Heckler & Koch MP5 vs Thompson Submachine Gun

1966–Present

1921–Present

~2,000,000 estimated

~1,500,000 units (World War II peak production) and limited post‑war runs

680 mm (26.8 in) stock extended, 550 mm (21.7 in) stock retracted (MP5A3); Varies significantly depending on variant.

762 mm (30.0 in) with stock extended; 660 mm (26.0 in) with stock folded (M1A1)

115 mm (4.5 in) standard, various lengths depending on variant (e.g., MP5K: 102 mm (4.0 in), MP5SD: 146 mm (5.7 in))

254 mm (10.0 in) standard; 305 mm (12.0 in) for some export models

2.54 kg (5.6 lb) empty (MP5A3)

4.4 kg (9.7 lb) empty (M1); 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) empty (M1A1)

15, 30 rounds standard; 10, 20, and 40 round options available

20‑round box, 30‑round box, 50‑round drum, 100‑round drum (rare)

Roller-delayed blowback, closed bolt

Simple blow‑back, open‑bolt, selective‑fire; rate of fire 600–1,250 rpm depending on model

Single-stage military trigger; SEF (Safe, Semi-automatic, Full-automatic) or Navy trigger groups available with burst-fire options

Two‑stage trigger: semi‑automatic (first pull) and fully‑automatic (second pull) on early models; later models use a single‑stage full‑auto trigger with a selector switch

Rotary drum rear, hooded front post

Rotary drum rear sight with 50, 100, 200, 300 yard settings; hooded front post; optional adjustable rear sight on later police variants