[7] This ammunition is unique among submachine guns in that the bullet is made almost entirely of a hardened steel penetrator instead of softer copper or lead.

VBR of Belgium produces a 4.6×30mm two-part controlled-fragmenting projectile that is claimed to increase the content of the permanent wound cavity and double the chance to hit a vital organ.

[7][13] Heckler & Koch claims that the CPS Black Tip ammunition made by Fiocchi has a muzzle energy of approximately 525 J, which would be comparable to 9×19mm Parabellum rounds.

[14] The MP7 features a full-length, top-mounted Picatinny rail that comes as standard with folding fore and rear iron sights attached.

Both have greater armor-piercing capabilities and less recoil compared to other commonly used military handgun cartridges, such as the 9×18mm Makarov and 9×19mm Parabellum.

The external design of the UCP appears to have been borrowed from the HK P2000 pistol,[citation needed] and includes ambidextrous controls, interchangeable backstraps, and a Picatinny rail system for the attachment of accessories.

[57] The design remained in the prototype phase as of 2006[update], and had been reported as entering limited trials with the Bundeswehr.