A Bag for the MP5 has been a question for me. The MP5 standard with a collapsible brace is a surprisingly awkward size to find a low-profile bag for. Especially for something below 350 bucks.
The bag I finally selected after pondering this question for a couple of weeks, was the 5.11 Tactical Covrt Select Carry Pack. It’s a Sling Bag type situation that the MP5 fits in with no excess length. And it doesn’t look “tactical”. That was an important factor. I didn’t want a “I’ve got a Weapon” style pack. It’s not covered in tactical straps and patches and stuff. It’s not OD Green or Flat Dark Earth… It’s in a sporty style, looks like I might have a Pickle Ball Racket or something in there. The key was being as Low Profile as possible.
The bag barely fits the MP5 as it is. Attaching the Flash Hider is out of the question… Which is fine, because I don’t like it anyway. I like the look of the stark muzzle with the Tri-Lugs. When I do end up getting a suppressor for this weapon, there’s plenty of room in the bag for that, and spare magazines. So, while not perfect… it’s perfect for my intended purposes for the time being.
When I acquired my Echelon 4.0c, Springfield Armory had a GEAR UP promotion rolling on it. They offered a free Range Bag, 3 spare magazines, and a Micro Red Dot. The MRD had 2 options. 1 being a little unit from Crimson Trace, and the other from this outfit called Hex and the unit was called the Wasp. I’ve seen the CT unit before and hated it, and I’ve heard some not so great things about it… and for the Wasp, well, I didn’t know anything about it and had not even seen one before. So I rolled the dice on the Wasp.
I’ve honestly never seen myself owning a pistol with an optic on it, but since it was FREE, well, might as well give it the old college try, eh? Well, the Gear Up promo took some time to get to me. SA says 8 to 12 weeks. Not sure how long it was for me… but just over 8 weeks seems about right. I had honestly forgotten about the promotion until I received an email from S.A. saying it was shipped.
Credit given to where credit is due… The mounting system S.A. has on the Echelons is very clever. I needed no adapter plate and the optic mounted low enough, I still have my Sights. And that’s important for a reason I’ll mention in a bit. The trick to the mounting system is the pre-drilled hole patterns that allow most MRD’s to get mounted. What makes it work are the different Pin Sets that, when changed, alter the base dimensions for support contact and stabilize the optic. After a few moments of “WTF is This?” it all dawned on me and was a breeze fixing the MRD to the gun nice and secure.
And I immediately hated it. Because it’s different and I’m not used to it. But as I said, I’ll give it an honest go and see how I like the whole pistol optic thing. What do you guys think, a 200 round trial or should I go 400 to 500 before I make a decision?
If I do decide that a Pistol Optic is my Jam, I have two other pistols that might get them. But regardless of if I like it… The little Wasp will be getting replaced. Here’s why. There’s no Seal on the bottom and as good and solid as it mounts – water will be able to ingress and cause problems. And by problems, I mean kill the sight. There are other units that are better suited for South Carolina weather, and I’m not about to spackle on Flex Seal on this. Although, that is a good idea for other applications! I’ve not shot this pistol with the optic on it yet… But will soon enough.
MAC makes one of the best MP5 Clones on the market, and does so at a very reasonable price. A fellow I know who has had one for a while has run 5 cases of ammo through his and gave it a positive report. 2 Malfs early on, and then a bad primer later. But I’d say that’s pretty solid and reliable. The included cleaning kit is a bit of a joke and the bottle for your gun oil is even worse. The strap sucks too… But the gun and the magazines are about as solid as it gets. I’ll report more when I take it out to shoot it. It needs a Brace, Rail for an Optic, and eventually a suppressor.
Details: Caliber: 9MMBarrel Length: 4140 8.9″ Button Rifled, Fluted Chamber, Chrome LinedGrip Module: Reinforced Polymer, Glass FilledTrigger: SEF Pattern, 4.25lb Pull (Approx)Finish: Laquer Paint Over Manganese PhosphateFront Sight: Hooded Front Post, Elevation AdjustableRear Sight: Diopter Rear, AdjustableOptic Mount: HK® Claw Mount Compatible (Not Included)Magazine: 30rd Standard (Two Included)
Update: 100 Rounds: 0 Malfunctions. Ammo: CCI Blazer. Accuracy: Meh… Unsupported, Standing, awkward. I’ll measure groups after I put a sto… a brace on it.
Update #2: The MP5 is ready for some Accuracy Testing. Well go hit the range later this week.
