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Days of Guns: MP5 Submachine Gun

The MP5 sub machine gun is one of those guns that even non gun enthusiasts can easily recognize. It was a trailblazing cutting edge serious piece of military hardware when it was released in the mid 1960’s. Even though over 40 years has passed and it’s been largely replaced by reliable short barreled rifles like the AR15 based MK18 rifle by Daniel Defense, it still holds a special place in the gun community.

The MP5 has been a service rifle for more than 80 countries, including dozens of the worlds premier Special Operations Forces. That’s not including the endless numbers that have been issued to Police and other law enforcement agencies. British Special Air Service, U.S. Navy Seals, German GSG 9, US Army SFOD-D, France’s GIGN anti terror teams and even the Vatican’s Swiss Guards have used the MP5 to guard the Catholic Popes. Anyway you slice it that’s an impressive list of users.

I happen to own an MP5 clone, it’s a legally owned and papered short barrel rifle. The only downside to mine is it’s a semi auto. The purists and haters out there will say I should have gotten a fully automatic MP5  but I don’t have an extra $25,000 and a Federal Firearms License. I did however have a little less than that and decided to have this D54 variant built by Dakota Tactical of Canton, Michigan. Yes you read that right, a U.S. Made MP5.

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The MP5 was the gun that as a child made me want to get into shooting and owning firearms. I had very little idea of what it was, but I just knew that someday I would own one. Little did I know it would take over 25 years to get around to it. My dream was almost sunk due to ridiculous Clinton Era assault weapons bans and Heckler & Koch’s withdrawal from the rifle market at the time. That’s where Dakota Tactical comes in and my dream was revived.

Not a “Real” H&K 

I hear that comment all the time and it tells me the person speaking is ignorant of gun history or design. We don’t refer to all non Armalite AR15 style rifles as “Armalite Clones” do we ? We also don’t refer to polymer guns as “Glock clones”. I’ve placed my Dakota Tactical rifle next to H&K stamped MP5’s and its built every bit as well. The firearms industry is one industry where imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, unless their is a lawsuit attached.

My MP5 is my favorite gun I own, no question at all in my mind. I own a lot of guns, including all the usual guns you would expect like AK47 variants, AR15’s, PPs43 sub machine guns, more pistols than I can remember. To put it mildly I’ve owned a lot of guns and still if I had to choose only one this is it.

Quirks and Issues

If you ever decide to own an MP5 variant there are a few idiosyncrasies you should know first. Remember this gun was designed over 40 year ago and firearms technology and though processes have evolved. If you can live with these quirks then you can own a gun that is always fun to shoot and will always draw a crowd at the range.

  • The MP5 lacks a last round hold open on all models except the few made in .40 S&W.
  • Magazines are expensive
  • Trigger is long
  • Weighs 6.0 lbs
  • Diopter style rear sight
  • People will ask questions and want to shoot it
  • Accessories are expensive
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Heart of the MP5, The rotating bolt head. Rollers clearly seen

The world of the MP5 is not for everyone, and not all MP5’s are created equal. I will cover that topic and more in the near future when we hopefully interview Dakota Tactical’s owner and get into the world of Heckler & Koch clones along with the new and expanding product lines Dakota Tactical has been working on. I won’t spoil it, you’ll just have to check back for that article.

I can’t say it enough, this gun is flat out fun to shoot. Even being a semi automatic variant, I’ve yet to have anyone turn down a chance to shoot it when they ask about it at the range. It’s well built thanks to the superior craftsmanship of Joe Stoppiello and his crew at Dakota Tactical. I’ have no idea how many rounds I’ve fed this sub machine gun in the last three years but I can tell you I hardly ever go to the range without it.

The accuracy of my particular MP5 clone is every bit as good as a Heckler & Koch produced rifle. It’s not designed to shoot hundreds of yards and have stunning groupings. It’s designed to shoot bad guys that are at much closer ranges than a traditional full sized rifle. Discreet operations like personal protective details and undercover work is where the MP5 shines.

