Cut MP5 front sight hood for red dot?

[eodinert]

The MP5 is a legacy system, and carries with it the baggage of being 50 years old; Caliber, weight, no last round hold open, ergonomics (or lack thereof)... Like an AK, you can try to drag it into the future, but it will do so kicking and screaming. I say enjoy it for what it is, and use a more contemporary rifle for the optics.

[Joe R.]

The MP5 is a legacy system, and carries with it the baggage of being 50 years old; Caliber, weight, no last round hold open, ergonomics (or lack thereof)... Like an AK, you can try to drag it into the future, but it will do so kicking and screaming. I say enjoy it for what it is, and use a more contemporary rifle for the optics.

While true that the MP5 is a dated system we were running red dots on them even back in the late 80s and 90s so it's not a question of "dragging it into the future" but rather finding a solution that works for you. It may not be the "cool guy" thing anymore but you can do a lot of good work with an MP5.

[SteyrAUG]

The MP5 is a legacy system, and carries with it the baggage of being 50 years old; Caliber, weight, no last round hold open, ergonomics (or lack thereof)... Like an AK, you can try to drag it into the future, but it will do so kicking and screaming. I say enjoy it for what it is, and use a more contemporary rifle for the optics.

Well for that matter, the entire SMG concept is dated and really limited to a role where covert suppression is necessary. But the fact of the matter is HK, if they wanted to, could easily produce a railed version of the MP5 that would allow most red dots to co witness. But seeing as how HK has wanted to phase out the MP5 series for the last 20 years I don't see that happening. Another easy solution would be a next generation series with taller sights that present the same offset as an M4 so every RDS would co witness.

HK had a chance to do this with the UMP and G36 series but for some reason decided not to. Personally I think the best solution is the old school "see through" mount that puts the red dot on top and allows you to see iron sights through the mount.