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Posts Tagged ‘Heckler & Koch’

SPARTANAT – German KSK Adopts HK416A7

Friday, October 13th, 2017

SPARTANAT: This is the new rifle of German Special Forces

G95

On October 10, the Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr (Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology of the German Armed Forces) ordered Heckler & Koch from Oberndorf to supply 1,745 H&K 416 A7 weapons and accessories.

The Bundeswehr designation is expected to be G95 (G is Gewehr which is German for Rifle). It is a gas piston rifle in the caliber 5.56 mm x 45 NATO. The weapon has a weight of 3.690 kg and a barrel length of 14.5″. The G95 is to be the new standard gun of the KSK ( Kommando Spezialkräfte) and the special forces command of the Navy (KSM) and is expected to be delivered to the force beginning January 2019. Technical testing at the military service center 91 as well as tactical testing by the special forces starts in November 2017. This German Special Forces adoption is of a newer edition of the HK416 than that which in use with US and UK SOF. It will be very interesting to see which laser boxes and optics will be chosen for the new Sturmgewehr Spezialkräfte.

Larry Vickers noted that the A7 model is the first variant of the HK416 with a 45 Deg throw lever safety. Interestingly, this feature is also on the HK433.

Heckler & Koch on the Internet: www.heckler-koch.com
SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

AUSA 17 – First Display Of HK 433 In US

Thursday, October 12th, 2017

Developed to compete in the German Army’s replacement for the G36, AUSA 2017 was the first time Heckler & Koch has publicly displayed the HK 433 here in the US.

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The 5.56mm HK433 shares attributes from both the G36 and HK416 like. In fact, it was designed as a less expansive option after the German government rejected the HK416 as too expensive for adoption as a G36 replacement.

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H&K also believes that it’s ergonomics make it an easy transition for current M16 family users to the AR18’s piston design. Lower receivers are available with ambidextrous G36 (paddle mag release) or HK416 controls. Additionally, the safety is a 45 Deg throw. The ergonomic pistol grip has optional back straps and side panels.

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The monolithic upper receiver features STANAG 4694 profile at 12 o’clock position as well as Picatinny rail (MIL-STD 1913) on 6 o’clock position. Additionally, there’s a maintenance-free round counter integrated into the receiver which requires no power supply and can be queried via RFID.

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One interesting feature is the non-reciprocating charging handle. Not only can it be revered from left to right side by the user, it can also be used as a forward assist.

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The slim line foreend features HKeyMod but when queried about standard KeyMod or M-Lok, H&K personnel answered that they would offer whichever system a client specified.

Here you can see the front and rear back up sights.

This is both sides of the 5-position folding stock, as well as it fully extended. The stock also features adjustable comb.

Here, you can see the rear of the receiver with the stock folded. The rifle can be fired in this configuration.

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Although they didn’t display an example, the HK433 is also available in Flat Dark Earth and RAL8000.

Barrels can be swapped by the user and are available in 11″, 12.5″, 14.5″, 16.5″, 18.9″ and 20″. Weight and length with a 11″ barrel is 7.6 lbs and 32.2″ extended /22.7″ folded, while it’s 8.5 lbs and 41.7″ extended / 31.1″ folded with a 20″ barrel. Additionally, the gas port can be adjusted without tools for use with suppressors. The muzzle thread is M15x1.

So far, there are no plans to sell the HK433 commercially, while they concentrate on the Bundeswehr’s requirement. However, generally, H&K releases their guns to the commercial market in Germany first, so we’ll keep an eye on what happens at next Spring’s IWA.

hk-usa.com

Personnel Change at Heckler & Koch

Tuesday, August 29th, 2017

August 29, 2017. The supervisory board of H&K AG, the parent company of the Heckler & Koch Group (“Heckler & Koch”), has revoked the appointment of Mr. Norbert Scheuch as Chairman of the Executive Board and as Chief Executive Officer of H&K AG with immediate effect. The appointment of Mr. Norbert Scheuch as executive director of Heckler & Koch GmbH was also revoked with immediate effect.