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3 lug set up for silencer use

As I mentioned in the beginning of the article I waited a long time for this gun, 25 years then another 331 Days while the ATF processed my BATFE Form 1. That’s a long time to wait even for a patient man. Would I do it all over again ? spend more than $2500 on a pistol and make it into a rifle ? Hell Yes I would. Every gun enthusiast has a wish list of guns they hope to own one day and when you get a chance to grab one off that list you better never hesitate.

Hope you enjoyed this installment of Days of Guns, It’s been fun to show you some of the toys in the toy box that I have .If you have any questions about this short barrel rifle or comments just drop them in the comments section below or use the FRAGO. Here’s a little video of one of the best features of any MP5.

– Rick Dembroski for LoadoutRoom.com

Leinad Arms 45 Colt Derringer: The poor man’s Judge

This small pocket pistol from Leinad Arms is the epitome of simple and rugged. There are virtually no moving parts other than the barrel break action to load and unload the ammunition. This particular model is the 45 Long Colt / .410 Shot Shell version. I have personally shot several rounds of 45 long colt without any issues and to my surprise the recoil was not as extreme as I was expecting. Obviously this is a close in gun (7 yards or less). At 7 yards there are no issues with putting your last shot on target.

You can even take this gun a step further and purchase a .410 to .22 LR adapter from Short Lane Arms which now enables you to shoot all .22 LR ammunition through this gun. With the addition of this adapter, the gun makes a great companion to have on the trap line to dispatch small game. This gun could also be used on the trail or out in the woods to dispatch venomous snakes by using a 410 shot shell if you happen to be in an area known for these types of snakes.

This gun also makes a great concealed carry pistol for ‘low vis’ environments where you may need that ‘last shot’ to get out of a tight situation.

Specifications:

  • Will fire .45 LC ammo, 2 1/2″ .410 shot shells and with the adapter mentioned, .22 long rifle
  • These Derringers feature a non-glare black matte finish
  • External hammer
  • Cross-bolt safety
  • Tip-up barrel for easy loading

You can find this small 45 long colt derringer at gun shows and various online firearm dealers for as little as $90. For that price you really cannot go wrong having a small derringer that shoots 45 long colt, 410 shot shells, and 22 long rifle. If anything it makes a great conversation piece with your friends.

Can You Pass the Navy SEAL Physical Screening Test?

The Navy SEAL + SWCC Scout Team identifies and engages high-quality potential SEAL and SWCC candidates, informs them of a career in Naval Special Warfare, and assists them with the recruiting process.

Physically prepare to the best of your ability in advance of BUD/S. If you arrive already making competitive scores versus minimum standards, you’ll be in a much better position to successfully complete training and become a Navy SEAL.

The Physical Screening Test, or PST, is designed to test your overall physical readiness to participate in the rigorous Naval Special Warfare or special operations training pipelines.

Remember, everyone who has entered BUD/S passed the PST to get there, and more than half of them didn’t finish.

Points of performance

Swim

You must perform the test using either a side stroke or a breast stroke.

Push-ups

Must be performed with a straight back and feet and hands in contact with the deck at all times. No slouching
allowed; proper form must be strictly maintained.

Sit-ups

Sit on the floor with your knees bent approximately 90 degrees. Cross your arms in front of you with fingertips touching your shoulders. Exercise through the full range of motion. Again, proper form must be strictly maintained.

Pull-ups

Grip pull-up bar with palms facing away from you. Hands are to be shoulder width apart. Do not swing, kick, or bicycle to assist. Make sure you go all the way up (chin above bar) then ALL THE WAY DOWN.

SEAL Physical Screening Test (PST) minimum requirements 

PST
Minimums
SWIM 500 YDS. side stroke/breast stroke
12:30 min
REST 10 MIN.
PUSH-UPS (within 2 min)
42
Rest 2 minutes
SIT-UPS (within 2 min)
50
Rest 2 minutes
PULL-UPS (no time limit)
6
Rest 10 minutes
1.5 MILE RUN11:00 min

 

Recycled Firefighter | Quick Look

Once and awhile while searching the internet, you come across a really cool product. A product that’s not only made in the USA, but made with repurposed material by an American firefighter.  Recycled Firefighter, as the name implies, uses anything from decommissioned fire hose, to old nomex clothing and discarded combat boot leather. They produce some innovative products that not only support an American entrepreneur but have an interesting history as well.

