The MP5 is one of the most widely used submachine guns in the world, having been adopted by 40 nations and numerous military, law enforcement, intelligence, and security organizations.

Heckler & Koch, encouraged by the success of the G3 automatic rifle, developed a family of small arms consisting of four types of firearms all based on a common G3 design layout and operating principle. The first type was chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO, the second for the 7.62×39mm M43 round, the third for the intermediate 5.56×45mm NATO caliber, and the fourth type for the 9×19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. The MP5 was created within the fourth group of firearms and was initially known as the HK54.

Work on the MP5 began in 1964 and two years later it was adopted by the German Federal Police, border guard and army special forces. Often compared to the Uzi, the MP-5 is generally considered to be a more accurate weapon, though both types can achieve similar results in the hands of an expert.

In 1980, the MP5 achieved iconic status as a result of its use by SAS commandos in Operation Nimrod, where they stormed the Iranian Embassy in London, rescuing hostages and killing five terrorists. The MP5 became a mainstay of SWAT units of law enforcement agencies in the United States since then. However in the late 1990s, as a result of the North Hollywood shootout, police special response teams have supplanted some MP5s with AR-15-based assault rifles.

The weapon's size, hitting power and a seemingly unending number of options, including several silencers have made this weapon a real favorite among special operations units, militarized police and terrorists alike.

The MP5 is manufactured under license in several nations including Greece (formerly at EBO – Hellenic Arms Industry, currently at EAS – Hellenic Defense Systems), Iran (Defense Industries Organization), Mexico (SEDENA), Pakistan (Pakistan Ordnance Factories), Saudi Arabia, Sudan (Military Industry Corporation), Turkey (MKEK), and the United Kingdom (initially at Royal Ordnance, later diverted to Heckler & Koch Great Britain).

In this book on the Browning, author Leroy Thompson covers the development, early years and eventual  use of the different variations of the gun. It also covers many of the special groups that use this weapon and how it fits into their mandate. Naturally, there are pages devoted to what it is like to fire the weapon, a now-standard part of the series that some authors provide more space for than others. We also get an idea of how it has affected later weapons, as it is slowly being replaced;  slowly being the key word as it is still a favorite with many units.

It is a  fascinating read on a weapon we see all the time in television news and in the movies. A great addition to this series and one that I am positive you will enjoy.

September 2014

 For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit http://ospreygrp.com or contact them at Osprey Direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 2FA, UK. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.