Special Weapons MP5 clone

[crsgw]

A friend of mine has an MP5 clone that he is looking to sell. He showed it to me the other day and it appears to be unfired. I took it apart, put it back together and checked it over pretty thoroughly. It seemed like it was pretty well built.
The name on the receiver said "Special Weapons, Tempe Arizona"
I did a search and came across good and bad reports regarding these firearms. Some stated it was the worst piece of junk that they ever had and it jammed all the time. Others stated it was the best copy of an MP5 that is available. Barrett Firearms even claimed it was a great firearm. (I take Mr. Barrett's opinions very seriously)
I was just wondering what you all thought about them.

BTW, he is looking to get $1500 for it.

Thanks,
CRSGW

 

[MisterPX]

The price isn't that great, as a new BObcat can be had. Also, the problem is that it's unfired. You won't know if it's a good one or a bad one until it's been shot. Based on what I've read, you've got a 30% chance of getting a good one.

 

[Number 6]

Some people will swear by them, others hate them. SW has a mixed reputation. If you get a good one it will run like a champ. If you get a bad one, expect a lot of headaches. Personally, I would want to put a few magazines through it before I would purchase it. $1500 is an okay deal, but I have seen them for a bit cheaper, but that is lower than what others are asking for theirs.

 

[crsgw]

Thanks for the info MisterPX.
30%?!?!?! I don't think I want to take that kind of chance.
I think I'll save my money for something else.

 

[crsgw]

Thanks Number6.
I think I am gonna pass on this one. I have enough headaches in my life.

 

[Number 6]

If you really want an MP5 clone, then you might want to look into getting a Vector clone. They are SW parts, but assembled by Vector. They have a pretty good reputation.

http://www.vectorarms.com/indexframe.html

 

[Kurush]

The price isn't that great, as a new BObcat can be had.

Bobcat Weapons and Special Weapons are the same thing. I suggest anyone looking for a HK clone read this before plunking down 1500(!!!) dollars for one of their angry beaver jobs.

 

[Number 6]

Bobcat Weapons and Special Weapons are the same thing. I suggest anyone looking for a HK clone read this before plunking down 1500(!!!) dollars for one of their angry beaver jobs.

They are actually not the same company. Bobcat and Special Weapons are closely related, I believe the owners know each other, but they are not owned by the same person. Here is a link with Special Weapon’s associations.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=9&t=189924

 

[Tsonda]

Number 6 if my internet recollections are right that is Toad and his brother or his wife. Lots of companies pushing these things.

 

[Number 6]

I originally thought the same thing, but from various websites and the above link the owner I found out that there is no direct affiliation between the two companies. Bobcat is owned by Andrew Bonas. I read somewhere that Todd Bailey and Andrew Bonas went to school or something together and are friends. From what I have heard, when Bobcat was starting production Special Weapons helped them out getting them set up. I have forgotten where I have read all of this, I will see if I can find the links again.

 

[MisterPX]

Whether or not BW and SW are the same is irrelevant, as it's not the parts, but the assembly. IE, Vector used Cohairie Arms ( another SW affiliate) for their MP5 40/45's, and their current 9mm are built with SW parts. I haven't seen enough range reports on the new 9mm Vectors yet to say anything, but the BW were running about 70% good, 90% after replacing ext. springs.



<How do I get my %'s you may ask, well, I read all the posts I see on the clones, and tally hit or misses in my head.>

 

[Tsonda]

Number6

No need to dig up the links I believe you. I just read somewhere they were related, you know how the errornet is.

 

[Diamondback6]

Re Bobcat and SW, you guys might wanna read about a guy over at AWBanSunset's experiences...
http://www.awbansunset.com/forums/viewthread.php?tid=5888
and
http://www.awbansunset.com/forums/viewthread.php?tid=5842

 

[dggil1]

Todd did right by me

I picked up an MP-10 for fun from a friend of mine. I had some FTE's and contacted SW. Todd sent out two new parts within a week (extractor pin and extrator). Installed both and the weapon has been good to go ever since. I have about 2500 rounds through it without a single issue. Fit and finish is on par with HK. I know a guy at work that picked up a real UMP recently and the workmanship on it is nearly indistinguishable from mine.

No regrets here. He paid $3K and I paid $1K and you can't tell the difference.



-D