GSG-5
In 2008 the buzz word for aficionados of 22 rimfire, military look-a-like, semi-autos was doubtless the GSG-5. Made by German Sport Guns (GSG) the look was a near 100% copy of the famous Heckler & Koch MP5 sub machine gun. Also a clever take on the men who originally made it famous - Grenzschutzgruppe (GSG) 9, who are the German anti terrorist unit.
GSG is now handled by York Guns, who are naturally keen to push the brand and sent me one with promises of accessories to follow. These include a Picatinny-style forend, forward grip, lights, lasers, double mag clamp, scope mount and a choice of telescopic or side-folding stocks.
Legal considerations
You can’t fail to notice that the GSG-5 comes with what appears to be a moderator, which is actually a dummy barrel shroud. When it first appeared many people thought they could simply get the barrel cut down to a more realistic length; I’m afraid not! To qualify as a Sect 1, Large Firearm it needs to be a minimum overall length (muzzle to butt) of 24” with a 12” barrel. Due to the short action this is not possible, as the fixed butt is removable and a telescopic unit can be substituted. So to conform the tube has to be 16” to make up the required 24” to the end of the receiver, regardless of your choice of furniture.
Also you cannot get round this by electing to stay with the fixed butt, as this part has to be removable to allow stripping. So the MP5 SD (dedicated, silenced MP5) look given by the barrel shroud does offer a bit more realism. That aside the GSG-5 is a dead spit for the current MP5, which as a student of military weaponry I found most pleasing.
Composite build
With the exception of the barrel and bolt assembly the majority of the rifle is made from aluminium alloy and polymer. Sights consist of a fixed blade in a ring protector up front and a 4-position dioptre, which offers a basic V-notch and three apertures for different ranges. The scope mount clamps to the receiver, unlike the H&K Q/D design and offers a Picatinny rail.
The forend is tapered and textured for grip, the fixed butt slides onto the rear of the receiver and is retained by a cross pin. On the left side is a sling bar with a ring up front by the fore sight for a snap hook.
Feed is by a curved, 23-round, single column magazine. Its sides are slotted and features ambidextrous, external, follower catches, which makes filling up easier as you can take the weight off the spring. The mag release offers a cross bolt at the right of the well, combined with a lever at the rear. The ambidextrous safety lever shows FIRE (F & red dot) and SAFE (S & white dot). The trigger has a broad, long blade, but the pull is soft and mushy.
The magazine safety is useful in that unless a mag is in position the trigger is blocked. Pleasing is the last round automatic hold open. Cocking is by a plunger that sits over the barrel in a tube. All you do is pull back on the knob (forward left) to retract the bolt then let it go to chamber. The tube has a cut-out that allows the action to be manually held open, I found this great for loading and stoppage drills.
Well presented
Generally the GSG-5 is well presented and if you like this sort of gear it’s certainly an exciting looking rifle. York Guns are now offering a proper moderator; the dummy unit is 8 ½” long and screws into a collar at the end of the forend and locates at the muzzle. The real suppressor is 13 ½” and consists of a forward baffle stack with a non functioning rear chamber. The standard GSG-5 is 35 ½”, but 38 ½” with the moderator. This now allows you to take the rifle out after rabbits using sub-sonic ammo should that be your thing. I know from our website there are a few people out there very keen to use it in this role… Most odd is how slim the barrel is at a mere 0.480”.
Dirty bird
Last year my impression of the GSG-5 was that it was ammo sensitive and as I recall the gun ended up running best with Remington sub-sonics, despite the assumption that hi-velocity fodder would be better. This time round it proved far more versatile.
The magazine loads to a capacity of 24, however, I got first round feed problems, so found it sensible to reduce the load to around 20/22, which is still generous.
I used a number of brands of ammo and found the rifle worked best with Remington hi-velocity (HV). It proved very clean in terms of the debris that gets blown back into the action, which is unavoidable on a 22 semi-auto. The HV bullet is also coated so less lead shaving too. With wet-lubed (waxed) bullets the build up of crud and subsequent problems was greater and much sooner.
