{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "hk-mp5", "name": "Heckler & Koch MP5", "manufacturer": { "id": "heckler-koch", "name": "Heckler & Koch" }, "category": "submachine-gun", "action": "roller-delayed-blowback", "calibers": [ "9x19mm Parabellum" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "MP5A2", "MP5A3", "SP5 (semi-automatic variant)", "MP5 pattern clones" ], "coversAlso": [ "MP5A2, A3, A4, A5", "MP5K and MP5SD (with significant differences)", "H&K SP5", "MP5-pattern semi-automatic clones" ], "page": "firearms/hk-mp5.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/hk-mp5.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "Heckler & Koch limits owner disassembly: Disassembly into assembly groups (back plate, trigger group, bolt group and recoil spring, handguard), bolt group disassembly and magazine disassembly, as in the SP5 manual.", "This work order is written for the Heckler & Koch MP5. It is reported to cover MP5A2, A3, A4, A5; MP5K and MP5SD (with significant differences); H&K SP5; MP5-pattern semi-automatic clones — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.", "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "high", "verification": "armorer-manual-verified" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "limited", "limit": "Disassembly into assembly groups (back plate, trigger group, bolt group and recoil spring, handguard), bolt group disassembly and magazine disassembly, as in the SP5 manual.", "statement": "HK tells SP5 owners to disassemble the pistol only to the extent described in the manual, warning that improper assembly can compromise safety and function.", "source": { "title": "Heckler & Koch SP5 Series Operator's Manual — same roller-delayed action, semi-automatic", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://hk-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SP5-Series-Operators-Manual-9.11.26-FINAL.pdf", "page": "27", "pdfPage": 27, "pageUrl": "https://hk-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SP5-Series-Operators-Manual-9.11.26-FINAL.pdf#page=27", "quote": "Risk of injury from improperly assembled SP5 Series! Improper assembly can compromise the safety and functioning of the SP5 Series. Only disassemble the SP5 Series pistols to the extent described in this manual." } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 2, "group": "rifle", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "This is the G3 family in 9 mm, and the HK SP5 list has 49 numbered parts with the trigger housing as one assembly. The strip has the same traps: loose rear-sight springs, plungers and balls, the cocking-support clamping sleeve, the trigger housing spring legs, and a locking piece matched to its carrier. Bolt gap has to be measured afterwards.", "confidence": "medium", "partCount": { "value": 45, "kind": "line-items", "covers": "complete semi-automatic SP5 (the civilian MP5-pattern pistol/carbine with the same roller-delayed action) per the HK 'SP5 Parts List & Exploded View': keys 1-39 plus the 3 not-pictured items (locking ", "basis": "manufacturer-parts-list", "source": { "title": "Heckler & Koch SP5 Series Operator's Manual — same roller-delayed action, semi-automatic", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://hk-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SP5-Series-Operators-Manual-9.11.26-FINAL.pdf", "page": "p. 51", "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Locking bolt for pistol grip and cap" } }, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "The rear sight drum sits on loose springs and plungers, and the sight base on a ball and spring; they are not captive and fly when the drum comes off.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "MP-5 Armorers Instruction", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch, Inc. International Training Division", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/MManuals/HkMp5ArmorersManual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "WATCH THE SPRINGS AND PLUNGERS UNDER THE TOOL, THEY ARE NOT CAPTIVE" } }, { "issue": "The cocking handle support is held by a clamping sleeve (roll pin) that only lines up with both holes in one handle position.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "MP-5 Armorers Instruction", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch, Inc. International Training Division", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/MManuals/HkMp5ArmorersManual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "When the clamping sleeve is centered in the top access hole it is not in alignment in the bottom hole." } }, { "issue": "In the trigger housing, spring legs have to be positioned correctly as the sleeve and spring go back.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "MP-5 Armorers Instruction", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch, Inc. International Training Division", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/MManuals/HkMp5ArmorersManual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Replace sleeve in spring and reinstall in rear of housing being careful of the position of the spring legs." } }, { "issue": "The locking piece and bolt carrier work as a matched pair; mixing them changes function.