Civilian Classes:

Military/LE Classes:

Go to training.hk-usa.com  to review and register for the classes.

ARSENAL® JSCO, BULGARIA

MG-1M

The 7.62x54mm ARSENAL MG-1M machine guns are powerful automatic weapons, used as armament against enemy troops and firing points. The MG-1M design is specially intended and allows operation of the weapon in heavy climatic conditions, which are typical for the regions of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.

arsenal-bg.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x54mm
Barrel Length: 605mm
FFL Status: For American manufacturer
Type of Links: Integrated via joint springs
Rate of Fire: 650 RPM

ARSENAL® JSCO, BULGARIA

MG-M2

The 7.62x51mm ARSENAL MG-M2 machine gun is a powerful individual automatic weapon designed to be used against enemy troops, light armoured targets and aerial targets by firing in single and automatic fire mode.

arsenal-bg.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length: 545mm
FFL Status: For American manufacturer
Type of Links: Disintegrating metal belt, M13 type
Rate of Fire: 650 RPM

DILLON AERO

M134D 7.62×51 Minigun

The Dillon Aero M134D 7.62×51 Minigun is renowned worldwide for its reliability, speed and accuracy. With low recoil forces, a firing rate of 3,000 rounds per minute (RPM) and an effective range of 1,200m, the M134D’s offensive and defensive capabilities are unmatched in air, land and sea applications.

dillonaero.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length: 18in to 22in
FFL Status: Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M13
Rate of Fire: Up to 4,000 RPM

DILLON AERO

503D

Dillon Aero introduced the 503D, our new .50-caliber Gatling gun. Weighing 84 pounds, firing 1,500 rounds per minute (RPM) with increased resistance to internal component damage, the 503D has applications on air, sea and land platforms. The 503D is lighter, faster and smarter than other .50-caliber Gatling guns.

dillonaero.com

Caliber/Bore: .50 BMG
Barrel Length:
FFL Status: Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M9
Rate of Fire: Up to 1,500 RPM

FIGHTLITE INDUSTRIES

MCR® Dual Feed Upper M-LOK® (MCR-060)

The MCR® (Mission Configurable Rifle) belt-fed, upper receiver assembly is designed to interchange with standard AR/M4-type uppers and readily fits any MIL-SPEC lower receiver without permanent modification to the host lower and is rearward-compatible to AR-15/M16 models produced as early as 1963. Once installed, the patented MCR® upper receiver system can be user-configured in seconds without tools to adapt to virtually any mission profile. Standard features include: gas-piston operation for extreme reliability in adverse conditions; a 16.25-inch quick-change (3 seconds) barrel system; and a MIL-STD-1913 co-planar handguard with a rail-interface system for the mounting of optics and modern accessories. Spanning the capability range from the optic-ready carbine to a lightweight support rifle, the MCR® accepts standard box-type AR-15/M16 magazines or M27 linked ammunition.

fightlite.com

Caliber/Bore: 5.56x45mm NATO
Barrel Length: 16.25in quick-change barrel
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: M27 linked ammunition
Rate of Fire: N/A

FN AMERICA

FN® MK 48 MOD 1

The FN® MK 48 MOD 1 brings the extended range and greater penetration of the hard-hitting 7.62x51mm round in a lighter, more compact platform. The light and compact MK 48 MOD 1 incorporates improved receiver pins, a new gas block and a vented handguard with improved heat shield and three MIL-STD-1913 rails. The MK 48 MOD 1’s cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC barrel has a hard-chromed bore for longer life and improved accuracy and serves as the mounting point for the carry handle. The receiver is formed steel and is equipped with a top-mounted MIL-STD-1913 optical rail. A hydraulic buffer greatly reduces recoil, helping the operator keep more rounds on target. The crossbolt safety and curved trigger help enhance operator control. Includes one spare barrel.

fnamerica.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62×51 NATO
Barrel Length: 19.75in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: NATO standard disintegrating link belt-fed
Rate of Fire: 730 RPM

FN HERSTAL

FN MINIMI® 7.62 MK3

The FN MINIMI® 7.62 Light Machine Gun is now of 3rd generation and ensures improved ergonomics and improved mobility.

fnherstal.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62
Barrel Length: 16.61in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 800 RPM

GENERAL DYNAMICS

Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG)

The next generation Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) gives warfighters a distinct advantage in both extended and close-in fighting. Eliminating the gap between 7.62mm and .50 caliber weapons, the LWMMG utilizes the highly efficient .338 Norma Magnum cartridge to offer increased accuracy and lethality while extending the battlespace out to an impressive 1,700m. At 1,000m, the LWMMG is capable of defeating Level III body armor and incapacitating soft-skinned vehicles by delivering over 1,900 foot pounds of energy to the target—more than four times the terminal effect of the 7.62mm NATO cartridge.

gd-ots.com

Caliber/Bore: .338
Barrel Length: 24in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 500 RPM

