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Posted: 5/30/2026 9:43:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: BladedRonin][Edited]
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What brand MP5 would you get? Dont have an MP5 but always wanted one. Considered a Kuna, but, I mean, the price diff between them isnt that much anymore. So, IF I wanted to get an FRT for an MP5 and dont have an MP5, what should one look for or avoid? It looks like several companies are making a drop in unit so I wont need a new lower, so thats the route I will go |
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If money was no object, you can get an HK SP5 with a Rare Breed FRT for around $4k. If you are trying to save a little money then, an MKE AP5 with the unreleased ASD “ARHK” FRT for around $2k. If you are trying to pinch every penny, you can get a MAC 5 with a Leber 2 super safety lower for around $1500. |
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MKE is probably the best budget option, or bite the bullet and get an HK. I've had both, and while HK is objectively better, it's mostly in minor fit and finish details. Functionally, an MKE can run just as reliably as an HK (but will usually need some internal parts upgraded with HK). The main benefit to HK is the prestige of owning the real thing and the better fit/finish/QC. Not necessarily worth 2x-3x the price, but that comes down to individual priorities. As for FRT, the ASD drop-in should be available soon and is a good option if you want a factory lower. I prefer an AR lower and Arcfire V2 due to the option to use G triggers and better AR ergonomics. In my experience, they are extremely reliable when set up properly. |
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I handled a MAC at the gun show recently... I want a spare rifle as I have an SP5 and have accumulated lots of parts. However the sloppy welds and terrible shiny finish on the MAC 5 and 5K I handled made me realize I probably just want another HK. I have yet to find a MKE in the wild. |
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Forget anything that needs a slip trip. Right now the best option is the Rare Breed (or wait for the AS Designs ARHK). I agree that MKE AP5 Is probably the best deal for a shooter, and it’s the only factory option for an SD variant. Be aware that the FRT and Trigger Housing need to be of the same type - “SEF” or “Ambi” - as the selectors don’t interchange. Also, know that the MKE Ambi Trigger Housing pictogram markings don’t line up properly with the Rare Breed Ambi selector markings. |
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The answer to that question for me was a MAC 5.  Got it for less than a grand after tax, and it has been pretty solid thus far. I wrote a range report/review up HERE. An HK (hell, even a Century/MKE) likely would look better, but that was more cash than I wanted to throw at a gun that was mostly just a "wouldn't it be cool if..." gun. Worst I can say about this is that the finish isn't great, and one of the mags had a bad weld. SDS/MAC has already sent me a replacement. I have not tested this with an FRT of any type yet (waiting for AS Designs to release the ARHK) so it might ultimately be the wrong choice for an FRT host, but thus far it has been a great buy for the money. |
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MKE for sure. Expect to replace a couple little parts and have a few quirks. But you can get it running for less than $1400. Rare Breed makes the best FRT for the MP5, full stop. It feels just like running the real deal. Unfortunately, Rare Breed is what it is…. I bought mine from a 3rd party seller… |
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I went with a Century/MKE AP5-P, and couldn't be happier. The gun has run great since day one. In the FRT world, I started with a Leber v2 lower (cross-bolt style Super Safety). It ran fine, although I went through at least 3 slip trips and I never liked the cross-bolt style selector. Dropped in 90 deg locking piece, because the gun runs suppressed pretty much all the time. Got a RB FRT-RD3 (SEF), and it's the FRT I should have waited for. Not only does it run 100%, but it looks like it came from the HK factory. TL;DR: get a AP-5 or AP-5P, Omega 9K with 3-lug adapter, drop in a 90 deg locking piece (for suppressed fun) and a FRT-RD3. You're now replicating a $70K gun for $2K or less. |
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| Based on what I’ve read, I ordered a POF MP5. The fit and finish is great and it took no modifications to run 100% with my Rare Breed trigger. |
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My first two were POF. Reverse stretch and full size. Still have the full size. Fit and finish are a little sloppy and you will get zero customer service. Had a PTR, loved it and they have great customer service. Of course HK is the answer if you have the discretionary funds. My AP5-P is nice but couldn’t get CS for it. Both the full size and the K sized guns now have the Rare Breed trigger modules. (Fixed the minor issues with both guns myself, and most users of POF, PTR, and MKE guns report zero problems.) I started with a Lee lower, AR trigger, and Super Safety in the AP5-P (with a slip trip) but that will cost you as much as the Rare Breed. I don’t like the fact that Rare Breed is suing all of their competitors, but apparently that was part of their court settlement. If you don’t want to support them, there should eventually be other drop in MP5 triggers available, but it looks like it will be a while. Right now RB is the only game in town. It looks like several companies are making a drop in unit so I wont need a new lower, so thats the route I will go The only drop in that isn’t currently vapor ware is the Rare Breed. |
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Originally Posted By Colt_sporter: Tag for answers. I have a PTR that I’d like an FRT for. I have a PTR 9KT and just ordered the Leesporting lower with Artrus setup. I have no idea how long it will take to get here but I can update when it does. I’m surprised PTR doesn’t get more love. My 9kt has ran non stop for at least 6-7 years I have a 80deg Lp in now and it will eat 115-124 and 147 suppressed and non suppressed. Edit. I don’t know if I have ever tried 147 without the suppressor. Their customer service is awesome. No issues but they refit the RCM LP and had a quick turnaround as well as helping me out with a part I lost. Both were super quick. I have no hate of the MKE but good luck with that if you have an issue you can’t resolve on your own. |
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience."
