Heckler & Koch MG5
Heckler & Koch · Machine Gun · In Service · 2015
Also known as: HK121, HK MG5
Overview
The Heckler & Koch MG5 (developed as the HK121) is a belt-fed 7.62×51mm NATO general-purpose machine gun designed to replace the aging MG3 in Bundeswehr service. It uses a long-stroke gas piston with a rotary bolt and features a three-position adjustable gas regulator allowing cyclic rates of 640, 720, or 800 rpm. The weapon is fed from disintegrating DM60/M13 belts in 50- or 120-round configurations.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 11200 g (395.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1160 mm (45.67") |
| Barrel Length | 550 mm (21.65") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 120 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 811 m/s (2661 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3124 J (2304 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3500 m (3828 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 720 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62×51mm NATO · primary · 7.62 NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Folding Stock, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Adjustable Length Of Pull, Picatinny Rail, Three Position Gas Regulator, Ambidextrous Controls
Variants
Service history
Operators
- German Army · adopted 2015 · as MG5
- Albanian Armed Forces
- Chilean Marines
- Malaysian Special Forces
Conflicts
- Resolute Support Mission (2015-2021)
Production
Estimated total produced: 15,000 · Production years: 2010-present
Bundeswehr deliveries reached 15,000 units by 2025; additional exports to Albania, Chile, Malaysia, Portugal
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
By 2025, H&K had delivered over 15,000 MG5s to the Bundeswehr. The MG5 is significantly heavier than the MG3 it replaces but offers better controllability, modern ergonomics, and a Picatinny rail interface for optics.
Background
The MG5's cyclic rate is intentionally lower than the legendary MG3's 1,200+ rpm - German doctrine concluded that the older gun's prodigious appetite for ammunition was a logistical headache that no peacetime army could feed.