We have been receiving reports that Systema will be making a prototype MP5 series to follow on their much admired Systema PTW M4/M16 models. Now it can be said that Systema is going into actual production of the MP5 and Systema User forums are abuzz ­with with it. While the details are sketchy yet on the features of the MP5 model, an actual picture is now available from Black Sierra Productions. We have a mate who badly wants this for Christm­as. Black Sierra Productions is now confirming that this is going to be shipped by Spring of 2008 at the earliest in their breaking news release below:

"This morning BSP received news from SYSTEMA that they will halt shipment of their Professional Training Weapons (PTW) line of replicas for the next two months in preparation for the upcoming release of an MP5 model. According to a press release given to BSP, "Although we will announce the exact date next year as early as possible, by the spring of 2008 for reconstruction such as extension of component storage and assembly space and extension of inventory shelves in our factory, and for construction of MP5 production line, we have to stop shipment of PTW about two months. And, during the period, SYSTEMA parts will not be able to be shipped for about one month. Although we plan it from February or March, we will certainly inform as soon as it is decided."

This means that SYSTEMA has finally heeded the call for an MP5 training platform to go with their current M4 line, and it should only be a matter of months before we will see the first models hit the market. This is exciting news for airsoft enthusiasts, but it's absolutely huge for the military and law enforcement demographic. SYSTEMA's M4 is widely considered the best available training tool for that genre, but it could never fill the sub-gun role for tactical teams like an MP5 can. Now law enforcement agencies can order a tool that will look, feel, and operate just like the real thing (with the exception of the obvious recoil and brass). This will be invaluable when training in a tactical environment (I.E. SWAT or MOUT).

Supposedly there was some hesitance from within the SYSTEMA corporation to go with an MP5 platform due to the Heckler and Koch patent lapsing on the MP5, which led to rumors that the company may cease production of the popular sub machine gun. Whether those rumors are true or not, the MP5 will continue to be the most widely used platform for law enforcement agencies worldwide. This must have factored into the decision for SYSTEMA because they chose to go with MP5 over other possible sub guns like the H&K UMP. While the UMP is becoming popular with some law enforcement because of it's higher caliber (.45), the MP5 still dwarfs the UMP with its overall usage throughout the world. The UMP may be the future, but the MP5 is the past and the present."