Heckler & Koch MP7

The Heckler & Koch MP7 (German: Maschinenpistole 7) is a personal defense weapon chambered for the HK 4.6×30mm armor-piercing cartridge designed by German defence manufacturer Heckler & Koch.

History

It was designed (together with the new cartridge) to meet NATO requirements published in 1989, which called for an SMG-type weapon with a greater capacity to defeat Kevlar body armor (versus pre-existing submachine guns using conventional pistol cartridges such as the .45 ACP and 9×19mm Parabellum).

The MP7 went into production in 2001, and is a direct rival to the FN P90, also developed in response to NATO's requirement by Belgian company FN Herstal. The weapon has been revised since its introduction and the latest production variants are the MP7A1 and MP7A2.<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Design details

The MP7 uses a short-stroke piston gas system as is used on H&K's G36 and HK416 in place of a blowback system traditionally seen on submachine guns.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The 4.6×30mm ammunition is exclusive to the gun and offers low recoil.<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007"/> This ammunition is unique among submachine guns in that the bullet is made almost entirely of a hardened steel penetrator instead of softer copper or lead. The MP7 has a cyclic rate of fire of around 950 rounds per minute<ref name="MP7 rate of fire">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> (which is around 15.8 rounds per second).

The MP7 allows a conventional 20, 30 or 40-round box magazine to be fitted within the pistol grip (the 20-round magazine is comparable in size to a 15-round 9×19mm magazine, while the 40-round magazine compares to a 30-round 9×19mm magazine). It features an ambidextrous fire selector, bolt catch lever and magazine release. It has an extendable stock and a folding front grip (MP7 and MP7A1 variants, the MP7A2 lacks the folding front grip); it can be fired either one-handed or two-handed.<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007"/> It is compact and light, due to the use of polymers in its construction.

Ammunition

The MP7's specially designed armor piercing (AP) high-velocity rounds consist of either copper-plated solid steel (DM11), alloy-plated steel jacket (DM21) or copper-alloy-jacketed lead core projectiles (Fiocchi FMJ ZP). Standard AP high-velocity DM11 (Ultimate Combat) round with a 2.0-g (31 gr) projectile has a muzzle velocity of 720 m/s (2,362 ft/s) and a muzzle energy of 506 J (373 ft-lb).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The DM11 round penetrates the NATO CRISAT target (20 layers of Kevlar with 1.6 mm titanium backing) at 200 m.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The round has a small diameter, allowing for redoubling penetration capability and high capacity in a very small magazine.

VBR of Belgium produces a 4.6×30mm two-part controlled-fragmenting projectile that is claimed to increase the content of the permanent wound cavity and double the chance to hit a vital organ.<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Heckler & Koch claims that the CPS Black Tip ammunition made by Fiocchi has a muzzle energy of approximately 525 J, which would be comparable to 9×19mm Parabellum rounds.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Accessories

The MP7 features a full-length, top-mounted Picatinny rail that comes as standard with folding fore and rear iron sights attached. When the sights are folded flat, they resemble Patridge style open sights. Folded up, they feature aperture sights. The sights can easily be removed by loosening a single screw and lifting them off. Besides iron sights, other optics such as a red dot sight or a scope can also be mounted on the top picatinny rail. the MP7 is also usually fitted with additional rails on both sides of the barrel, which allows the MP7 to be mounted with other accessories such us a laser aiming modules (LAM), tactical flashlights, and more, without obscuring the view while aiming. The MP7 can also accept a suppressor, and its tailor-made suppressor does not interfere with its accuracy or rate of fire.<ref name="MP7 rate of fire" />

Variants

File:BundeswehrMP7.JPG

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PDW

The first prototype was shown in 1999 through the 1999 SHOT SHOW and was designated as the 'PDW' (Personal Defense Weapon).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It had a short Picatinny rail on the top and a smooth pistol grip surface.

MP7

In 2001, it was designated as the 'MP7' and went into production. Changes include a full-length Picatinny rail, a thick curved stock and an anti-slide surface on the pistol grip much like the HK USP. It also features folding iron sights mounted on the Picatinny rail and the button to fold the foregrip was made larger for easier operation.<ref name="MP7 designation">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="MP7 features & accessories">Template:Cite journal</ref>

MP7A1

In 2003, its designation was changed to 'MP7A1' and featured a redesigned pistol grip with a different surface and curved shape, a smaller stock with a straight buttpad, side-mounted picatinny rails as standard and the folding iron sights were made more compact. The weapon was made slightly longer, but because the stock was shortened, the overall length did not change.

The stock is also able to be locked into 3 positions. Recent MP7A1 models have a trigger safety similar to a Glock pistol; the middle section of the trigger must be pulled first before the outer part will move. This helps to stop accidental discharges if the trigger is bumped.<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" />

MP7A2

MP7A1 variant without the folding front grip but features a Picatinny rail to mount various grips in line with the user's preference.<ref name="MP7A2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

MP7-SF

A semi-automatic only variant of the MP7 which is currently used by the Ministry of Defence Police in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Clones

T7 Pistol

MP7 clone by Tommy Built Tactical, unveiled at SHOT SHOW 2024.<ref name="GA">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It can be sold as a pistol or as a SBR.<ref name="GA" />

AMK MP7

3D printable lookalike by Deterrence Dispensed, available in 5.7×28mm and 9×19mm<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

PSA X5.7

Submachine gun made by PSA, unveiled at SHOT SHOW 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Has a close resemblance to the MP7.<ref>https://archive.today/20240703123059/https://www.guns.com/news/2024/02/05/palmetto-state-touts-concept-x57-pdw Template:Bare URL inline</ref> It's able to use 40-round magazines.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Users

