Review: GSG-5 .22LR
I recently had the opportunity to review the GSG-5 from German Sport Guns, because when I saw it, I just had to go out and buy one! The GSG-5 is chambered in .22LR, and looks mistakingly like an MP5. The version we are allowed to have in New York State is the GSG-5 L, which has a 414mm barrel length. Made in Germany, the GSG-5 is imported to the US by American Tactical Imports, based in Rochester, NY. When I first read about these, I called around the area looking for them, and found one at Avon Gun and Hunting Supply, Avon, NY.
A quick glance at the firearm and you notice that it is mostly composite material, contributing to its light weight, but it does not feel cheap at all. In fact, it feels very well made. The GSG-5 comes with a 10 round magazine, a multi-tool, and a trigger lock.
Taken from GSG-5.de:
Model: |
GSG-5 L |
Caliber: |
.22 lr HV |
Overall length: |
t855 mm |
Overall height: |
207 mm |
Overall width: |
53 mm |
Barrel length: |
414 mm |
Rifling length: |
406 mm |
Number of grooves: |
6 |
Weight: |
3.060 g |
Trigger pool, approx. |
2.500 g / 25 N |
Mag. Capacity: |
20 / 15 / 10 / 2 |
System: |
Semi-Auto only |
Although I had some problems with magazine feeding, I believe the firearm shoots very well. It seemed to shoot straight and accurately. I think any issues that I did have was attributed to a dirty magazine, and some poor ammunition.
The obvious major benefit of a firearm like this one is that the expense of shooting is so low. At around $0.03 / round, you can shoot your GSG-5 all day long for under $10. With ammo prices up, and the economy down, the GSG-5 is a good way to plink and hone your shooting skills without breaking the bank. Of course, you could probably do the same with a Ruger 10/22 or a Remington 597, but you lose the cool factor of having a semi-automatic .22LR, styled like an MP5 submachine gun.
As for modifications there are already a great deal of add-ons for the GSG-5. From upper rails and red-dot scopes, to new stocks and lasers, there are all kinds of modifications available. So if you do not think it is cool enough out of the box (We do.), there are plenty of aftermarket options for you! 
Overall, I’d have to say I really enjoyed shooting my GSG-5, even if I had some minor issues 
It has the look and feel of a very sexy submachine gun, with the heart of a plinker. I would definitely recommend purchasing one of these if you enjoy target shooting, plinking, and of course, saving money. At around $600, I’m sure this will pay for itself, instead of shooting my other firearms.
Posted in Reviews
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December 9th, 2008 at 10:34 am
[...] Review of GSG-5 [...]
December 17th, 2008 at 10:29 am
got one for farm defence
December 17th, 2008 at 10:31 am
we use our for training & since its only a .22 you can shoot each other
December 28th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I live in yonkers ny, do you have the gsg5 in stock?
February 5th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
What makes the gsg-5 different from the AR-22 that makes it legal in NYS?
February 26th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Nice review. I just picked one up in CA after reading. Fun gun.
May 17th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
i know some pretty big gun people and special forces people… they would rather use this gun than a M4 or AR-15, the rounds are cheap and tho it is a small cal. it is freakishly accurate
June 12th, 2009 at 9:04 am
“we use our for training & since its only a .22 you can shoot each other”
First of all, based on your completely ignorant statement everyone that knows anything about firearms knows that you do not use this for any sort of training. That’s obvious because anybody that does know about firearms knows that a .22 bullet has the capacity to kill you just as well as any other caliber.
“What makes the gsg-5 different from the AR-22 that makes it legal in NYS?”
As long as an AR22 meets the NYS AWB criteria, it’s perfectly legal here as well. The GSG is legal because the barrel is 16″ or over, the magazine is only 10 rounds, the barrel is not threaded, and the stock is not a folding or collapsible one.
June 16th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
This might seem like a silly question, but with a rifle permit in NYC, is it legal to get one of these? Obviously it won’t get any use here unless I go to a range, but for out of town trips.
June 19th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Got one! feels great! Does not shoot “western” (Winchester) but it loves the 550 rd federals.. BTW FBI reports more people killed by .22’s than ANY OTHER ROUND!