FN Herstal FAL vs Heckler & Koch MP5
Full specs: FN Herstal FAL Heckler & Koch MP5
FN Herstal FAL and Heckler & Koch MP5 are both rifle & long arms, compared here on public specifications. The FN Herstal FAL leads on effective range (600 vs 200 m).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
| Performance | ||
| Effective range (m) | 600 m ✓ | 200 m |
| Rate of fire (rpm) | 650 rpm | 800 rpm ✓ |
| Muzzle velocity (m/s) | 840 m/s ✓ | 400 m/s |
| Firepower | ||
| Caliber (mm) | 7.6 mm | 9 mm |
| Ammunition | 20 | 30 ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 1.09 m | 0.68 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 4 kg | 3 kg |
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | N/A | $1,500 |
| Units built | 7,000,000 | 10,000,000 ✓ |
| Operator countries | 90 ✓ | 40 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper? +
The Heckler & Koch MP5 has the lower public unit-cost figure at 1,500 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher effective range? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher effective range at 600 m.
Which has the higher rate of fire? +
The Heckler & Koch MP5 has the higher rate of fire at 800 rpm.
Which has the higher muzzle velocity? +
The FN Herstal FAL has the higher muzzle velocity at 840 m/s.
Which has the higher ammunition? +
The Heckler & Koch MP5 has the higher ammunition at 30.
Which has the higher units built? +
The Heckler & Koch MP5 has the higher units built at 10,000,000.
Is the FN Herstal FAL better than the Heckler & Koch MP5? +
On the public specs we track, FN Herstal FAL and Heckler & Koch MP5 are closely matched, FN Herstal FAL leads on effective range, muzzle velocity, operator countries, while Heckler & Koch MP5 leads on rate of fire, ammunition, units built. See the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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