H&K MP5 .22 LR Review: Specs, Features, Accuracy, Upgrades & More

Iconic. Legendary. Famous. The MP5 submachine gun needs little introduction to firearms fans. For decades, this German-engineered firearm has dominated movies, military operations, and the wish lists of gun enthusiasts everywhere. Now, thanks to a partnership between Heckler & Koch and Umarex, you can own a .22 LR version of this famous firearm without breaking the bank.

But here's the real question – is this rimfire replica just a fun range toy, or does it serve as a legitimate training tool for those who dream of owning the real deal? Let's find out if this scaled-down version lives up to the MP5 legacy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Authentic MP5 controls and handling
• Compact and maneuverable design
• Uses inexpensive .22 LR ammunition
• Much more affordable than centerfire MP5 models
• Manually lockable bolt for administrative handling 
• Threaded barrel for suppressors

Drawbacks

• Limited practical applications beyond fun and training
• Magazine release can be difficult to reach
• Some controls aren't lefty-friendly
• Magazines don't drop freely

Bottom Line: The H&K MP5 .22 LR delivers a surprisingly authentic MP5 experience at a fraction of the cost. It's not going to replace your home defense gun, but for H&K fans or those looking for a fun training tool, it hits the target nicely.

Technical Specifications & Core Highlights

Let's get down to the numbers and features that make up this rimfire recreation:

Key Specs:

• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
• Action: Blowback operated
• Magazine Capacity: 25-round magazine 
• Overall Length: 18.2 inches
• Barrel Length: 8.5 inches
• Height: approximately 10.2 inches 
• Width: 2.3 inches
• Weight: 5.9 pounds
• MSRP: $399-$499 (depending on retailer)

Standout Features:

• Ambidextrous safety selector; some controls remain right-hand biased 
• Last round bolt hold-open
• Adjustable rear sight
• 1/2×28 threaded barrel
• Realistic MP5 charging handle
• Magazine follower tabs for easier loading 

The pistol version comes with a triangular fore-end and a sling attachment point at the receiver's rear. For those wanting something closer to the full MP5 experience, the rifle version includes a collapsible stock and faux suppressor.

History and Purpose Behind the MP5 .22 LR

The original MP5 burst onto the scene in the 1960s as Heckler & Koch's answer to the need for a compact, 9mm submachine gun. It gained worldwide fame through various high-profile operations – most notably when British SAS operators stormed the Iranian embassy in London in 1980.

Pop culture cemented its iconic status. Remember Hans Gruber and his crew in Die Hard? They were all carrying MP5s. The gun became such a symbol of tactical excellence that SWAT teams across America adopted it as their entry weapon of choice throughout the 1990s.

Fast forward to today, and H&K has licensed Umarex (a company known for quality replicas) to produce .22 LR versions of this famous firearm. The goal? Create an affordable option for everyday shooters to experience the MP5 magic without spending thousands on the real thing.

The .22 LR MP5 comes in two main flavors – the pistol version (which we're focusing on) and the rifle version with its collapsible stock and faux suppressor. Both aim to recreate the look, feel, and function of the original, just chambered in an ammunition that costs pennies compared to 9mm.

Who Should Consider This Rimfire MP5?

Not everyone needs an MP5 .22 LR in their collection. But for certain shooters, it makes perfect sense:

• H&K Enthusiasts: If you've always wanted an MP5 but balked at the multi-thousand-dollar price tag, this .22 version lets you enjoy the experience without emptying your savings account.
• Budget-Conscious Trainers: Anyone looking to practice MP5 manual-of-arms and handling without spending a fortune on ammunition. The .22 LR rounds cost a fraction of 9mm, letting you train more for less.
• Recreational Shooters: Sometimes guns just need to be fun. The MP5 .22 delivers plenty of grains per dollar at the range.

This is not a home defense or hunting weapon. The .22 LR caliber has limitations for stopping power, and the design isn't optimized for those purposes. But as a training tool or range toy? It absolutely shines.

Handling, Build, and Ergonomics

Pick up the MP5 .22, and you'll immediately notice how Umarex nailed the authenticity factor. The gun weighs about 6 pounds – similar to the original – giving it a substantial feel that cheaper .22 rifles often lack.

The grip feels just like the real MP5, with the same angle and texture that H&K fans will recognize. Fire controls match the original, with an ambidextrous selector that clicks positively between positions. That famous MP5 charging handle? It's there in all its glory, just begging you to perform the "HK slap" that's become almost a ritual among MP5 shooters.

Some ergonomic quirks remain from the original design. The magazine release sits flush in the receiver – not the easiest target to hit quickly. There's a secondary release lever in front of the trigger guard, but smaller hands might struggle to reach it comfortably from the firing grip.

Left-handed shooters face challenges too. That iconic charging handle wasn't designed with southpaws in mind, and some of the controls favor right-handed operation.

The triangular fore-end offers a solid gripping surface, though many users opt to swap it for different options (more on that later). At the rear of the receiver, you'll find a plastic-capped sling attachment point – perfect for adding aftermarket braces or stocks if you go the SBR route.

How It Shoots at the Range

The trigger deserves attention first. It has a bit of travel before hitting a clear wall, then breaks crisply at around 4 pounds according to testing. Reset is soft and travels most of the way back to the starting position – not ideal for precision work, but perfectly fine for the gun's intended purpose.

Accuracy is solid for a rimfire pistol of this type. Reports show average groups of about 1 inch at 7 yards when using a brace. That's plenty good enough for plinking and casual target shooting. The rear sight has multiple aperture sizes for user preference, not specific ranges 

Feeding from the 25-round magazine proves mostly smooth. The magazines feature pull-down tabs on both sides to ease loading – a thoughtful touch that saves your thumbs during long range sessions. One downside: mags don't drop free when released, requiring a manual pull to remove them.

