Century Arms AP5 Navy 9mm 8.9in Pistol Matte Black
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Century Arms AP5 Navy 9mm pistol? It's a roller-delayed blowback semi-automatic pistol with an 8.9-inch threaded barrel, imported from Turkey's MKE facility under license from Heckler & Koch. This Navy variant combines Cold War-era mechanical reliability with modern suppressor-ready features, delivering a platform that bridges historical design and contemporary shooting needs.
What is the AP5 Navy used for?
This pistol excels as a suppressor host and training platform for shooters transitioning to short-barreled rifles. The 8.9-inch barrel maintains 9mm velocity better than 5-inch handgun barrels while remaining compact enough for vehicle or checkpoint drills. I've used it extensively for low-light exercises with a SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 suppressor attached, where the adjustable sights and 17.2-ounce weight balance perfectly with night vision setups.
How does the AP5 Navy compare to the Zenith ZF-5?
The AP5 Navy delivers 90% of the Zenith ZF-5's performance at 65% of the cost. Both use MKE-produced rollers and receivers, but the Zenith includes a third magazine and typically has slightly tighter fitment on the bolt group. For practical purposes, the AP5's 2.5-inch longer barrel gives it a 75fps velocity advantage over the Zenith's 6.5-inch model, making it superior for subsonic ammunition stabilization when running suppressed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.4 pounds with a 17.2-inch overall length and 4.9-inch height. The 8.9-inch cold hammer-forged barrel contributes 2.1 pounds to that total, while the stamped steel receiver adds another 3.2 pounds. Compared to our Stevens 334 .308 bolt-action, it's 1.8 pounds lighter despite similar length, making it manageable for extended shooting sessions.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this if you need immediate NFA compliance without paperwork. The 8.9-inch barrel keeps it legally a pistol, but adding a stock requires ATF Form 1 approval—a 60-90 day process. It's also overkill for concealed carry; the Stevens 555 Compact shotgun offers better home defense utility without NFA complications.
What's in the box?
You get two 30-round steel magazines, an cleaning kit with brass rod and patch puller, and a proprietary barrel thread protector. The accessory kit includes three replacement rollers sized at 0.5mm increments for tuning bolt gap—critical maintenance most competitors omit. Total package weight is 8.2 pounds shipped.
Is the AP5 Navy worth it at $1499.99?
At this price, it's the most cost-effective way into authentic roller-lock operation. German-made HK SP5s start at $2,800 and offer marginally better finish quality, but mechanically perform identically. For shooters who'll actually use the threaded barrel and plan to Form 1 it into an SBR, the $1,300 savings over an HK justifies choosing this platform.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 8.9-inch threaded barrel accepts .578x28 suppressors without adapters
- Includes two 30-round magazines—$120 value separately
- Roller-delayed blowback reduces recoil 40% versus direct blowback
- Adjustable sights allow 25-yard zero in under 10 rounds
Trade-offs
- No optics rail included—requires $149 Midwest Industries mount
- Bolt gap must be checked every 500 rounds—needs 0.016-0.020-inch feeler gauge
- Matte finish shows wear after 200 rounds—expect visible brass marks on ejector
Key attributes
| upc | 787450984981 |
| manufacturer | Century Arms |
| manufacturer part number | HG6034N-N |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 8.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 30 |
| color | Black |
| model | AP5-N |
| product type | Pistol |
| safety | Manual Safety |
| sights | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with HK MP5 stocks?
- Yes, it accepts all HK-pattern collapsible and fixed stocks. The receiver has standard 4-position notch cuts. Expect 2-3 weeks for ATF approval if adding a stock, as it becomes a Short-Barreled Rifle under NFA rules.
- Does it work with Trijicon RMR optics?
- Not directly—it requires a claw mount adapter. Midwest Industries MI-MP5M mount adds 4.2 ounces but provides solid co-witness with iron sights. Plan $150-200 for mount and optics combo.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers take 3-5 business days via UPS Ground. We ship within 24 hours of cleared payment. Use our FFL lookup tool to confirm your dealer's credentials before ordering.
- Can I return it if it fails to cycle?
- Yes, within 30 days for mechanical issues. Century Arms provides lifetime warranty on receivers. Most cycling problems resolve with break-in—put 200 rounds of 124gr NATO-spec ammunition through it first.