[Drizzt]

HIGHLY EVOLVED: The HK416 Enhanced Carbine


Is it back to the drawing board for the M468 and XM-8? Heckler & Koch's newest creation -- the HK416 -- is a worthy opponent, and a serious contender to be the next generation of assault carbines.


HK 416: The Skinny

Name:
Heckler & Koch 416 System

Type of Equipment:
.5.56mm Enhanced Carbine

Killer Features:

* Little to no heat transfer to bolt -- significantly lower chance of discharge from a "cook-off"
* Unique free-floating rail system
* HK cold-hammer forged barrel



By Michael Merrill

With many of our M16/M4 rifles reaching the end of their service lives, we have to find an affordable, acceptable solution, now. Utilizing this inspiration, Heckler & Koch (HK) has been working on an enhanced carbine that would outperform all current competition grade 5.56mm carbines in effort to provide superior performance after the incredibly successful mid-life upgrades to the British SA80 (L85/L86) Weapons System. And now, HK has stepped up to the plate with their newest enhanced carbine -- the HK416.

The HK416 operates on a short-stroke piston gas system that does not introduce propellant gases back into the weapon's interior, therefore reducing carbon fouling and cleaning time. This gas system is not sensitive to barrel length or ammunition changes, and has user-removable components. The HK416 also has a free-floating fore end with an innovative 4-quadrant rail system designed by HK. This enables all current accessories to be fitted to the weapon. The fore end can be removed and reinstalled without tools, and with no loss in zero. This weapon utilizes one of HK's famous cold hammer-forged barrels, which provides a substantial increase in reliability, service life, and operator safety. These barrels are forged with the highest quality steel in a unique manufacturing process. This produces a product that provides superior accuracy for greater than 20,000 rounds with minimal degradation of accuracy and muzzle velocity.

HK has produced a new high-reliability steel magazine, which is designed to fit any of the STANAG-compatible rifles. Originally developed for the British L85 and L86 weapons, the performance of this curved, 30-round magazine was tested by select U.S., UK, and German forces in three different environments during the firing of more than half a million rounds. These tests showed a 30 to 50 percent improvement over the existing aluminum and polymer magazines currently in the U.S. inventory.

After evaluations by both German and U.S. forces, it has been determined that the HK416 is definitely a contender to become the next generation of assault carbines. There are reports that a number of U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are already using HK416 carbines. Initial reports from the field show the HK416 performs superbly.

The HK416 made its first appearance at the Armed Forces Journal's 2005 Shootout at Blackwater. Evaluators were nearly unanimous in their praise for HK's newest creation. One evaluator had this to say -- “I was amazed at the cleanliness of the bolt and chamber. It's a solid, reliable platform -- a combination of tried-and-true technology with new innovations … keeps the gun cooler, reducing prospects of an inadvertent full auto. And the new MP5 sights are adjustable for range -- a long-overdue improvement.”

It was also noted by another evaluator that after one and a half cases of ammo, there was very little heat transfer to the bolt and the bolt face was still clean. Yet another evaluator commented, "An absolute joy to shoot. More reliable, accurate, clean, cool -- what is there not to like? This upper and this magazine should be the replacement for the M-16/M-4 right now. The steel magazine, closed gas system, and short-stroke piston solve many of the current problems with the M-16/M-4 series, and represent a more effective, better and much less expensive solution to our weapons needs than the XM-8 ... At a time when many of our rifles and carbines have reached the end of their service lives, replacing the uppers and magazines with H&K's M416 components would seem to be a very logical move."

One evaluator paid the HK416 the ultimate compliment -- "Fantastic. If I could take any weapon out of here today to combat, it would be this one."

http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_HK416,,00.html?ESRC=soldiertech.nl

http://images.military.com/pics/SoldierTech_HK416-1.jpg

[Third_Rail]

It's an M16 using a gas oprod instead of direct impingement.


Woo, what an advance.

[Commissar Gribb]

I'd still like to get one :D

not sure about those HK sights though- not my cup of tea. I had a set of em on my paintball gun and never really liked em.

[itgoesboom]

I like it!!

The feel of an M4, the sights and reliability of HK.


Sweeeeet :D

I.G.B.

[KadicDeshi]

Actually, if it uses standard AR mags and they make a civilian version, I'd give consideration to purchasing this rifle. I never have been thrilled about the AR system of operation. It's tough enough to clean my rifles without throwing in an operation system that dirtys up the chamber all the more.

Now, granted, this is based only on what I've read. I've never fired or spent any time familiarizing myself with the AR platform since I and all my shooting buddies have been broke from the time we all got into shooting until recently (college and all). If I got the chance to fire and work with an AR, I might do a complete 180. But until that time, I'm gonna go with what I'm comfortable with and I'm comfortable with a gas rod system.

