real deal is nearly impossible to obtain. That's why clones exist and they are here to fill that gap in the market.

MP5 clones offer many benefits:

• They're legal for civilian ownership
• They come in various price points
• They maintain the feel and function of the original
• Many accept original HK parts and accessories
• They're still fun to shoot despite lacking full-auto capability

The roller-delayed blowback system that makes the MP5 famous delivers smooth shooting with minimal recoil. This is something that remains true even in semi-auto clones. This unique action is what sets the MP5 apart from blowback-operated guns like the UMP that tried to replace it.

MP5 Clone Comparison Chart

Best MP5 Clones

1. Best .22LR Clone - H&K MP5 .22LR

Let's face it – not everyone can drop thousands on a 9mm MP5 clone. That's where HK's own rimfire version comes in. This gun brings the MP5 experience to the masses without breaking the bank. Branded by HK/Umarex, the .22LR MP5 is actually manufactured in Germany by Walther under license to Umarex.

HK teamed up with Umarex for this .22LR copy. It looks like the real thing and feels close too. The charging handle, the safety, even the layout—it all matches. That makes it handy for training or just blasting cans at the range.

The big draw here is cost. .22LR ammo is cheap compared to 9mm. You can shoot all afternoon without feeling guilty. Recoil is barely there, so beginners enjoy it just as much as seasoned hands.

And it doesn’t stop there. The barrel is threaded for suppressors. You can add optics. You can even slap on a pistol brace. Those extras turn it from a simple plinker into something that feels closer to a full-sized MP5.

For anyone who wants that classic MP5 style but can’t swing the 9mm price, this is the answer. Sure, it doesn’t hit as hard—but it’s pure fun in every pull of the trigger.

Price: Around $499

Specs

• Caliber: .22LR
• Barrel Length: 8.5″
• Length: 18.2″
• Weight: 5.9 lbs
• Capacity: 25+1

Features

• Authentic MP5-style controls
• Compatible with optics and braces
• Threaded barrel for suppressor use

Pros

• Affordable and easy to find
• Great for training and practice
• Lightweight and low recoil

Cons

• Limited to rimfire use
• Not suited for defense
• Magazines empty quickly

2. Most Authentic Clone - HK SP5K

This is as close as most civilians will ever get to owning a genuine HK MP5. Made in the same German factories as the real deal, the SP5K brings authentic HK quality to the civilian market.

The SP5K represents HK's answer to overwhelming consumer demand. After watching the clone market boom, HK finally caved and produced their own civilian-legal version. The result is a premium firearm with the fit and finish only HK can deliver.

Of course, German engineers had to make some changes to satisfy both German export laws and US import restrictions. The gun lacks a paddle magazine release (a signature MP5 feature), can't accept full-auto parts, and comes with an unusual handguard. The barrel isn't threaded either, which seems like an odd omission.

But once you start shooting, you forget the quirks. The roller-delayed blowback runs smooth as butter. The balance feels spot-on in the hands. Add an SB Tactical brace and you’ve got something that handles like a dream.

Yes, the $2,600 price tag stings. But you’re paying for authenticity—for German craftsmanship straight from the source. For HK purists and collectors, nothing else compares.

Price: Around $2,672

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 5.83″
• Length: 13.80″
• Weight: 4.20 lbs
• Capacity: 30+1

Features

• Optics-ready mount system
• Can be paired with SB Tactical braces
• Smooth recoil and dependable cycling

Pros

• Closest legal civilian version of the MP5K. 
• Superb accuracy
• Compact and well-balanced

Cons

• No paddle magazine release
• Barrel not threaded for SP5K (but newer SP5 variants are threaded) 
• Pricey compared to others

3. Runner-Up Clone - Zenith Z-5 Series

Zenith deserves credit for kickstarting the modern MP5 clone renaissance. When they burst onto the scene with high-quality clones at reasonable prices, they changed the game for everyone.