Ammunition compatibility seems good across different types of .22 LR, though like any rimfire, you can expect occasional hiccups. Testing shows minimal issues across hundreds of rounds, with only rare feeding problems that are often more about the ammo than the gun itself.

What Makes It Stand Out?

In a market flooded with .22 LR firearms, what makes this MP5 clone special?

First, it's one of very few rimfire submachine gun replicas available to civilian shooters. Most .22 LR options are either traditional rifles or pistols – finding something that captures the form factor of a subgun is rare.

Second, it's the most affordable way to get the MP5 experience. The real steel version costs thousands of dollars, putting it out of reach for many enthusiasts. This .22 LR version brings that experience down to a price point more shooters can justify.

Third, the attention to detail sets it apart. From the functioning charging handle to the ambidextrous controls, this isn't just a .22 that looks vaguely like an MP5 – it's a faithful reproduction that maintains most of the handling characteristics of the original.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Let's break down how the MP5 .22 LR performs in key categories:

Reliability: 4/5

For a rimfire gun, the MP5 .22 shows impressive consistency. Testing reveals only occasional hiccups across hundreds of rounds – usually limited to the odd failure to feed or fire, which is common with .22 LR ammunition. Clean it regularly and feed it quality ammo, and it runs surprisingly well.

Ergonomics: 3/5

The authentic MP5 feel is both a blessing and a curse. For those familiar with the platform, everything falls right where expected. For newcomers or those with smaller hands, some controls (especially the magazine release) can be awkward to reach. Left-handed shooters face additional challenges.

Accuracy: 4/5

One-inch groups at 7 yards is solid performance for a .22 LR pistol. The adjustable sights help dial things in, and adding an optic via aftermarket mounts can improve precision further. It's not match-grade accurate, but it's certainly good enough for its intended purpose.

Customization: 5/5

Here's where the MP5 .22 really shines. A huge aftermarket exists for MP5-pattern firearms, and many parts fit this rimfire version. Many external MP5-pattern accessories fit, though internal parts and some attachments are proprietary 

Value: 4/5

At around $400-500, the MP5 .22 LR offers a lot of fun per dollar. Compare that to $2,000+ for even clone versions of the centerfire MP5, and the value proposition becomes clear for those who want the experience without the expense.

Customization and Upgrade Options

One of the best things about this platform is how many ways you can make it your own:

Brace Options

The plastic end cap at the rear of the receiver can be replaced with adapters from companies like Custom Smith Manufacturing, allowing you to mount popular braces like the SB Tactical FS1913. This significantly improves shooting stability without requiring NFA paperwork.

Fore-End Upgrades

The standard triangular handguard works fine, but swapping to a Magpul MP5 handguard opens up mounting options for lights and accessories. Surefire even makes a weapon light fore-end specifically for 9mm MP5s; fitment on the .22 LR version requires modification. 

Optics Mounting

Various optics mounts clamp to the top of the receiver, giving you options from red dots to scopes. A Primary Arms SLx MD25 pairs nicely with this platform, offering quick target acquisition without breaking the bank.

Suppressor Ready

The 1/2×28 threaded barrel comes ready for suppressors – a perfect pairing with subsonic .22 LR ammunition for extremely quiet shooting sessions.

Trigger Upgrades

Trigger upgrades are limited due to the proprietary design of the Umarex MP5 .22's fire control system. 

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The H&K MP5 .22 LR occupies an interesting niche in the firearms world. It's not the most practical gun you'll ever own. It won't replace your home defense weapon. It's not ideal for hunting.

But that's missing the point entirely.

This gun exists to deliver fun, plain and simple. It lets H&K enthusiasts experience the MP5 platform without spending thousands. It allows for cheap training with controls similar to the real thing. And let's face it – few guns turn heads at the range like an MP5, even in .22 LR form.

At around $400-500, it represents good value for what it delivers. The construction is solid, the accuracy is more than adequate, and the customization options mean you can truly make it your own.

For the right buyer – someone who appreciates the MP5's history and wants an affordable way to enjoy that experience – this rimfire recreation hits all the right notes. Just set your expectations accordingly: this is a fun gun first and foremost, with any practical applications coming second.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the H&K MP5 .22 LR made by Heckler & Koch?

The MP5 .22 LR is licensed by H&K but manufactured by Umarex. This partnership ensures the rimfire version maintains the look and feel of the original while keeping costs down.

2. Can I legally add a stock to the MP5 .22 LR pistol?

Adding a true stock to the pistol version would classify it as a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) under NFA rules, requiring a $200 tax stamp and ATF approval. Legal status of pistol braces remains under review due to ATF rule changes; consult current regulations 

3. How does the accuracy compare to other .22 LR firearms?

The MP5 .22 LR offers good accuracy for its class, with reported 1-inch groups at 7 yards. It's not match-grade accurate but performs well for recreational shooting and training.

4. Will parts from a real MP5 fit the .22 LR version?

Some external parts like handguards and certain accessories may fit, but internal parts are completely different due to the different operating systems and calibers. Many airsoft MP5 accessories also fit the .22 LR version.

5. How does it compare to other .22 LR copies of famous firearms?

The MP5 .22 LR is considered one of the better quality rimfire replicas on the market, with attention to detail and functioning controls that mimic the original. It's priced competitively with other premium .22 LR replicas.

6. Is the magazine proprietary or can I use other .22 LR magazines?

The magazines are proprietary to the MP5 .22 LR. You'll need to use the manufacturer's 25-round magazines, which feature pull-down tabs on both sides to make loading easier.