Why is the mp7 and mp5 more popular among swat teams than an m4?
Executive summary
SWAT teams historically favored submachine guns like the HK MP5 for close-quarters work because of their compact size, controllability and reduced over‑penetration risk; many agencies still keep MP5s for specific roles even as carbines such as the M4/AR‑15 platform and newer PDWs like the MP7 have become common for broader mission sets [1] [2]. Decisions reflect tradeoffs between terminal effects, armor penetration, suppression, modularity and mission — agencies shifted toward M4s for reach and versatility while retaining MP5/MP7 use where maneuverability or less‑lethal/over‑penetration concerns matter [3] [4] [2].
1. Why the MP5 became an icon — compactness and CQB performance
The MP5 earned its reputation because it was small, reliable and easy to control in close quarters; these traits made it ideal for room clearing, vehicle entries and hostage rescues, and contributed to its adoption by SWAT and special units worldwide [1] [2]. Contemporary reporting and subject summaries note the MP5’s longstanding favor among SWAT teams for environments “where maneuverability and reduced over‑penetration are critical” [2].
2. Why some SWAT teams moved to the M4/AR platform — range, modularity, and commonality
Departments replacing or supplementing MP5s with M4‑pattern carbines cite the M4’s longer effective range, more powerful 5.56 cartridge, and modular rails/optic/suppressor options that suit varied missions; federal teams like FBI SWAT now list Colt M4 carbines as replacements for MP5/10s, illustrating a broader institutional shift toward rifles for many entry scenarios [3]. The M4’s parts commonality with patrol rifles and broader mission flexibility (from urban CQB to longer standoff) drives procurement and training economies [3].
3. The body‑armor and penetration argument — how calibers influence choices
Some commentators argue that 9mm submachine guns offer less armor defeat than 5.56 rifles and may behave differently in terms of over‑penetration; this has informed choices where adversaries might wear body armor or where stopping power at distance is a priority (forum discussion and overview reporting raise the issue though detailed ballistic comparisons are not in the supplied sources) [5] [2]. Available sources do not provide a definitive technical ballistic study in this selection; they report that agencies consider armor and over‑penetration effects when selecting platforms [5] [2].
4. Where the MP7 fits — a modern PDW with armor‑defeating intent
The MP7 is presented in the sources as a modern personal defense weapon bridging pistol and rifle: smaller than most carbines, lighter, with a high rate of fire and a projectile designed to defeat body armor — attributes that make it attractive for close, mobility‑focused roles like motorcycle patrols or special operators doing CQB [4] [1]. Some reporting asserts the MP7 has “edged out” the MP5 in professional forces for certain roles, though its adoption is not uniform and opinions about its necessity vary in forums and trade pieces [4] [6].
5. Tradeoffs: over‑penetration, suppression, and logistics
MP5/MP7 platforms reduce risk of over‑penetration in dense urban settings and are easier to suppress and control in full auto, which supports suppression fire and tactical maneuvering in confined spaces (forum anecdotes and trade summaries highlight suppression and controllability as operational benefits) [5] [1]. Conversely, rifles like the M4 offer more terminal energy, range, and flexibility but can increase collateral risk and require different training and logistics; the FBI and other units have moved to M4s for those broader capabilities [3].
6. Institutional and practical reasons for mixed arsenals
Agencies don’t choose a single “best” weapon — they build mixed arsenals. Many SWAT units still retain MP5s for dedicated CQB tasks while issuing M4 carbines as general‑purpose tactical rifles, and some units experiment with MP7s or short‑barreled 5.56 carbines for ultra‑close work (reporting and unit lists show continued MP5 use alongside M4 adoption) [1] [2] [3]. Forum discussions and trade articles reflect differing operator preferences and mission‑dependent procurement choices [5] [6].
Limitations and competing viewpoints
Reporting in these sources mixes formal unit inventories (FBI SWAT listing M4 replacements) with trade articles and forums showing user preference and anecdote; that yields consistent themes but not a single definitive causation study [3] [5] [4]. Some sources claim the MP7 has “edged out” the MP5 in professional forces while forums debate that view; adoption varies wildly by unit, mission profile and budget [4] [6]. Available sources do not include a comprehensive, peer‑reviewed ballistic comparison in this set — the discussion here reflects reporting, manufacturer claims and operator commentary supplied above [5] [1] [4].