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Century Arms AP5 Review: The Best MP5 Clone?
If you are looking for an iconic firearm, it doesn’t get much more iconic than the MP5. Movies, video games, and books all reference the compact firearm frequently.
However, for anyone looking to own an original MP5, the NFA and sky-high prices typically mean ownership is out of reach.
Enter the Century Arms AP5. The AP5 is a semi-automatic pistol made by MKE in Turkey using original H&K tooling.
Classic aesthetics with modern touches.
This review will discuss the features of the AP5, its performance, and its overall value, so stick around and see if this MP5 clone is worth your time.
Features
Roller-Delayed Blockback System
Roller-delayed blowback actions help mitigate recoil and make firearms more pleasant to shoot. The AP5 is no different. The action on the AP5 is exceptionally smooth. The moderate recoil also allows for fast and accurate follow-up shots.
I have a decent-sized collection of PCCs, none but the AP5 uses Roller-Delayed Blowback action, and while they all shoot well and have negligible recoil, the AP5 takes the cake.
Authentic MP5 Design
The AP5 has the classic MP5 diopter sights.
The Century Arms AP5 is incredibly faithful to the MP5 design. The appearance, controls, and features align with the classic MP5. The paddle mag release, charging handle, and sighting systems are true to the MP5 design. If only the AP5 were select fire….
Surplus and Aftermarket
The aftermarket ecosystem is one area where the AP5/MP5 design shines. There are stocks, handguards, triggers, and other accessories to make your AP5 fit your wants and needs. SBR’ing the AP5 lets you maximize it, and once you have your approved Form 1 in hand, you can install every flavor of MP5 stock.
The SBT5 brace is excellent on the AP5.
Speaking of NFA items, a suppressor is one of the best accessories for your AP5. My AP5 with CGS Mod9 has been whisper-quiet.
The AP5, depending on the model you purchase, has a tri-lug adaptor for use with your chosen suppressor.
If you are willing to go away from the classic aesthetic with your AP5, an optic combined with a low-profile mount and a red dot like the Sig Romeo5 or a Holosun 507COMP is a great choice.
And, of course, don’t forget extra mags. Load up a few hundred rounds at home and enjoy your time shooting at the range and not loading mags. Your ability to accessorize your AP5 to suit your needs is only limited by your budget.
How We Tested
I shot it. Then I shot it again. I shot it with a suppressor. I shot it without a suppressor. The AP5 is so fun to shoot that it is hard not to take it out whenever you go to the range and neglect your other guns.
During my testing, I took it to my local outdoor range and used it around the farm. A few raccoons learned the hard way not to mess with my chickens because of my AP5. I have used it to shoot both paper and steel targets and have had no problems ringing steel at 50 yards.
The AP5 needs a break-in period of about 500 rounds, which are suggested to be 124-grain NATO-spec FMJs. After that, the world is your oyster. You name the ammo, and the AP5 shoots it well. Hornday Subsonic is incredible from the AP5. I have a CGS Mod9 with a tri-lug setup, and the result is really fun. The gun has proven quiet with every 147-grain ammo I have run.
I initially ran my AP5 without a brace and used a single-point sling. I was impressed by how easy it was to control without a stock or a brace. I have since added a brace and really like the changes to the gun. I will eventually SBR my AP5, but I don’t feel a pressing need to do so yet.
What We Like About the AP5
The AP5 is built on H&K tooling. As a result, it is one of the most accurate MP5 clones you can buy. It features a roller-delayed blowback system that ensures smooth operation and low felt recoil, making it a pleasure to shoot.
The AP5, like the original MP5, is light and compact, which makes it easy to carry and shoot. Century Arms/MKE offers the AP5 in three configurations. There is the full-sized AP5, a shorter AP5-P, and the AP5-M (the most compact version).
My AP5 in its stock configuration.
All of them are incredibly reliable. After I completed the 500-round NATO-spec break-in period, I’ve run all sorts of ammo through many different magazines, and it’s eaten everything I threw at it.
Flaws and Potential Deal Breakers
The AP5 is not without the potential for minor flaws. Some users have reported issues with quality control, although I didn’t have an issue, and the reports are not widespread. The AP5 also has a button and paddle mag release. My paddle release is excellent, but the button release was very stiff when I first got the gun.
Both the paddle and button mag release.
It is not an ambidextrous design, the ergonomics may not be your cup of tea, and it might feel dated to some users. That being said, the large aftermarket for the MP5/AP5 means you can address many of these issues if you so choose.
Specifications
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Action | Roller-Delayed Blowback |
| Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Barrel Length | 8.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 17.9 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Sights | Fixed front, adjustable rear |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built on genuine H&K tooling
- Accurate and fun to shoot
- Excellent price/value
- Reliable
- It’s as iconic as it gets
Cons
- Older design and ergonomics compared to modern PCCs
- Non-ambidextrous design
Last Words
The Century Arms AP5 is a beautiful firearm with the classic looks and function of the iconic MP5. It is more than just a pretty face; it is a high-quality shooter. It is reliable, accurate, and 100% fun.
I’m going to go back to shooting now.
It does lack some modern features and ergonomics, but for me, that is easily overlooked, and many of those can be addressed with aftermarket products. If you are looking for a PCC, specifically a roller-delayed one that doesn’t break the bank, the AP5 deserves a place in your collection.
