Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is working on an MP5 clone. The demand is there — price dependent (as always). So I had corralled a PSA rep at SHOT Show and asked about the rumor that PSA’s MP5 will run around $600. Nope. #aintgonnahappen. Nor should it . . .
Building a reliable MP5 is much more difficult than building an AR15. The pieces require hand fitting. A stamped receiver must be welded. Man/woman/Non-cisgender work hours will be high. Quality control will be tough to maintain, especially at an budget friendly price point. So . . .
I asked the PSA rep if the guns will sell for around $1,000. He politely informed me that PSA doesn’t have firm pricing yet — but their MP5-a-like should end up playing in that ballpark.
My guess: a $1,200 MSRP for a $999.99 plus tax street price. If that’s the final figure and quality is good PSA’s MP5 will fly of the shelves.
The model Jeremy and I fondled at SHOT Show was equipped with a collapsible tailhook brace, which looks perfect on an MP5.
The barrel on the demo model had a tri lug suppressor adaptor. The production model will have a threaded barrel as well as the tri lug mount. That’s a good start.
The PSA MP5 clone will also take HK trigger packs. This might end up being a good host weapon if you have a registered full auto HK sear. (If you do, drop us a line!)
PSA plans on releasing their not-MP5s in late 2018. I’d be surprised if it’s readily available before 2019.