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Century Arms AP5: A Review of the Affordable MP5 Clone
If you are a fan of the legendary MP5, you might have been disappointed by the high price and limited availability of the original HK SP5 pistol, which is the civilian version of the MP5. But don’t worry, there is another option that is much more affordable and accessible: the Century Arms AP5.
The AP5, which stands for Apparatus Pistol, is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol that uses a roller-delayed blowback action, just like the MP5. It is made in Turkey by MKE, a company that has been licensed by HK to produce MP5 variants for decades. The AP5 is imported by Century Arms, a well-known distributor of firearms in the US.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the features, performance, pros and cons, and accessories of the AP5. We will also compare it to the HK SP5 and other MP5 clones on the market. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of whether the AP5 is the right pistol for you.
Features of the AP5
The AP5 comes in three different models: the full-size AP5, the mid-size AP5-P, and the compact AP5-M. All models are chambered in 9mm and have a cold hammer forged barrel with a 1:9.8″ twist. The barrel also has a 3-lug quick attachment and 1/2×28 threaded end for suppressor mounting options.
The AP5 has a stamped steel receiver with a black finish and a Picatinny rail on top for mounting optics. It has a fixed front sight and an adjustable rear drum sight with four settings from 100 to 400 yards. It has a polymer lower receiver with an ergonomic grip and a paddle magazine release. It also has a standard trigger group with a semi-auto selector switch.
The AP5 comes with two 30-round magazines, a cleaning kit, a sling, an optic rail mount, a flash hider, and a hard case. The AP5 also has a one-year warranty from Century Arms.
Performance of the AP5
The AP5 is designed to be reliable, accurate, and fun to shoot. The roller-delayed blowback system reduces recoil and improves cycling. The cold hammer forged barrel ensures accuracy and durability. The sights are easy to use and adjust. The magazines are compatible with other MP5 magazines and feed smoothly.
The AP5 can handle various types of 9mm ammunition, from standard to +P loads. However, some users have reported that the AP5 prefers heavier bullets (124 grain or more) and may have issues with lighter bullets (115 grain or less). This may be due to the barrel twist rate or the spring tension.
The AP5 is also easy to customize and accessorize. You can swap out the trigger group for different modes of fire (such as binary or full-auto), change the handguard for different rails or grips, add braces or stocks (with proper ATF approval), mount optics or lights on the rail, or attach suppressors or muzzle devices on the barrel.
Pros and Cons of the AP5
Like any firearm, the AP5 has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of them:
Pros
- Affordable: The AP5 costs around $1,600-$1,800 depending on the model, which is much cheaper than the HK SP5 ($2,800-$3,000) or other MP5 clones ($2,000-$2,500).
- Available: The AP5 is widely available in most gun stores and online retailers. You don’t have to wait for months or years to get one like some other MP5 clones.
- Authentic: The AP5 is made by MKE using original HK tooling and equipment. It is very close to the original MP5 in terms of quality and compatibility.
- Fun: The AP5 is simply fun to shoot. It has low recoil, high accuracy, and great ergonomics. It also looks cool and makes you feel like an action hero.
Cons
- Stamped Receiver: The AP
Stamped Receiver: The AP5 has a stamped steel receiver, which is lighter and cheaper than a milled receiver, but also less durable and more prone to wear and tear. Some users have reported that the AP5 receiver can crack or warp over time, especially if used with full-auto or binary triggers.
- Ammunition Preference: The AP5 may not function well with lighter 9mm bullets, such as 115 grain or less. This may limit your choice of ammunition and affect your accuracy and reliability.
- Warranty: The AP5 only has a one-year warranty from Century Arms, which is shorter than some other MP5 clones that offer lifetime warranties. If you encounter any problems with your AP5 after the warranty period, you may have to pay for the repairs or replacements yourself.
Comparison of the AP5 to Other MP5 Clones
The AP5 is not the only MP5 clone on the market. There are several other options that you can consider, such as:
HK SP5
The HK SP5 is the official civilian version of the MP5, made by Heckler & Koch in Germany. It is the most authentic and high-quality MP5 clone available, but also the most expensive and hard to find. It has a milled receiver, a fluted chamber, a navy-style lower, and an end cap with a sling swivel. It comes with two 30-round magazines, a sight tool, a bungee sling, and a soft case.
