Heckler & Koch HK416
Weapon systems
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This is the new German Assault Rifle that eventually will replace the G36

The HK416 assault rifle was developed by Heckler & Konch during the '90s to cover the requirements of the US Delta Force. The gun is an improved version of the M4, that is used in large numbers from the US Army. However, HK416 is an independent design. The weapon was firstly named Heckler & Konch M4 but after legal persecutions from Colt, H&K changed it to HK416. The weapon is still called HK M4 or German M4 unofficially. It replaced M4 in 2004 on the Delta Force and is being used by at least 20 countries today. Some examples are Serbia, Turkey, Slovakia, Poland, and more. Mainly, it is being used by special forces or law enforcement units. Norway uses it as the main rifle of its armed forces.  

Specifications

It's worth noting that H&K also fixed a lot of issues with the British L85 assault rifle.  

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Externally, the weapon is very similar to M4. As a result, it's less time-consumptive for training soldiers that were used to M4. Reliability and safety are rapidly improved in HK416 though.  
  

HK416 is a fully automatic weapon that has a similar internal design to M16. However, HK416 uses a gas piston system just like the G36. The new system decreased greatly the dysfunctions of M4. In 60,000 rounds, only 223 stoppages happened in HK416 while 882 occurred in M4. 

The new system used in HK416 helps it fire wet and even underwater. In such a condition, an M4 or M16 would have been exploded. It is proved that HK416 could work after appearing in sand or mud environments. In such a condition, M4 would probably encounter a stoppage in the first 10 rounds. M4 can't be used in any orientation because of the ammunition cycle. HK416 doesn't have that issue.  

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The assault rifle has a lifespan of 20,000 rounds. Four models with different barrel lengths have been revealed: a 505mm, a 419mm, a 368mm, and a 264/279mm one. Delta Force prefers the compact assault rifle version with the 419mm barrel.  
  
The available modes include safe, semi-auto, and full-auto.  
  
The rifle features a 30-rounds magazine, and it's compatible with any 5,56 mm NATO magazine.  
  
The gun has a buttstock that can change between 6 positions and sizes. The pistol grip is also more ergonomic than M4's one.  
  
Nothing really impressive here: the gun features a full Picatinny-type rail that can take a variety of different iron sights. The weapon also has four rails for other accessories on every one of its sides. Most M4 accessories, like a 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher, are compatible with HK416 too. 

 

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Heckler & Koch HK416
Heckler & Koch HK416
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