Quick Look
Originally developed by Heckler & Koch in the late 1990s, the HK MP7 was designed as a personal defense weapon (PDW) capable of defeating body armor. It features a compact, lightweight design that fires the proprietary 4.6x30mm cartridge with low recoil and high velocity. While rare on the civilian market, the MP7 remains in use by specialized military and law enforcement units worldwide.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Armor-defeating 4.6x30mm cartridge capability
- Compact size with high-rate full-auto potential
- Retractable stock and folding grip for portability
- Used by elite units including German KSK and U.S. SOCOM
- Integrated ambidextrous controls for versatility
Key Variants
HK MP7A1
Updated model with improved stock and optics mounting, widely issued to NATO special forces.
HK MP7A2
No folding vertical grip; enhanced for rail-mounted accessories and suppressed roles.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | HK MP7 | FN P90 | SIG MPX |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Law/mil only | $1,600+ | $2,000+ |
| Capacity/Size | 20/30/40 rd mags | 50 rd top-load | 30 rd stick mags |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (loaded) | 6.6 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
| Optics-Ready | Yes (top rail) | Yes (integrated) | Yes |
| Trigger Type | Striker-fired | Hammer-fired | Closed-bolt |
| Notable Pro | Extremely compact and controllable | Unique top-fed 50 rd mag | Civilian-legal semi-auto versions |
| Notable Con | Rare, restricted on civilian market | Bulky stock design | Heavier than MP7 |
Best Use Cases
- Close-quarters military and law enforcement operations
- Vehicle crew defense weapon
- Special forces missions requiring armor penetration
- Collectors of modern military firearms
FAQs
Can I legally buy an HK MP7?
The HK MP7 is classified as a machine gun and not available to civilians under U.S. federal law.
What caliber does the HK MP7 use?
The MP7 fires the 4.6x30mm cartridge, designed for low recoil and effective armor penetration.
How does the MP7 compare to the FN P90?
Both are PDWs with body armor-piercing rounds, but the MP7 is lighter and more compact overall.