Early Zenith Z-5s were imported Turkish-made MKE guns produced on licensed HK machinery, which gave them authentic HK-derived tooling and feel. What makes Zenith special is their manufacturing process. These guns are made on original German HK tooling or licensed-equivalent machinery, which gives them a level of authenticity that's hard to match. More recently, Zenith’s ZF-series are manufactured in the U.S., so newer Zenith guns are American-made rather than Turkish imports. The result is a firearm that feels remarkably close to the real thing. 

The Z-5 series comes in various configurations to suit different needs. You can choose from pistols, rifles, and even the rare AOW (Any Other Weapon) version of the MP5K with its iconic forward grip. This variety means there's a Zenith for almost any taste.

Beyond the basics, Zenith adds value with included accessories. Each gun ships with three magazines and a covert carry bag – extras that would cost hundreds elsewhere. The cold-hammer-forged barrels come threaded for suppressors, another bonus missing from the HK SP5K.

For those wanting a balance between authenticity and modern features, Zenith hits the sweet spot. Models with M-LOK handguards satisfy those seeking a more tactical setup, and traditional versions keep purists happy.

Price: Around $1,708

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 8.9″
• Length: 17.9″
• Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Capacity: 30+1

Features

• Cold-hammer-forged barrel with threading
• Ships with three magazines + covert carry bag
• Available with M-LOK handguards or claw mounts

Pros

• Good balance of quality and price
• Multiple configurations (rifle, pistol, AOW)
• Ready-to-go out of the box

Cons

• Past models had grip issues (now improved)
• Harder to find compared to HK

4. Most Modern Clone - PTR 9CT

PTR Industries built its reputation on G3 clones, so stepping into MP5 territory made perfect sense. After all, both guns share the same roller-delayed blowback system that HK pioneered.

What sets PTR apart is their American manufacturing. These guns are made in the USA from start to finish and so it is appealing to those who prefer to buy American. And they do it at a price point that makes the MP5 experience more accessible.

The 9CT model strikes a nice balance between classic and modern. It maintains the core MP5 design but adds contemporary touches like welded-on optics rails and M-LOK handguards. These updates make it easier to add the accessories today's shooters expect.

PTR doesn't skimp on the details that matter. The 9CT includes both the paddle and push-button magazine releases. It gives users the best of both worlds. Reportedly compatible with certain registered auto sears, but not marketed for that purpose — compatibility is model-dependent and not guaranteed. 

The company offers several variants beyond the standard 9CT. You'll find full-sized rifles, compact K-style pistols, and everything in between. This variety, combined with the attractive price point, makes PTR a compelling option for many buyers.

Price: Around $1,687

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 8.86″
• Length: 17.6″
• Weight: 5.05 lbs
• Capacity: 30+1

Features

• Welded rail for optics
• Paddle + push-button magazine release
• Comes in multiple pistol and rifle models

Pros

• Most affordable MP5 clone in 9mm
• Modular and customizable
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Heavier than some rivals
• Slightly less ergonomic

5. Premium Pick - Dakota Tactical D54

Dakota Tactical occupies the high-end niche of the MP5 clone market. These are not mass-produced guns. In fact, they're handcrafted pieces built by dedicated craftsmen who know the MP5 platform inside and out.

What makes Dakota Tactical special is their attention to detail. Each gun is built from the ground up with quality as the primary focus. The result is a firearm that DT guns are regarded by many as having equal or superior fit and finish to factory HK products. 

The D54 model represents their flagship offering, but Dakota Tactical produces several variants. You'll find compact models, reverse stretch frames (combining K-style receivers with full-length barrels), and classic configurations. This variety lets buyers get exactly what they want, not just what's available.

The premium quality comes with premium pricing. Starting around $3,900, these guns aren't for everyone. But those who can afford them receive something special: a truly hand-built American MP5 that will likely become a family heirloom.