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "MP-5 Armorers Instruction", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch, Inc. International Training Division", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/MManuals/HkMp5ArmorersManual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Do not interchange these locking pieces!!" } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 55, "rebuild": 80, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Estimate: like the G3 strip, scaled to 9 mm: trigger housing, cocking support, rear sight drum, front sight, mag catch, handguard, stock/end cap, bolt group. Rebuild longer for the trigger housing springs, rear sight detents, handguard fit and the bolt-gap check.", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Trigger housing / grip", "removes": [ "hammer and spring", "trigger, sear and springs", "ejector and spring", "safety levers", "pistol grip" ], "tools": [ "roll-pin punches" ] }, { "assembly": "Receiver", "removes": [ "magazine catch, pressure spring, pressure piece, push button, clamping sleeves", "charging handle, support, detent pin and spring, clamping sleeve", "cap/end cap and locking bolt", "rear sight drum, springs, plungers, ball and base", "front sight", "handguard and locking bolt" ], "tools": [ "HK rear sight tool" ] }, { "assembly": "Bolt group", "removes": [ "bolt head, extractor and spring, rollers and holder, clamping sleeves", "locking piece, firing pin and spring", "recoil spring guide rod assembly" ] } ], "hardware": { "pins": 6, "springs": 5, "detents": 1, "basis": "counted by name in the same list (line items). Pins: clamping sleeves (roll pins) 4, 9, 14, 28, 30 (30 is 2x) and catch pin 29 = 6 line items / 7 pieces; the two 'locking bolt' push-pins (grip/cap, ha" }, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "HK rear sight adjustment tool", "usedFor": "Rear sight drum" }, { "tool": "Roll-pin punches", "usedFor": "Clamping sleeves" }, { "tool": "Feeler gauges", "usedFor": "Bolt gap" }, { "tool": "Extractor spring tool / small pick", "usedFor": "Extractor spring loop" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Bolt gap", "why": "Measured with feeler gauges after reassembly; out of range means roller/locking piece work", "source": { "title": "MP-5 Armorers Instruction", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch, Inc. International Training Division", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/MManuals/HkMp5ArmorersManual.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The distance between the rear of the bolt head and the front of the bolt carrier when the bolt is" } }, { "check": "Rear sight zero", "why": "The drum and base come off and the rifle must be re-zeroed", "source": null }, { "check": "Trigger function", "why": "Pressure fork and hammer spring seating checked with a function check", "source": null } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [], "configurations": [], "tools": [ { "name": "Punch or the tip of a cartridge", "required": false, "usedFor": "Pushing out the stock and trigger group push pins if they are tight." } ], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Place the selector on SAFE." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Press the magazine release and remove the magazine.", "partsFreed": [ "Magazine" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Pull the cocking handle fully to the rear and lock it into its forward notch to hold the bolt open." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Inspect the chamber and magazine well with a light and physically confirm the chamber is empty." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Release the cocking handle from its notch and let the bolt go forward under spring pressure.", "warning": "Do not ride it forward. Let it slam." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Remove all live ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Field Strip", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure with the selector on SAFE, the magazine out and the bolt released forward." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Push in the locking pin or pins for the back plate and pull them out.", "tip": "The full-size gun has one back plate pin; the K variant has two. The pins can be pushed in from either side of the receiver.", "partsFreed": [ "Back plate locking pins" ] }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Remove the back plate or buttstock to the rear.", "partsFreed": [ "Back plate / buttstock" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Remove the pistol grip and trigger group downwards.", "partsFreed": [ "Trigger group" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Pull the bolt group and recoil spring rearwards out of the receiver.", "partsFreed": [ "Bolt group", "Recoil spring" ] }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Push in the locking pin for the handguard and pull it out." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Pull the handguard towards the muzzle, then downwards, to remove it.", "tip": "Forward first, then down. It does not come straight off.", "partsFreed": [ "Handguard" ] } ] }, { "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "title": "Bolt Group Disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Strip the firearm into assembly groups first." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Turn the bolt head and locking piece clockwise." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Remove the bolt head and locking piece from the bolt carrier by bringing them forward.", "partsFreed": [ "Bolt head", "Locking piece" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Remove the firing pin and its pressure spring forward out of the bolt carrier.", "partsFreed": [ "Firing pin", "Firing pin pressure spring" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Clean the bolt head, its roller recesses, the locking piece and the carrier interior.", "warning": "HK's published strip stops here. Driving the rollers out of the bolt head is armorer work and is not part of routine cleaning." } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Back plate locking pins", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 2 }, { "name": "Back plate / buttstock", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Trigger group", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Bolt group", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Recoil spring", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 5 }, { "name": "Handguard", "procedure": "field-strip", "level": "field-strip", "step": 7 }, { "name": "Bolt head", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Locking piece", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Firing pin", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 4 }, { "name": "Firing pin pressure spring", "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 4 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": null, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "bolt-disassembly", "title": "Bolt Group Disassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 6, "instruction": "To reassemble: push the pressure spring onto the firing pin and place both into the locking piece." