In my head, I have a running list of firearms that every true Second Amendment enthusiast should consider owning.

This isn’t about gatekeeping or saying, “You’re not a real gun guy if you don’t have this gun.” It’s more about sharing the joy that these guns bring, and the HK MP5 tops that list.

Here are my five reasons why every gun lover should have an HK MP5 (or its clones) in their collection. Remember, it doesn’t have to be full auto to be amazing.

1. The MP5 is Iconic

First and foremost, the MP5 is iconic. Its legendary status was cemented during the Iranian Embassy siege in London in 1980.

Imagine this: six terrorists take 26 hostages, and after six tense days, the British government deploys the Special Air Service (SAS). These operatives, clad in black and wielding MP5s, moved with the precision of surgeons and the controlled chaos of elite warriors.

The MP5, with its compact design and smooth recoil, was the perfect tool, enabling the SAS to neutralize threats without endangering hostages.

This operation, broadcast live, solidified the MP5’s reputation in counter-terrorism lore. Hollywood quickly embraced its cool factor. Think Bruce Willis in “Die Hard” or the intense shootouts in “Heat”—the MP5 wasn’t just a prop; it was a symbol of elite heroism.

The Iranian Embassy siege turned the HK MP5 into a legend, both in real life and on the big screen.

2. They’re Sexy As Hell

There are many sleek firearms on the market, but the HK MP5 stands out as one of the sexiest ever made. Just look at it—sleek, compact, and radiating an undeniable aura of coolness. It’s the James Bond of guns.

The MP5’s smooth lines and impeccable German engineering make it a standout piece. Every curve and contour is meticulously designed, giving it a look that’s both elegant and intimidating. It even feels sexy in your hand.

This isn’t just a gun; it’s a statement—a perfect blend of form and function that turns heads and commands respect every time you pull it out.

3. Customizable

The HK MP5 isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a modern canvas for customization that any gearhead would appreciate. Take the HK SP5K, HK’s semi-auto version of the MP5K, for example, which happens to be my favorite variant.

I added a B&T telescopic stock, a UTG PRO M-LOK rail system for real estate to mount a SureFire Scout light along with a Unity Tactical button and a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. And, of course, I have it suppressed with the three-lug adapter on my HuxWurx Rad 9 can.

Even with a suppressor, shooting 9mm without hearing protection isn’t safe, which is why I use my favorite wireless Bluetooth in-ear hearing protection, the AKT1 Blackouts.

These come packed with features like a certified NRR Rating of 25dB, 6x hearing enhancement, active noise blocking and cancellation, plus high-fidelity speakers. Check the link in the description section of this video to learn more. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

For the stock, I did essentially the same setup on my Zenith ZF-5, a semi-auto clone of the MP5A3, as I did on my HK SP5K. MP5 parts and accessories are as plentiful as flavors in an Anthony Bourdain market tour. Tactical lights, laser sights, upgraded handguards—you name it, you can bolt it on.

You can blend classic reliability with cutting-edge tech. Whether you’re a professional needing peak performance or a hobbyist crafting your dream setup, you can do it with the MP5 platform.

4. Full Auto

One reason every gun owner should have at least one MP5-style gun is that it’s one of the rare guns you can legally make full auto, and it happens to be one of the best guns to have in full auto.

Getting a full auto trigger pack for the HK MP5 is surprisingly easier compared to most other guns. Thanks to its widespread use by military and law enforcement, there’s a decent number of pre-1986 registered trigger packs available.

Sure, they’re still rare and expensive, but more available than for other firearms. The MP5’s design is incredibly modular, making the installation of a full auto trigger pack more straightforward.

While you still have to navigate the usual legal hoops—background checks, ATF approval, and the $200 tax stamp—the relative abundance of parts and ease of installation make the MP5 a more accessible option for those willing to navigate the NFA’s complexities.

5. Fun

The roller-delayed blowback system of the HK MP5 is what makes this gun an absolute blast to shoot. It smooths out the recoil, so each shot feels like butter, letting you stay on target with ease. This system delays the bolt just enough to tame the recoil, making rapid follow-up shots not only possible but a joy.

It’s that perfect mix of power and finesse that makes every pull of the trigger a thrill, giving you a sense of effortless control and pure shooting pleasure.

In conclusion, the HK MP5, with its legendary status, sleek design, customization potential, legal full-auto capabilities, and pure shooting fun, is a must-have for any gun enthusiast. The beautiful thing about the MP5 platform is that it is just as capable, if not better, than any other pistol-caliber carbine on the market today from a self-defense standpoint. So you have a gun that will not only make you grin from ear to ear, but you’ll also have a reliable tool for protecting what’s most important to you.

They say the first step to solving a problem is admitting there is one.

Well, the Pew Collectors Anonymous is your way of admitting you have a problem buying guns but you have no intentions of solving that problem, because Pew Collectors Anonymous isn’t about solving a problem; it’s about embracing it.

So be sure to hit the link above and grab your Pew Collectors Anonymous T-Shirts, Hats, and Drinkware.

Click below to purchase.