In addition to the MR556A1 finally shipping here in the US, they have made a couple of additional changes hence the A1 designation. These are in addition to the captive detent take down pins we wrote about during last year’s SHOT Show. As you will remember, these have to be depressed with a tool but help tighten the fit between the upper and lower receivers.
The first improvement is that the rifle can now be placed on safe even if the hammer has fallen. Thanks to a requirement from the German Army, H&K has rectified what we feel is a weakness of the AR-style weapon. You can now move the selector lever no matter if the weapon is cocked or not.
Additionally, they have made some adjustments to improve the fit of the collapsible stock so that it does not move or rattle. This is in the same vein as the take down pins.
Finally, the charging handle is now ambidextrous and can be reconfigured for use as a righty or a lefty. It is not set up for both, so you have to choose. The upper receiver has a groove on both sides to accommodate locking the charging handle.
Prices are somewhere just below $3000 but H&K reps promised uppers as well as full guns.
SHOT Show booth #13172 or www.hk-usa.com
