Heckler & Koch MG4
Heckler & Koch · Machine Gun · In Production · 2003
Also known as: MG43, HK MG4, HK123
Overview
The Heckler & Koch MG4 is a modern German 5.56×45mm NATO belt-fed light machine gun adopted by the Bundeswehr in 2003 to replace the heavy 7.62 mm MG3 at the squad fire-support level. Developed jointly by H&K and the Bundeswehr in the late 1990s under the development designation HK43/MG43, it uses a short-stroke gas-piston rotating-bolt action shared in operating principle with the G36 service rifle, lending parts and training commonality. Quick-change barrel, integral bipod, side-folding stock, full-length Picatinny rail, and ambidextrous controls round out the package. Despite excellent reliability and accuracy reports from German troops in Afghanistan, the MG4 lost most major export competitions to the FN Minimi/M249 - adoptions limited to Spain, Portugal, and a handful of smaller NATO/SOF customers.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7900 g (278.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 8850 g (312.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1030 mm (40.55") |
| Folded Length | 830 mm (32.68") |
| Barrel Length | 480 mm (18.90") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Full Auto Only |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · SS109/M855 — also known as 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: M27 Disintegrating Link Belt, 100 Round Box, 200 Round Box
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector
- Features: Rotating Bolt 2 Lug, Quick Change Barrel 10s, Folding Carry Handle, Integral Folding Bipod, Picatinny Rail, Side Folding Stock, Ambidextrous Controls, Suppressor Compatible, Two Pawl Belt Feed, Downward Case Ejection
Variants
Service history
Operators
- German Bundeswehr · adopted 2003 · as MG4
- Spanish Army · adopted 2007 · as MG4E
- Portuguese Army · as MG4
- Lithuanian Armed Forces · as MG4
- Norwegian Special Forces · as MG4
- Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL · adopted 2006 · as MG4
- Estonian Defence Forces · as MG4
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (ISAF) (2003-2021)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-present)
- Mali stabilization (MINUSMA/EUTM) (2013-2024)
Production
Production years: 2001-present
Active program; ~12,500+ Bundeswehr known. Spanish Army order ~1,800-2,000 units (MG4E).
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
Source variance on weight (7.9-8.55 kg) reflects bipod/configuration. Barrel length 480-482 mm. Rate of fire 830-880 rpm. MG4KE compact carbine has 370-425 mm barrel (sources differ).
Background
Developed jointly by H&K and the Bundeswehr to replace the heavy aging MG3 in the squad role; its short-stroke piston rotating-bolt operating principle is shared with the G36 service rifle for parts and training commonality. Despite excellent in-service reports, it lost virtually every major export competition to the FN Minimi family.