HK UCP
Summary
| Country | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Category | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
Technical specifications
| HK UCP | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 30 - 50 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 4.6 x 30 mm |
| Magazine | 20 rounds |
| Length | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Weight | 0.85 kg (1.9 lb) |
| Range | 50 m (164 ft) |
Description
The Heckler & Koch MP7 (Maschinenpistole 7) is a German-designed submachine gun developed by Heckler & Koch. Its development, along with its new cartridge, was initiated to fulfill NATO's 1989 requirements for a submachine gun with enhanced capability against Kevlar body armor, outperforming traditional submachine guns that use pistol cartridges. Production started in 2001. The MP7 was designed to be compact enough to replace a pistol or submachine gun while still being able to penetrate soft body armor.
The MP7 uses a short-stroke piston gas system, which sets it apart from the typical blowback operation found in submachine guns. It is chambered for the HK 4.6×30mm cartridge, which is exclusive to this weapon and provides low recoil. Its bullets have a hardened steel penetrator. The MP7 has a rate of fire of about 950 rounds per minute. Magazines holding 20, 30, or 40 rounds are inserted into the pistol grip. The weapon's controls, including the fire selector, bolt catch, and magazine release, are ambidextrous. It features an extendable stock and makes use of polymers in its construction to ensure that it remains compact and light. It can be fired with one or two hands.
Several variants of the MP7 have been introduced since the initial prototype:
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The first prototype, shown in 1999 and named PDW, featured a short top Picatinny rail and a smooth grip.
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The production model, named MP7 in 2001, had a full-length Picatinny rail, a curved stock, an anti-slide grip, and folding iron sights on the rail.
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In 2003, the MP7A1 was introduced, which featured a redesigned grip, a smaller stock that locks in three positions, standard side rails, and more compact sights.
The MP7A2 variant does not have the folding front grip, but it does include a Picatinny rail for accessory grips. A semi-automatic only variant, the MP7-SF, is also available.