This past week gave me an opportunity to try the new HK UMP smg in 45 ACP. Unlike its predecessor, the MP5, the UMP`s frame is polymer in construction. The UMP is also blowback operated and much simplier than the MP5. While it is available in 9mm, the 9mm version is not being imported into this country as HK does not want it to compete against the already popular MP5.
Being polymer, the UMP enjoys an advantage in weight saving which allows the user either to carry more equipment/ammo or to travel lighter. The bolt carrier is tungsten filled - something I suspect was done to delay unlocking. Empty, the UMP weighs less than 5 lbs. Simple adjustment to a spring in the trigger group allows the user to select either a bolt hold open or have the bolt remain closed after the last shot. Controls for cocking is on the top and the cocking lever swivels to either side - making it easy for a left handed user. The safety is also ambidextrious.
Taking a cue from the magazine of the Sig Sauer assault rifle, the magazines of the UMP clip together. I found them to be awkward to use and prefer to keep the spares in a pocket or in a carrier unit. The magazines are clear plastic and allows the user to see how many rounds are remaining from the original twentyfive.
Basic sights were iron with a choice of peep or large "U" for the shooter to choose from. The UMP allows for the mounting of other types of sights (optical, red dot, laser, holographic).
A nice feature of the UMP is that it allows the user to adapt it for left handed usage. Extra holes in the folding stock have been purposefully place there for just this purpose. You can arrange the sling for prone shooting.
During the short four hour introductory course taught by the staff of the HK Academy, we were drilled in reloading drills, communication and shooting drills, movement drills - much of which was done through the use of burst fire. In the full auto mode, we found the UMP to be very controllable and it sacrifices nothing in the way of accuracy from the MP-5.
It was quite a bold step for HK to make a new SMG in light of the popularity of their MP-5. SMG fans will not be disappointed.
Being polymer, the UMP enjoys an advantage in weight saving which allows the user either to carry more equipment/ammo or to travel lighter. The bolt carrier is tungsten filled - something I suspect was done to delay unlocking. Empty, the UMP weighs less than 5 lbs. Simple adjustment to a spring in the trigger group allows the user to select either a bolt hold open or have the bolt remain closed after the last shot. Controls for cocking is on the top and the cocking lever swivels to either side - making it easy for a left handed user. The safety is also ambidextrious.
Taking a cue from the magazine of the Sig Sauer assault rifle, the magazines of the UMP clip together. I found them to be awkward to use and prefer to keep the spares in a pocket or in a carrier unit. The magazines are clear plastic and allows the user to see how many rounds are remaining from the original twentyfive.
Basic sights were iron with a choice of peep or large "U" for the shooter to choose from. The UMP allows for the mounting of other types of sights (optical, red dot, laser, holographic).
A nice feature of the UMP is that it allows the user to adapt it for left handed usage. Extra holes in the folding stock have been purposefully place there for just this purpose. You can arrange the sling for prone shooting.
During the short four hour introductory course taught by the staff of the HK Academy, we were drilled in reloading drills, communication and shooting drills, movement drills - much of which was done through the use of burst fire. In the full auto mode, we found the UMP to be very controllable and it sacrifices nothing in the way of accuracy from the MP-5.
It was quite a bold step for HK to make a new SMG in light of the popularity of their MP-5. SMG fans will not be disappointed.