Barrett

[Daniel T]

Actually, if it uses standard AR mags and they make a civilian version, I'd give consideration to purchasing this rifle.

If it's a 5.56 upper, then by definition it takes AR mags (the Stanag mags mentioned in the article). As far as the civilian thing goes (as long as it has a 16" barrel, which the one in the images does not), as an upper, it does not have the capacity to make an AR auto or burst fire capable, that ability lies in the lower receiver.

[Cesiumsponge]

If it doesn't have a traditional AR gas system, does that mean it's capable of accepting a folding stock via the Olympic Arms type ARs they made a while back, or the ZM LR-300's? It'd be nice to have a adjustable buttstock that folds away on the go.

It looks like they use a rail system that butts up to the upper receiver to form one continuous rail. That's a nice touch, I have that feature on my Samson rail. I'd personally use a different set of iron sights that fold, though I bet a lot of people would like trying those rear turret-style rail-mount BUIS on their ARs.

A big problem with the AR-compatible HK mags is their price. They're $50-60 EACH. I wouldn't be too thrilled at that price. It's funny that their completely new modular thermoplastic XM-8 system wasn't accepted (and ugly), so they've gone back and polished up the M16 base system with some existing ideas already. :D

[MrTuffPaws]

AR mark III Yawn.....

[Ian]

You can get one right now, and for a lot less than HK will charge if they ever sell them to mere civilians. It's called a Daewoo. :)

[taliv]

bleh

doesn't seem like it would be as good as the XM

[jason10mm]

Doesn't DSA make (or at least market) an op-rod AR upper. I seem to recall that in the last "Book of the AR-15". The upper alone was $1000+ IIRC. Since I have never had a reliability problem with my BMs, nor complain about simple PM and cleaning, I can't justify the purchase. But if the price goes down and the "reliability" is proven over time, I might take the plunge.

[AZ Jeff]

Heckler & Koch (HK) has been working on an enhanced carbine that would outperform all current competition grade 5.56mm carbines in effort to provide superior performance after the incredibly successful mid-life upgrades to the British SA80 (L85/L86) Weapons System.
This statement alone makes me very afraid.

Tony Williams can probably respond more accurately, but last I knew, the SA80 upgrade program was not considered an unqualified sucess.

[jefnvk]

So is it just an upper, or is the lower different too?

[Eightball]

If they replaced the M16 with those things, I'd be all for it. Gone would be the arguments of "it gets dirty easy, I wouldn't trust my life to one, yadda yadda yadda" because it would then have a gas rod. Unless politicians get their act together, though, there will be no such thing :( .

[ny32182]

There are plenty of other op-rod equipped carbines out there (for a whole lot less money) if the direct gas system gets your panties in a bunch. I saw a couple of these things for sale at nearly 3k each just for the upper.

Changes in the lower are even more minimal, I believe, and the upper will work with a standard lower.

[Chuck R.]

Doesn't DSA make (or at least market) an op-rod AR upper?

Yes they make uppers and complete rifles.

http://www.dsarms.com/images/Z4CROS.gif


MSRP is $1675 for the rifle, and $995 for just the upper.

Chuck

[Serum556]

What about the ZM Weapons LR-300? Isn't that a gas piston operated AR variant? Why the HK416 when such systems already exist in production?

[KriegHund]

Looks like an M4gery..

Probably will come of nothing. Oh well at least this one is based on some sound princaples. Ill admit it just looks right but its doubtful.

Would be nice to have this as a civilian weapon though...

[Bigfoot]

It's just an upper. Here's the Blackwater 2005 writeup. http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/blackwater/?s=2005_main2

[Raygun]

What about the ZM Weapons LR-300? Isn't that a gas piston operated AR variant? Why the HK416 when such systems already exist in production?
Hell, what's with the LR-300 when the Taiwan T-65 has been around since, what, the early 80's? (No buffer tube on the LR-300, I know. Still!)

[nickthecanuck]

I want one really badly.

However, even if HK decided to sell it to us they would have to make it here as it is "non-sporting." Thanks to the recent ATF BS they couldn't even import the uppers any more because it has a "non-sporting" barrel.

I guess I will have to wait and see how the POF and LW piston systems pan out and maybe get one of them.

[ziadel]

I though Colt was suing HK over this thing?

[Raygun]

They were mainly suing them over the use of "HKM4" as the name, as Colt has "M4" trademarked. HK changed it to HK416 and everything seems to be kosher.

