Earlier this year, the French Army selected the 5.56mm Heckler & Koch 416 to replace the FAMAS, issued since the 1970s.
Offered in Standard (14.5” barrel) and Carbine (11” barrel) models, the HK416 F features the latest ambidextrous controls.
However, there are also a few differences on the French version. First, the barrel allows the use of rifle grenades.
Additionally, the French model eliminates the selective gas regulator. The standard 416 is above and the 416 F below.
The French have also chosen the original collapsible but stock rather than the Slimline model used on newer versions of the HK416.
Finally, you may notice that there is an Aimpont Comp M5 mounted to this rifle. The French Army is currently in source selection for a rifle optic and this is only one of the options they are considering.
Tags: H&K
That rear sight looks a bit…odd.
Interesting that the upper also still has the “scallop” above the charging handle, unlike the A5, maybe to accommodate the rear sight?
Leave it to the French to take an already existing, perfectly functional rear sight and make it look totally bizzare and fragile
That stock doesn’t look like the normal stock, it’s missing the 2 sling loops on each side of the rear. The ones that people actually use…
Also, Norway learned the hard way that the convect buttpad is useless- which is why we are replacing the stocks with the slimline. Personally I have a concave pad which makes it a great stock.
I can’t speak with experience as to whether or not it’s true, but convex rifle stocks have generally been considered more comfortable for rifle grenade use. Seeing as the French do love their rifle grenades, it would make sense to at least commission the rifles with them.
any idea on the reason behind deleting the gas regulator? (no suppressor use?)
Not a terrible surprise – the French SF dudes have been using 416s for 5+ years now.
Good choice over a FAMAS, interesting to see some of the specifications.
Big step down from the FAMAS.
Care to back up that statement?
Savage,man…savage.
If they choose the CompM5, they would be making a wise investment. I have one and its my favorite CCO I’ve ever used.