HK A5 vs gsg522 (converted)

[Shrubmaster]

Conversion kit installed! Ordering push pins and rear sight now.
But, by ordering these three parts (conversion kit, pins, and rear sight), the total cost has creeped up toward what I paid for the HK, and I really see these parts necessary.

[Shrubmaster]

Anyone running a sling and if so what do you like?

[mej16489]

Anyone running a sling and if so what do you like?

I use a Magpul MS3 single point.

[Allidoisfish]

are you going to mod the HK as well?

[Shrubmaster]

are you going to mod the HK as well?

Parts are inbound. Now just saving up for a c-more red dot unless a good deal on an aimpoint pro pops up in the classifieds. The gsg will be getting a trs 25 when the low mount arrives.
Also I'm looking for more mags for both guns so if anyone is selling some, I'm interested.

Im very happy with both guns thus far, and the competition between the two is going to be very close now that the gsg has been converted back to gsg5 (what a difference! Well worth the $30)

Tbc

[Kingchris626]

I've held both rifles on separate days and from what I remember, the HK felt like it was much higher quality. I recall the GSG feeling like an airsoft gun or like a toy. Is this how you feel when you hold the two? Also, what exactly does the GSG conversion kit do? I've been planning on getting the HK. I just need to decide if I want the A5 or the SD.

[Shrubmaster]

I've held both rifles on separate days and from what I remember, the HK felt like it was much higher quality. I recall the GSG feeling like an airsoft gun or like a toy. Is this how you feel when you hold the two? Also, what exactly does the GSG conversion kit do? I've been planning on getting the HK. I just need to decide if I want the A5 or the SD.

Well you are correct, gsg IS an airsoft, in that it's built off of an airsoft receiver. But as far as internals go, I'd say it's just about as robust as the HK, it's the metal reciever on the HK that gives it quality feel. It's also good to remember that the gsg522 is the LW model, or Light Weight version, which is plastic reciever. The non LW models are metal. I don't know the exact weight difference but it's significant (maybe 1.5lbs!).

Now the conversion kit simply returns the gsg522 back to its original form (pre hk lawsuit), when it was known as the gsg-5.
The kit contains the front sight and cocking tube, charging handle, safety selector, and pistol grip housing, all things that were changed because they too closely resembled the actual mp5. Unfortunately, these changes really bring down the value of the gsg522 because I view gsg5 parts as necessity. So if you plan on going the gsg522 route, budget in another $50 for the conversion kit and hk rear sight. If you can find a good condition used gsg5, I really think this would be the best route to go as you wouldnt pay new gun prices or have to convert the gun. Prices for parts for the gsg are about 70% cheaper as well!

With all that said, the HK is badass. Sights and accuracy are top notch, runs like a top, no tools needed to break it down (all push pins, again something the gsg does not have), and best of all, I got mine for $422, about $480 with tax and dros!

[805thRCTank]

I also own the HK mp5a5 version. Picked it up on 12.31.14 & forgot about it. Its a fun plinker but I am biased since this is my only .22 rifle. Bought it to SLOSA, someone thought I have a suppressor installed. A starter firearm for me now I am itching for a .45 & an AK!

[Shrubmaster]

805th, congrats, the hk might be the only 22 you ever need!

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[Shrubmaster]

Some comments about the conversion kit for the gsg522:
1) now that the sling loop on the trigger guard is gone, removing a mag is such simpler. The sling point nearly blocked the mag release all together!
2) I did not change out the mag release has I prefer the beefier 522 mag lever over the petite gsg5 part.
3) I also did not replace the top cover as the one on the gun allows the use of the provided rail. This may change when the low mount rail shows up.
4) the conversion kit comes with two charging handles, one for the gsg5, one for the gsg5 SD. I installed the handle for the SD as it had a relief cut into it to clearance the larger SD handguard. I plan on changing the handguard out so it's just apart of the plan.
5) Not quite sure why, but with the new safety lever in place, the click made when engaging the safety is much more positive. I see it as a plus.
6) the only negative I found is that with the new charging tube and charging handle, the gun makes more noise because the charging handle isn't very tight on the bolt. Kinda loosy goosy. So it rattles a bit.
7) I would've paid $30 just get rid of that front site! New one is much better!
All in all, if you have a stone stock 522, do yourself a favor and convert that puppy!

Tbc


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[Kingchris626]

Well you are correct, gsg IS an airsoft, in that it's built off of an airsoft receiver. But as far as internals go, I'd say it's just about as robust as the HK, it's the metal reciever on the HK that gives it quality feel. It's also good to remember that the gsg522 is the LW model, or Light Weight version, which is plastic reciever. The non LW models are metal. I don't know the exact weight difference but it's significant (maybe 1.5lbs!).

Now the conversion kit simply returns the gsg522 back to its original form (pre hk lawsuit), when it was known as the gsg-5.
The kit contains the front sight and cocking tube, charging handle, safety selector, and pistol grip housing, all things that were changed because they too closely resembled the actual mp5. Unfortunately, these changes really bring down the value of the gsg522 because I view gsg5 parts as necessity. So if you plan on going the gsg522 route, budget in another $50 for the conversion kit and hk rear sight. If you can find a good condition used gsg5, I really think this would be the best route to go as you wouldnt pay new gun prices or have to convert the gun. Prices for parts for the gsg are about 70% cheaper as well!

With all that said, the HK is badass. Sights and accuracy are top notch, runs like a top, no tools needed to break it down (all push pins, again something the gsg does not have), and best of all, I got mine for $422, about $480 with tax and dros!

Thanks for the detailed response. I'm set on the HK. It's not too much more and it's badass. I need to make up my mind on the A5 or SD.

[Shrubmaster]

Just an fyi, big5 stopped stocking the gsg and hk, but they are also going to stop carrying the hk mags. Lame... I bought the last three in town today

[Grakken]

SD looks cooler, imho.

[Shrubmaster]

SD looks cooler, imho.

I found that there's an SD conversion kit for the gsg as well, I think it was $90.

[Illumi Naughty]

Meh, I've had my HK MP5A5 for 4 weeks now and it's cool I guess but honestly I have more fun with the 10/22. I put 3 mags through the HK and easily put it down, then finished off the Automatch box with the 10/22 and still had a huge smile.

I think this might be the first firearm I ever sell.