Heckler & Koch HK41
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Heckler & Koch 41 | |
---|---|
Type | Sporting and Target Rifle |
Place of origin | Germany |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
Produced | 1964-1976 |
Variants | A2 and A3 |
Specifications | |
Weight | 10.9 pounds (4.95 kg)(Empty magazine) |
Length | 42.5 inches (1,080 mm) |
Barrel length | 19.7 inches (500 mm) |
Height | 8.26 inches (210 mm) |
|
|
Cartridge | .308 Winchester |
Action | Roller-delayed blowback |
Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
Feed system | 5-round or 20-round double column, detachable box magazine |
Sights | Protected post front, rotating diopter sight rear adj. for wind. and elev. |
The Heckler & Koch HK41 is a paramilitary semiautomatic rifle version of the Heckler & Koch G3 automatic rifle that was produced by Heckler & Koch for the civilian market in the 1960s [1]. It is not to be confused with the similarly titled, but separate model, Heckler & Koch G41.
It is estimated that less than 400 HK41's were produced and even fewer imported in the U.S. for civilian consumption. Today, HK41's can sell for anywhere between $3000 and $6000 depending on the condition and the economy at the time. An original 1966 model with the push-pin hole in the receiver can sell for around $7500. These are very scrace because most of them were used as hosts for full-auto conversions prior to the May 1986 Machinegun Ban.
Contents |
[edit] Variants
There are two models of the HK41:
- HK41A2: Fixed stock and semi-auto "SE" triger group.
- HK41A3: Retractable 1-position stock and semi-auto "SE" triger group.
[edit] Versions of the HK41
- (Early 1964): These models had semi-auto "SE" trigger groups that could be quickly converted to full-auto by its replacement with a full-auto "SEF" trigger group. Even though these versions have the "push-pin" hole in the receiver, they were grandfathered in as approved firearms.
- (1966-1973): These models have strips of metal welded into the receiver and matching cuts made in the "SE" trigger group to only allow the insertion of an "SE" trigger group. These versions still had the a functional "flapper" magazine release. Very few of the 1966 models got into the U.S. However, between 1967 and 1974, none of these models were imported into the U.S, in part due to the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
- (1974-1976): These models had the locking-pin tabs eliminated on the front end of the grip assembly, and the corresponding locking-pin hole ("push-pin" hole) and bushing at the base of the receiver had a "U"-shaped piece of metal inserted to prevent the attachment of a full-auto "SEF" trigger group. This makes the "flapper" magazine-release paddle betwen the trigger guard and magazine well inoperative, making the redundant release button on the right-hand side of the receiver the only way to eject the magazine. It also had the cocking-lever endcap altered to prohibit the mounting of most models of the HK G3 bayonet and had the snap rings on the barrel removed so that it couldn't fire rifle grenades.
[edit] United States Importers
- Golden State Arms Co., Santa Fe Division [Pasadena, CA] = From 1964 to 1966.
- Security Arms Company (SACO) [Arlington, VA] = From 1974 to 1975.
- Heckler & Koch [Arlington, VA] = Took over the US import business themselves in 1976. [2],
[edit] HK91
In 1976, the HK41 was banned from import in the US due to the continued ease of conversion. Furthermore, gun laws that were adopted in West Germany around that time prohibited the civilian ownership of the HK41. As a result, Heckler & Koch modified the weapon with a plate welded inside the receiver to prohibit the mounting of a full-auto "SEF" trigger group and re-designated the rifle as the Heckler & Koch HK91 [1] [3].
The HK91 is rather valuable in the United States firearm market since it was banned from further importation by executive order in 1989. Only 48,817 HK91's were imported into the U.S. prior to 1989. Original HK91's often fetch over $2000. The early 'SACO' imports are very desireable among collectors and often command a premium.
Clones are available, such as the JLD PTR 91.
[edit] References
- ^ a b HKPro - "The HK41: An HKPRO Exclusive Special In-Depth Feature" (Accessed May 28, 2006)
- ^ HK41 importation forum posting (Accessed May 28, 2006)
- ^ HK G3 Specifications (Accessed May 28, 2006)
[edit] See also
This firearms-related article is a stub. You can help by expanding it