Does H&K hate us?

[flynbenny]

Long story short: I bought myself a GSG-5 rifle this weekend, for those who don't know it's a replica of the venerable MP-5.

The clerk at the store said I was smart for picking one up, because they had settled a lawsuit with HK, and were no longer able to produce this gun. HK alleged trade dress infringement, and I believe they deserved to win the case, because the GSG-5 is pretty much an unlicensed MP-5 replica. HK is now licensing Umarex to produce MP-5, 416, and MP7 replicas in 22lr.

So I was doing some research on HK and the guns they sell, and it seems that they have a problem selling certain firearms (the fun ones too!) to the US civillian population. What I can't figure out is why. They have instant brand recognition, a reputation for producing reliable, accurate (albeit expensive) firearms. I know many people here on this board carry one every day. We have to be one of if not their largest customer base. I'd go out and buy a semi auto only MP5 9, 40, 22, or whatever, tomorrow if they sold 'em. I know the US has onerous and draconian import restrictions, could that be a reason? A general sentiment echoed by most of the sites I visited was that HK doesn't like us for some reason. Anybody have any ideas why this is? Or if its just a figment of some strange consumers' imaginations?

[Beiruty]

HK is in the business to make money. Sometimes introducing a product to a new market is cost prohibitive or uncompetitive and as such the product is not marketable or non-profitable.

If I can not buy an HK, I look for an FN or Baretta or SIg. All of those are best of the best. I was an FN guya and still like their products. FN is major supplier to US forces. There stuff just works!

[rm9792]

I recently saw a full bore MP5 suppressed SBR at a GRB gun show and was fighting the credit card to stay in the wallet. $7800! HK's are very good guns but like a lot of german hardware they are very expensive(but very well made). Think about the pistol the GSG-5 is emulating. It is only good for full auto open carry, you cant really conceal it, and parts would be outrageous as well. I rarely shoot my USP .45 because it is honking huge and I am afraid it will break something expensive. I would love to get a G23, HK416 and a MP5 but all are over 2 grand well equipped. I do have the GSG-5 though and it is a very accurate albeit huge pistol. Debating selling it but i do like the HK style. Maybe another reason they dont sell is they prefer to make all their stuff select fire only? Do they sell the same high end models in semiauto?

[flynbenny]

Some good points from all.

I do know that they make a couple MP-5 variants that are semi only for the LEO market. They also make the USC 45 carbine, I've seen a few for sale. And sure the MP5 is not really a concealable weapon, neither are the MP7 or 416. However they are all excellent for SD purposes in the home or vehicle. I shouldn't have to add too that they are waaay cool.

As far as cost goes, I understand that you pay for what you get, I choose to pay a lot for S&W relvolvers instead of something less costly (eg Charter or Taurus), I pay for a Subaru instead of a Kia, certainly with more quality and features there will be more cost. We all make those tradeoffs every day in our lives.

I'm not sure that HK has it out for us like some people think, I think a combo of our ridiculous import laws and a low market demand make it not profitable to offer some products to the civillian market. Like the 'El Rushbo' always says, follow the money. It would be illogical to refuse to sell a product if money can be made off of it, so they have probably determined that the costs are greater than the profit. I had heard several rumors that HK is opposed to civillian gun ownership etc, but that makes no sense.

As to the replica issue, I can totally understand HK wanting to protect their trademarks, 'trade dress', and reputation as a top tier firearm manufacturer. Somehow I think licensing Umarex to produce replicas and use your trademark isn't the brightest idea . I would have tried to license GSG/ATI to produce them, they seem to be making quality products, or of course produce them in house.

[flynbenny]

That article had me howling! The video game stuff is so true, I never had a game console growing up and now as an adult, I prefer to drive on real race tracks, fly real airplanes, and shoot real guns. Just don't read that article while drinking don't ask me why Just read the comments (Note: some language in the comments does not pass the 10 yr old daughter test)

They sound just like BMW and Mercedes. Our cars are cool, cost a mint, and we will flip out when you modify it because we are smarter than you ignorant consumers!
A coworker of mine was a factory trained Mercedes mechanic, he said he would never own or drive one, because they are designed to make the dealership money by requiring expensive and difficult repairs. Whenever I hear an ad about 'legendary Mercedes reliability' I just laugh.

Maybe there's something wrong with me, because I think German stuff is cool. I'm totally Irish and Scot, so it can't be my ancestry. I don't know why I like Porsche, BMW, Walther, HK... but darn it I will have an MP5, P7, Porsche 911, and BMW M3 one day!! I have to make do with a Miata, Glock, and Anschutz for now...

[juggernaut]

Somehow I think licensing Umarex to produce replicas and use your trademark isn't the brightest idea

Are they the ones who make the M4 in 22 for Colt? The reviews I saw weren't complimentary.

[flynbenny]

That would be correct. A couple friends of mine have bought and quickly resold their 'M-4' replicas.