H&K, the company that makes the MP5 Sub Machinegun, was founded in 1948 by Edmond Heckler, Alex Seidel, and Theodore Koch in Oberndorf/Neckar, Germany. The company originally began as a manufacturer of sewing machine parts and gauges for the machine tool industry, but because Edmond Heckler, Alex Seidel, and Theodore Koch were all former Mauser Werke employees, the West German army gave them the task in 1957 of improving the design of the Spanish CETME rifle (known to the Germans as the Gewehr 2 or G2). The result was the G3, the rifle that is known the world over and used by armies, special forces teams and other elite fighting units. Recognizing the stability and accuracy of the delayed-blowback, roller-locking system of operation, HK set out to make a sub-machinegun using the same method of operation as the G3. The HK54 sub-machinegun appeared in the early 60’s and had a flip-type rear sight, cooling ribs on the barrel and forearm, a compensator cut into the muzzle, and a long heavy bolt carrier. In 1966 the muzzle brake and cooling ribs were eliminated and three external lugs were placed near the muzzle, to accommodate a blank firing device, flash hider and grenade launchers of both the ballistite and bullet trap types. Finally, the rear sight was relocated to the aft portion of the receiver and the HK MP5 was born! Since 1966, the MP5 has been produced in a myriad of variations and its baked enamel finish has even changed color (from light charcoal grey in the early models to today's matte black) but the reliable and accurate MP5 operation has always stayed the same. It is for this reason that H&K's MP5 submachinegun is now the undisputed chioce of the vast majority of law enforcement Special Response Teams and military Spec Ops units throughout the world.

The Airsoft sport can be traced back to its inception in Japan during the early 1980’s. At that time it was illegal for citizens to own firearms Japan, but the interest in firearms there was significant nonetheless. In response to the demand, some Japanese companies began tentative production of a few spring powered Airsoft guns modeled after a selection of famous modern firearms. These original models fired the same 6mm plastic BBs that are still used today. The sport soon caught on and by the late 1980’s it had swept through neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines. By the early 1990’s, Airsoft had made its way through Europe and across the Atlantic to North America. Airsoft has been somewhat slow to catch on in the US due in part to the fact that private gun ownership is legal in the US and many firearm enthusiasts saw Airsoft equipment as toys. In recent years however, Airsoft has begun to carve out its own niche in the outdoor/sporting market with customers who appreciate the relatively low cost of Airsoft guns when compared to their firearm counterparts. Airsoft has also come into favor with military and law enforcement personnel who see it as an inexpensive and safe way to train. Today you can find Airsoft guns modeled after an abundance of real life firearms. HK, Beretta, Benalli, Desert Eagle and more can be found in an Airsoft version that closely resembles the real deal in look, weight, operation and feel.