H&K 416
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| HK416 | |
|---|---|
| Image:HK416 D145RS.jpg Side view of HK 416 |
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| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Variants | D10RS (10 in barrel), D145RS (14 in barrel) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.31 kg (10 in barrel), 3.5 kg (14 in barrel) |
| Length | 686 / 785 mm (10" barrel, stock collapsed/extended), 788 / 886 mm, (14.5" barrel, stock collapsed/extended) |
| Barrel length | 267 mm (10.5 in), 368 mm (14.5 in), 419 mm (16.5 in), 508 mm (20 in) |
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| Cartridge | 5.56 x 45 mm NATO |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 700-900 rounds/min |
| Feed system | 30 round detachable box magazine) |
The HK 416 is an assault rifle designed and manufactured in Germany by Heckler & Koch to be an improved version of the M4 Carbine pattern firearm. It is available as a complete firearm, or as an upper receiver kit that fits on an M4.
The project was originally called the HKM4, but this was changed in response to a trademark infringement suit filed by Colt Defense. It could be speculated that '416' is a reference to the M4 and M16 it's designed to compete with. The HK 416 piston system is similar to that found in the HK G36 replacing the direct impingement gas system used by the standard M16/M4. So far the weapon has reportedly been tested by the United States military as well as some law enforcement agencies. It is only available to government and military organizations. It is not available for sale to civilians as of 2006.
Contents |
[edit] Notable features (different from M4 carbine)
Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel - much More Accurate and Long-Lasting
Piston-Driven Action - Much Cleaner System
Free-Floating Fore-end - Can be removed to clean or alter the gun and reassembled in minutes
[edit] Legal issues
Several upper receiver units imported into the United States have found their way into civilian hands. While sale of the upper receivers broke no federal law and was completely legal, it was against the policy of HK to sell any military style weapons to civilians. Although legal by themselves, upper receiver assemblies used to assemble complete firearms would have to follow regulations on assembling rifles from foreign made parts.
[edit] Related Weapons
The HK417 is a larger version of the HK416 chambered for the 7.62 x 51 mm NATO round. The 417 is currently in the prototype phase. The HK417 and 416 have a relationship similar to the AR-10 and AR-15.