Due to their small-batch production methods, waiting lists are common. Many buyers order directly from Dakota Tactical and wait patiently for their gun to be built. The wait can be lengthy, but owners consistently report that the finished product justifies the patience.

Price: Around $3,899+

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm (other calibers available)
• Barrel Length: 8.85″ (varies by model)
• Capacity: 30+1
• Action: Roller-delayed

Features

• Multiple configurations: compact, reverse stretch, and classic line
• True made-in-USA construction
• Hand-built to exacting standards

Pros

• Exceptional quality and accuracy
• Wide variety of configurations
• Trusted by serious MP5 fans

Cons

• Very expensive
• Limited availability; may require long wait times

How to Choose the Right MP5 Clone

Picking the right MP5 clone comes down to a few key factors:

Budget vs. Authenticity

How much does being "HK genuine" matter to you? If you need the real German deal, only the SP5K will do and you'll pay for that privilege. If you're OK with high-quality clones, you can save money with PTR or Zenith. Dakota Tactical sits in a unique position: more expensive than HK but built with extraordinary care and attention.

Intended Use

What do you plan to do with your MP5? For casual plinking and Die Hard reenactments, the .22LR version might be perfect. For home defense, a 9mm model makes more sense. For collectors seeking the closest thing to military/police units, the SP5K or Dakota Tactical D54 deserve consideration.

Configuration Preferences

Do you want a pistol with a brace or a full-length rifle? The classic MP5 look or a modernized M-LOK version? Different manufacturers excel at different configurations. Zenith offers the hard-to-find MP5K AOW, PTR delivers modern tactical options, and Dakota Tactical can build almost anything you want.

Parts Compatibility

Will you modify your gun? Some clones accept more original HK parts than others. If upgrading with German parts matters, research which platform offers the best compatibility with what you want to add.

Availability

Some models are easier to find than others. The HK .22LR tends to be readily available, the SP5K comes and goes, Zenith and PTR appear sporadically, and Dakota Tactical usually involves a wait list. Your patience level might influence your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are MP5 clones legal in the US?

Yes, semi-automatic MP5 clones are legal in most states. However, state and local laws vary regarding magazine capacity, pistol braces, and other features. Always check your local regulations before purchasing. Some configurations like short-barreled rifles require NFA tax stamps.

2. What's the difference between HK SP5K and Dakota Tactical D54?

The SP5K is made by HK in Germany on the same production lines as military/police MP5s but modified for civilian use. The D54 is hand-built in America with extraordinary attention to detail. The SP5K lacks some features (paddle release, threaded barrel) that come standard on the D54. Dakota Tactical offers more customization options but at a higher price point.

3. Can MP5 clones accept full-auto parts?

Some can, some can't. The HK SP5K is specifically designed NOT to accept full-auto trigger packs. PTR models are reportedly compatible with registered auto sears. However, installing full-auto parts in a semi-auto firearm is illegal unless you have the appropriate FFL/SOT licenses. Don't do it.

4. Is the HK .22LR MP5 good for training?

Yes, it's excellent for training basic handling, reloads, and sight picture at a fraction of the cost of 9mm ammunition. The controls mirror the real MP5 and so it makes for good muscle memory development. However, it lacks the recoil impulse and exact trigger feel of 9mm models.

5. Which MP5 clone is best for beginners?

The HK MP5 .22LR is ideal for beginners due to its lower cost, minimal recoil, and cheap ammunition. For those ready to start with 9mm, the PTR 9CT offers the best value with good quality at a reasonable price point. First-time MP5 owners should avoid the most expensive options until they're sure the platform suits their needs.

About the Author

This article was written by the Pro Armory writing team based on current research, including studies from reputable sources like the Journal of Military Science, Firearms News, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. We also referenced trusted information from official defense publications and respected firearm authorities such as the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer manuals.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. Pro Armory does not endorse any specific product and recommends all firearm purchases be made in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Specifications and prices may change after publication.