The MP5 is one of the most iconic firearms of all time. Beloved by military, law enforcement, and firearm enthusiasts worldwide, the MP5’s reputation for reliability and smooth operation is unmatched. But for those living in California, New York, and Illinois, owning an MP5 clone has long been a challenge due to strict state laws.
Buy it from our online store: MP5 Clone Fixed Magazine System – California Compliance – TacticCal Gun Store
Until recently, there was no practical way to make an MP5 clone compliant with the same methods used on AR-style firearms. That’s where the MP5 Fixed Magazine comes in. By installing a fixed mag system, gun owners can finally enjoy their MP5-style firearms while staying compliant with local laws.
If you’ve been searching online for “MP5 Fixed Mag” or “MP5 Fixed Magazine”, this article breaks down everything you need to know, from what a fixed magazine is, to why you need it, to how it works in states like California, New York, and Illinois.
🔎 What Is an MP5 Fixed Magazine?
An MP5 Fixed Magazine is a compliance modification for MP5-style firearms and their clones. By design, it locks the magazine in place so that it cannot be removed without disassembling the firearm’s action.
This is important because under many state laws, a firearm becomes classified as an “assault weapon” if it has both restricted features (like a pistol grip or threaded barrel) and a detachable magazine. By converting to a fixed mag system, the MP5 no longer counts as having a detachable magazine, meaning it avoids the legal definition of an assault weapon in states that use this language.
⚖️ Why States Require Fixed Magazines
Each of the three states we’re focusing on—California, New York, and Illinois—has different wording in its laws, but the underlying idea is the same:
- A firearm with “assault weapon features” and a detachable magazine is illegal.
- A firearm with those same features but a fixed magazine is treated differently and may remain legal.
This is why fixed magazine devices have been popular on AR-15 platforms for years, and now MP5 owners can finally benefit from similar solutions.
🔧 How an MP5 Fixed Mag Works
A fixed mag system for the MP5 typically includes:
- A replacement trigger housing replaces the original MP5 clone housing and this prevents normal mag release.
- We do include two rear bracket just in case the other breaks. It’s 3D printed after all but it’s strong / made of PLA Carbon Fiber.
- Installation instructions to ensure compliance
Once installed, the magazine cannot be removed until the user presses the button which then lowers the housing from the upper receiver making it possible to press the magazine release. This ensures compliance with the state’s legal definition of “fixed magazine.”
✅ Benefits of the MP5 Fixed Magazine
- Legal Ownership – Stay compliant in states with strict gun laws.
- Preserve MP5 Authenticity – Keep your firearm looking and feeling like the iconic MP5.
- Reversible Solution – In most cases, the fixed mag kit can be removed if you move to a free state.
- Universal Fit – Designed to work with a wide range of MP5 clones, including PTR, Zenith, Century, and others.
📍 State-Specific Considerations
California
California law has one of the strictest definitions of “assault weapon.” Any semi-automatic centerfire pistol with a magazine capable of accepting a magazine outside the pistol grip is illegal unless it has a fixed magazine. The magazine must be 10 rounds or less for California.
The only way to own an MP5 clone in California while keeping these features intact is by installing a fixed magazine device. With an MP5 Fixed Mag, the firearm is reclassified, making it compliant under California law.
New York
The New York SAFE Act defines assault weapons in part by their ability to accept a detachable magazine combined with certain restricted features. As in California, an MP5 Fixed Magazine allows owners to configure their firearms legally while retaining the MP5’s iconic features.
Without a fixed mag, New York gun owners would be forced to strip their firearms of key components or risk legal consequences.
Illinois
In 2023, Illinois passed the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), which heavily restricts so-called assault weapons. As in California and New York, the law hinges on whether the firearm has a detachable magazine.
This means Illinois residents now also need solutions like the MP5 Fixed Magazine to maintain compliance. For many MP5 clone owners in Illinois, this is the only way to legally keep their firearms configured with traditional features.
🔄 Fixed Mag vs. Featureless Builds
The fixed mag solution allows you to keep your MP5 clone in its classic configuration while still staying compliant.
📦 What Comes in an MP5 Fixed Mag Kit?
Most MP5 Fixed Magazine kits include:
- Fixed Magazine Housing
- Two Rear Bracket (one extra just in case)
- Installation instructions
The kits are generally designed for easy installation and don’t require permanent modification to the firearm.