HK417
Heckler & Koch · Battle Rifle · In Production · 2006
Also known as: HK417A2, G28, G27, HK417 DMR
Overview
The HK417 is a select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH since 2006. Featuring a 20-round magazine capacity, this battle rifle offers generous firepower for duty use and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3870 g (136.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4360 g (153.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 885 mm (34.84") |
| Folded Length | 715 mm (28.15") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Height | 213 mm (8.39") |
| Width | 78 mm (3.07") |
| Sight Radius | 360 mm (14.17") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 709 m/s (2326 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3346 J (2468 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 279 mm (10.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Trigger Safety
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Quick Change Barrel, Picatinny Rails, Ambidextrous Controls, Folding Stock, Adjustable Stock, Suppressor Ready, Select Fire, Free Floating Barrel
Variants
- HK417 12" Assaulter — Carbine
- HK417 16" Recce — Standard
- HK417 20" Sniper — Designated Marksman
- G28 DMR — Designated Marksman
- G27 — Carbine
- HK417 A2 — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) · adopted 2011 · as G28 (DMR), G27 (Carbine)
- Australian Defence Force · adopted 2010
- French Armed Forces
- Norwegian Armed Forces
- Royal Netherlands Armed Forces
- Royal Danish Army
- United States Joint Special Operations Command
- United States Army
- Russian Federal Security Service (FSB Alpha Group)
- Portuguese Armed Forces
- Polish Armed Forces
- Turkish Armed Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Production years: 2006-present
Adopted by 15+ countries including Germany (as G28/G27), Australia, France, and Norway. Exact production figures undisclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The HK417 uses a cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel with a 1:11 twist rate optimized for 144-175 grain bullets. The receiver is manufactured from proprietary high-grade aluminum alloy. The G28 variant, adopted by the Bundeswehr in 2011, is based on the civilian MR308 platform and features enhanced accuracy guarantees. All HK417 variants feature ambidextrous controls, quick-change barrel capability, and full-length Picatinny rail systems for mounting optics and accessories. The rifle accepts standard SR-25/AR-10 pattern magazines and can be fitted with suppressors. The adjustable stock includes battery storage compartments.
Background
The HK417 is essentially the HK416 scaled up to handle the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, giving special operations forces a DMR-class weapon on a familiar platform. The German Bundeswehr adopted the semi-automatic-only G28 variant as their standard designated marksman rifle, guaranteeing sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition.