Heckler & Koch HK 417

Heckler & Koch HK 417 History

HK 417 was originally a privately funded company to provide modular battlefield weapon systems for US special forces. The HK 417 model is visually and functionally similar to Heckler & Koch's earlier product, the HK 416, which was itself developed to compete with the regular army's M4 carbine and M16 assault rifle. The HK 416 fits the widely used 5.56mm cartridge, while the HK 417 uses the traditional rifle caliber 7.62x51mm NATO standard cartridge.

While the HK 417 is officially still in the final stages of development, it has already been used in combat missions with U.S. special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The HK 417 retains much of the form and function of the previous HK 416 series, thus sharing several of the same overall components and functions. Like the HK 416 before it and the HK G36 before it, the HK 417 uses a rod-based "thrust" gas system component rather than the traditional "hollow" cylinders commonly found in traditional gas powered assault systems. HK marketed this feature as increased reliability over the life of the weapon, as well as reduced maintenance requirements and longer service life. During testing, the HK 417 and HK 416 completed the test by firing thousands of rounds.

The whole project promises to develop a weapon system with an extremely low failure rate, and so far HK appears to have been successful in this regard.

Externally, the HK 417 presents a refined, clean and modern design appearance. The receiver is well designed and made of lightweight polymer and metal - the delicate balance needed to make a lightweight weapon, while also being a convenient launch platform. The charging handle is mounted on the right side of the fuselage, as is the typical HK fashion ejection port.

The trigger assembly is integrated in the lower receiver and attached to the pistol grip. The magazine feeds into a port on the front of the trigger assembly. Shot selector switches are located on either side of the receiver, making the weapon semi-dexterous. Fire modes include safety fire, semi-automatic fire and fully automatic fire.

The basic design of this stock is tubular, adjustable/foldable, and covered with rubber pads for some comfort. The HK 417, like other modern rifle designs, uses a Picatinny rail system to mount optics and accessories. The rail system is prominently mounted on top of the receiver and extends to the front end. The sides of the front end are also designed for easy access to accessories.

Another accessory rail is located below the front end, extending the HK 417's tactical use. A rear sight is standard at the rear of the receiver and at the very end of the front. Optics can quickly transform the tactical nature of the HK 417 into a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed for shooters.

The barrel protrudes in front of the forearm cap and is closed by a slotted muzzle brake. The barrel is cold hammer forged steel and chromed, with traditional rifling to prevent excessive wear. An optional single-shot grenade launcher can be attached to the lower forearm.

HK plans to eventually sell its 417 in various lengths to fully expand the base of client interest. The range is said to include 12, 16 and 20 inch barrel lengths, which will allow the HK 417 to go from carbine to assault rifle to marksman rifle in minutes.

The short form is called "Recce", while the base form is "Assaulter". The long form is "sniper". Additionally, only basic tools are required to replace the barrel assembly.

The rail system will also be easy to remove, which requires no tools or even "zeroing" the weapon after reinstalling the attachment.

To date, testing of the HK 417 has ensured a zero failure rate after firing approximately 15,000 rounds. In addition to U.S. military considerations, the HK 417 is also associated with the armies of Albania, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.

Heckler & Koch HK 417 Specification

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