HECKLER & KOCH

MG4

The MG4 is a lightweight, compact machine gun of high firepower, with a goal of being carried by one soldier and guarantee full mobility in difficult terrain and also in the urban environment. The MG4 offers the latest technological advances and provides unmatched performance characteristics: Due to its low recoil, the shot is readily controllable, giving high-target precision. Its great combat effectiveness and range, optimal rate of fire and simple handling makes it a weapon unlike any other.

heckler-koch.com

Caliber/Bore: 5.56mmx45
Barrel Length: 450mm
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 830+120 RPM

HECKLER & KOCH

MG5

As the successor of the MG3, the MG5 opens a new era of universal belt-fed 7.62mmx51 machine guns. The gas-operated MG5 offers an intelligent and contemporary build standard, with numerous technical and ergonomic innovations. The mounting interface of the MG5 is compatible with MG3 mounts and tripods already in service. The universal MG5 can be used by dismounted infantry in the ground role, as well as for air defence or as a vehicle mounted/co axial machine gun.

heckler-koch.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mmx51 NATO
Barrel Length: 550mm
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 680 / 740 / 800 RPM

IWI–ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES

NEGEV 5.56 LMG

The 5.56x45mm NEGEV is a robust and reliable Light Machine Gun (LMG), deployed by the IDF in Israel and by military entities worldwide. The NEGEV has a powerful target acquisition and accurate performance for the modern battlefield. It is exceptionally lightweight (less than 8kg) and can be operated safely under adverse and extreme environmental conditions.

iwi.net

Caliber/Bore: 5.56x45mm
Barrel Length: 460mm (18in) or 330mm (13in)
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Fed by belt, assault drum or by NATO magazine
Rate of Fire: 850–1,050 RPM (magazine/belt) / 950–1,050 RPM (belt)–extreme conditions

IWI–ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES

NEGEV NG-7 LMG

The NEGEV NG-7 is the only 7.62x51mm LMG weighing less than 8kg with a semiautomatic mode enabling its safe use in Close Quarter Battle (CQB). The NG-7 is a powerful LMG with superior features such as precision, accuracy, reliability and enhanced human ergonomics and is battle-proven under adverse and extreme environmental conditions.

iwi.net

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length: 508mm (20in) or 420mm (16.5in)
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Fed by belt, assault drum or by NATO magazine
Rate of Fire: 600–750 RPM (position 1 & 2)

OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC. (OOW)

OOW240P (Patrol)

OOW manufactures light (249), medium (240) and heavy (M2) machine guns for customers in 43 countries worldwide. Our newest “Patrol” models of our “240” product line feature reduced weight while allowing more operator customization and greatly increasing the ability to accurately fire these weapons from the shoulder.

oowinc.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mm
Barrel Length: 19.5in
FFL Status: Type 10/11 Manufacturer/Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M13
Rate of Fire: 650–750 RPM

OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC. (OOW)

OOW249P (Patrol)

OOW manufactures light (249), medium (240) and heavy (M2) machine guns and has customers in 43 countries worldwide. Our newest “Patrol” models of our “249” product line feature reduced weight while allowing more operator customization and greatly increasing the ability to accurately fire these weapons from the shoulder.

oowinc.com

Caliber/Bore: 5.56mm
Barrel Length: 13in
FFL Status: Type 10/11 Manufacturer/Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M27
Rate of Fire: 750–1,000 RPM

SIG SAUER, INC.

MG 338

The SIG SAUER MG 338 machine gun is a belt-fed, lightweight medium machine gun weighing under 20 pounds, chambered in .338 Norma Mag. The MG 338 features a short-stroke, gas-piston system and a proprietary recoil mitigation system, with a free-floating, quick-change barrel; ambidextrous controls; switchable feed tray; charging handle that can be alternated to either side depending on operator preference; and as a modern, multi-caliber, modular system, the new SIG MG 338 is easily convertible to 7.62×51 caliber.

sigsauer.com

Caliber/Bore: .338 Norma Magnum
Barrel Length: 20in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Disintegrating metal links
Rate of Fire: N/A

SIG SAUER, INC.

NGSW-AR MG 6.8

The primary objectives set forth by the U.S. Army for the NGSW-AR was a weapon with the firepower and range of a machine gun, coupled with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR 6.8mm submission is an ultra-light, medium-caliber machine gun with AR ergonomics and is chambered in 6.8mm hybrid ammunition. Features include quick-detach magazines, side opening feed tray, increased available 1913 rail space for night vision and enablers, folding buttstock and a suppressor.

sigsauer.com

Caliber/Bore: 6.8x51mm Hybrid, 7.62×51 NATO
Barrel Length: 16in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: M13 disintegrating link
Rate of Fire: N/A

ST KINETICS

STK 50

The STK 50 machine gun fires from an open bolt, eliminating “cook-off” of ammunition. It has semi- and fully automatic firing modes, selectable from a push-type selector at the trigger module. Left or right feeding allows quick change-over of ammunition type, and the quick-change barrel with fixed headspace allows the barrel to be changed within seconds without adjustment of headspace. The STK 50 is designed for easy maintenance without the need for special tools.

