MP5's or M-16?

[Chevy1]

I've seen (on TV mind you) different departments using M-16's and MP5's. Which would you prefer to have in the car with you and why? And no, you can't have both! You have to pick one.

Not being an LEO yet(doing background inv. as you read this) I would think the MP5 in .40 caliber would be a good choice. Its got capacity, accuracy, and is easily maneuvered during entries. The 16 is great but I would think its best for distances where a sniper would be called in for.

[tcsd1236]

I prefer and own the Bushmaster version of the AR.
I've seen the MP5 in action at the rifle school I went to. It's weakness is that it fires a pistol caliber round, with all of the weaknesses that go along with that in terms of slower velocities, lack of armor penetration, etc.
If I want to fire a pistol round, I'll shoot my Glock.

[dkiefner]

M16. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Moving to Firearms Forum. post replies there.

------------------
Dave Kiefner
[i]Die Wahrheit ist eine Perle. Werfen sie nicht vor die S

[KenM]

tcsd hit it on the head. If I need a rifle I don't want some little sissy gun. Give me my Bushy.

My shorty is almost as easy to maneuver in tight quarters and I feel a lot better with it than I do with the MP5. Plus if I need to get away from a threat I have greater range than the MP5.

------------------
"Trust me. I'm from the government, I'm here to help."

[Sparky]

5.56mm carbine if I had to choose between the two.

They're also ALOT cheaper!!!

------------------
-Sparky

[Bob A]

Both have their place, but after the shootout in North Hollywood, I'd take the M-16. This weapon is available from several mfg's and configurations. The 5.56 round will penentrate better than a pistol round, but when you want a lot of firepower without the penetration, say your SWAT team wanted to take a door in a neighborhood, go with the MP-5. The MP-5 is very expensive, I think about 3 times the Bushmaster. Both are fun to shoot.

------------------
It is always better to beg forgiveness, than to ask for permission.

[Chevy1]

Thanks for the input guys. You've shown me that it really depends on the scenario. I forgot about the shorter versions of the M16 available. They would be easily maneuvered in an entry too. You'd just have to decide if you wanted a round that could possibly pass thru your target, the wall, the sink, out the back, down the road... If I could get the firepower of a short version M16 for much less than the cost of a MP5 it would be an easy choice.

[John from Maryland]

The current trend is toward .223 rifles for entry and patrol work. With modern ammunition, these weapons have less penetration risk than most pistol rounds.

[Motorman]

Although I don't have the experience as these SWAT guys and such, I agree that it depends on the situation. As for the weapon I wan't to HAVE, it would be the new UMP 40. It is a remake of the MP5 40. It has a price of about $750.00, close to the AR15.