One of the most popular MP5 production models became the MP5K (K = Kurz for "Short") which took an already compact firearm and made it more so through use of a shorter barrel and forend and lacked a stock. The fire selector allowed for single- and full-automatic fire only and the front end of the weapon was supported through a rubber-encased vertical grip handle mounted just ahead of the magazine well. All other MP5 functions remained the same. The MP5K eventually produced its own sub-set of variants: The MP5KA1 was given a cleaner upper receiver with single-/full-auto firing function and more compact iron sights. The MP5KA4 featured a three-round burst fire capability while the MP5KA5 was the MP5KA1 though with three-round burst capability. The MP5K-N was a US Navy model with Navy trigger group and threaded suppressor support. The MP5K-PDW ("Personal Defense Weapon") was the MP5K-N with three-round burst support, forward vertical grip and hinged folding stock. The MP5/10 was a specialized form chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge while the MP5/40 fired the .40 S&W cartridge. The MP5 was imported in civilian guise to the United States as the HK94 and another civilian offering became the SP89 intended for sport shooting and to conform to the 1989 Semi-Automatic Weapons Ban. European civilians had access to the T-94 ZSG (Zivile Sportgewehr) model.
One of the more identifiable MP5 production models was its silenced - or "SD" - form which, like the HKMP5K, produced its own sub-set of variants: the MP5SD1 was the initial model and lacked a stock though fitted with single-shot/full-auto fire capable and integral suppressor (as opposed to threaded). The MP5SD2 sported a full fixed stock with integral suppressor with single/full auto support. The MP5SD3 was given a collapsing stock and retained the built-in suppressor. The MP5SD4 lacked the stock but retained the suppressor and included a three-round burst fire mode. The MP5SD5 was a fixed stock version with suppressor and three-round burst capability. The MP5SD6 sported a collapsing stock with suppressor ad three-round burst fire. The MP5SD-N1 was an American Navy modification with collapsing stock and stainless steel suppressor, the latter developed by Knight's Armament Company. The MP5SD-N2 was similar though with a fixed full stock.
The HK MP5 eventually became the logical weapon of choice for most North American and and European special forces groups and police. It proved extremely successful as a close-quarters man-stopper and was utilized by the notable likes of the United States Navy SEALs, the German GSG9 and British SAS.
The HK53 was more or less the HK MP5 though chambered for the American 5.56x45mm rifle cartridge - though marketed as a variant of the full-length HK33 Assault Rifle.
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