TFB Review: Century Arms AP53

When it comes to new firearms, the market seems to be flooded with various model AR-15s or newer variants of the AK platform, with a completely different platform coming out occasionally as well. What we don't get is older-style rifles that have an interesting past, which is what this rifle is. The HK53 was the idea of creating a rifle variant of the classic MP5 and was released in the later months of 1980. Century Arms has released a clone version of the HK53 made by MKE, based in Turkey. I’ve had their AP53 for a couple of months now and after some range time, I have a good idea of what this rifle is all about. Let's take a closer look at the new Century Arms AP53.

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Specs

The AP53 is a roller delayed blowback action firearm that is chambered in 5.56x45 and is fed by 30 or 40-round HK33-patterned magazines. The AP53 comes standard with an 8.3” cold hammer forged barrel as well as a 4-prong flash hider. One of the coolest features is that the shorter AP53 is compatible with MP5 handguards and front accessories. This allows for the classic SureFire MP5 handguard to work with the AP53. None of the stocks or rear-end parts are compatible, but I thought it was a nice touch that they included to make it easier for aftermarket compatibility.

Century Arms sells the AP53 in two configurations, with a cap rear end or an AR-15 buffer tube style with a Magpul brace on it. They include the recoil spring into the rear end of both models, so if you want to convert it to an SBR, it may be tougher than the MP5 variants; with a few more parts and a few modifications, it is certainly possible to install a new stock. Each AP53 comes with 2 translucent 30-round polymer magazines that lock in like the SIG 550 series of rifles. These magazines are good to get you started, but I would certainly purchase the original metal magazines if you plan on hard use for your AP53. MSRP on the AP53 is $1,799.99.

Range Time

So far during my testing, I have roughly 850 rounds through the AP53 with about half of those being in its SBR configuration. When taking the AP53 to the range, one of the first things you notice is how light the gun recoils with 5.56 ammo, even with the 4-prong flash hider. One of the interesting things about the roller delayed blowback system is the feeling you get while firing the rifle. The delayed system has a two-part recoil from the initial firing of the round, with the mechanical movement recoil a second later.

It's certainly a unique firearm to take to the range, but it doesn't take away from the overall shooting experience. The trigger pack is marked with the full auto position, but is sadly only a two-position trigger pack with safe and single fire being the options. The trigger is one of the nicer variants for an HK-style trigger pack. Some factory trigger packs I have had in the past come with a decent amount of creep, but this one seems to have a crisp 6lbs pull with a defined wall as well as a very loud audible reset. Reloads are very AK-like, with the paddle release being the main way to reload. Of course, you can add style points by doing the HK slap or racking the charging handle to charge a new round into the chamber. 

Accuracy and Reliability

The accuracy of the AP53 is fairly good for just an 8.3” barrel. For testing I used Federal Premium American Eagle 55gr as well as a few rounds of SIG Sauer 77gr match ammo. At 100 yards, the average group size for the american eagle was 1.93” and the SIG 77gr match ammo did slightly better with a 1.87” group average. For a short-barreled 5.56, this AP53 actually did about on par with what I was expecting. This is honestly a 200-yard or closer style of firearm, so hitting that slightly better than average grouping is completely acceptable in my opinion.

In terms of reliability, it should be no surprise that the AP53 was 100% reliable so far. I cannot tell you how often I see individuals in the comment section saying how terrible the MKE products are, but so far, this has been completely reliable. This has become the standard for firearms with modern machining processes and increased technology. What I want to see later on is how reliable the AP53 is after 10,000 or even 15,000 rounds. So far, though, I’m really happy and plan on doing an update article later on down the road. This has been a completely reliable rifle with no hiccups or issues of any kind.

Place In The Market 

When it comes to the AP53, I don't believe it's a firearm for someone who is just getting into firearms. This is one of the coolest new rifles to hit the US market, in my opinion, but it's not the easiest rifle to manipulate for beginners. For collectors or gun guys who are burned out on AR-15s, this is one of the coolest options for something different and that's where I think the AP53 will shine. This gun just begs to be SBRed and tricked out to be its coolest version possible. The HK53 is one of the rarest rifles out there, so having the ability to purchase one and trick it out exactly how you want it was one of the more enjoyable gun projects I've had in the last year or two.

Overall Thoughts

Century Arms has become one of those companies that tends to make people have polarizing opinions on their firearms as a whole. While I understand some may not trust them or look elsewhere, the AP53 has been a fantastic project for me to build out one of the rarest rifles in the US market. This AP53 is one of the only ways to acquire a 5.56 chambered roller delayed blowback system without dropping a massive amount of money to get a genuine HK model.

When you look at the AP53 as a way to expand the interesting firearms available in today's market, it starts to become fairly interesting and one of the more exciting firearms to drop this year. What do you guys think about the AP53? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below. If you have questions about the AP53 or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next review.