Zenith Z-5
The Zenith Z-5 is another MP5 clone made by MKE in Turkey, but imported by Zenith Firearms in the US. It is similar to the AP5 in terms of features and quality, but has some differences in the markings, accessories, and warranty. It has a three-year warranty from Zenith Firearms, and comes with three 30-round magazines, a cleaning kit, a sling, a Picatinny rail, and a hard case.
PTR 9CT
The PTR 9CT is an MP5 clone made by PTR Industries in the US. It is based on the HK 94 design, and has a milled receiver, a threaded barrel with a flash hider, and an M-LOK handguard. It comes with two 30-round magazines, a bungee sling, and a hard case.
Omega OM9
The Omega OM9 is an MP5 clone made by Omega Guns in the US. It is based on the HK MP5A3 design, and has a stamped receiver, a collapsible stock (with ATF approval), and a tri-rail handguard. It comes with two 30-round magazines and a hard case.
A Table Comparing the AP5 to Other MP5 Clones
| Model | Price | Availability | Receiver | Barrel | Lower | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP5 | $1,600-$1,800 | High | Stamped | Threaded + 3-lug | Polymer | One year |
| HK SP5 | $2,800-$3,000 | Low | Milled | Fluted + 3-lug | Navy-style polymer | One year |
| Zenith Z-5 | $1,800-$2,000 | Medium | Stamped | Threaded + 3-lug | Polymer | Three years |
| PTR 9CT | $1,800-$2,000 | Medium | Milled | Threaded + flash hider > | Polymer > | Lifetime > |
| Omega OM9 > | $1,500-$1,700 > | High > | Stamped > | Threaded + flash hider > | Metal > | Lifetime > |
Conclusion: Is the AP5 Worth It?
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The AP5 is a great option for anyone who wants to own an MP5 clone without breaking the bank or waiting for a long time. It is a faithful reproduction of the original MP5, with some minor differences in the receiver, barrel, and lower. It is reliable, accurate, and fun to shoot, and can be customized and accessorized to your liking.
However, the AP5 is not perfect. It has some drawbacks, such as the stamped receiver, the ammunition preference, and the short warranty. It may not be as durable or versatile as some other MP5 clones, and it may require some maintenance or repairs over time.
Ultimately, the AP5 is worth it if you value affordability and availability over quality and durability. It is a good choice for recreational shooters, collectors, or enthusiasts who want to experience the thrill of shooting an MP5 clone. It is not a good choice for professional users, such as law enforcement or military personnel, who need a more robust and reliable firearm.
FAQs
Q: Is the AP5 legal in my state?
A: The AP5 is legal in most states, but not all. Some states have restrictions on magazine capacity, barrel length, or overall length of firearms. You should check your local laws before buying or owning an AP5.
Q: How do I clean and maintain the AP5?
A: The AP5 is easy to disassemble and reassemble for cleaning and maintenance. You should follow the instructions in the owner’s manual or watch some online videos on how to do it. You should clean and lubricate the AP5 after every shooting session or at least once a month.
Q: What kind of ammunition should I use with the AP5?
A: The AP5 can handle various types of 9mm ammunition, from standard to +P loads. However, some users have reported that the AP5 prefers heavier bullets (124 grain or more) and may have issues with lighter bullets (115 grain or less). You should test different brands and weights of ammunition to find out what works best for your AP5.
Q: What kind of accessories can I use with the AP5?
A: The AP5 is compatible with most MP5 accessories, such as magazines, triggers, handguards, braces, stocks, optics, lights, suppressors, and muzzle devices. You can find a wide range of accessories online or in gun stores. However, you should make sure that the accessories are legal in your state and that you have proper ATF approval for any modifications that change the classification of your firearm.
Q: Where can I buy an AP5?
A: You can buy an AP5 from most gun stores or online retailers that sell firearms. You can also check out Century Arms’ website for more information on where to find an authorized dealer near you.
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