Heckler & Koch MP7
Overview
MP7A1
German soldier with Heckler & Koch MP7A1 sub machine gun with EOTech Holosight.
Source: www.militaryvids.wordpress.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
Description
Introduction
The MP7 is a sub machine gun of German origin. It was developed by Heckler & Koch in the late 1990's as a personal defense weapon. The MP7 is a remarkable weapon for many reasons, but the use of the 4.6x30mm round that was specifically developed for this weapon is the most distinguishing feature. Due to its intended role and use of medium power high velocity rounds it is a direct competitor to the FN P90.
Design
The MP7 is a very compact machine pistol with the magazine being inserted in the pistol grip. Internally the MP7 can be considered a scaled down version of the G36 assault rifle. The MP7 is gas operated and uses a rotating bolt. Most of the weapon is made out of polymer and a retractable stock and foldable front grip are fitted. Accessory rails allow for a variety of optics and attachments to be installed. The muzzle allows for a flash hider or silencer to be fitted.
Firepower
The MP7 fires the proprietary 4.6x30mm round from a 20, 30 or 40 round magazine. It is a select fire weapon with a cyclic rate of fire of 950 rpm. Due to the limited recoil the MP7 is remarkably controllable. The maximum effective range is 150 to 200 meters. The 4.6mm round has a similar amount of energy as a 9x19mm round, but will pierce CRISAT armor at a range of 200 meters.
Users
The MP7 is used by various law enforcement and counter terrorist units worldwide. The MP7, P90 and other PDW designs were to equip large numbers of non-combat personnel in the military, yet this did not happen. Nevertheless the MP7 is in use with various law enforcement and military units, most of which are special forces units.
Details
MP7A1
Left side view of Heckler & Koch MP7A1 sub machine gun.
Source: www.heckler-koch.de -
© copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the MP7 sub machine gun
The initial production version was called the MP7 and was produced for two years.
The improved MP7A1 is in production since 2003 and features smaller clip on iron sights, side mounted Picatinny rails, a redesigned pistol grip, longer frame and shorter 3 position retractable stock.
The MP7A2 is produced alongside the MP7A1. The main difference is that on the MP7A2 a tripple accessory rail is mounted instead of the integral folding foregrip. Also the MP7A2 is mostly markted in yellow instead of black.
Related articles
Heckler & Koch MP5
The MP7 is gradually taking over the position of the MP5 as the sub machine gun of choice for tactical units. At the mean time the role of the sub machine gun is decreasing in favor of compact assault rifles.