HK MP7

Submachine gun



The MP7 personal defense weapon is intended for non-frontline troops

Caliber 4.6 x 30 mm
Weight (empty) 1.5 kg
Length 540 mm
Length (with folded stock) 340 mm
Barrel length 180 mm
Muzzle velocity 725 m/s
Cyclic rate of fire 950 rpm
Practical rate of fire 40 - 100 rpm
Magazine capacity 20, 40 rounds
Sighting range 200 m
Range of effective fire 150 - 200 m


The MP7 submachine gun was developed by the famous Heckler & Koch company. Originally it was known as the HK PDW or Personal Defense Weapon, intended for non-frontline troops, vehicle drivers, tank and artillery crews. It is a rival to the Belgian FN P90, another firearm offered in this class. The MP7 was first revealed in 2000. It's production commenced in 2001. Currently it is in service with Germany, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

The Heckler & Koch MP7 is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. It's internal design resembles that of the HK G36 assault rifle, but scaled down. Otherwise it has a layout of a typical submachine gun. This SMG is chambered for a new Heckler & Koch 4.6 x 30 mm high-velocity ammunition. This ammunition is also used by the HK UCP pistol. The MP7 has dimensions of a typical SMG, but at close ranges delivers firepower of assault rifle. It is claimed that the MP7 penetrates the CRISAT body armor at a range of 200 m.

It is worth mentioning, that many operators use this weapon for the role, directly opposite to it's original role. The MP7 personal defense weapon is often used for offensive roles by assault teams or special operations forces.

The ambidextrous safety / fire mode selector switch allows for single shots or full automatic fire. An ambidextrous cocking lever is located at the rear of the housing, so the weapon can be cocked using either hand. However there is only one spent case ejection port, so this weapon is not fully ambidextrous.

This submachine gun is well balanced and is easy to operate. It can be fired like a pistol, using only one hand. This weapon has a folding forward grip and retractable shoulder stock. Magazine is inserted into the pistol grip. It uses 20- or 40-round magazines.

This personal defense weapon has a standard Picatinny-type accessory rail on top of the receiver for sight mountings. Usually it is fitted with detachable iron sights and a red dot sight.

Additional accessory rails can be installed over the foregrip. The MP7 is compatible with a number of accessories, as well as a sound suppressor. However silenced personal defense weapon requires special subsonic ammunition.



Variants
MP7A1, fitted with additional accessory rails over the foregrip.