Zenith MP5 Clone
Let’s talk about clones. This is the Zenith ZF-5P, not to be confused with the Zenith ZF-5K, which is identical except for the absence of threaded muzzle and tri-lug adapter.
The ZF-5P is basically a clone of the HK SP5K-PDW, which is the civilian version of the famous MP5. Zenith used to import Turkish MP5 clones that were made on HK machines in Europe, but these new Zenith clones are made in the USA with new American machines.
Since I covered the details of how the MP5 works in my last article, I’m just going to look at how the Zenith clone differs from the original HK. First, the rear sight is back to the original drum peep sight style. Personally, I like the open-top castle style better on the HK. Second, the safety shape is a little different, and personally I prefer the HK style.
Performance
Shooting-wise, I could not tell the difference between the clone and the original. The recoil impulse and accuracy were virtually the same.
Reliability-wise, there was a difference. The HK ran everything I fed it and had no issues whatsoever. The Zenith ran quality factory ammo perfectly; however, I had issues with light primer strikes on cheap reloaded ammo. It just didn’t like it. I would guess a little troubleshooting and maybe a spring change would solve this problem, but I had to mention it.
In my Internet research, I found there were more reports of issues with clones in general than on original HK MP5s. I would guess that HK’s quality control is just a little bit better.
Cost
So, why buy a clone like the Zenith? It all comes down to price. Clones can be had for around half the price of HK guns at full retail. Is that worth the gamble that you are more likely to get a lemon gun with a clone?
Suppressors
Now, let’s move on to the really fun part: accessories. This is what makes the MP5 adaptable to the present day, and why it’s still just as functional today as it was when it got its first terrorist in the ’70s. The original pin-on design of the MP5 furniture allowed a plethora of accessories to be made for it.
The first thing I added was a Dead Air Odessa 9 suppressor in a short configuration. The MP5 platform is one of the best suppressor hosts there is. The fixed barrel and the fact that it does not use a gas system allows pretty much any suppressor to be mounted on the gun with almost no change in reliability. Suppressed is one of the best ways to experience the MP5 guns.
Unfortunately, I had to screw the Dead Air can on to the muzzle threads, because there is no tri-lug adapter for the Odessa. One day, I want to get a tri-lug compatible can so I can use the quick-attach tri-lug feature.
Handguards
For the HK, I changed the handguard to a Magpul one with M-LOK slots so I could attach a Nextorch weapon light. If you haven’t heard of Nextorch, the company makes well designed lights and accessories. My EDC flashlight is a Nextorch.
There are so many other ways to mount light and tape switches. There are even handguard lights that use modern LED flashlights but replicate the old Maglite handguard look.
Optics
Next, I added optics. I mounted a Holosun 507Comp to the Zenith and a Holosun 403 on the HK. I like the large window and multi-reticle options of the 507Comp, but I also like the simplicity and overall more rugged design of the 403 tube-style sight.
Related Review: Holosun 507Comp – The New Sheriff of Red Dots
There are a ton of different claw mounts to choose from. I did try some mounts that sat lower on the gun and made everything more compact. I found I didn’t like seeing the front sight post in the viewing window, so I opted for slightly higher mounts.
Be careful of how far forward your mount and optic sits. Some of them can impede the use of the charging handle and get in the way of the slap. I also chose a mount with some clearance in the middle so I can still look through the mount and use the iron sights.
I didn’t play with changing the trigger yet, because both triggers were more than adequate. I am toying with the idea of adding a binary trigger, as I think that would just be so fun.
Stocks and Braces
Finally, let’s talk about stocks and braces. Because this is a pistol, adding a stock would require a $200 SBR tax stamp, but many people do it. I have a few SBRs myself, and the process is not difficult.
Even if you don’t SBR it, there are lots of great brace options, like the SB Tactical SBT5K folding brace and the Safety Harbor Firearms Kompact Entry Stock or (KES) with Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1C brace installed instead of the stock. I like the SB Tactical because it makes the gun shorter overall, but the folder makes it thicker. I like the KES brace because it is thinnest overall.
I did notice that brace installation was much more difficult on the Zenith than on the HK. I think the tolerances are just a bit more standardized on the HK, which again I think is related to quality control.
Sling Bag
My final accessory is the inconspicuous Mission First Tactical Sling Bag. It’s my go-to summer bag, and no one would ever guess a MP5K could fit in it. This is a great way to supplement your CCW pistol with a little more firepower.
Even with all these accessories, I’m just scratching the surface of the whole MP5 world. What are your favorite accessories for the MP5 platform? For more on MP5 clones, check out our Buyers Guide to MP5 clones for any budget.
