MP5 Gets Replaced

March 8, 2011: STRATEGY PAGE

India's Border Security Force is replacing 34,500 MP5 9mm machine pistols with the Beretta Mx4 9mm Storm Carbine. The Mx4 is a militarized version of the Cx4, which weighs 2.57 kg (5.75 pounds), unloaded. The Cx4 can use pistol magazines, or its own 20 round magazine. The Cx4 is 75.4cm (29.7 inches) long, with a 42cm (16.6 inch) barrel. There is a rail on the top of the Cx4 for mounting scopes (day or night vision), laser aiming device or flashlight. There is another rail underneath, forward of the trigger, for mounting a grip, laser or flashlight. The MP5s weigh about the same, but have a shorter barrel. The Mx4, with a scope, is pretty accurate out to a hundred meters, and automatic fire is accurate out to 200 meters. The Cx4 has a reputation, among the many police and security personnel who use it, of reliability and ease of use and handling.