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Leather “Sergeant”

I prefer to carry a slim wallet in my front pocket and opted for the “Sergeant” model from Recycled Firefighter. Because of it’s simple, durable design, this handmade recycled combat boot leather wallet has found it’s way into my EDC. In addition, Recycled Firefighter offers traditional bifold wallets using various materials such as leather, hypalon and firehose. Some additional products include notebook covers, bags and EDC swag.

Specs courtesy of recycled firefighter.com:

  • Made from whole hides of American Military Boot Leather
  • Sewn with T-90 nylon thread
  • Edged with 1″ Mil-Spec Nylon Ribbon
  • Slim yet durable
  • Holds 4-8 cards, depending on the unique nature of the leather
  • 1.5″ Mil-Spec Elastic Cash Strap (cash folded into thirds)
  • Fire & Water Resistant Leather
  • Registered Multicam and Multicam Arid Pattern Binding

Take a look at Jake’s website and help support a firefighter with a knack for making some pretty cool products from repurposed fire fighting gear. USA, USA, USA!

– Erik Meisner for LoadoutRoom.com

5.11 Ignitor Backpack | Initial Impression

For the past couple of years, I’ve searched for a sleek, functional backpack that I can strap my long range rifle to. A pack that will carry the load I need into the wood-line for hunting or a day at the range. I recently got my hands on a 5.11 Ignitor Backpack that on paper, meets all of my criteria. I had been using a 5.11 Rush 72 for my long range loadout so I’m very familiar with the quality of pack 5.11 produces. The Rush 72 is almost too big for what I needed and at the time of purchase, didn’t offer a way to strap my rifle to it.

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With about half the volume of the Rush 72, the 5.11 Ignitor Backpack displaces 26.5 liters. There was no issue fitting my 20-60x spotting scope, Bushnell rangefinder, data book, ammo, Kestrel, magazines, bipod, water, gloves, hat and soft-shell with room for more essentials. An AR-15 used for mid range shooting was also strapped onto the Ignitor Backpack. The description on the 5.11 website eluded to the pack having the capacity to mount a long gun…I was wrong. You’ll need to spend another $50 for the Rush Tier Rifle Sleeve. This accessory is designed to carry a rifle while mounted to the outside of a Rush backpack. For use with the Ignitor Backpack, you will only need the extension for the muzzle. Which begs the question, why wasn’t this small part included in the first place?

Once loaded with about 25lbs of gear and a 10lb rifle, I took off on the maiden voyage. Not long into the trek, I found that more time adjusting the pack was necessary. It was obvious right away that the pack was riding high and not carrying the load on my hips. Additionally, the sternum strap was higher than I’m used to despite being on the lowest adjustment. The ergonomic shoulder straps were well padded and comfortable as was the hip belt. You’ll find a generous amount of molle webbing on the exterior as well as hook-loop for attaching name tapes or morale patches. Finally, there are enough internal and external pockets to organize items such as rifle magazines, radio, phone, first aid items, etc.

Interior organization pockets
Interior organization pockets

5.11 Ignitor Backpack specs courtesy of 511tactical.com

  • Overall Dimension: 21”H x 11”L x 9.5”W
  • Volume: ~ 1617 cubic inches and 26.5 litres
  • 300D ripstop polyester body
  • 840D nylon base
  • Zephyr suspension system
  • Compression straps
  • Dual side storage compartments
  • Stuff-it pocket
  • Hydration compartment
  • Adjustable belt panels
  • Wrap-around MOLLE- and SlickStick-compatible web platform
  • MSRP $174.99
  • Rush Tier Rifle Sleeve MSRP $49.99

From the layout of the pockets and zippers to the various lightweight materials used to save weight, my impression of the Ignitor Backpack is top notch. There is so much I like about the 5.11 Ignitor Backpack that I’m going to make every effort to fine tune the fit of this tactical pack. I want to make this pack work so badly due to its perfect volume and features. Over the next month and before the snow starts flying here in Northern Michigan, I plan to use and abuse this pack and get the final verdict out to our readers. Stay tuned…

– Erik Meisner for LoadoutRoom.com

Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket | Review

It’s cooling off outside in most of the northern US as fall is upon us and winter is fast approaching. In these “fringe” months, it can be 38F and drizzling in the morning yet clear up and reach temps in the upper 60’s by afternoon. The challenge is leaving the house with the right jacket on. In these dynamic conditions, you are literally covered with the new Tru-Spec H2O Proof jacket.