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Press the locking piece completely into the bolt carrier and hold it there.", "warning": "The smooth side of the locking piece faces the bottom of the bolt. Check this before going further." }, { "n": 8, "instruction": "Turn the locking piece counter-clockwise a quarter turn until it reaches its assembly position." }, { "n": 9, "instruction": "Place the bolt head onto the locking piece with the extractor upwards." }, { "n": 10, "instruction": "Turn the bolt head counter-clockwise a quarter turn until the connecting piece audibly and tangibly snaps into place.", "warning": "You should hear and feel it. If it does not snap, it is not assembled." } ], "instruction": null }, { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Assemble the bolt group." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Place the handguard onto the receiver from below and press it rearwards." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Push the handguard locking pin into the receiver.", "tip": "Locking pins can be pushed in from either side." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Insert the bolt group and recoil spring into the receiver from the rear." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Cock the hammer, then insert the trigger group into the receiver and rotate it upwards.", "warning": "Cock the hammer first. This is the step people miss when the trigger group will not go in." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Insert the back plate or buttstock into the receiver." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Push the back plate locking pin or pins into the receiver." }, { "n": 8, "instruction": "Pull the cocking handle fully back and release it sharply, then perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "none-recorded", "manufacturer": [], "reported": [], "notes": "The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: \"Tighten the set screw by turning clockwise with Phillips-head screwdriver.\" (Heckler & Koch SP5 Series Operator's Manual — same roller-delayed action, semi-automatic, PDF p. 21 (rear sight windage adjustment)) \"Only remove the Picatinny rail scope mount if it is damaged.\" (Operator's Manual SP5 Series (5.12.2026 FINAL), PDF p. 25)" }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify the weapon is unloaded with no magazine inserted before each step.", "Pull the cocking handle fully rearward and release it sharply. The bolt should go fully into battery.", "With the selector on SAFE, press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.", "Move the selector to semi-automatic, cock the action, and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.", "Hold the trigger back, cock the action, and release the trigger to feel the disconnector reset.", "Confirm the cocking handle locks into and releases from its notch cleanly.", "Confirm both push pins are fully seated and the stock and trigger group are secure.", "If the bolt does not go fully into battery, do not fire. Have the bolt gap checked." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [ { "symptom": "The trigger group will not rotate up into the receiver.", "cause": "The hammer is not cocked.", "fix": "Cock the hammer on the trigger group, then offer it up and rotate it into the receiver.", "damageRisk": "Forcing it against a forward hammer bends the trigger group housing and the selector shaft." }, { "symptom": "The bolt head will not snap onto the locking piece.", "cause": "The locking piece is not pressed fully into the carrier and turned to its assembly position, or the bolt head is not offered up with the extractor upwards.", "fix": "Press the locking piece fully in and hold it, turn it a quarter turn counter-clockwise, then fit the bolt head extractor-up and turn it a quarter turn counter-clockwise until it audibly snaps." }, { "symptom": "The gun goes together but does not lock up properly, or headspace feels wrong.", "cause": "The locking piece has been fitted upside down.", "fix": "Strip the bolt group and refit the locking piece with its smooth side toward the bottom of the bolt.", "damageRisk": "HK warns that improper assembly of this action compromises safety and functioning. Do not fire it to find out.", "seeGunsmith": true }, { "symptom": "The handguard will not come off, or will not go back on.", "cause": "It is being pulled straight off or pushed straight on.", "fix": "To remove, pull it towards the muzzle and then downwards. To fit, place it on the receiver from below and press it rearwards before inserting its pin." } ], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": null, "title": "Heckler & Koch MP5 Submachine Gun Operator's and Armorer's Manual", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch GmbH", "reliability": "primary", "url": null, "accessed": null }, { "n": 2, "id": "heckler-koch-usa-heckler-koch-inc-59e001", "title": "Heckler & Koch SP5 Series Operator's Manual — same roller-delayed action, semi-automatic", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://hk-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SP5-Series-Operators-Manual-9.11.26-FINAL.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-15" }, { "n": 3, "id": "heckler-koch-usa-heckler-koch-inc-63eac9", "title": "Operator's Manual SP5 Series (5.12.2026 FINAL)", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch USA (Heckler & Koch, Inc.)", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://hk-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SP5-Series-Operators-Manual-5.12.2026-FINAL.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-27" }, { "n": 4, "id": "tier-0f62a3b6", "title": "MP-5 Armorers Instruction", "publisher": "Heckler & Koch, Inc. International Training Division", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://archive.org/download/MManuals/HkMp5ArmorersManual.pdf", "accessed": "2026-10-29" } ] }