On average you could put 150-rounds+ of HV through the gun with good reliability apart from the occasional and unavoidable, ammo-related failures to cycle, which is a feature of rimfires. With sub-sonics and due to their lower power, operation is affected earlier! I would say you can get three mags off before things get less reliable, however, 60-shots for a rabbit raid is still a lot of ammo… Remington importers Edgar Brothers are sending me some of their ultra high velocity Viper ammo to try, which with the ability of their HV load could be another consideration.
Strip ‘n’ clean
Taking the GSG-5 down requires a medium bladed, slot head screw driver and a #3 Allen key. Like the MP5 it’s held together by cross pins, though these have screw heads as opposed to spring clips. To start cock the hammer and set the safety to S.
Undo and remove the two pins at the front and rear of the pistol grip assembly and take the butt off. Looking into the rear of the receiver will show a silver block with an Allen screw. Undo this and with your finger pull it down where it can be removed.
Now slide off the grip to the rear and retract the cocking handle to push out the bolt assembly. This sits in an open, alloy carrier block complete with return springs, which gives just enough access to clean. It is possible to further split the carrier as it’s in two halves that screw together, but I would not recommend it!
Due to the reasonably confined nature of the design, items like tooth brushes are ideal for getting in around the breech face and feed ramp etc to remove debris. As are air and solvent sprays for blasting out debris from the trigger mech that can’t be reached. Reassembly requires the bolt to be in enough so that the hammer drops into the cut-out in the carrier. Then slide the pistol grip forward so you can insert the front pin. Fit the locking block and screw, slide on the butt and put in the rear pin and you’re done.
Up and running
With all the crud removed, it worked fine and if anything ran a tad smoother, as it had eased in a little. I fitted a Nightforce, NXS 2.5-10x24 compact, with its illuminated, Mil-Dot reticule it offers low power for close in work yet can be wound up to X10 for longer/precision shots. Plus this short optic really suited the GSG5!
Accuracy-wise the GSG5 was pulling around 1 ½” at 50-yards with the HVs, yet was more accurate (sub-1”) with the slower sub-sonics. But like any rimfire semi, it’s all a matter of finding the right fodder and when clean the GSG runs happily on subs… Though the mushy trigger took a bit of getting used to. The moderator proved efficient with both ammo types.
What I did like was the noise the gun makes as the bolt holds open after the last shot. From a Practical Shooting perspective this will speed up magazine changes. Likewise the well positioned cocking handle is a boon for stoppage drills.
What you want to do with the GSG5 is down to you, but I see it more as a club level gun for Practical-type use and it’s a huge amount of fun too. But the moddy does move it on to a fast fire rabbit basher, but here I would say consider how it looks; as it’s identical to the world’s favourite 9mm SMG…
Overall this is a fun gun with a deal of practicality that adds realism and choice to those who want a military look-a-like rimfire, which certainly includes me…
We Reckon:
• A great 22 look-a-like
• Keep it clean
• Lots of accessories
GSG for 2009
Now that York Guns have the German Sport Gun distributorship they have hit the ground running. The basic GSG5 (with dummy moddy) will soon be joined by the GSG5SD, which features a large oversized barrel shroud and tubular/ribbed forend. I was also told that they will be offering a warranty/repair service for any rifles that need it.
Currently here’s what you can get in terms of extras:
GSG-5 SD £549.00
Scope Mount High/Low £56.00
Scope Mount Low £42.00
Moderator GSG-5 £79.95
Moderator GSG-5 SD £89.95
Magazine 22-rounds £34.00
Retractable Stock £47.00
Folding Stock £56.00
New too, and available in a few months will be the GSG-47, which is a copy of the famous KalashnikovAK47. It will be available in two models, black synthetic (P) or wood stock (W) furniture and with a large range of add on accessories, that will include scope mounts, forward grips, side-folding stocks etc. I saw one at IWA and it does look good.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Name | GSG5 |
| Calibre | 22 Long Rifle |
| Capacity | 24 (DM) |
| Barrel | 16” |
| Length | 33 ½” |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Sights | Y |
| Last round hold open | Y |
| Price | £520 |
| Spare magazine | £30 |
All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates
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I would consider getting one of these but need it to be moderated for rabbitting. My local gunsmith says it's not possible - is it possible and if so who does it ?
Comment by: Roger Posted on: 12 Mar 2009 at 01:54 PM
Yes it would be possible, but the dummy moddy would have to be removed first. Also please bear in mind that the barrel cannot be shortened as it was made that long to keep the GSG5 a Section 1 firearm.