Until the appointment of a successor in the near future, Mr. Wolfgang Hesse, the sole executive board member of H&K AG and the sole executive director of Heckler & Koch GmbH, will take over Mr. Scheuch’s duties, in close cooperation with the supervisory board.?

The already initiated strategic realignment of the Group, the operational transformation process and the product innovation initiative will be continued unchanged.

USMC Issues Notice of Intent To Sole Source Purchase Up To 50,814 M27 IAR From H&K

Sunday, August 13th, 2017

Back in February, MARCORSYSCOM issued an RFI to industry seeking companies capable of manufacturing the 5.56mm NATO M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, designed by German manufacturer Heckler & Koch and based on their HK416 rifle. Based on internal evaluations, the Marine Corps had determined that it wanted to expand use of the M27 within the rifle squad. Released under the guise of “market research”, “Request for Information (RFI) M67854-17-I-1218 For Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Quantico, VA Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR)” was used to create a a sole-source “Justification and Approval” in order to purchase the rifles directly from manufacturer H&K without going for an open solicitation. Although several companies who manufacture 416 clones answered the RFI, MARCORSYSCOM evaluated those submissions, and determined that only H&K was capable of producing the weapon they had adopted as the M27.

Late last week, MARCORSYSCOM released Notice of Intent to Sole Source – M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR). Based on that earlier RFI, it found only one Responsible Source (based on (FAR 6302.1 (a)(2)(ii)) and intends to solicit and negotiate with Heckler & Koch (H&K), for up to 50,814 – M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles (IAR).

Companies who still feel they can meet the Marine Corps’ needs may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency, only if received by the closing date and time of this notice. A determination not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. They’ve got until 08/28/2017 to state their case.

Some of you may remember that RFI, which specified 11,000 rifles. Many attempted mental gymnastics to explain how just 11,000 rifles could possibly be enough to equip the Marine Corps. However, I maintained that the figure was just a nice round number, based on H&K’s annual production capacity from a study performed during the initial M27 purchase. Based on the scuttlebutt I was hearing, I knew the actual number would be much higher. While 50,000 guns isn’t enough to pure fleet the Marines, it does support the premise, “Every Marine might be a Rifleman, but every Marine isn’t an Infantryman.” These are going to select Marines. Perhaps they’ll buy more down the road. Remember, it did take a long time to transition from M16s to M4s.

With the US Army just releasing their own solicitation for ~50,000 examples of 7.62mm Interim Combat Service Rifle, and a 417 variant being a favorite after adoption of the G28 as the Compact Semi Auto Sniper System and the ensuing directed requirement for 6,069 rifles in the Squad Designated Marksman role, it puts H&K in an interesting position. They’ve won the French Army’s rifle program with the 416, developed and are offering the 433 for the German Bundeswehr’s G36 replacement, and now face production of over 50,000 M27s for the Marines. That’s a lot of requirement for H&K’s factory in Oberdorf, Germany. I’m not saying they can’t do it, but delivery expectations for customers will have to be very carefully managed. Some in industry have posited that this Marine solicitation will take them out of the ICSR running. Time will tell.

For those of you under the impression that H&K as-yet-uncompleted factory in Columbus, Georgia will be used to manufactured CSASS, SDMR, IAR or ICSR, it won’t. As of right now, H&K’s vision is that factory will not be used to build defense products.

The Marine Corps is modernizing its service rifle to the M27, a fulfillment of a plan many feel was set in motion when it was first selected as a squad-level replacement for the M249 in 2010.

Heckler & Koch to Expand in Columbus, Georgia

Thursday, January 12th, 2017

Heckler & Koch, a manufacturer of firearms and accessories, will invest $28.5 million to expand its existing operations in Columbus, Georgia. The new 50,000 square-foot facility in the Corporate Ridge Business Park will be ready in the summer of 2017 at which time HK will consolidate its New Hampshire operations into Columbus.

HK worked closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Columbus prior to making the decision that is expected to create 84 new jobs over the next 2 years.

“HK’s new U.S. factory will make use of advanced manufacturing technologies and will be staffed by German and American engineers and technicians,” said Francisco Hidalgo, CEO of HKUSA. “The HK products will maintain the same level of quality and reliability that the consumer has grown to expect from HK. Our company motto is and will remain ‘No Compromise’.”

