Century Arms AP53 Review Examines MKE-Built 5.56mm Roller-Delayed Pistol

Century Arms’ AP53 is a compact 5.56x45mm pistol based on the HK33 and HK53 family of roller-delayed firearms. In its review, Firearms News describes the MKE-manufactured pistol as an alternative to more conventional AR- and AK-pattern pistols, combining stamped-steel construction and traditional HK-style controls with a modern pistol-format configuration.

The AP53 is manufactured by Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi, commonly known as MKE, in Turkey and imported by Century Arms. It is available with or without a collapsible stabilising arm brace. The reviewed model was fitted with a Magpul BTR brace on an M4-style tube.

The pistol uses a closed-bolt, roller-delayed blowback operating system rather than a gas-operated action. Firearms News traces the system’s development from the German StG 45 (M), through the CETME rifle programme and the HK G3, to HK’s 5.56mm designs. The AP53 is described as part of that evolutionary line, with its design ancestry reaching through the HK33, HK43 and HK93.

Its 8.3-inch cold hammer-forged barrel has a 1:7 twist and is chrome lined according to the specifications supplied with the review. The muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 right-hand and fitted with a four-prong flash suppressor. The brace-equipped model measures 28.7 inches with the brace collapsed and 30.7 inches extended, while the model without a brace is listed at 22.3 inches.

The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel that is robotically welded, with the upper receiver serving as the serialized component. A polymer lower receiver is secured by two cross pins. The review notes that the pins are not captured and can be removed to separate the lower and end cap from the upper receiver for access to the bolt carrier assembly and routine cleaning.

The AP53 uses standard HK-pattern detachable magazines. The package includes two 30-round translucent polymer magazines, which can be locked together without a separate magazine coupler. The hard case also contains a three-point sling, optics mount, cleaning equipment, manual and other accessories. The pistol accepts MP5 handguards, and the reviewed example used an MP5-style handguard from the factory.

Controls include an ambidextrous safety, a paddle magazine release and a right-side push-button magazine release. The charging handle is non-reciprocating, spring-loaded and positioned on the left side of the receiver. Firearms News found that it required more force to operate when new, although it became smoother with use. The bolt does not lock open after the last round, but the charging handle can be manually locked to the rear.

The iron sights consist of a protected front post and an adjustable rear diopter with a 100-metre open notch and apertures for 200, 300 and 400 metres. The rear sight can be adjusted for windage and elevation, although the review says specialist tools or alternative hand tools are needed for those adjustments. An included rail mount allows an optic to be fitted.

During range testing from 15 to 280 yards, including standing, kneeling, prone and seated drills, the AP53 produced mild recoil and fast follow-up shots. The review found that its balance point near the paddle magazine release helped it handle quickly despite the pistol’s weight. The trigger was described as heavy and somewhat mushy, but with a clean break once the shooter became familiar with it.

The review identified the lack of last-round bolt hold-open as a disadvantage during magazine changes. After a reload, the action must be manually cycled before firing can resume. The charging handle was also considered less convenient than an AR-15 charging handle, particularly from the prone position. Firearms News nevertheless reported that the paddle release worked well and that the magazines functioned reliably during testing.

Low-light testing produced less muzzle flash than the reviewer expected from the short barrel. The four-prong flash suppressor broke up the visible flash into an X-shaped pattern rather than producing a large fireball. The review concluded that the AP53 was reliable, fairly accurate and enjoyable to shoot, while retaining the weight and handling quirks of its older roller-delayed design.

The supplied specifications list the brace-equipped pistol’s empty weight as 7 pounds, 8 ounces. Other listed features include a single-stage trigger rated at 8¾ pounds as tested, a polymer fore-end, stamped-steel receiver, four-position Magpul BTR brace and two 30-round magazines. Firearms News gives pricing of $1,799.99 in its closing assessment, while the specifications section lists an MSRP of $1,899 for the tested model and $1,799 for the version without a brace.