SIGforum
MP5 clones

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April 18, 2022, 04:27 PM
Whit45
MP5 clones
Thinking of picking up one of the MP5 clones that are available and somewhat affordable from Zenith, Century, or any other company you guys may have experience with. Any info and suggestions would be much appreciated, Thanks
April 18, 2022, 04:57 PM
Voshterkoff
Century currently has a $200 mail in rebate.
April 18, 2022, 05:19 PM
GT-40DOC
See if you can find a new/like new Zenith Z5RS. An awesome piece.
April 18, 2022, 05:49 PM
Dwill104
The Zenith guns used to be MKEs imported from Turkey, but they severed that relationship a few years ago. Now Century is importing the MKEs, and Zenith is going to make new ones in the USA. My 2018 Z-5RS is fine, but there were some quality complains about the last group of Z-5RSs. Out of spec mag wells, bad welds, etc.
April 18, 2022, 06:18 PM
BB61
PTR makes a US version so no 922r issues with foreign made guns.


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April 18, 2022, 06:32 PM
mesabi
Timely question! I received my Century/MKE AP5 from Atlantic Firearms last week and put 150 rounds of mixed FMJ and HP factory and handloads through it. Only thing it choked on (FTF) was the Winchester "Active Duty" M1152, which has a pretty large meplat. Fun gun, and I'm very happy with it.
April 18, 2022, 10:17 PM
Vgex
I also ordered an AP5. Was delayed a bit as Century sent the incorrect brace, but looks like it's processing now. I wanted a PTR, as it includes the rail, but I have heard conflicting things about them with suppressors.
April 26, 2022, 01:32 PM
kimberkid
The last HK clones I’ve bought are the Omega MP5SD & MP5K I’ve been very happy with the fit & function of both. The only thing I didn’t like was they had a glossy finish, but that has dulled with use. The big selling point to to me is that they come sear ready and on top of that, they sell the barreled receiver separately from an entire weapon. The only parts it didn’t come with is the grip frame and fire control parts or mags. I already had an MP5 and I have a registered sear so I had an extra parts bin.
So far as the only issues I’ve had with either has been ammo or mag related, even when new I didn’t have a break-in period.


If you really want something you'll find a way ...
... if you don't you'll find an excuse.

I'm really not a "kid" anymore ... but I haven't grown up yet either Wink
April 26, 2022, 05:43 PM
hrcjon
To take pressure off my real HK's for playing type events I have several PTR's. as clones I have not had any real problems and have shot them lots.


“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
April 26, 2022, 08:05 PM
pulicords
I've got a PTR and am very pleased with it's quality and price. I've availed myself to quite a few of the custom offerings and what I saved by going with the clone allowed me to customize and SBR my version with as little (financial) pain as possible.




"I'm not fluent in the language of violence, but I know enough to get around in places where it's spoken."
April 29, 2022, 09:07 AM
Vgex
Sorry for the angle. Imgur hates tall pics. I have the wide handguard incoming.


April 29, 2022, 09:20 AM
Z06
My 2016 MKE/Zenith Z-5P/SBR is my favorite range gun. 100% reliable.



________________________________________________________
The trouble with trouble is; it always starts out as fun.
April 29, 2022, 10:26 AM
P250UA5
Never had one in hand, but always liked the MP5.
Curious, if anyone doesn't mind sharing.
What's the price range on these, from decent clone to real HK?

Odds are, my first PCC will be a Scorpion of some flavor, but the MP5 fits that 'grail'/always wanted spot.




The Enemy's gate is down.
April 29, 2022, 10:55 AM
Dwill104
quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
Never had one in hand, but always liked the MP5.
Curious, if anyone doesn't mind sharing.
What's the price range on these, from decent clone to real HK?

Odds are, my first PCC will be a Scorpion of some flavor, but the MP5 fits that 'grail'/always wanted spot.


The Century imported MKE clones are about $1600, and I think the PTRs are about the same price. MSRP on the HK SP5s is close to $3000, but it takes a bit of work or luck to find one near that price. Usually once someone gets one in at near MSRP, it sells out in minutes. The easier to find ones are usually marked up hundreds of dollars over MSRP, especially the SP5K-PDWs.
May 01, 2022, 12:36 PM
Vgex
By the way. I was in Cabelas today, and it appears Zenith, the previous importer for MKE AP5s has finally got their US made MP5 clones up and shipping. They were in the pistol format with one mag, sling, and zipper bag for $2399. No 922r necessary. However they could just be new old stock. Not 100%. If so, the Century is the far better deal.

(After looking at the Zenith Website, I believe the multiple copies at Cabela's are new old stock and 922r is still an issue)

If Century didn't have the $200 mail in rebate, I very likely would have gone the Zenith route. Apparently the US made Zenith clone is available at the Zenith website for $2,489, which seems a bit high in comparison to Century.
May 01, 2022, 03:56 PM
hrcjon
Century doesn't have the best reputation on other platforms. Is their MP5 clone decent? I'm not in the market so I am not researching it.


“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
May 01, 2022, 04:09 PM
Vgex
quote:
Originally posted by hrcjon:
Century doesn't have the best reputation on other platforms. Is their MP5 clone decent? I'm not in the market so I am not researching it.


Century makes nothing on the AP5. They are strictly the importer.

That being said, it's not the whole story. As, if there were issues with the pistol, Zenith had the ability to make repairs. Century's ability to repair these remains to be seen.
May 02, 2022, 12:24 PM
sig226fan
The Century clones are MKE guns. They are made on original HK tooling licensed from HK back in the 70's. They are as close to the real HK as you can ever get with a "clone". The only difference from the MKE to current HK guns would be any manufacturing updates made since the original HK tooling were sent to MKE. From what I have read it is not that big of a difference.

I just bought the AP5 and the AP5-P. Have not had a chance to get any rounds in on either, but just from handling, they are damn near perfect cosmetically. Will know more on function when I can shoot them.



It's all about clean living. Just do the right thing, and karma will help with the rest.
May 02, 2022, 12:30 PM
mesabi
I put another 150 rounds of handloads through my recently-purchased Century/MKE AP5 this weekend with no problems. I'm really enjoying this gun!
May 02, 2022, 03:19 PM
Vgex
US made handguard came in. Not the tightest fit, but ok.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Vgex,