Photo courtesy www.lenaburgs.net/images - Photo courtesy wctle.com/images

The recent move by the police to give up the lethal M16 assault rifle in favour of the less deadly MP5 sub-machine gun has raised concerns about the effect this will have on the force's ability to tackle hardened criminal gunmen and other belligerents who are keen on waging war on society.

According to one expert, "There will be situations where the MP5 will not be suited, for example when there is sustained fire from high-powered rifles like the AK47 and M16."

The police in this case will be at a disadvantage and will have to call for support from units with heavier firepower. The expert believes that both weapons should be used as the situation warrants. However, the MP5 should be used on a daily basis. A higher premium should be given to training in the use of these weapons, the expert said, as this would make the police more comfortable when using them.

Facts about the rifles

MP5 Sub-machine Gun (SMG)

Calibre - 9mm

Weight - 2.88kg (6.34lb)

Modes of fire - Single shot/three-round burst

Maximum effective range - 75 metres

Muzzle velocity (speed of travel) - 1,312 feet per second

Length - 325mm (12.8 in)

Barrel - 115mm (4.53 in)

Magazine capacity - 30 rounds

Make - German design - Heckler Koch (HK)

M16A2 Rifle

Calibre - 5.56mm

Weight (with 30-round magazine) - 3.99kg (8.79lb approx)

Maximum effective rate of fire:

Semi-automatic - 45 rounds per minute

Burst - 90 rounds per minute

Maximum range - 3,534 metres

Maximum effective range - 550 metres

Muzzle velocity (speed of travel) - 3,100 feet per second

Length - 100.65cm (39.625 ins)

Barrel - 50.8cm (20 ins)

Magazine capacity - 30 rounds

Make - United States of America