The HK416 A5 is Heckler & Koch’s latest iteration of the popular HK416 weapon system. It was on hand at AUSA and SHOT Show but we don’t feel it’s gotten enough attention. The most noticeable change is the addition of the new green-brown RAL8000 color scheme, which provides camouflage in many environments. This also offers a lower IR visibility when compared to traditional black finish.
The Picatinny-railed forend on the 11″ barrel carbine model features an integrated foldable front sight; on the extended barrel models – 14.5″, 16.5″, 20″, a front sight adapter allows a flip-up front sight that’s attached directly to the barrel (not pictured). The rear sight is a proprietary quick release model with a foldable post.
The new two-stage gas system can be adjusted without tools, and allows the shooter to easily switch between the ‘normal’ and ‘suppressor’ settings. Also pictured is the grenade launcher module adapter, standard with the HK416 A5 which facilitates figment of the HK grenade launcher adopted here in the US as the M320.
The HK416 A5 features H&K’s new slimine lightweight buttstock. It, along with the pistol grip, are shown in tan RAL8000 finish, which offers low observability.
The lower receiver sports many improvements in addition to those already featured on previous HK416 models. They’ll be familiar to those of you who followed the now cancelled US Army Individual Carbine program.
The new magazine well profile makes the A5 compatible with a wider variety of AR-15 compatible magazines, including Magpul Pmags. The large “Winter trigger guard” is designed for use with heavy gloves. Both the magazine release and bolt catch release are ambidextrous, and both are sized for improved manipulation. The modified trigger system allows the safety to be engaged at any time, and the selector switch is ambidextrous.
The HK416 A5 also utilizes a proprietary charging handle and dust cover.
The HK416 A5 is also available in traditional Black finish, and is restricted to Military and Law Enforcement.
Also on display was a HK417 outfitted with the G28 buttstock. The buttstock features an adjustable cheekpiece, with fine and course length-of-pull settings, which can be locked into position.
Tags: H&K
What’s the weight like on that 11″ version?
Naked, a shade under 7 pounds (~6.9#). Feels lighter than its short barreled older brother.