Gunner Quinn
Century Arms’ relationship with Turkish manufacturer MKE has allowed the company to import a variety of classic, roller-delayed blowback firearms. Licensed to manufacture these guns for the Turkish military, MKE has adapted them to the U.S. civilian market in semi-automatic form. This year, Century has already added several new models to its AP5 lineup and are adding two more with its new-for-2025 AP51 and AP53 handguns based on the H&K G3 and HK33 rifles.
The design of the AP51 closely follows the HK51, a compact version of the full-size G3 developed by U.S. manufacturer Fleming Firearms. Built around a semi-automatic, roller-delayed blowback, G3-type action, it is chambered in 7.62 NATO. Its 8.3” barrel is cold hammer-forged and capped with a birdcage-style flashhider that attaches to 5/8×24 TPI threads. Using a stamped-steel receiver, the polymer trigger housing is of the “Navy” style with a bilateral safety lever.
Due to its shortened barrel, the pistol’s handguard is compatible with the MP5. Sights are the traditional diopter rear and hooded front post. Magazines are G3-compatible and two polymer, 20-round versions are supplied with each pistol. The AP51 has an overall length of 23.3”, weighs 7.9 lbs., and has an MSRP of $1,799.
The AP53 is similar to the HK53, a compact carbine made by Heckler & Koch that was a version of its HK33 rifle. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it uses a stamped-steel receiver and roller-delayed-blowback action. Its 8.3” barrel is cold hammer-forged and has an HK53-style four-prong flash hider on its muzzle. It also uses a polymer Navy-style trigger housing and MP5-compatible handguard. Magazines are HK33-compatible and two, 30-round polymer versions are supplied with each pistol. The AP53 has an overall length of 22.3”, weighs 7.2 lbs., and has an MSRP of $1,799.
For more information, see Century Arms’ AP51 and AP53 websites.
Read the full article here