I have an opportunity to grab a core Century Arms AP5 Clone for what seems to be a great price. Always wanted an MP5, but it’s more than triple the price of the AP5 and just out of my budget.
Looking to SBR and shoot suppressed, have a bit of an HK addiction.
I’ve read and watched some reviews that seem to put the AP5 clone in high regard like the Zenith version before those dried up.
For anyone that’s shot or has an AP5 are they worth the 1/3 price or junk to be avoided?
Noah
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Before the Zenith / MKE relationship fell apart, Zenith was already complaining about QC issues and having to fix some of the problems locally out of their own pocket. I can’t see Century Arms being able to do the same, or even trying.
That said, a “contract” factory rifle should always be superior to any clone and there are some crappy clones out there for almost twice the price. But given the price of a base model, I could see risking it and if there are problems, should be easy enough to correct. I have heard the finish is terrible, but that is also something easily fixed.
They have been excellent!
“Gee, I wish I could buy a quality MP5 semi, with real MP5 specs so parts fit, with a nice finish and decent trigger.”
“Oh, for about $1200…”
Done. Anyone who doesn’t buy a current MKE (imported by Century) now either doesn’t really want one unless it’s free, doesn’t have $1200, or is a fool. (My AP5 has been great, haven’t fired the AP5P yet but everything looks good)
Also, MKE mags are excellent and $50. Sometimes $45.
I bought an AP5 w/brace when they added the $200 rebate (still waiting on the rebate), then ordered the AP5-P when they brought the core models. Both together were less than the SP5 goes for now. I have shot neither, but they seem well built.
I have a Zenith imported MKE Z43 5.56x45 pistol (now SBR) and a Zenith imported MKE Z-5RS 9mm pistol (now SBR). Both have been 100% reliable. The fit and finish both look good to me.
I have a Zenith model and it’s been great. Only issue Ive had is the thread protector on the barrel will work itself loose over time.
This is what I was thinking to myself, but know nothing of MP5 clones. AND there is a $200 rebate. I bought it, thank you!
FYI, the $200 rebate doesn’t apply to the models (Atlantic calls them “Core”) that only come with 1 magazine, no removable top rail, no cleaning kit, no flash hider, etc.
So like this for an SP5K?
https://www.centuryarms.com/ap5-m-hg6036.html
Do those have a threaded barrel, how would you attach a suppressor?
Nope, it does not.
You need this one.
https://www.centuryarms.com/ap5-p-hg6035.html
Same difference between a factory MP5k and a MP5k-PDW.
Good move! Even if some day you don’t want it, you can sell it easily. But you’ll like it!
Clean the manufacturing oil / preservative out, basically clean and oil it. Then fire a few magazines of 124 or 147 gr quality ammo from it to break it in. Not weak stuff. Brass or steel case is best. Many, like mine, were zeroed perfectly out of the box. Hopefully yours is, too.
I like the SBT5 folding brace but get what ya like. Be sure to get the right one. MP5 and MP5K models use different braces.
As Steyr mentioned in the previous post, this is the “K” model w/threaded barrel. It happens to be a Core model which is NOT eligible for the rebate. I purchased this model combo w/SB tactical folding brace, also a Core model.
The first model I purchased was the full-size, pre-Core, which was eligible for the rebate and came with a 2-mags, brace, optic rail, sling, tri-lug flash hider, and cleaning kit.
That’s not the one you want if you want to attached a suppressor or muzzle device. Here’s the version of the same gun with the threaded barrel and tri-lug adapter.
https://www.centuryarms.com/ap5-p-hg6035.html
Unless you’re just hung up on getting one with such a short barrel and handguard, I’d suggest this model.
https://www.centuryarms.com/ap5-hg6034.html
How is a heavier weight bullet not a weak round? 115, 124 and 147 are the weight of the round, not the load. That is why 147 is subsonic because the weight of the projectile is sufficient to prevent a standard load from pushing it to supersonic speed.
High pressure ammo is +P and +P+ but honestly all of that shouldn’t be necessary, I have never needed to “break in” a firearm using and kind of hot load ammo. Shit grade clone makers claim such things are necessary.
Many people mistakenly believe that 115gr 9mm equates to weak. This is because inexpensive low quality 9mm almost always has 115gr bullets. Those who manufacture inexpensive low quality 9mm use 115gr bullets simply because they cost less due to less raw materials being needed. These same manufacturers tend to use small loads of relatively fast powders. Fast powders are used because the desired pressure can be achieve will less powder. Less powder equals less cost.
Over the years I’ve found that avoiding weak ammunition (like regular Remington 115gr FMJ or Winchester white box 115gr FMJ) is prudent when first shooting a gun. I use regular power or a bit more for the first couple of hundred rounds. After that, I’ll shoot the weak stuff if I want to. I agree it shouldn’t be necessary as a gun should come from the factory ready to go, but I would just say that it’s a good practice. If a gun has issues beyond after shooting a couple hundred rounds through it, don’t bother continuing to waste ammo. Send it back to the factory. It’s always good to include video evidence.
I have the AP5, has the 8.9" barrel. Came from the shop with a pic rail rear cap, side folding brace, an MLOK forend and the tri lock muzzle device. Easy to take apart to clean. Have had a couple of failure to go into battery and on round was pushed into the casing. The failure to go into batter have always been on the last round. I’ve bought some of the Overwatch Precision mags and they’ve worked flawlessly (tight in the mag well) so far aside for the last round issue. I’ll give it time, if it continues to act up, I’ll reach out to century.
Lots of guns over the years can be forgiven for a few malfunctions in the first few rounds. That’s not unreasonable.
Some 115 gr economy loads are kind of weak.
It’s not reasonable to fire 20 rounds of low quality ammo through a new gun with a few stoppages and then call the gun maker and complain.
Some people do that.
I’m just recommending to avoid the cheapest styles / brands of ammo for a more enjoyable first time out. And yea, a little break-in period.
Are those $1200 CORE guns just from Atlantic, or are they available from Century distribution? My LGS can order (I assume from Century), but quoted me for one of the kit guns at the higher price (and didn’t mention the $200 rebate- and who is paying that rebate?).
For $1200 for a gun with a mag is pretty good it seems to me? Another LGS had a ‘full size’ Zenith gun with a $3300 price tag on it.
(I have mags and stuff) though an optic mount would be nice ($100ish?))
For $1200, I might pick up 2 ”MP5k-PDW” versions since it seems HK can’t get them in stock, I’ve waited years.
I purchased my Core AP5-P from a drop-shipper, so other shops have them, as well.
The $200 rebate for the non-core models is being handled by www.rapid-rebates.com.
Just checked and it looks like by rebate was mailed out July 15. Right at 10-weeks. Now I have to start watching my mail.