HK416
Heckler & Koch · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2005
Also known as: HK416A5, HK416A7, M27 IAR, HK416F, HK416N, G38, G95, G95A1
Overview
The Heckler & Koch HK416 is a gas-operated selective-fire assault rifle chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. Developed in the early 2000s as an improved version of the AR-15/M4 platform, the HK416's defining feature is its proprietary short-stroke gas piston system derived from the H&K G36, which prevents combustion gases from entering the weapon's interior, dramatically increasing reliability and reducing heat and fouling compared to direct impingement systems. The HK416 gained worldwide recognition when it was used by US Navy SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU) during Operation Neptune Spear, the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Since its introduction in 2005, the HK416 has been adopted by numerous special operations forces and military units worldwide, including the US Marine Corps as the M27 IAR, the French Armed Forces as the HK416F (replacing the FAMAS), the Norwegian Armed Forces, and the German Army (as the G95A1, replacing the G36). The weapon is available in multiple barrel lengths ranging from 10 to 20 inches and features ambidextrous controls, full-length Picatinny rails, adjustable gas regulation for suppressor use, and over-the-beach capability for immediate firing after water exposure.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3020 g (106.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3420 g (120.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 797 mm (31.38") |
| Folded Length | 622 mm (24.49") |
| Barrel Length | 264 mm (10.39") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27.5 N (6.2 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 823 m/s (2700 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1250 J (922 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black Anodized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Picatinny Rail Top, Ambidextrous Controls, Folding Sights, Quick Detach Suppressor, Adjustable Gas Regulator, Over The Beach Capability, Flared Magazine Well, Free Floating Barrel, Select Fire
Variants
- HK416A5 — Modernized
- HK416A7 — Modernized
- HK416C — Compact
- HK416D — Improved
- M27 IAR — Infantry Automatic Rifle
- HK416F — French Service
- HK416N — Norwegian Service
- G38 — German Service
- G95 — German Special Forces
Service history
Operators
- United States Special Operations Command · adopted 2005
- US Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) · adopted 2005
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 2010 · as M27 IAR
- French Armed Forces · adopted 2017 · as HK416F
- Norwegian Armed Forces · adopted 2008 · as HK416N
- German Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) · adopted 2017 · as G95
- German Army · adopted 2021 · as G95A1
- Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)
- Irish Army Ranger Wing · as HK416A5
- United Kingdom Special Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Operation Neptune Spear (2011-2011)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2005-present
Adopted by over 25 countries. France ordered 102,000+ HK416F units. The USMC adopted it as the M27 IAR to replace the M249 SAW.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The HK416 addresses many shortcomings of the M4 carbine through its piston-driven operating system, which reduces wear on critical components and maintains performance in adverse conditions. The HK416A5 variant introduced in 2014 features significant ergonomic improvements including an ambidextrous charging handle, enlarged trigger guard, and continuous top rail. The HK416A7 variant adopted by German special forces (as the G95) in 2017 incorporates a 45-degree safety selector and a slimline modular handguard with HKey accessory mounting. The weapon uses standard STANAG 4179 magazines and can accept various NATO-standard accessories. Available barrel lengths include the D10RS (10.4 inches), D14.5RS (14.5 inches), D16.5RS (16.5 inches), and D20RS (19.9 inches), with effective ranges of approximately 200-400 meters depending on configuration.
Background
An HK416 was reportedly the weapon used to kill Osama bin Laden during the DEVGRU raid on his Abbottabad compound on May 2, 2011. The rifle's short-stroke gas piston system was derived from the G36 and prevents carbon fouling from entering the receiver, making it dramatically more reliable than the direct-impingement M4.