HK 416

Summary

Country	🇩🇪 Germany
Category	Assault rifle
Manufacturer	Heckler & Koch

Technical specifications

HK 416
Fire Rate	700 - 900 rounds/min.
Caliber	5.56 x 45 mm OTAN
Magazine	30 rounds
Length	1115 mm (43.9 in)
Weight	3.5 kg (7.7 lb)
Range	400 m (1312 ft)

Description

The Heckler & Koch HK416 is an assault rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, designed and manufactured by Heckler & Koch. While based on the AR-15 firearm class, specifically the Colt M4 carbine family, it incorporates a proprietary short-stroke gas piston system derived from Heckler & Koch's G36 rifles.

Development began in collaboration with the United States Army's Delta Force in the 1990s for close quarters combat, seeking an alternative to the 9mm MP5 and the M4 carbine. Heckler & Koch utilized experience from the G36, XM8 project, and SA80 A2 upgrade program. Initially called the Heckler & Koch M4, the name changed to HK416 following a trademark suit by Colt Defense, deriving the designation from M4 and M16. Delta Force adopted the HK416D in March 2005 after testing showed improved reliability and part life compared to the M4 due to the piston system.

The HK416 utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system from the HK G36. This system drives an operating rod, which forces the bolt carrier to the rear, preventing combustion gases from entering the receiver, which reduces heat and fouling, enhancing reliability and increasing the interval between stoppages. Factory tests demonstrated the HK416 firing 10,000 rounds in full-auto without malfunctioning. Later variants added a user adjustable gas regulator, while the original design theoretically featured a self-regulating piston system that could exhibit increased recoil. The rifle includes a proprietary free-floating accessory rail forearm with MIL-STD-1913 rails on all four sides, attachable/removable without tools using the bolt locking lug, improving accuracy. It is equipped with an adjustable multi-position telescopic butt stock offering six lengths of pull, a selectable shoulder pad, and storage space, and can accept aftermarket stocks. The trigger pull is 34 N (7.6 lbf). An empty HK416 box magazine weighs 250 g (8.8 oz). The cold hammer-forged barrel has a 20,000-round service life with a 6-groove 178 mm (7.0 in) right hand twist. Optional modifications for over-the-beach capability include drainage holes. A proprietary firing pin safety prevents slam-firing and limits upper receiver compatibility to standard AR-15 type full height hammers in the fire control group.

Military and law enforcement variants of the HK416 chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO are offered with different barrel lengths: D10RS (10.4 in), D14.5RS (14.5 in), D16.5RS (16.5 in), and D20RS (20 in). The HK416C was an ultra-compact prototype with a 9.0 in barrel, but did not enter production. The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle is a squad automatic weapon variant based on the D16.5RS, adopted by the United States Marine Corps.

The HK416 A5 is an improved variant featuring:

• Ambidextrous controls

• A G28-style stock (slimmer, non-adjustable)

• A tool-less adjustable gas regulator for suppressor use (down to 10.5 in barrels)

• A redesigned lower receiver with optimized compatibility

• Repair kit in the pistol grip

• Flat Dark Earth color

• Fixed buttplate stock without storage/sling loops

• A V2 HK Battle grip

• A handguard requiring a takedown tool housed in the grip for removal

It also has a heavy-duty castle nut. As of 2013, the A5 variant replaced the original HK416. The A5 is offered with 11 in, 14.5 in, 16.5 in, and 20 in barrels. The HK416 A5 was type classified by the German government as the G38, offered in 11 and 14.5 in barrel lengths. The G95 (field tested as HK416 A7) is designed for German KSK and KSM forces, similar to the A5 but with a 45-degree safety selector and HKeyMod rail system. The G95A1 (field tested as HK416 A8) was adopted by the German Armed Forces to supersede the G36; it is similar to the G95 but features a height-adjustable shoulder support, steeper grip angle, and shorter handguard for weight compliance. Civilian variants include the semi-automatic MR223 and MR308 in Europe, and MR556 and MR762 in the U.S. The MR556A1 is an improved MR556 with input from U.S. special forces, featuring an upper receiver compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers. The MR223 maintains a non-standard pin location, compatible with low shelf AR15 lowers. As of 2012, the MR556A1 upper fits standard AR-15 lowers and uses STANAG magazines. The MR556A1 Competition Model includes specific accessories. The MR223A3 in Europe shares cosmetic/ergonomic improvements with the HK416A5. The SIG Sauer SIG516 and Caracal CAR 816 series share lineage with the HK416 design.

The HK416 is the standard assault rifle of the Norwegian Armed Forces (since 2008) and the United States Marine Corps (as the M27 IAR). It was selected by the French Armed Forces in 2016 to replace the FAMAS, with contracts for 93,080 HK416F rifles, including short and standard versions, some compatible with FÉLIN attachments, and supplied with grenade launchers. Deliveries commenced in 2017. The US Navy's SEAL Team Six used it in 2011. It is also used by special operations units worldwide. The HK416 participated in a U.S. Army competition in 2007 against the M4, FN SCAR, and XM8, experiencing 233 stoppages compared to 882 for the M4 (with magazine issues accounting for 239), 226 for the FN SCAR, and 127 for the XM8. A modified HK416 was selected for final testing in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Automatic Rifle program in 2009, subsequently designated M27 IAR and adopted, with fielding to specific battalions and a later decision to equip every infantry squad Marine. The HK416 A5 was also entered into the US Army's Individual Carbine competition, which was later cancelled. Turkey considered manufacturing a copy as the MKEK Mehmetçik-1 but developed the MPT-76 instead.

Current and former users of the HK416 include the Norwegian Armed Forces, United States Marine Corps (M27), French Armed Forces, German Army (including G38, G95 for KSK/KSM, G95A1), Irish Army Ranger Wing, US Navy's SEAL Team Six, and some US law enforcement agencies. It is reported to be in use with many special operations units worldwide.