An important consideration is the look, as you would be running around with what appears to be an MP5 in your hands; regardless of the fact it’s a legal 22 semi-auto rifle... Frankly there are a lot better rifles to go rabbiting with, as this one is better kept on the range...
Be sensible as we are all ambassadors for our sport
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 17 Mar 2009 at 09:15 AM
A moderator for this is now available from these people... £120.00
http://www.qsmsilencers.co.uk/gsg5 stats.html
Comment by: Paul Nichols Posted on: 26 Mar 2009 at 01:08 PM
Thanks, I'll check that out...
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 27 Mar 2009 at 09:25 AM
Pete,
I dont mean to be annoying but saying there are more better guns to be using for rabbits and running around with one in the country and not on a range is kind of what the government want us to think, they want to take the fun out of our sport, I wish to buy one for rabbiting and plinking at cans and spinners, and I have canceled my club membership and wish not to shoot there because the laws and police moderation of clubs and membership has gone beyond belief, so me and some other shooters just plink informally with landowners permission where we hunt, and I already own a bolt Cz .22 and have another .22 slot, so I thought I will buy one one day for plinking and bunnies, sorry to say otherwise to you but we need to keep the fun in our sport.
Rob
Comment by: rob Posted on: 19 Apr 2009 at 05:44 PM
Rob
No problem about keeping the fun in the sport, but and by the same token the GSG5 is a high profile gun and likely to draw a lot of unwanted attention if seen on the land as opposed to the range, by those who don't know any better. That's where I was coming from... Truth is it's far easier to justify a 22 bolt-action or even sporting semi-auto for bashing rabbits, which is a world away from high-capacity, fun plinking with what is an SMG look-a-like.
I'm well up for guns like this provided they are used in the right context...
PM
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 20 Apr 2009 at 07:42 AM
I understand, but I wish the country had an understanding of having fun, not going against you, your thoughts are rather sensible, but I wish I could have one of these guns without having a club membership, like I said erlier, "police moderation and membership procedures are beyond belief".
Comment by: rob Posted on: 20 Apr 2009 at 09:17 AM
Yep you are right; however, it's not just the police who are anti, as many shooters who consider themselves 100% sensible object to what could be termed as the more exotic equipment. After the handgun ban a number of clubs decided to ban the use of long barrelled revolvers and the list goes on of individual gun owners and associations who have over the years done their best to get kit they don't like banned.
Until all shooters in the UK agree that as long as an item is legal and used responsibly and all pull together in the same direction then the government will do its best to divide and conquer. Such is life…
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 20 Apr 2009 at 12:19 PM
I understand again, At the british shooting show i shot one of these, fairly accurate at 10 yrds lol, I just think it would be great to plink with at the field.
I dream of days when gun lisecing will relax, Really you should be allowed a fac for rimfire and centrefire (upto certain calibre depending on reason), and be allowed to use it for what you like.
Comment by: rob Posted on: 20 Apr 2009 at 01:42 PM
whats wrong with hungting with an mp5!! very accurate! and how does an mp5 become more dangerious then a bolt action 10 shot sporting rifle?????
the US army use 7.62mm BOLT action rifles for sniper attacks on the enemy and there are much more powerfull then the 5.56mm m16 assult rifle issued to normal soilders!!
Comment by: 8mm Posted on: 22 May 2009 at 12:10 PM
Dear Mr 8mm (cool handle). It's not about dangerous, as no gun is more deadly than another, it's all about the image. There are plenty of airgun, rifle and shotgun hunters who have had their collars felt by a firearms team because Jo Public has seen a man with a gun and reported it. But an MP5 look-a-like really raises the profile. Can you imagine the front page of the Sun - shooters now using sub machine guns for sport, or similar.
Do what you like, but have some brains about it...
I used to use my AR15 for foxing, as I had permision, but it occured to me what sort of image was I portraying - not a good one for the shooting sports! So I keep it on the range now.
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 22 May 2009 at 12:33 PM
I'm confused...
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 30 May 2009 at 04:25 AM
I agree with you Pete. I have nasty visions of Elmer Fudd running around, blasting away with an MP5, " hawo scwoowy wabbit, eat wed" ! Converting rounds to brass belongs on the range, not in the field. This weapon does look rather fun to shoot though!
