Heckler & Koch HK G28

2006 IRAQI FREEDOM MODERN SPECIAL FORCES

• 1 Heckler & Koch HK G28 History
• 2 Heckler & Koch HK G28 Specification
  • 2.1 Roles
  • 2.2 Dimensions
  • 2.3 Performance
  • 2.4 Changes

Heckler & Koch HK G28 History

The civilian Heckler & Koch MR308 is the basis for the HK G28 semi-automatic rifle - a "Designated Marksman Rifle" (DMR) developed for military service. It follows the HK 417 military battle rifle model in form and function, while the smaller HK 416 series is an assault rifle/carbine variant. The Designated Marksman is a unique sniper-type element on the modern battlefield, providing continuous, accurate long-range fire to infantry squads through semi-automatic action.

Traditional snipers typically rely on manually operated bolt-action rifles and operate in small teams. Conversely, DMs with semi-automatic weapons are an integral part of infantry-level fire teams.

The G28 is equipped with the ubiquitous 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, fed from a 10- or 20-round magazine. Externally, the rifle is AR-15 style with an adjustable stock and a Picatinny rail section for mounting tactical accessories (foregrip, bipod, scope). Standard optics are HK-Schmidt & Bender 3-20x50 G28 sights. The overall length of the weapon is 1,082, with the stock fully extended (965mm otherwise), and the curb weight is specified at 5.8kg (excluding sights and magazines).

The fire system employs a pneumatic semi-automatic unit to provide the DM elements on the battlefield with the necessary repetitive fire capability. The upper receiver is made of steel, not the aluminum alloy commonly found on HK products.

The G28 is available in two different styles - G28 E2 "Standard" and G28 E3 "Patrol". The Patrol variant is largely similar to the standard, but is equipped with the HK-Schmidt & Bender 1-8x24 G28 scope, with slightly different dimensions but lighter weight for easy transport/marching.

The Patrol model is further detailed as an "assault rifle" counterpart to the standard DMR-guided model.

In April 2016, it was announced that the HK G28 DMR had been selected by the US Army to replace the Knight Arms Corporation (KAC) M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) (this weapon will be discussed elsewhere in this publication. Website description) . The service expects to procure approximately 3,643 G28 rifles, 30 of which will be used as test models.

Compactness, reliability and transport weight are cited as the main reasons for the shift.

This rifle was in service with the German army and was widely used by Germany in the war in Afghanistan.

Heckler & Koch HK G28 Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes