Out of sight!
The MP5
A4 PDW is related to one of the most
famous varients of the MP5. The MP5 K,
For KUrZ.
The MP5K
is the severely shortened version of the
MP5 built for concealment and used by
bodyguards and security types the world
over when compact but efficent firepower
is needed.
The K is
essentially an MP5 without a butt, and
the barrel chopped off just a few inches
in front of the Magazine well.
This
creates a fully automatic Submachine gun
that is barely bigger then a large pistol
such as the Desert Eagle .50ae. The K
even comes with a reduced capacity and
length 20 round Magazine that makes it
even smaller then normal. There are
versions of the K that are integrated
with ballistic suitcases!
As such
the MP5K has been seen in many many films
and TV series, Whenever deadly firepower
is needed in compact spaces, Terrorists
and Counter terrorists can be seen
ditching there longer Mp5's and pulling
out "K's" from underneath there
long coats.
However
this version of the K was not designed
for bodyguards or mad lunatic terrorists
On
The Battlefield.
Instead
the PDW was originally designed for use
by "rear" area troops and Tank
crew as a last ditch weapon. This would
mean that the weapon would have to be
small and compact, while retaining
battlefield ability.
The K
almost fulfils all of these requirements.
However It was not designed for use as a
battlefield rifle as it did not have a
stock. An extendable stock could not be
fitted to the PDW as the reciever was too
short! H&K solved this problem
admirably by fitting a Side folding Stock
that fits flush against the right hand
side of the weapon. A Flash hide was also
added to the front of the gun.
These
additions allowed soilders to use the PDW
just like a normal rifle, with the stock
extended, but not have a full battle
rifle getting in the way. Of course the
9mm x 19 cartridge that the PDW uses is
not the most effective round on the
battlefield, but having a fully automatic
gun is much more welcome then a semi auto
pistol
The PDW
can of course still use the large size
"bannana" magazines that the
Other MP5's use.
In
the Plastic
The
airsoft version of the PDW is light and
very handy. with good balance and poise.
The Flip open stock is actually the real
one that is fitted onto actual
PDW's! When closed however the butt
swings forward and closes against the
front of the vertical fore-grip, This
makes it very hard to grip. As such it is
not reccomended to use the PDW with its
stock closed!
The Front
of a K is simply flat, The PDW however
has a stubb barrel with a 3 hook lug,
that allows a flash hider or tracer unit
to be attached.
Aesthetically
this makes the PDW look a lot more
meanacing then the K.
As such
the PDW can be easily converted into a K,
simply by removing the Flash hider and
removing the butt.
AS the
PDW does not have a foregrip like a
"normal" longer MP5K the
battery cannot be stowed there. As such,
it uses a completely different battery
configeration.
Normal
Mp5's have a Small size battery in the
oversize removable fore grip. The PDW,
like the K, uses an AK battery instead
that lies along the top of the gun,
Inside the cocking tube in actual fact!
This is of course where the hop up
mechanism is on a normal MP5. As such the
PDW uses a much simpler mechanism
shrouded by the vertical handle. Then
again the PDW only has a 3"
barrel!
This tiny
barrel of course means that long range
engagements are effectively a non
starter. But then again You are hardly
going to buy the PDW to use as a sniper
weapon now are you?
are you?
Anyway,
this means the battery is a bitch to get
out. the butt plate and flip out butt
must be removed by popping out two quick
release pins. The Fore grip must then be
popped forward. This reveals the
internals and the front of the battery
just above the muzzle of the barrel.
The
Battery can then be unclipped. However
the battery does not pop out at this
point, Usually you have to use the
cocking handle, Yes it still works! To
push the battery out the back of the gun.
Some force must be supplied to pop the
battery out.
As such
the PDW (and K) is just about the hardest
AEG to perform a battery swap out on.
Imagine
doing the above while under heavy fire?
at close
range the MP5 series of weapons is
horrendously effective. Out of all of the
MP5's the PDW excels at Very close range.
As effective as a K, It suffers by being
slightly more cumbersome, however in
doing so, it becomes a much more stable
platform at medium ranges in comparison
to the K.
Price
When
purchasing the PDW you will probably
compare it to the K. I reccomend you get
the PDW. Why? Well the PDW is essentialy
the same as the K, only with a couple of
accesories added. If you want to use the
PDW as a K all you have to do is pop off
the butt and flick off the flash hider.
Usually this extra flexibility will cost
you an extra £20.
In my
eyes a bargain.
Airsoft DolphiNs Southampton.