Special Weapons SW-5 Questions

S

Swamp Yankee

New member
Have an opportunity to purchase a used but unfired Special Weapons SW-5 in 9mm at a very good price. Saw original Bill of Sale, gun is 1 month old & unfired. I really wasn't looking for one of these but kinda stumbled into it. Seller needs to raise cash and is holding it for me to make up my mind until Monday.
Question # 1
Does anyone own or have input they would care to share concerning these rifles?
Question # 2
Will these rifles accept standard 30 round HK MP5/94 mags without any modifications? If mods are required what are they if you should know?
Question # 3
What is the current selling price for a new SW5 in your area? Hate to buy this at what I believe to be a good price only to find out he over paid $600.
As always thanks in advance for the responses.
Take Care
 
Hey there. Where in NE CT are you? Ever hit the Brooklyn Trading Post?

On to your questions. I've been told that they will accept the 30rnd HK mags. They are supposed to be an exact copy of the HK 94s and SP89s. I haven't handled one so I can't speak of the quality. As for the price, I've seen them in Shotgun News for about $1250 I believe from the company. Here is their site www.specialweaponsllc.com I believe they can give you all the info you need. Just out of curiosity how much does the guy want for it? Also is it legal to sell in CT?
 
From what I've read, replace the extractor spring with a standard HK bronze unit, and either tune or replace the extractor with a NEW style HK unit, and you are good to go. These are going new at Hoffamn's in Newington for $1,499. Yes, you can use HK hi-cap mags, either stick or curved. Yes, they are legal in CT -- the gun ban bill that failed in the legislature last session was going to outlaw the SW5 as an HK94 clone, but it didn't make it. Do a search on HKPro.com, or on this board, for more information. I would say anything around $1,200 or less would be a good deal.
 
LBC thanks for the CT law info. The only reason I asked is that my rep sent around a flyer saying that CT adopted the federal AW law rules. Also she said that you can sell prebans in CT now, the ones that were registered. I'm going to have to call her and hash this out because it didn't sound right when I got it and she's going to get alot of people in big trouble if they try to sell those and aren't supposed to.

I'll have to hit Hoffman's and check out one of the SW 5s. They look like a nice piece but $1500 for a 9mm is a tough pill to swallow.
 
Many thanks for the input.
LBC,
Pardon my early morning fog. Does the extractor need to be modified in order for the rifle to function with the HK mags, or is this an area of the standard rifle that may fail and the mod is a preventive action?

Rob01
Been down to the Brooklyn Trading Post from time to time. Prices aren't bad for a small shop but the selection is limited. Seems like they're more into archery. Very nice people to deal with from what I've heard. I work in the Hartford area so I tend to spend most of my browsing time on both sides of the hill in Newington.
Take Care
 
I agree about BTP Swamp. A friend I work with used to work there part time. He lives in Danielson. Not much in stock in the way of rifles and handguns compared to Hoffman's but they can order anything and that's what I usually did.

When we needed to see more stuff or just looking, we usually do the circle of shops as we call it over in the Newington area. We hit Hoffman's, Newington Gun Exchange, have some lunch somewhere on the strip, then head down to Cubettas on Rt 66. Always keeping an eye out for deals.

So Swamp what does that guy want for the SW 5? I'm not looking to steal the deal just wondering.
 
Swamp Yankee, Sorry for the delay answering -- YARD WORK!

No, the extractor is simply for improved functioning, has nothing to do with accepting HK hi-cap mags. Scott and Morty ordered a bunch of both 9mm and 45ACP hi-caps for the HK94 clones. I think some are Portugese. These are the only two areas (extractor and spring) I've heard that need attention on the
SW5. (The gun also craves high pressure "sub gun" ammo.)

There are a lot of complaints about the SW5 but most seem to center around the down payment and the WAIT from the factory ... but if the rifle is already in the shop, what's the problem? Head on down to Hoffman's and fondle the SW5. They've got four: two 9mms (one with fake supressor), and two 45's (one with fake supressor). The 9mm w/supressor and 45's have the polymer "Navy" trigger group lower. Sights are great, nice balance. I believe one or two have the paddle release. Scott also has a PDW in the LEO only cabinet, though Roger told me last week he's checking state law to see if this can be sold as a pistol to common folk like you and me. Many people have tried talking me out of the SW5, but it just "feels right." Four or five 30-rd. mags, you can get a Surefire foreend from SW, nice tactical sling -- have a ball at your local range! Indoors! Yeehah! :D

P.S. Rob 01, we must have crossed paths at some time. Those are my regular three also. Nice guys all. I've bought plenty at each, including my last, a S&W Model 41 at Cubettas. I made Frank VERY happy that day!
 
LBC we probably have because I know I've bought my fair share at Cubettas and Hoffman's. I actually was telling my friend tonight that it's time to make another run. Need some resupplies. Well if you see a large guy with a shaved head stop up and say hi, it might be me.
 
LBC,

Actually, I believe that there are more issues than the money and the wait. Issues were brought up about malfunctions, HK parts not going in without extensive fitting, finish, aftermarket goodies not fitting, etc.

Some people have had great luck with their SWs, and others have had many problems. I STRONGLY advise anyone to check out Jen's site www.hk91.com and run a search on SWs.

I went the Uzi route (built on IMI rec and with US parts), and have been well-satisfied. No problems, and about $800. They can be built for less. My Uzi didn't need a 200-250 rnd 'break-in' period with hot ammo to function correctly. Interestingly enough, a BRAND NEW MP-5 DOESN'T require that. After being told that a semi-auto HK manuf bolt assy wouldn't fit in an SW5 without fitting, I decided against one.
 
Yes, I have heard of other complaints, but it was my impression that most were with the first few versions and that most of the "bugs" have been wored out. remember, we're pretty limited here in CT as to what we can get for clones -- no Uzis, or real HK's, and the MP-5, well, let's just say I've got a mortgage and a baby on the way!
 
If you can have a legal copy of an HK, why not a legal copy of an Uzi? Get a Group Industries receiver, build it up legal, make a few coolness mods, and stamp your own designation. Even better, get one of the $95 unfinished recs, a weld pak, and you can construct the whole gun yourself. Get a few 41AE mags, and cut the 9mm barrel to chamber 357SIG. Completely new gun......


RE: bugs and the SW5
From what I hear, the only person who thinks the bugs are worked out is Todd.....but I don't know, I don't own one.
 
The Uzi route would be the easiest. The SGN has some advertised for just under $400, completely welded and finished with mostly US parts. You could probably finish it for less than $1000 and have a more reliable setup and less expensive mags.
 
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