Since 1996, Tru-Spec has filled the need for high quality yet affordable military and law enforcement uniforms. As a result, thousands of military, law enforcement and emergency service workers depend on Tru-Spec products daily. Manufactured in their state of the art facility by over 1000 employees, Tru-Spec continues to lead the way in innovation. All the while listening to their customers feedback to further enhance the finished product. The Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket is one such item.

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2 main components comprise the H2O Proof 3 in 1 Jacket. A waterproof outer shell along with an insulating inner liner. In snotty weather, saying dry is the key to maintaining warmth. And with a 2-layer waterproof breathable outer shell, this is easily achieved. I’ve been an avid skier for more than 40 years which makes me old and wise. Because of this, I’ve owned jackets consisting of the all the waterproof fabrics on the market from various manufacturers. I have found that most jackets fail to maintain their waterproofness due to seam failure. To combat this common problem, Tru-Spec utilizes an environmentally safe Bemis seam tape on all panel joints.

The outer shell has several features that will be appreciated by LEO and military users. First are the side zippers that can be opened up to expose a holstered sidearm or radio. These zippers have a snap flap at the hem line to secure under the holster keeping the jacket in place. Heavy duty waterproof zippers are used for the main and side pit zips. Traditional zippers are found on the 2 front hand pockets, 2 chest pockets and the rear pockets. A unique feature of the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket is the detachable ID panels located within the chest pockets and rear cape pocket. Additionally, the hood can also be detached and stored in a large rear lumbar pocket when not needed.

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Waterproof side zips for access to sidearm

While the outer shell is keeping you dry, the inner insulating liner is trapping body heat to keep you warm. The meat and potatoes of this jacket is the machine washable quilted synthetic insulation. The insulating layer can not only be used alone on dry days, it can be zipped into the outer shell as a 3 in 1 system. The main zipper can be used to attach the two jackets together along with collar and cuff snaps. Once connected, the user has a heavy-duty waterproof work coat. The insulating layer incorporates the same side zipper openings to retain the use of a duty belt or holster. Another nice feature is the soft touch fabric that lines the collar and chin when fully zipped up.

I’ve been able to use the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket for over a month in Northern Michigan and have concluded that this is a solid service jacket. Although the waterproof outer shell is all business when it comes to keeping you dry, it lacks a little breathability while conducting strenuous activities. While working on one of my job sites this fall, I was up and down ladders all day and had to quickly open the pit zips to ventilate the jacket. In all fairness, I’m comparing this to my Mammut Alpine shell that features a superior breathing Gore-Tex Pro material and a much higher price point. The waterproof zippers are amazing and seem to stand up well to repeated use. Overall, the jacket is a little heavy as compared to others I own which I assume will translate into durability on the job.

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Adjustable cuffs

If you are a LEO, contractor or military professional and are looking for a versatile jacket for all conditions, take a look at the Tru-Spec H2O Proof 3 in 1 Jacket. Tru-Spec offers the 3 in 1 jacket in both black and navy colors. Other jackets in the H2O Proof line are available in Coyote as well.

Features of the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket courtesy of truspec.com

  • 100% tactical nylon shell construction 
  • 100% nylon Cumulus jacket construction 
  • Quilted synthetic insulation in jacket 
  • Zippered front closure with standup zip-through collar 
  • Detachable hood rolls and stows away with wraparound chin guard, flexible wire brim and hook volume adjustment 
  • Breathable, waterproof and windproof 
  • Bemis tapes seams for a completely dry interior 
  • Dual lower hand pockets feature zippered closures and waist drawstring access 
  • Two chest pockets with pull-out ID panels and zippered closures 
  • Back features a cape opening with zippered closure and a detachable ID panel 
  • Back pocket on the waist 
  • Jacket and liner each have size zippers for fast duty belt access and improved ventilation
  • MSRP $244.95

– Erik Meisner for LoadoutRoom.com

Fire Building with Damp Wood | 100 Deadly Skills Survival Edition

Getting a sustainable fire started may be a matter of life and death in certain situations. Knowing how to get that fire started in all conditions is a must. To increases your chances of survivability you need to prepare ahead of time when going into the woods hiking, backpacking or hunting. I have covered some easy ways to get a fire going in previous articles along with the items I carry in my fire kit.

