Favorite MP5-style rifle lower?

[militarymoron]

They make that also for the MP5K/SP89 which I need 922r parts for.
Thank you, didn't see that available before.
7n6

Here are both options - on my HK93 I went with the 'lower cost alternative' ambi group, which was still almost $400. On my SP89, I installed the ambi safety on a Navy style S-F housing utilizing the OEM semi trigger pack, which totaled about $200. The HK ambi housings have a bigger hole for the safety, and only fit the ambi trigger packs. The smaller hole housings will fit OEM, non-ambi trigger packs.

[Ron3]

Whats the downside to the steel lower?

I think it looks good and like the grip.

[kaltesherz]

FBI Ambi FTW!

[militarymoron]

Whats the downside to the steel lower?
I think it looks good and like the grip.

There's no downside if you like it. For me, the downside is that the grip has the same ridge that i find uncomfortable on the SEF lower. I replaced the plastic grip on a metal lower with a Navy-style plastic grip many years ago before plastic Navy-style lowers were available. The other downside for me is being a lefty, there isn't any ambi safety available for a metal lower that I'm aware of - they make them only for the plastic contoured SEF lowers and the Navy-style lowers.

[SteyrAUG]

I can shoot any of them, the only thing I don't like about plastic older SEF trigger groups is the detent is pretty locked in place and you really need to lean on it to change the position. It takes me almost part of a second to angle the lower to change the selector on either the old stamped steel groups or the newer picto groups. Extended levers actually slow me down because they get in my way.

What baffles me most though, is those who have problems with HK selectors never seem to complain about the AK selectors which are probably the least ergonomic of any rifle ever made, but they remain one of the most favorite small arms of all time.

[Ron3]

What baffles me most though, is those who have problems with HK selectors never seem to complain about the AK selectors which are probably the least ergonomic of any rifle ever made, but they remain one of the most favorite small arms of all time.

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Speaking of ergo's, I found that even an ak is better than the g3 and I'm sure the mp5, too, when in comes to mag changes. (Even with paddle releases)

Heck even the Vz61 Skorpion has a last shot hold open, drop free mags, (that insert straight in) and easy - sweep rotating fire selector. And a great trigger, too.

[militarymoron]

What baffles me most though, is those who have problems with HK selectors never seem to complain about the AK selectors which are probably the least ergonomic of any rifle ever made, but they remain one of the most favorite small arms of all time.

Are you speaking from a lefty or righty's point of view? As a lefty, I use my right thumb to flip the AK safety down, then move my right hand to the forearm. As for HK lowers, having an ambi safety as a lefty does help.

I think that one of the problems is that we're spoiled by the ergos of the AR15, especially one that is set up with ambi controls. I can't manipulate any other weapon as quickly in the same drills, so I end up trying to figure out ways of doing so. Not all weapons have the same manual of arms, but I think that it's just human nature to try out whatever speeds up that process (if it's important to the individual), rather than accept 'that's the way it is'.

IIRC, the AR15 was designed with disposable mags in mind (hence the drop free design); whereas others like the AK, HKs, M14s, FAL etc were designed with magazine retention in mind (like the original Glock non drop-free mags), but with today's timed drills emphasizing speed, the original intent of the weapons' designers is sometimes forgotten.

[SteyrAUG]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Speaking of ergo's, I found that even an ak is better than the g3 and I'm sure the mp5, too, when in comes to mag changes. (Even with paddle releases)

Not really, HK mags are straight insert and don't need to be hung. If you are more familiar with AKs you will do mag changes faster with AKs, if you are more familiar with G3s you will do mag changes faster with G3s.

[Ron3]

Not really, HK mags are straight insert and don't need to be hung. If you are more familiar with AKs you will do mag changes faster with AKs, if you are more familiar with G3s you will do mag changes faster with G3s.

Certainly.

I guess I'm in the same boat as many others. Kinda want an mp5 style weapon but it's tough to put $2k minimum into a range toy. Yea I know it's not a bad HD weapon but any weapon used for SD is difficult to get back from the state.

The thread did answer my questions, thanks.

Basically I prefer lowers other than the "navy" style so if I get one in another style it will save some money.

[JoshNC]

Ambi is my preference. It’s what I have on my MP5-N. But I still have a SEF on my K-N and it’s fine. The preference is purely aesthetic in my case.