File:Heckler & Koch MP7 Users2.png

A map with Heckler & Koch MP7 users in blue

Country	Organization name	Model	Quantity	Date	Reference
Template:Flag	Algerian special forces, DSI, DGSPP	−	−	−	<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Template:Flag	Western Australia Department of Corrective Services Emergency Support Group	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Einsatzkommando Cobra (EKO Cobra) of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Special Forces Regiment of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}Template:Failed verification</ref>
Template:Flag	Police of the Czech Republic – PDW of ordinary police officers – guns are locked in a special compartment of ordinary police cars' front doors	MP7A1	−	2012	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	ESTSOF	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	French special forces, DGSE SA, GIGN	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Template:Flag	Ministry of Internal Affairs	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	German Army	−	−	−	<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" /><ref name="gourley2003">Gourley, S.; Kemp, I (26 November 2003). "The Duellists". Jane's Defence Weekly ({{#if:0265-3818|Template:Catalog lookup link{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}{{#if:Template:Trim|{{#ifeq:Template:Yesno-no|yes|Template:Main other|{{#invoke:check isxn|check_issn|Template:Trim|error=Template:Error-smallTemplate:Main other}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}|Template:Error-small}}), Volume 40 Issue 21, pp 26–28.</ref>
	GSG9 der Bundespolizei counter-terrorism group of the German Federal Police	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	Baden-Württemberg Police	−	3000	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	Missions Abroad and Special Operations unit of the Bundeskriminalamt	_	_	_	<ref>Sören Sünkler (2019). ASE SG BKA, Auslands- und Spezialeinsätze Sicherungsgruppe Bundeskriminalamt. In: Kommando-International Special Operations Magazine, Nr. 2/2019 ISSN 2196-1204, S. 4-23</ref>
Template:Flag	Komando Pasukan Khusus (KOPASSUS) special forces of the Indonesian Army	MP7A1	−	pre-2012	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Garda; Special Detective Unit, Emergency Response Unit, Regional Support Unit, National Bureau of Criminal Investigation	MP7A1	−	2006	<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Japanese Special Forces Group	−	−	−	<ref name="Report">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Jordan Royal Guard, 71st Special Battalion	−	−	−	<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). Template:ISBN.</ref>
Template:Flag	Lithuanian Armed Forces	−	−	2023	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK) counter-terrorism divisions of the Royal Malaysia Police	−	−	2007	<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" />
Template:Flag	Norwegian Armed Forces	−	6,500	2007	<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) and the Royal Police Escort	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	−	−	−	−	<ref name="jones2009" />
Template:Flag	Parliament security	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Serbian Special Forces	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Republic of Korea National Police Agency SWAT	−	−	−	<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" />
	Presidential Security Service	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Spanish Army	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
{{#invoke:flag	Sweden}}	Swedish Army	−	−	2018	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
{{#invoke:flag	Turkey}}	Special Forces Command	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Ministry of Defence Police	MP7-SF	−	−	<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	United States Capitol Police	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group	−	−	−	<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
	Nephi City Police	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	Colorado Springs Police Tactical Enforcement Unit	−	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flag	Pontifical Swiss Guard	MP7A1	−	−	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Gallery

• MP7Sept2006.jpg

  An MP7A1 with Zeiss RSA reflex red dot sight and LLM01 laser light module.

• MOD Police CBRN Officer on range.jpg

  MoD Police officer on range with an MP7-SF in CBRN suit.

• HK MP7 Bundeswehr noBG.png

  MP7A1 (note the safety trigger) with a Zeiss RSA reflex red dot sight.

Heckler & Koch UCP

The Heckler & Koch Universal Combat Pistol (HK UCP), also known as the HK P46 is a double action, semi-automatic handgun developed under commission for the German Bundeswehr.<ref name="UCP history">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The concept for the UCP was later cancelled at the prototype stage.<ref name="UCP prototype">Template:Cite news</ref>

History

The UCP was to be the companion sidearm to the HK MP7, using the same HK 4.6×30mm cartridge. The 4.6×30mm round is a direct competitor to the 5.7×28mm by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN). As such, the UCP would have been a direct competitor to the FN Five-seven pistol. Both have greater armor-piercing capabilities and less recoil compared to other commonly used military handgun cartridges, such as the 9×18mm Makarov and 9×19mm Parabellum.

The proliferation of cheap yet effective soft body armor has begun to make guns that fire pistol ammunition (such as Heckler & Koch's earlier MP5 submachine gun and USP pistol) ineffective. In response to this trend, Heckler & Koch designed the MP7 (along with the cancelled UCP pistol, which was to use the same ammunition) to penetrate soft body armor while being small enough to be used in place of either a pistol or a submachine gun.<ref name="HK MP7A1 December 13, 2007" /><ref name="heckler-koch1926">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Design

The UCP operated on the delayed-blowback operating principle. The external design of the UCP appears to have been borrowed from the HK P2000 pistol,<ref name="H&K UCP">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and includes ambidextrous controls, interchangeable backstraps, and a Picatinny rail system for the attachment of accessories. Like the USP and P2000 series of pistols, the trigger mechanism is reported to have been modular and capable of different configurations. The UCP was designed to accept an extended, threaded barrel capable of accepting the attachment of a sound suppressor made by Brügger & Thomet.<ref>HK UCP</ref>

The design remained in the prototype phase Template:As of, and had been reported as entering limited trials with the Bundeswehr.

In July 2009, HK USA's president, Wayne Weber, indicated that the UCP project has been cancelled because "HK felt it did not provide adequate ballistics in handgun form."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

External links

• Template:Official website
• Nazarian's Gun's Recognition Guide (FILM) H&K MP7 PDW Presentation (.wmv)
• Video of the MP7
• Modern Firearms: Heckler-Koch Ultimate Combat Pistol/HK UCP