M4A1 | MP5A2 | MP5SD2 | M1 Super 90 | 1911A1

Heckler & Koch MP5SD2

-Overview of the MP5SD2

The MP5SD is the suppressed weapon of choice for numerous tactical teams around the world.  It is a fully realized sound and flash suppressed select fire submachine gun.  Instead of having just a suppressor which simply screws on to the end of the barrel, the MP5SD's suppressor is fully integrated into the weapon's design which produces better noise and flash suppression.  The integrated suppressor also maintains the normal length and profile of a conventional unsuppressed submachine gun.

The MP5SD uses an integral aluminum sound suppressor and unlike many sound suppressed submachine guns does not require the use of subsonic ammunition for effective sound reduction.  The reason for this is because the suppressor drops the velocity of a supersonic round to subsonic speeds.

Sound suppressors are designed to reduce muzzle blast, the most significant sources of noise.  Since muzzle blast is caused by high pressure propelling gases in the bore to suddenly escape into the atmosphere as the bullet exits, the reduction in pressure results in decreased noise.

The benefits of using a suppressed weapon must be weighed against the potential negatives, the largest being the decrease in bullet velocity.  Loss of velocity results in loss of penetration and expansion.  Tests have shown that decreases in bullet velocity can range from 200-400 feet per second, a velocity difference which can affect optimum performance in the field.

The SD2 variant is the one shown in the picture above.  Like the MP5A2 this weapon has a solid non-retracting stock, can be fired in either semi-auto or fully automatic, and can fire at 800 rounds per minute (RPM).

-Primary Ammunition: 9x19mm NATO Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

Average velocity of the 9mm 124 grain JHP when used in the MP5SD is 950 feet per second, with an average velocity loss of 200 feet per second.

-Secondary Ammunition: 9x19mm NATO Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

Average velocity of the 9mm 115 grain FMJ in the MP5SD is 1000 feet per second with an average velocity loss of 200 feet per second.

-Game play with the MP5SD2

The obvious benefits of using the MP5SD2 is that it produces a relatively low amount of noise which means less suspects will be alerted to your present which can give you the element of surprise.  The element of surprise can be a very large advantage since when you do encounter an enemy he or she will be less prepared to engage you and should be easier to dispatch.  However keep in mind that the MP5SD is significantly less power than its unsuppressed variant thus use surprise to your advantage and take the time to go for a head shot (JHP rounds go nicely with head shots).  Add that to the fact that the MP5SD2 inherits the excellent controllability and fast rate of fire of the MP5A2.  

In my opinion I find that FMJ rounds are the best type of ammunition to be used in the MP5SD.  The reason for this is because with the MP5SD you need all the penetration you can get, JHP rounds against an armored enemy have very limited effects.  The MP5SD2 works really well in missions where you'll be expecting enemies from every single direction, a good example would be the Ventura Hotel mission.  This is because if you take out or arrest each suspect quietly you'll face less enemies at once versus using an unsuppressed weapon.  Also in most cases it would be a good idea to give your entire element the MP5SD2 if you plan to use one since it only takes one unsuppressed gun shot to give your team away.  So when you need to be silent the MP5SD2 is the only way to go. 

M4A1 | MP5A2 | MP5SD2 | M1 Super 90 | 1911A1