HK33A2
Heckler & Koch · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1968
Also known as: HK33A2, HK33, M79
Overview
The HK33A2 is the standard fixed-stock configuration of the Heckler & Koch HK33 assault rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It scales down the roller-delayed blowback system of the 7.62mm G3 to the intermediate 5.56mm cartridge, retaining the same fluted chamber, stamped-steel receiver and cold-hammer-forged barrel that gave the G3 family its reputation for reliability. The 'A2' suffix denotes the solid polymer fixed buttstock, as opposed to the retractable-stock A3. With a 390mm barrel, a 25-round magazine and select-fire capability, the HK33A2 was widely exported and license-produced in Turkey (as the M79), Thailand and Malaysia, serving as a main-issue infantry rifle for several armies that wanted G3-pattern ergonomics in a lighter, lower-recoiling caliber.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3650 g (128.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 920 mm (36.22") |
| Barrel Length | 390 mm (15.35") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 25 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 950 m/s (3117 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1805 J (1331 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Fluted Chamber, Fixed Stock, Select Fire, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Drum Type Rear Sight, Bayonet Lug
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Royal Thai Armed Forces
- Malaysian Armed Forces
- Turkish Armed Forces · adopted 1981 · as M79
Conflicts
- South Thailand Insurgency (2004-present)
- Kurdish-Turkish Conflict (1978-present)
Production
Production years: 1968-2001 (Germany), 1981-present (Turkey)
Produced in Germany by HK and license-built in Turkey (M79), Thailand and Malaysia.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Tilo Moller
Discontinued: 2001
Notes
The A2 designation indicates the fixed buttstock; the otherwise identical HK33A3 uses a retractable stock. License-produced by MKEK in Turkey from 1981 as the M79. Standard magazines hold 25 rounds, with 30- and 40-round options available. The HK33E export model added a 3-round burst option from 1985.
Background
When NATO had not yet committed to the 5.56mm cartridge, Heckler & Koch shrank its proven 7.62mm roller-delayed action down to the small-caliber round, betting that the HK33 family would ride the coming wave - and it did, on the export market if never with the Bundeswehr.