[Sam]

What you are showing me is HK's version of what an AR18 is supposed to be.
Buy the 18 as it was or give me something really new. Stop bulding compromises.
And HK's "reliability" are not so hot either.

Sam

[Too Many Choices!?]

It's more tacticool ;)

[Commissar Gribb]

doesn't seem like it would be as good as the XM

XM16? how would it be inferior to the test model M16?

[Tony Williams]

This statement alone makes me very afraid.

Tony Williams can probably respond more accurately, but last I knew, the SA80 upgrade program was not considered an unqualified sucess.

It seems to have worked out OK - I have heard no serious complaints, and much praise, from users in Iraq. See: http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/SA80.htm

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)

[MechAg94]

How is this different or better than the XCR or the new FN rifle?

[Raygun]

It's based on the existing weapon system, unlike the SCAR or XCR. That would (at least in theory) make it cost less to implement, if it can be shown that the HK416 offers an improvement over the direct gas impingement M16/M4 systems. It also retains the same manual of arms as the M16/M4, so training is essentially unaltered. Only a few additional steps involving field stripping and cleaning need to be dealt with.

HK416 uppers can be used with current, in-stock M16/M4 lower receivers. Instead of purchasing whole new rifles, only the upper receivers would need to be purchased, at least initially. From what I understand, there's less bureaucracy involved in getting that kind of thing accomplished.

[AZ Jeff]

It seems to have worked out OK - I have heard no serious complaints, and much praise, from users in Iraq. See: http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/SA80.htm

It sounds like the SA80/L85 series might finally be sorted out. Too bad it's out of production now............

[Bigfoot]

Nah it's a good thing, Tony writes that GB might have to go to the F2000 instead. And if that works well for them maybe our brass will get a clue and adopt it. Ah but adopting a bullpup would mean thinking outside the box wouldn't it.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

There are no shortage of gas piston systems for the AR15 if that's what you like. Immediately available for sale to average joes right now are:

ZM-300
DSA/POF Gas Piston Upper
Leitner-Wise Gas Piston
Kurt's Kustom Gas Piston

There are probably another dozen gas piston systems that are either confined to just a few prototypes or are restricted only to military and LE for the time being.

Of course you often trade one set of problems (carbon fouling in the chamber, increased hear) for a different set of problems (increased weight, reciprocating mass, bolt bounce, key shear) when you switch systems but I hear some of these are quite promising.

[Commissar Gribb]

i'd certainly like to try one out.

if anything, a 16" piston AR would make a good plinker. :D

[MR73]

Third_Rail states:

"It's an M16 using a gas oprod instead of direct impingement.
Woo, what an advance."

I feel it is a real advance on the contrary.

Finally a weapon that incorporates all the great features of the M16 series (ergonomics, adaptability, etc.) WITHOUT the shorfalls.

A weapons built using high quality manufacturing processes and materials that ensure unseen integrity untils now, by a manufacturer recognized by most.

Also, magazines that have been tested with over half a million rounds in all conditions (snow, mud, sand etc.).

No longer will we say that Kalashnikov's of this world are more reliable.

You should rejoice that a firm has reengineered one of modern warfares most fantastic systems and rejuvenated it for a while. Not just added or adjusted a feature and called it "new".

So sorry, the lack of enthusiasm is linked to the fact it's not within one's reach. Period.
Or, you we are just spoiled with too many toys.

No offense.

[buzz_knox]

Too bad ATFE's latest rules change prohibits its sale to the civilian market. Apparently, even LE agencies will have a difficult time getting these.

[Raygun]

Why is that?

[buzz_knox]

ATFE banned the importation of barrels that would be assembled in the US into a "prohibited" weapon. Combined with the other parts prohibitions and the fact that HK won't be building anything in the US (have they even started on their factory), no 416 uppers will be coming in.

[Raygun]

Well that kind of sucks. But I guess I had it in my mind that they wouldn't bother selling 416 uppers commercially unless they set up shop over here anyway. What other parts are affected by the new ruling? And what does "prohibited weapon" mean?

I don't think it would be a huge deal to set up a hammer forging machine for rifle barrels over here so long as they set up everything else they were planning on (handgun manufacturing for the DHS contract, I mean). Then maybe they could import the rest of the parts.

Hell, I'd buy the gas block, piston, op rod assembly and bolt carrier (key?) if I could, then have a barrel made and build the thing myself. But that seems pretty far-fetched. HK doesn't appear to be into that kind of thing. Plus they've got a little competition for AR short piston systems here anyway. Theirs just looks particularly nice to me.

