Description
The Century Arms AP5-N Navy is the full-size, Naval-pattern variant of the AP5 lineup, and it wears that lineage on its sleeve. Built by MKE at their facility in Ankara, Turkey under a formal licensing agreement with Heckler and Koch, this pistol is manufactured on actual HK tooling to HK-approved specifications. That matters more than it might sound: the roller-delayed mechanism, trunnion geometry, and wear surfaces are all built to spec, which means genuine parts compatibility with HK MP5 accessories. The Navy designation refers to the distinctive curved grip frame popularized by the HK variant adopted by U.S. Navy SEALs, which gives it a more ergonomic feel than the straight MP5 grip for most shooters.
What Makes the AP5-N Navy's Action Worth Talking About
The roller-delayed blowback system is genuinely the highlight of this platform. It slows the bolt cycle in a way that significantly softens felt recoil compared to straight-blowback 9mm pistols of similar size, and that translates directly into faster, flatter follow-up shots. The 8.9-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is made from chrome molybdenum vanadium steel with a 1:9.8 twist, and the muzzle is set up two ways: threaded 1/2×28 for standard suppressors and muzzle devices, plus a 3-lug quick-attach for MP5-pattern tri-lug accessories. The stamped steel upper receiver pairs with a polymer lower and the wide Navy-style handguard, keeping the weight at 5.5 lbs while maintaining that classic profile. Finish is lacquer paint over manganese phosphate, which is the same treatment you see on military-spec roller guns.
Running the AP5 Navy at the Range and Beyond
The adjustable rear diopter sight has four aperture settings and pairs with a fixed front post, giving you a usable zero out of the box while leaving room to mount optics via the included claw-mount Picatinny rail. The Magpul BSL pistol brace adds a meaningful amount of control and stability without adding a lot of bulk, and the paddle magazine release and ambidextrous bolt release keep the ergonomics intuitive for both right- and left-handed users. One thing worth knowing going in: like all roller-delayed platforms, the AP5 benefits from a proper break-in period, and it feeds FMJ round-nose reliably from the start. A cased hard plastic carry case is also included, so it ships ready to store or transport.
The AP5-N Navy is a complete, ready-to-run package for anyone who wants the real MP5-derived roller-delayed experience without paying HK SP5 pricing.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Century Arms
- Model: AP5-N Navy
- MPN: HG6034NB-N
- UPC: 787450988507
- Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm)
- Action: Semi-Auto, Roller-Delayed Blowback
- Barrel Length: 8.9"
- Barrel Material: Cold Hammer-Forged Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium Steel
- Twist Rate: 1:9.8"
- Muzzle Threading: 1/2×28 Threaded + 3-Lug Quick-Attach
- Overall Length: 19.5"
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Capacity: 30+1
- Sights: Fixed Front Post / Adjustable Rear Diopter (4 Apertures)
- Brace: Magpul BSL Pistol Brace
- Safety: 2-Position Thumb Safety
- Finish: Lacquer Over Manganese Phosphate (Matte Black)
- Frame: Polymer Lower / Stamped Steel Upper Receiver
What’s Included
- Century Arms AP5-N Navy 9mm Pistol
- Magpul BSL Pistol Brace
- (2) 30-Round Magazines
- Flash Hider
- Claw-Mount Picatinny Rail
- Sling
- Hard Plastic Carry Case
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Century Arms AP5-N Navy a true MP5 clone, or just inspired by it?
It's closer to the real thing than most alternatives. MKE manufactures the AP5 under a formal licensing agreement with Heckler and Koch, using actual HK-approved tooling and specifications. This means the roller-delayed mechanism, trunnion, and critical components are built to HK's own specs, and genuine MP5-pattern accessories fit correctly. It's not a lookalike built from reverse-engineered measurements.
What does the 'Navy' configuration actually mean on the AP5-N?
The Navy designation refers to the curved, ergonomic grip frame design that was popularized by the HK MP5 variant adopted by U.S. Navy SEALs. It also includes the classic wide handguard associated with that pattern. For most shooters, the Navy grip is more comfortable to hold than the standard straight MP5 grip because it allows the hand to wrap around more naturally.
Can the AP5 Navy be used with a suppressor?
Yes, and it's well set up for it. The 8.9-inch barrel is threaded 1/2×28 for standard 9mm suppressors and also features a 3-lug quick-attach for MP5-pattern tri-lug mount cans. If you plan to run it suppressed from the start, it's worth doing a proper break-in period unsuppressed first, since roller-delayed actions can be stiff when new.
Does the AP5 Navy have a last-round bolt hold open?
No, and that's by design. Like the original MP5, the AP5 does not have a last-round bolt hold open. Instead it uses the classic HK-style bolt release, which lets you charge the action quickly after a reload. It's a platform-specific quirk that most owners get used to quickly, and it keeps the design true to the original.
What ammo does the AP5-N feed reliably?
FMJ round-nose 9mm is the most reliable feeding profile across the AP5 platform, which is consistent with most roller-delayed designs. Hollow-point rounds with flat or open profiles can be finicky, particularly before the gun is fully broken in. Century recommends working through a break-in round count with FMJ before experimenting with other ammunition types.
How does the AP5-N Navy compare to other braced AP5 variants?
The AP5-N is the full-size variant with the 8.9-inch barrel and wide Navy handguard, which gives it more reach and a slightly different balance than the compact AP5-P Navy. The Magpul BSL brace on this model is a solid, no-nonsense choice that adds stability without a lot of added bulk. It ships as a complete package with two magazines, rail, sling, and case, so there's no need to source accessories separately to get running.





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