HK 53

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The HK 53 is an assault carbine variant of the HK 33 rifle, based on the proven delayed roller lock bolt system introduced with the MG30 machine gun scaled down to 5.56 mm NATO. The gun is useful because it combines the power of an assault rifle, including the ability to penetrate body armor, with the handling characteristics of a submachine gun.

It is, however, being rapidly eclipsed by short-barrelled versions of conventional assault rifles such as the M4, AKS-74U, and the G36C variant of HK's G36 assault rifle, and next-generaton PDWs such as the MP7 and P90.

[edit] Variants

GR2: The GR2 ("German Rifle Mark 2")

The GR2 is a "sanitized" version of the HK53 that was used by NATO special operations troops. Models are distinguished by their split "duck bill"-type flash hider and an adjustable-power self-illuminated optical sight permanently fixed to the receiver in the place of iron sights. It can also accept a clip-on beam projector on the receiver that can only be seen by an operator wearing night-vision goggles.

- GR2C: This is a variant model with its plastic furniture moulded in green and black Woodland Camouflauge.
- GR2S: This is a variant model with its plastic furniture moulded in tan and brown Sand Camouflauge.