“Georgia’s pro-business environment and well-connected logistics network allows manufacturing companies to thrive in our state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Heckler & Koch’s decision to expand its existing operations corroborates our efforts to not only attract companies to Georgia, but to also retain them and support their growth. We look forward to working with our partners in Columbus to support HK in all of their endeavors.”

“One of our main priorities is to assist existing companies to achieve success,” said Brian Anderson, president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “By taking time to understand HK’s business, our team was able to provide the company access to valuable resources and guidance that will keep them firmly planted in the Columbus region.

“HK has been a company that has quietly excelled in Columbus for many years and we are certainly excited about their investment and plans to hire more people,” said Russ Carreker, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. “Columbus is a great place to achieve business success and we’re grateful HK chose to grow its business here.”


VP TACTICAL


Threaded barrel variant of the acclaimed striker fired HK VP -tested and proven with a variety of the leading high quality sound suppressors. Available in 9 mm and .40 S&W.

VP FDE


Color frame variant of the HK VP in Flat Dark Earth (FDE), the tan/brown color scheme used by many international military and security units. Available in 9 mm and .40 S&W.

VP Grey


Grey frame variant of the HK VP is an attractive and functional color alternative to traditional color schemes. Available in 9 mm and .40 S&W.

hk-usa.com

The Heckler & Koch VP9 FDE

Saturday, May 7th, 2016

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Hot on the heels of the SP5K, H&K has also revealed the addition of FDE frames for the VP9 and VP40.

OSS Congratulates H&K On CSASS Contract Bid

Thursday, April 7th, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Murray Utah – Operators Suppressor Systems (OSS) congratulates Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. on their successful Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) contract bid with the U.S. Department of Defense.

“OSS is honored to participate with and support HK’s Program Team and their winning CSASS submission,” said John Spurrier, OSS Chief Executive Officer.  

“This lightweight variant of the HK G28, integrated with OSS’s over the barrel suppression system, effectively delivers the improved reliability and accuracy, reduced felt recoil and enhanced suppressor performance required by this contract, and critical for its intended broad spectrum of sniper missions,” said Spurrier.  “The OSS design, engineering and product teams have worked closely with our HK partners since 2012, and we look forward to the work ahead.” 

“The CSASS contract, as well as recent U.S. Government agency testing, are important validations for the unmatched performance of OSS’s patented Flow-Through™ technology,” said Chris Estadt, VP of Sales and Marketing.  “Weapon systems with OSS suppression don’t see the adverse effects on the shooter or weapon often found with baffle suppressors like blowback and buildup of particulates, increased backpressure and recoil, or first round flash,” said Estadt.  “And these are especially critical for sniper mission effectiveness.”

osssuppressors.com

IWA – H&K Releases New Firearms

Saturday, March 5th, 2016

Heckler & Koch unveiled several new German-legal semiautomatic firearms at IWA. These are some of the coolest guns you can’t have in the US.

 

The release included a civilian variant of the MP-5, referred to as the SP5. Versions included a Picatinny rail as well as a fixed stock.

 

 

There was also an USC model of the UMP in .45.

 

Additionally, H&K displayed a G-36 version called the HK243 S SAR which comes with a folding stock. Available in Black as well as RAL8000 (Tan), they’ve also introduced a STANAG Magwell for the semi-auto rifle. The HK243 S TAR for Tactical Automatic Rifle offers a foldable and retractable stock as well as a slim line hand guard. Both models incorporate a Picatinny sight rail but the HK 243 S TAR’s slim line hand guard features a STANAG 4949 rail at the top and MIL-STD 1913 rail at the bottom as well as HKey slots. The S TAR modifications are also offered as a retrofit kit.

 

Finally, they had the MR223 A3 in 11″, 14.5″ and 16.5″ lengths.

 

Available in both Black as well as RAL8000, they feature the most modern upgrades to the HK416 including NATO STANAG 4179 (draft) Magwell, Ambidextrous Bolt Catch and Slimeline Handguard with HKey slots and STANAG 4949 rail at the top and MIL-STD 1913 rail at the bottom.