[c_yeager]

SO when did the first gas piston upper hit the market? 20 years ago? 30?

yep, H&K is always right on that cutting edge. People believe this because H&K says its true, and why would a company exagerate?

[Raygun]

I don't recall HK ever saying that they were the first group of people to think up putting a short stroke piston on an AR-15 before. If they did ever say that, you're right, they were way wrong.

What I have seen them suggest is that their particular gas piston system is an improvement over previous systems. I personally have yet to observe that as fact, but I think it is a fair statement to make, especially when you're trying to market and sell something that is different enough to have been patented.

I see nothing wrong with HK marketing their ideas, at least in the way I've seen them advertised. ZM, POF/DSA, and Leitner-Wise have all done the same. It's your responsibility as the consumer to read between the lines and investigate further prior to throwing your hard-earned money into it.

As far as I'm concerned, after looking at HK's patents and a good bit of other information regarding their piston system (as well as others), I think I would like to try one out, given the opportunity. Because others have done something similar in the past doesn't mean they did it best or even well.

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I just read the SAR review of this weapon and I have to say I am incredibly disappointed in that magazine. SAR was basically regurgitating H&Ks promotional material with little critical evaluation at all.

Reading the SAR article, you might think that the M4 carbine was only a small step above the reliability of a blackpowder flintlock carbine. They were really harsh on the old system and were quite congratulatory to H&K without mentioning any of the problems in the system.

To just use one example, they congratulated H&K heartily on their improved magazine system without mentioning the increased cost, the problems with certain batches, the corrosion on the follower in maritime use, or the success of GI mags with improved followers.

I've got to say that I always thought the H&K 416 looked like a very promising and interesting system; but anytime they try to force that much sales propaganda down my throat I start to get suspicious.

[Kestrel]

The 416 isn't going to be sold to the public.

[GunGoBoom]

MSRP is $1675 for the rifle, and $995 for just the upper

$700 for a lower. What a bah-gain for me. You like fo-tune coo-kie?

[Clean97GTI]

Sounds to me like this could compromise a little of the AR's accuracy. They are adding a bunch of moving metal to the weapon.
While I don't think it will hurt things too much, it certainly can't help.

Then again, what good is an accurate rifle if you have it in pieces trying to unjam the thing.

[Skunkabilly]

It's called a Daewoo.

Dude. C'mon. Korean SWAT women with Daewoo .223s are hot. But Korean SWAT women with HKs are even hotter....

[mons meg]

A big problem with the AR-compatible HK mags is their price. They're $50-60 EACH.

Yeah, but after handling a couple, I have to admit these are the Best...AR....Mags...Ever. Times two. :D

[agtman]

Well, maybe the HK "AR" mags work flawlessly in the HK 416 Enhanced Carbine, ... :scrutiny:

... but earlier this summer at a Tactical Rifle school I watched a few of them turn an otherwise perfectly operable AR carbine into a jam-o-matic. This AR had been running just fine using ordinary 30-rd mags (LaBelles, I believe). But its owner wanted to try the "latest" hot mags. While he might have been expecting "oohhhs & ahhhs," the jamming problem just produced blank stares from the unimpressed.

I've seen these HK mags running between $45-$65 - all steel and supposedly the best on the market. Too pricey for me, though. (No rap on the HK 416; I'm sure it runs fine).

For now I'll stick with my 20-rd Colt and 30-rd military-contract mags in my ARs. They work.

[apostille]

With many of our M16/M4 rifles reaching the end of their service lives, we have to find an affordable, acceptable solution, now. Utilizing this inspiration, Heckler & Koch (HK) has been working on an enhanced carbine that would outperform all current competition grade 5.56mm carbines in effort to provide superior performance after the incredibly successful mid-life upgrades to the British SA80 (L85/L86) Weapons System. And now, HK has stepped up to the plate with their newest enhanced carbine -- the HK416.
The HK416 operates on a short-stroke piston gas system that does not introduce propellant gases back into the weapon's interior, therefore reducing carbon fouling and cleaning time. This gas system is not sensitive to barrel length or ammunition changes, and has user-removable components. The HK416 also has a free-floating fore end with an innovative 4-quadrant rail system designed by HK. This enables all current accessories to be fitted to the weapon. The fore end can be removed and reinstalled without tools, and with no loss in zero. This weapon utilizes one of HK's famous cold hammer-forged barrels, which provides a substantial increase in reliability, service life, and operator safety. These barrels are forged with the highest quality steel in a unique manufacturing process. This produces a product that provides superior accuracy for greater than 20,000 rounds with minimal degradation of accuracy and muzzle velocity

[Jeff White]

This thread is almost 4 years old. Why don't you start a new thread on the HK416?