While faithful MP5 clones are typically highly regarded in the world of pistol caliber carbines, most are discouragingly expensive. This offering from PTR industries, however, is different.
Table of contents
Introduction
The 9mm Heckler and Koch MP5 and its variants are some of the most readily recognizable firearms in history- a personal favorite of the author, they have been a staple of movies and video games for decades, and its popularity in the media is an extension of the MP5's popularity with police units and militaries worldwide due to its light recoil, ease of use, surprising accuracy (especially for a submachine gun) and its overall outstanding quality that has, to date, seen nearly 60 years of continuous service around the world- and it's still going strong.
Of course, the MP5 has been copied in some form many times by many different manufacturers, and for good reason- in addition to its timeless usefulness as a weapons system, a lot of people just want a piece of pop culture, where it's legal to own one (namely and most obviously in the United States but also in some other nations as well).
The problem is many of these MP5 "clones" are rather expensive- often costing anywhere from 2,500 to over 5,000 USD. While many of them are undoubtably fine weapons like their spiritual father, the price simply isn't worth it for most would-be owners.
However, Illinois, USA-based PTR industries- which is known for making quality clones of other Heckler and Kock weapons (such as the G3)- has also entered a dog into this fight, and their take on this particular masterpiece has now become one of the most-cited examples of a good MP5 clone on the civilian market today.
And so, as an avid MP5 fan myself, I feel compelled to write an article and review in honor of PTR's own MP5 pattern pistol- the 9CT- a near-identical 9mm marvel that I've fallen in love with overnight.
Let us begin!
Hands on experience (function, features, shooting and more)
I will open this section by saying that, like an original MP5, the PTR 9CT handles very well- its weight is well-balanced, and it is simple and easy to operate. Even someone who has never fired an MP5 can probably learn how to effectively operate the gun in about 30 seconds.
It provides a fantastic shooting experience, too (which we'll get too more in a minute) and is overall quite well-rounded for most practical purposes as well- it can be readily used for home defense, plinking, competition, or even hunting varmints.
First impressions
Picking the 9CT up for the first time is something of an experience in and of itself- as previously mentioned, it feels incredibly ergonomic due to how its weight is distributed and the shape and angle of the classic H&K-style pistol grip- which, while appearing someone archaic by modern standards, really stuck out for me. It just FEELS good- even if I'm not particularly fond of how it LOOKS.
Externally, the 9CT appears largely identical to the original MP5 as well- with the exception of an M-LOK style fore-end and a top-mounted picatinny rail that PTR has added, it seems more or less exactly the same.
Enough to peak many a shooter's interest for sure.
Controls and features worth mentioning
One realm where the original MP5 really shone bright was the simplicity of operating the platform- particularly under stress, having a simple-to-use firearm is critical for anyone who needs one, and the 9CT delivers this as well.
Most obviously, the charging handle is easy to operate and the bolt hold-open notch the MP5 family is known for is also present, making any sort of jam easier to clear compared to, say, the AR-15 platform (which requires a user to break their grip on the weapon to lock back the bolt, should they need too). After locking the bolt to the rear on the 9CT, it can be readily released by turning down the charging handle and letting the bolt fly forward- this is the same method you may be familiar with that's used in many movies and in video games featuring the MP5.
Reloading is also a breeze and is performed via the same method but is slightly slower than the push blot release of the AR-15. Like an AR, it also has a push-button magazine release, but most users will find the 9CT's paddle magazine release- that the MP5 is famous for- more useful. Fortunately, it obviously comes with one of these as well.
The safety is also large and easy to use, but that doesn't need a whole paragraph. Just trust me- it's a good feature.
The 9CT also incorporates Heckler and Kock's famous roller-delayed blowback system- which, in addition to greatly increasing accuracy and dramatically lowering recoil, also makes the weapon even more reliable and slightly cleaner (but more expensive overall).
It also has identical threading to an MP5- a 3-lug mount and1/2x28" threads for those who want to slap a suppressor on afterwards (provided it's legal, of course!).
Basically, when we say "clone", we really mean the 9CT has everything the MP5 has- it even has a full auto bolt carrier (although the weapon obviously cannot fire in full-auto from the factory, qualified individuals can legally purchase auto sears and readily install them in their 9CT to make them select-fire without any additional modification- just check the legality of doing so where you live first and make sure you obey all relevant laws).
So, in addition to everything the MP5 has going for it, the PTR 9CT has numerous other features of its own that solidify its usefulness- the picatinny rail we mentioned will be able to fit any of the most commonly found optics (as long as they clear the 9CT's charging handle), and the M-LOK fore-end- while easily swapped out for other rails with simple household tools- is perfectly adequate for attaching lights, lasers and grips, when permissible.
In addition, stocks and braces can also be attached to the receiver of the gun to turn it into a pistol-caliber carbine (however, attaching a stock to the 9CT legally will require going through some paperwork with the government- at least here in the U.S).
All in all, just a really great gun.
Shooting it
A few weeks ago, I had my first chance to shoot a 9CT- and too boot, it was (legally) converted to enable select fire!
As expected, loading up a full magazine and charging the weapon was a cakewalk, but something immediately made me hesitate once I pulled the trigger- the trigger itself.
It's heavy, thick and mushy- for such a finely engineered weapon, MP5's do not have the best-feeling triggers. It wasn't uncomfortable by any means, but it feels more like pulling the trigger on a window cleaner spray bottle than pulling the trigger on an actual firearm.
So, after that initially weird sensation of firing the 9CT for the first time, I quickly got used to it, and at 25 yards I was able to achieve 1-1.5" groups with all kinds of ammo from a bench rest position- not spectacular, but it's clear why SWAT teams and the like favor the MP5 family for its accuracy over other pistol-caliber carbines.
The 9mm cartridge is exceptionally soft-shooting in the 9CT due to the famous roller-delayed blowback system Heckler and Koch is known for, and the recoil was so light that, even when shooting full-auto, the 9CT seemed to vibrate more than jump around. It really felt about as rough a paintball gun.
Reliability wise, zero problems through 250 rounds of semi-auto full auto and probably twice that number through full-auto fire. Keep in mind, this was without cleaning the entire time, and with mostly really cheap ammo- including both brass and steel cased. It ran everything without a hitch. I loved shooting it so much I blew almost 300 USD just on more ammo for it alone.
Is there really anything else to say? 10/10 shooting experience overall in my book- I won't really count the bad trigger in my book, because I'm personally not picky about it and it didn't seem to hinder my accuracy all that much. Just my personal opinion.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extremely accurate for a pistol-caliber carbine
Reliable (obviously)
M-LOK fore-end and picatinny rail system provides a more modular system from the factory compared to other MP5 clones
Recoil is exceptionally light due to the roller-delayed blowback system
Easy to operate and reloading, clearing jams etc. are simple and easy to perform for first timers
Cons
The trigger pull is very heavy
The cocking handle has the potential to be tricky to operate when an optic is attached to the top rail
Final thoughts
Whether you're looking for a solid pistol caliber carbine for home defense or plinking, or just want a piece of pop culture on a gun rack in your bedroom, the PTR 9CT will satisfy you.
The combination of faithfulness- both inside and out- to the MP5 design as well as the simplicity, accuracy, reliability and modularity make for an excellent template to build a pistol caliber carbine, and these handling characteristics make for an exceptional firearm in any light.
In fact, I myself am currently considering making a 9CT my go-to home defense gun.
Furthermore, for the price it's offered at, it's more than worth a sale in my opinion. And should you happen to try one out sometime, I'd wager you'd likely find yourself wanting one as well.
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