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Originally Posted By StealthyBlagga: Forget anything that needs a slip trip. Right now the best option is the Rare Breed (or wait for the AS Designs ARHK). I agree that MKE AP5 Is probably the best deal for a shooter, and it’s the only factory option for an SD variant. Be aware that the FRT and Trigger Housing need to be of the same type - “SEF” or “Ambi” - as the selectors don’t interchange. Also, know that the MKE Ambi Trigger Housing pictogram markings don’t line up properly with the Rare Breed Ambi selector markings. You’re not going to get much support for Rare Breed. If the AS design turns out that would be great . I can always swap parts and still have my LS lower and a FRT I can throw in another rifle. I assume the AS is a trigger pack and not a AR designed and retrofitted setup? |
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience."
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Originally Posted By Walker77: SP5K Buy once, cry once. I put a RB trigger in it. It has worked perfect from the first shot. https://i.postimg.cc/CLYyX478/20251112-163449.jpg That’s a lot of crying though. I would have considered it myself but I had bought my Z5 about 8 years ago and PTR not long after. |
"Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience."
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Originally Posted By NCUrk: No mention of Bobcat????  I kid, I kid..... Hey mang My K is a str8 up bootleg Cohaire (Bobcat was the platinum version compared to Cohaire in that conglomerate of TB companies)The only thing left on/in it that’s not German is the receiver/trunion/ barrel lol. It now runs like a scalded dog with my sear, and with the frt pack. Every single thing was out of spec including the receiver. It’s been rattle canned over and over as I stripped the shitty powder coat. It runs so good now, I’m about to Cerakote it as it’s actually worth it to me now. That thing wasn’t shot in over a decade until I recently replaced everything from my parts box. Luckily I have 2 or 3 bolts and bolt heads/locking pieces. I was shocked when I started checking on what BCGs cost these days for German ones. |
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Originally Posted By HKH: Hey mang My K is a str8 up bootleg Cohaire (Bobcat was the platinum version compared to Cohaire in that conglomerate of TB companies)The only thing left on/in it that’s not German is the receiver/trunion/ barrel lol. It now runs like a scalded dog with my sear, and with the frt pack. Every single thing was out of spec including the receiver. It’s been rattle canned over and over as I stripped the shitty powder coat. It runs so good now, I’m about to Cerakote it as it’s actually worth it to me now. That thing wasn’t shot in over a decade until I recently replaced everything from my parts box. Luckily I have 2 or 3 bolts and bolt heads/locking pieces. I was shocked when I started checking on what BCGs cost these days for German ones. I have a rarity, it actually works.... All Cohaire.... Attached File |
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I have two AS Designs lowers with Geissele SSA-E triggers and ARC V1 safeties on MKE full size and K models. The K model has been 100% on semi and forced reset. The full size has had a few failures to extract when on forced reset and I am in the process of troubleshooting that. I would say it's 98% though. I had swapped both models bolts to the RCM E-bolt, so I might try swapping back to factory to see if it clears up. |
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