Today we are going to take a look at starting a fire with damp wood. This skill is found in the new 100 Deadly Skills Survival Edition.

No. 033: Build a Fire with Damp Wood 

In this scenario it was raining pretty good, so in an effort not to waste time setting up a shelter I was able to use the natural shelter a pine tree offers. The first thing I did was to quickly gather the sticks I would need to get the initial fire going. That included small kindling that I got from both off the ground and dead standing in the tree. From there I gathered a few larger sticks for fuel.

In foul weather you NEED a method of sure fire to get started. For me that was both the fatwood and mini inferno disks. Take one of the fatwood sticks and using your knife create several curls at the end of the stick (otherwise known as a feather stick). Once that is prepped, get one of the mini inferno disks and ignite that using a bic lighter. Once the mini inferno disk is lit, go ahead and place the fatwood feather stick on top. The combination of the mini inferno disk and fatwood will give you at least 5 minutes of burn time to get other tinder and sticks on the fire. At this point you can walk away from the fire to gather more wood to fuel the fire.

Contents of my fire kit:

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This is the kit that goes inside my pack whenever I hit the trail, even if it’s perfect weather outside. In order to become proficient in survival skills such as this one, you need to practice in adverse weather conditions to both shake out your gear and become confident in the skill yourself.

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Order your copy of the new 100 Deadly Skills Survival Edition to read about this skill and many others.

– Scott Witner for LoadoutRoom.com

The Tactical Nightstand | 100 Deadly Skills Survival Edition

Picture this…You’ve put the kids to bed for the evening and after locking the front door and turning all the lights off you yourself go to bed. You are then awakened several hours later by a strange noise coming from downstairs. It sounds as if someone broke a window and are now attempting to breach the front door.

Taking a step back, what have you done to prepare for a possible home invasion in the middle of the night? What do you have at arm’s reach that will give you a leg up in this situation, an advantage over the scumbag breaking into your home.

Let’s take a look at the nightstand. Is your nightstand piled with magazines, some books, box of Kleenex, and a myriad of other items? Your nightstand can be your first line of defense in a home invasion, if you have prepared ahead of time and have the tools available at arm’s reach. I’m going to show you how my nightstand is setup to give my family a fighting chance against a home invasion. Typically the top of my nightstand contains my EDC items once I unload my pockets prior to going to bed.

Top of Nightstand:

Inside the nightstand drawer: These items NEVER leave the drawer.

  • Flashlight – SOG Dark Energy
  • Non-Lethal Option – Wasp Spray (poor man’s mace)
  • Glock 17 with a full magazine loaded and ready (round in the chamber)
  • Sentinel Gear Mk3 Fixed Blade
  • Medical – Having a medical kit on hand is a must, especially if you have a family. Depending on how sideways the situation goes you may need to render aid to a family member until first responders arrive.

Quick tip: If you have a spare car key fob with a panic button, keep that on your nightstand as well. This makes a great improvised alarm that just may be enough to scare off the intruder.

*Order your copy of the new 100 Deadly Skills Survival Edition.

Gerber SHORT STACK AR TOOL

I have spent many hours cleaning, taking apart and replacing parts on M4 and AR15 rifles and if there is one thing I can say is “I would love to have a single tool that could take care of all aspects of maintaining said weapon platforms.

When I first received the Gerber Short Stack AR Tool my first impression was “wow, this is a pretty cool looking tool”.  It is versatile  tool and does fit all of the different parts, areas and able to function together with other maintenance tools and AR accessories as advertised.  Taking this tool apart and setting it up for each use is difficult at first because of the magnets that hold it together.  I had to walk away from it, after my first 6 futile but successful attempts at separating the pieces of this tool (ha ha ha…arrgghhh).  Once I stumbled upon the magical way to separate the three pieces, it is quite simple.  It is easier to show with a video then it is to describe, so here it is.

