Heckler and Koch MP5A3 (FIR 10716) SMG & spare foregrip. Currently fitted with foregrip modified to incorporate FAL pistol grip Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30030054
Photo Of The Day brings one of the most interesting and iconic firearms and anti-terrorism actions together. Above you can see the H&K MP5A3 from when the Special Air Service stormed the Iranian embassy in London in 1980. Remember this is over 42 years ago.
Historian & curator Ian Kikuchi wrote in a Tweet:
Bringing #FirearmFriday forward a day to mark an anniversary. On this day, 5 May 1980, troops of the Special Air Service stormed the Iranian embassy in London. This week’s firearm is an ex-SAS Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun.
Furthermore:
IWM’s ex-SAS MP5 has one novel feature – a foregrip using a pistol grip from an FN FAL rifle. Vertical foregrips are a universal accessory these days, but I wonder about the effectiveness of this improvised grip – seems like it might get in the way during reloading.
(Source / Twitter)
Here is another image of a Heckler and Koch MP5A3.
Heckler & Koch MP5A3 (FIR 10716) SMG & spare foregrip. Currently fitted with foregrip modified to incorporate FAL pistol grip. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30030054
More details about this special Heckler and Koch MP5A3, from IWM’s description:
Physical description
SMG & spare foregrip. Currently fitted with foregrip modified to incorporate FAL pistol grip
Stamped on top of receiver
HK-MP5 4/74 EN
Stamped on left of magazine housing
Kal 9mm x 19
For more about the IWM museums please check these articles from TFB’s visits: Imperial War Museum London – Part I and Imperial War Museum London – Part II. If you’re ever in London you should schedule a visit.
Here is a direct link to the IWM homepage: https://www.iwm.org.uk/
All images Copyright: © IWM FIR 10716