The Heckler & Koch MG4 Light Machine Gun (LMG) was selected by the German Army to replace the Cold War-era belt-driven MG3 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) in a force support role. The 7.62mm MG3 is a modernized version of the WWII-era German MG42 series and continued its history of excellence after its introduction in 1960 - eventually the type was used in over 30 countries, with some local production found overseas as well. In the late 1990s, attention was focused on a new, more modern, and more portable class contact solution that emerged from the historic Heckler & Koch group in the form of the 5.56mm "MG43" - the design Unlike the Minimi, the 5.56mm FN inherited from the competition also makes up the US Army's M249 SAW.
This new weapon was officially adopted by the German Army (Bundeswehr) in 2001, entered production in 2001, and reached operational level in 2005.
The MG4 offers a more compact profile while still retaining the belt feed mechanism of the previous MG3 series. The MG3 uses the larger and heavier 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, while the newer MG4 uses the smaller 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. Although the MG4 is primarily used as a squad-level support weapon rather than an open-range heavy suppression system (like the MG3), the effective penetration range is reduced.
Based on a proven pneumatic system with a rotating bolt assembly, the MG4 delivers a rate of fire of up to 885 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity is reported to be 3,000 feet per second, and the effective range is up to 1,000 yards. The gun is fed from the left side of the receiver through the dissolving connection belt, and the spent cartridges are withdrawn from under the gun.
An optional feed modification allows ejection through the right side of the receiver. Aiming is via standard iron components, although the MG4 is able to mount various optics for increased accuracy thanks to a rail section (Picatinny MIL-STD-1913) that spans the top of the frame. Additional track sections can be seen along the front end to carry laser sights, tactical flashlights, and more.
The bottom of the receiver also includes a mounting bracket for attaching the MG4 to a heavy duty tripod for heavy suppression fire applications.
Externally, the MG4 is very similar to the competitor's FN Minimi, with a bulky rectangular receiver, top-mounted carry handle (also for changing hot barrels), under-barrel gas cylinders and its general shape, including the gun bracket and special pistol grip. The hammer-forged "Quick-Change" barrel also features a similar slotted flash suppressor and incorporates a folding bipod into the design. Ribbed handguards allow you to keep your hands forward and away from the hot barrel when firing. Ammunition is usually managed via a soft pack attached to the left side of the receiver. Fire control is ambidextrous and features an HK-style coloured fire selector (allowing both burst and full auto fire) located above the pistol grip.
The charging handle is located on the right side of the receiver. The shoulder straps are optional and as usual it fastens in two places for easy transport of the system. The stock is also hinged on the side of the gun and folded up (or can be removed completely) for a more compact profile.
It also includes a cleaning kit for general maintenance of the gun. The MG4 weighs 18.8 pounds, is 41.3 inches long, and has an 18.9-inch barrel. It folds to 32.7 inches with the hips folded.
Although the MG4 was officially introduced into service with the German Army, the MG3 will be retained to take on heavier support tasks as needed. The MG4 has been exported to the armed forces of Portugal, South Africa and Spain.
The MG4 has been further developed into the MG4E and MG4KE variants: the MG4E represents the lighter MG4 form (weighing 17.4 pounds) and retains the standard 18.9-inch barrel, while the MG4KE is a truly compact variant, at a shorter 15.8 inches, in With the butt folded (37.4 inches in length extending from it), the barrel and folded fit will have a total length of 30 inches.
- Fire Support/Suppression/Defense
1,050 mm (41.34 in)
480 mm (18.90 in)
8.55 kg
Adjustable iron; optional optics
Gas powered; rotating bolt
3,018 ft/s (920 m/s)
850 rounds per minute
3,280 ft (1,000 m; 1,093 yd)
HK MG43 - Original designation prior to German Armed Forces approval in 2005.
HK MG4 - Bundeswehr designation; 18. 85 lb weight; foldable shaft; 19 inch barrel; 3.018 muzzle velocity; 1000 m effective range.
HK MG4E - 17.4 lbs; foldable shaft; 19" barrel; 3.018 muzzle velocity; 1000m effective range.
HK MG4KE - 17 lb weight; foldable shaft; 16" barrel; 900 m effective range; 2.887 muzzle velocity.