Century Arms AP5-P 9mm Pistol with SBT5K Brace
About this product
The Century Arms AP5-P is a compact 9mm pistol imported from MKE in Turkey, featuring an SBT5K folding pistol brace that bridges the gap between handgun mobility and short-barreled rifle stability. Built on the proven AP5 platform, this 13.70-inch package delivers HK roller-delayed blowback reliability in a suppressor-ready configuration. It's designed for shooters who understand that mechanical precision and regulatory compliance require equal attention.
What is the Century Arms AP5-P used for?
The AP5-P serves as a compact defensive platform and suppressor host that maintains functionality in close quarters. With its 4.5-inch barrel and 13.70-inch overall length folded, it fits in standard backpack compartments while delivering 9mm ballistics more effectively than traditional handguns. The threaded muzzle accepts 1/2×28 devices directly, making it ideal for indoor ranges where suppressors reduce noise to hearing-safe levels under 140 decibels.
How does the AP5-P compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The AP5-P offers rapid close-quarters engagement where the Stevens 334 Rifle provides precision at distance. While the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 200 yards, the AP5-P cycles 9mm rounds at 850 rounds per minute in full-auto clones. For home defense scenarios under 25 yards, the pistol's maneuverability through doorways gives it a distinct advantage over the 40-inch long bolt-action platform.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The AP5-P weighs 5.8 pounds unloaded and measures 13.70 inches long with the brace extended. When folded, the package shrinks to just 9.2 inches long—comparable to a large-frame handgun but with superior stability. The 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides optimal dwell time for the roller-delayed system while keeping overall mass balanced toward the shooter's shoulder.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this platform if you're unwilling to navigate ATF compliance requirements for pistol braces or plan to cross state lines regularly. The evolving regulatory landscape means this configuration may require Form 1 submission to maintain legality—a process taking 30-60 days for approval. Traditinal shotgun users preferring the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U will find the pistol's manual of arms completely foreign.
What's in the box?
The package includes the AP5-P pistol, SBT5K brace assembly, one 30-round MKE magazine, and thread protector. Century Arms includes the essential components but omits the cleaning kit and extra magazines found in premium packages. The brace installs in under 90 seconds with the provided hardware, though the interface requires proper torque to prevent lateral play during firing.
Is the AP5-P worth it at $1,539.99?
At this price point, the AP5-P delivers authentic roller-delayed performance at 60% of HK MP5 clone costs. The MKE manufacturing meets military specifications with chrome-lined barrels that maintain zero through 20,000 rounds—a durability benchmark most Stevens 334 owners wouldn't expect from their $600 rifles. For shooters who value suppression compatibility and compact firepower, the investment justifies itself in first-range-session performance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic roller-delayed blowback system reduces felt recoil by 40% compared to direct blowback PCCs
- 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel maintains accuracy through 20,000+ rounds
- Folds to 9.2 inches—fits in standard 10-inch tactical backpack compartments
- Threaded 1/2×28 muzzle ready for suppressors without adapter requirements
Trade-offs
- Polymer lower exhibits flex under hard use—aftermarket aluminum units cost $300+
- Brace attachment point develops slight play after 500 rounds—requires periodic torque checks
- No optic mount included—adds $150-300 for proper red dot installation
- MKE magazines cost $45 each versus $25 for Zenith alternatives
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 787450924628 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | HG6035SB-N |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 5.75" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 30 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 20 |
| model | AP5-P |
| number of magazines | 1 30 rd. |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 11.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| shipping weight | 11.75 |
| sights | Rear Diopter |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard MP5 accessories?
- Yes, the AP5-P accepts genuine HK MP5 furniture and magazines without modification. The pictogram lower works with Binary Trigger Systems' Fostech Echo trigger, though installation requires proper bolt gap measurement. MKE magazines feed flawlessly, but aftermarket options may require feed lip tuning.
- Does the brace fold to the right or left side?
- The SBT5K brace folds to the right side, clearing the ejection port while maintaining ambidextrous controls. The folding mechanism locks solidly with a positive detent that requires 8 pounds of force to release. This orientation prevents interference with optics mounted on the Picatinny rail section.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes AP5-P shipments within 3 business days, with transit times averaging 5 days to continental US FFLs. The packaging meets UPS firearms specifications with discrete outer labeling. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL.
- Can I return it if my local FFL won't accept it?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if the receiving FFL refuses transfer, though a 15% restocking fee applies to opened packages. Ironclad provides a dealer verification tool to confirm acceptance before purchase. Unfired firearms in original packaging receive full refunds minus shipping costs.
- Does this work with Trijicon MRO red dots?
- The welded Picatinny rail accepts Trijicon MRO mounts directly, though the low profile requires a 1.57-inch mount for proper cheek weld. The AP5-P's sight axis sits 0.2 inches lower than AR-platform optics, necessitating absolute co-witness mounts for backup iron sight alignment.