Tokyo Marui HK MP5 A4 Review

In the 1960's Heckler & Koch, a German weapons manufacturer, began developing a family of sub-machine guns designed to provide close range burst fire to security forces. The MP5 (Maschinenpistole) family has been a widely used and adaptable series of weapons. This is similarly so in the Airsoft world. Walk onto any skirmish site in the U.K and amongst the most popular weapons (other than the Armalites) are variations on the MP5.

Furniture and Quality

The MP5 series has a distinctive design, and the Tokyo Marui version has kept quite true to the Real Steel weapon. The weight of the gun is not heavy, yet heavy enough to give poise and purpose to the user. This is complimented by the sturdy feel of the weapon and the lack of cheap creaking plastic. Naturally the material and colouring of the gun is the standard black part metal / part ABS plastic. The stock is fixed firmly into place like the barrel and receiver. A real rubber butt plate finishes off the stock. On this version the metal parts (not including internals) are the flash hider, front sight assembly, charging handle, charging handle tube (only metal on the HG version), magazine, mag catch, mag release, both sling hooks, trigger, selector switch, rear sight (only metal on the High Grade version). It certainly is enough to give it a realistic feel.
Tokyo Marui have included markings on the weapon to make it look like a real H&K weapon. The fire selector is marked in the usual red and white 'easy to understand' diagram. The fire selector clicks solidly into each firing mode and doesn't slip. On the left hand side of the gun above the magazine it reads "Kal.9mmx19" and on the top of the receiver it is stamped with "HK MP5" and then a fake serial number. The only TM markings are on the right hand side of the gun, again above the magazine well "Made in Japan Tokyo Marui".

Performance

In my reviews I base the ability of the weapon to skirmish as priority in preference to punching paper. As most Airsofters will intend to skirmish with this weapon, mostly CQB too, I have to say that the sturdiness of the gun gives you confidence to "use" it. The standard boxed version includes a 50 round magazine. I adopted the review weapon second hand I had the benefit of two hi-cap magazines. The magazines click firmly into place inside the magazine well. Once you are ready to fire the ambidextrous selector switch can be easily flicked to your preferred firing rate. The single (semi-automatic) selection is quite good offering a stable base to pick off targets as well as 'double tapping' with ease. Flicking the selector upwards further to the automatic setting unleashes a high rate of fire. Careful attention to the hop setting must be made to maximise this guns potential. So how does it perform? The MP5 naturally has a short barrel. Don't be put off by this though. The MP5 isn't really a distance platform and is ideally suited to closer engagement ranges akin to CQB and urban sites. In these arenas it performs accurately and can hit targets (skirmisher sized) out to 25m. The large 8.4v battery offers a good rate of fire. This has never been of too much importance to me because I prefer to keep my weapons on semi. In this way the battery will certainly last all day, on fully auto it is not so likely. The hop up unit is a tad tricky to get precisely right. It is located on the left side of the gun just where the foregrip meets the receiver. The switch doesn't offer too much indication of how far is too much etc. However, a little bit of trial and error sorts that out. Down range the balance of size and power is slightly hindered by the accuracy of the short barrel. Burst fire is really the best method for this standard weapon in a woodland scenario. The accuracy is compensated for by the full metal front and rear sights. The usual cylindrical rear sight is fully adjustable and offers good eye relief (with goggles). Do not be put off by this. After all attempting to use any weapon outside its environment you will be upset with its performance. Inside a CQB arena things are different. The small size is very handy for sweeping in and out of rooms, and the stock can sit under the armpit if you are in a really enclosed area. The accuracy is excellent for close range engagements and the options on the rear sight allow your eye plenty of light options. The easy to line up foresight and compact weight really put it into a class of its own. Well it did until the G36 and UMP came along. Impressed? In its own environment yes, it handles, fires and is strong enough to take the occasional light knock.

Inside

The MP5 is simple to take apart and simple to put back together. The access to the mechbox (something I have never opened) and other parts you need to maintain is easy. The gun offers a lovely foundation for those who wish to upgrade. This being said though, I am of the opinion that when replacing the spring with a stronger one to also swap the spring guide for an upgraded one. Experience has shown that others who haven't have had the plastic tabs on the standard version break. Upgrading an MP5 in my opinion is not required for the U.K. A tightbore barrel in CQB will change a 2 1/2" group to a 2" group, and for the price it isn't worth it. If upgrading an MP5 is your thing then look on the outside.

Outside

MP5's have been used in such a variety of situations that tactical manufacturers have been churning out plenty of tactical additions. Laser dots, flashlights, aimpoints etc can all be bought for this series and some Airsoft retailers have aftermarket spares for the real Special Forces wannabes. Personally I like my weapons to remain virgin, but it has to be said I am more at home in woodland than CQB. If you need a cheap (now that the G36C is out these have come down in price) or starter short to medium range AEG with plenty of upgrade options, go for an MP5.

Summary

Tokyo Marui make decent weapons. The MP5 series was one of the most popular for a reason and that is reliability, utility and after market extras. I would never have assumed I would need one until borrowing one to use. They are a fun little piece with the added advantage of being utterly dependable and fantastic for indoor combat.