Comment by: Steve Posted on: 30 May 2009 at 03:46 PM
At last a shooter with a sense of perspective... Well said!
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 01 Jun 2009 at 08:55 AM
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY CLUBS THAT USE THESE OR ALLOW THE USE OF THESE GUNS, ESPECIALLY IN SOUTH OF ENGLAND? AS I AM IMPRESSED WITH THESE GUNS AND WISH TO JOIN A CLUB.
Comment by: DAVE W Posted on: 01 Jun 2009 at 02:31 PM
There is a club in Maidstone Kent called Bearsted & Thurnham Rifle Club that would allow use of a GSG-5. On a Wednesday night they shoot sporting rifle on a indoor range shooting the pistol target at 20 yards. This replaced the pistol target shooting, most shooters use Ruger 1022`s but any .22 semi auto can be used. Look up details at http://www.btrc.co.uk
Comment by: Rob Posted on: 01 Jun 2009 at 10:43 PM
my club we shoot full auto rifles and sig saur 9mm handguns!!! seriouly...no joke......and i am armed 100% of the time when i am working, this club is called the British Army!!!!
Comment by: sc.5 Posted on: 03 Jun 2009 at 01:30 AM
I used to be in that club too, but we did not muck around with tiny guns we used 120mms
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 05 Jun 2009 at 08:34 AM
I live in Spain where people have a very sensible attitude towards guns. "Jose Publico" is NOT terrified of them, calling the cops at the mere sight of a gun. The gun laws are as sensible as they can be, if there is such a thing as a sensible gun law ?
I was looking at one of these GSG5's a week ago. Very nice I thought until I saw the price tag 550 € !!!!. Somebody bought one and was shooting it on the range.
I thought to myself my Ruger 10/22 in the U.K was better than that and a lt was much cheaper. A lot of money for a .22 rimfire rifle that just looks like a submachine gun.
So I bought a Magtech 7022.............10 round clip only but hey what a great little toy for 170 €
Comment by: Steve Posted on: 12 Jun 2009 at 05:42 PM
its bit more then a .22 that looks like a sub machine gun....its essential an mp5 chambered for .22 abait maby not tough as the orginal. In fact its more accurate then 9mm version.....at 50m i fired three shots in under a 1inch
then again a semi auto only 9mm mp5 would be just be like any other 9mm carbine out there and just as good
Comment by: hk Posted on: 13 Jun 2009 at 01:02 PM
I am VERY familiar with the H+K MP5 in 9mm. This GSG5 is just a blowback .22 rifle action that is NOTHING like the MP5 9mm action.
It definately NOT as tough or resilient in it's construction.
Granted the guy who was shooting it at our club was doing so very accurately. However what .22 rifle isn't highly accurate?
I just think they are very expensive, as all you are paying for is novelty looks and nothing more.
Comment by: Steve Posted on: 13 Jun 2009 at 03:45 PM
This is very true, but variety is the spice of life and at the moment Mil-type, hi-cap 22 semis are very popular. Also you can hardly expect this gun to be built the same as a real MP5 with a roller lock delay breech system etc, as it is just not needed. It's all about the look of the thing, I should be getting the AK47 version soon and I would guess that uses the self same, blow-back action as the GSG5...
PM
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 15 Jun 2009 at 07:23 AM
Just received and tested my Quicksilver moderator and the rifle is now a pleasure to shoot. Very nice finish and it is fully strippable for cleaning. Had waited long enough for one of these to come out.
Comment by: Simon Hughes Posted on: 17 Jun 2009 at 07:25 PM
my point being there are 9mm semi auto only versions of the mp5 - for civillians - and that is just another 9mm semi auto carbine. But the orginal mp5 with its full auto is a totally different machine and cant be compared
Comment by: hk Posted on: 17 Jun 2009 at 10:28 PM
The only true differences between a civilian carbine and a ful spec MP5 is the fire selector mech and possibly barrel length. Anyway the whole thing is academic as we can own neither in the UK... Back in the good old days I used to own a civilian UZI and the only difference was its 16" barrel and semi-auto only mech, which fired from a closed bolt and used a firing pin as opposed to the API (open bolt) system of the true sub gun version.
PM
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 18 Jun 2009 at 08:04 AM