Once you get it apart, it is very easy to set it up for each use as described in the IKEA style instructions.  I am still trying to wrap my brain around who actually tested this tool within the Gerber company?  After watching the video, I realized that they did test it as advertised, but only to show that it fit properly.   I had to figure these questions out, so I decided to look it up on Google and found Gerber Gear , where this tool has a video that, showing the different functions of the tool, but do not actually show it doing the actual job.  Some of the functions that it does are true and take practice.  Would I use this tool for most of the functions that it says it can do?  Probably not.  It is not that I am stuck with my quote-unquote “old school ways”  I just know what works for me and just not a huge fan of this particular tool. 

The tools that I use in the field are:

  1. A fixed blade knife with hard rubber handle  or metal handle (usually the old school UDT-Kbar) for banging, prying or hammering.  I usually used a cold steel tanto.
  2. I used a Gerber Multi tool for field problems, or taking my M4 (when I was still in the SEAL’s) or AR15 (what I own now as a civilian) apart to clean or inspect/repair.
  3. A bore brush worked great where the chamber meets the upper receiver.
  4. The tooth brush that comes with the cleaning kit is great for cleaning all the other areas of the AR platform that it will “FIT” in.
  5. Back in the day, we would screw three rods together with a 556 brush on the end, push the rod down through the barrel from the front and pull it back out (repeat one or two more times depending on severity of shooting). The gauze square would get used next with a little bit of oil and run back and forth to lubricate and pick up any leftover residue from shooting.
    1. These days I just use a bore snake, which accomplishes the task in about a 1/4 of the time.  I am not going to go into detail on this one, because I am sure that most readers know what it is.
  6. Last but not least a red lens flashlight (tactical, during exercises and operations), white lens flashlight (admin situations) and a long flat head screwdriver in case you have to pry a jammed round out of the chamber.
  7. I have used the short stack tool on everything.  What I will say, it does most of the jobs as described and fits all areas as advertised.

What it does not do by itself is loosen the flash hider. I have found that it actually marks and damages nut portion of the Flash Hider. It is not as snug a fit as it should be and the handle digs into your palm.  I give this portion of the GSST an “F”.

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Gerber SST Flash Hider Wrench

The buffer tube lock nut wrench is a good solid fit, but the handle digs into your palm once again.  I give this portion of the GSST an “F” as well.

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Gerber SST Buffer Tuber Locking Nut

I tried using it on flash hider and buffer tube lock nut, but was unable to loosen either one of them with just my hand and the tool itself.  The GSST does not have the necessary leverage to do the job by itself.  You would have to do one of two things, I was not willing to do on my own rifle.

  1. Use something to increase the leverage length and torque of the SST.  I don’t know if it is designed to handle this kind of pressure.  I have tried this already on my own AR and was unable to loosen either the flash hider or the buffer tube locking nut.
  2. I used a wrench to bang on the GSST to loosen the parts, but was unsuccessful. I did not push this tool, because I did not want to damage my AR.

Given my constructive criticism of this tool and the abilities and inabilities of each part of the tool as a whole, I will say that some may purchase this tool out of plain curiosity and just to have it on hand, because it is compact and there may be only one or two things on the tool that you really need.  Some may purchase it to test how tough it is and if they can use it with extra leverage or banging on it as I have described above.  Others may just pass up on the whole idea of testing it and stick with what they know to work without any doubt in their mind.

I can say that I will not be using this tool, because I have other means of maintaining my AR an servicing/repairing it.

Good luck with this tool if you decide to buy it and I hope that the information that I have provided here, assists you in the functionality of the GERBER SST or another option.

When I am provided the opportunity to review, test and evaluate each item that is sent to me, I give it a “no-bullshit” review and opinion.  After all, this is what everyone is looking for and all of you are entrusting in the LOR writers to do exactly that.

Now, I know that there are going to be some haters or people that don’t agree with what I have to say.  That is your choice and right.

There will be others that will take the advice, out of appreciate of our honesty and run with it or discard it as a true professional would.

I have learned very valuable lessons as a special operator in the military.  the most important lesson is, test your gear and see if it has any breaking points or limitations, without exceptions.  PERIOD.

(featured image courtesy of ar15news.com)

– Duncan for LoadoutRoom.com