School me on the MP5 clones

[ace4059]

I want an MP5 clone.
I was looking at the PTR 9c

What are some of the better options out there?
I saw Zenith, and POF but not a fan.
I really don’t want a threaded barrel


Here are my must haves:
Needs to be USA made because I’m going to Form 1 SBR it and don’t want the hassle of the 922r law.
Has to have the tri lug for my suppressor.
I prefer a welded rail for optics not the claw mount.
Has to be reliable

So what are my options? Who makes the best?

[Itsahak]

I was at a demo with the Zenith guys a few months ago. Decent weapons, supposedly made from the patterns bought from H&K. But frankly, it wasn't what our department needed/wanted and their price tag (around $2300) was more than we wanted to spend per weapon...
But if I had some cash laying around I didn't need, I wouldn 't mind owning one...

[Fuzzy-Reticle]

If a US Made Mp5 is what you are looking for look at Dakota Tactical.

[ccosby]

Most are going to have the navy style barrel with 3 lug and the threads in front of it with a protector. The PTR is one of the only ones I can think of that doesn't. Anyway we don't know about the PTR's really yet as they are new to this game and enough of them haven't been ridden hard to know if they are on to something or not. They do seem to know how to make the 308 guns though so I'd expect their quality to be pretty good.

Past that in the range they are in most of the other guns(US Made) are going to be made with Todd Bailey parts, someone who renames his company every few years to escape his rep. Do some research, you will see why Omega who is still working with him(Todd is doing the ump stuff for them and is supplying hkparts with stuff and omega sources parts from them).

The POF guns seem to generally be ok but with crappy finishes.

The Zenith guns for the most part are good. They are out of date in a way but I think that is because they haven't held the HK license in a while. So the guns don't have like the f bolts in them. Biggest issue with these guns is that the front takedown pin location on the lower can be off so if you swap for an ambi this can cause an issue. That brings up its own issue(same with the POF). They moved the auto sear blocks to get a dual push pin lower so you don't need to clip and pin a real hk one to fit. This also means the guns are not auto sear ready but for most this isn't going to be an issue.

Personally I'd avoid the PTR because I think the rail looks stupid as well as the handguard but thats me. Since you want the rail I think they would be a good option. Haven't heard anything bad yet from the early guns and I'd expect them to have one of the best chances of making them work(I really question the guns PSA is working on) Past that get the zenith and deal with 922r.

If a US Made Mp5 is what you are looking for look at Dakota Tactical.

Expensive but yea they have a good rep.

[SteyrAUG]

I want an MP5 clone.
I was looking at the PTR 9c

What are some of the better options out there?
I saw Zenith, and POF but not a fan.
I really don’t want a threaded barrel


Here are my must haves:
Needs to be USA made because I’m going to Form 1 SBR it and don’t want the hassle of the 922r law.
Has to have the tri lug for my suppressor.
I prefer a welded rail for optics not the claw mount.
Has to be reliable

So what are my options? Who makes the best?

Given your needs the PTR 9c is really your only option, although it wouldn't be my first choice.

[ace4059]

Given your needs the PTR 9c is really your only option, although it wouldn't be my first choice.

What would be your choice? The Dakota tactical are expensive so if I go that route I might as well spend a little more and get a used HK.

If you are using the 3 lug with the threaded barrel, won’t you have problems with the thread protector being carbon welded to the barrel.
Also I may put a registered sear in it later down the road.

If the general consensus is to go with the zenith what all parts have to be changed for 922r compliance?

[hotrodder636]

I would second the Dakota Tactical, followed by an actual HK.

[Fuzzy-Reticle]

Have you priced used Hk94's or SP89's? You could purchase a Zenith and SBR it & add all the compliance parts for much less. If money is no object then go for it. Roller lock guns are a gigantic money sucking black hole. Nothing about them regardless of brand is cheap. They are a kick in the balls to own however! I own a Zenith and it has been flawless. I am closing in on 4k rounds through it and have zero problems. Fit and finish is great. Runs with all the mags I own Hk, POF, MKE. Has taken every trigger housing I have tried on it. Easy to set up with an auto sear if you are so inclined. PTR is unproven in the 9mm roller lock game. PSA is well its PSA so YMMV. Dakota is spendy but they have a great reputation. Hope you find what you are looking for.

[Matt45648]

Ive been happy with my DJ Getz

[SteyrAUG]

What would be your choice? The Dakota tactical are expensive so if I go that route I might as well spend a little more and get a used HK.

If you are using the 3 lug with the threaded barrel, won’t you have problems with the thread protector being carbon welded to the barrel.
Also I may put a registered sear in it later down the road.

If the general consensus is to go with the zenith what all parts have to be changed for 922r compliance?

HK or HK Contract.

If you are willing to do a K, the a HK SP5k. Of course this eliminates the suppressor option.

MKE (Zenith) and POF are both built in HK factories set up by HK with HK tooling. If the MKEs were still rolling in that is what I'd grab. In fact I bought the 16" pistol version and had it cut, crowned with a 3 lug installed.

Seems everything coming in now is basically a Navy profile barrel that is three lugged and threaded just like the HK MP5-N. This gives you the option to use a wide variety of suppressors and so far nobody has fused the thread cap to the firearm. Mostly you just have to make sure it's snugged before installing a three lug suppressor.

I personally don't care for it and prefer a plain jane 3 lug barrel, but if the choice is a US clone that may or may not be in spec and correctly built vs. a HK contract firearm, I'm getting the latter.

As far as 922r replace non critical parts like furniture and keep at least ONE US made magazine in the firearm when stored. Getting to the "X number of parts" to be legal is almost unenforceable. Most agents who have a full understanding of 922r would still have a problem determining the source of the parts, I have both US and imported parts with no markings whatsoever. And I have yet to meet the ATF tech branch guy who can look at the color of the plastic on a MP5 handguard and state with any accuracy where or when it was made.

I'd grab a Zenith (MKE) if you can or a POF if you can't.