stengg.com

Caliber/Bore: 12.7mm
Barrel Length: 1,141mm
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Disintegrating M15A2 link belt
Rate of Fire: 400–600 RPM

S&T MOTIV

K12

S&T Motiv’s K12 7.62mm machine gun is easily converted from aircraft mode to infantry mode. It uses an open-bolt operation, is belt-fed with a quick change barrel and has a gas-operated and rotating bolt locking system for greater reliability. The K12 can be mounted to a bipod, tripod or aircraft. The machine gun has multiple integrated MIL-STD-1913 mounting rails for optics, lights and laser devices and is fully automatic only.

sntmotiv.com/eng

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mmx51 NATO
Barrel Length: 22in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 650–950 RPM

U.S. ORDNANCE 

M2A2

The U.S. Ordnance M2A2 machine gun is an air-cooled, belt-fed machine gun that fires from a closed bolt and operates on the short recoil principle with fixed headspace and timing. It is capable of both sustained automatic and accurate single-shot fire. It can be mounted on a vehicle, boat, helicopter or other aircraft. Ammunition may be fed from either the left or right side of the gun, making it suitable for use by both infantry and in armored vehicles. The M2A2 weapon system has been tested to well over 50,000 rounds. Its single-breech lock system allows for field rebuild, eliminating the need for depot-level maintenance during its lifetime and thereby greatly reducing logistical support.

usord.com

Caliber/Bore: 12.7mm
Barrel Length: N/A
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: N/A

ZID (OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY “V.A.DEGTYAREV PLANT”)

Pecheneg 6P41

The 7.62mm 6P41 Pecheneg machine gun is intended to engage hostile manpower, fire means and aerial targets. The whole range of rifle cartridges is used to fire from the machine gun. The gas regulator ensures the reliable operation of machine gun automatics in various operating conditions. The high degree of commonality with the PKM machine gun and similar layout of its automatics action ensure the reliability of the Pecheneg machine gun in any operating conditions. The 6P41 Pecheneg incorporates some design novelties aimed to increase the effectiveness of barrel cooling, which has allowed a spare barrel to be eliminated from the machine gun set.

zid.ru/eng

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mm
Barrel Length: N/A
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 600–800 RPM

The SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) show was once again held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.  It is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports and hunting industries.  It is the world’s premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services.  The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.  The show grows every year and this year was no exception with record setting numbers of exhibitors as well as media professionals and attendees.  The show was held January 19-22.

The SHOT Show is the premier venue where manufacturers roll out their exciting new products for the upcoming year.  As well as new products, industry professionals are offered informative seminars on topics of interest on everything from the latest retailer trends and issues to law enforcement topics and training and even seminars put on by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms that covers rules and regulations pertaining to firearms.  SHOT Show is the place to be to keep up with everything new in firearms, outdoor items and accessories.  This year once again produced some exciting new products for the coming months.  Although space restrictions don’t allow us to cover everything at the show, SADJ was there to provide you, our readers, a first look at just some of what’s new.

One of the most talked about firearms this year had to be a new shotgun from Kel-Tec CNC Industries (www.keltecweapons.com).  The shotgun, designated the KSG, is a bull-pup design and is their first entry into the shotgun market.  The size, shape and design are similar to the currently available Kel-Tec RFB rifle, but the KSG ejects downward, instead of forward.  The KSG weighs 6.9 pounds and is as compact as legally possible with a 26.1 inch overall length and an 18.5 inch cylinder bore barrel.  Even with this compact size, the internal dual tube magazines hold an impressive 14 rounds of 12 gauge 2-3/4 inch rounds (7 per tube).  The simple and reliable pump action feeds from either the left or right tube.  The feed side is manually selected by a lever located behind the trigger guard.  The lever can be positioned in the center detent in order to easily clear the chamber without feeding another round from either magazine.  A cross bolt style safety blocks the sear, and the pump release lever is located in front of the trigger guard.  The pump has an under Picatinny rail for the mounting of a forward grip, or a light or laser.  The included top Picatinny sight rail will accept many types of optics or iron sights.  Forward and rear sling loops are built in, and a basic sling is included.  The soft rubber butt pad helps to tame recoil.   Watch for a full test and evaluation in an upcoming issue of SADJ.

The TNVC booth drew quite a crowd with their new WASP night vision scope. This 8 power monster is said to allow users to see the veins in leaves at 50 yards.

Another interesting shotgun was debuted at SHOT Show.  One can hardly think of shotguns without thinking of Mossberg (www.mossberg.com).  This company has been building shotguns since the early 1960s.  This year they introduced a new shotgun called the “Chainsaw.”  This gun is a variation of their time proven Model 500.  It is designed as a breeching shotgun and features a pistol grip, 18.5 inch barrel and a white dot front sight.  The Chainsaw also features a stand-off compensator on the barrel and a tri-rail forearm with an integral full-length bottom rail and two removable side rails for maximum flexibility when mounting tactical lights, lasers and accessories.  It also has a unique ‘chainsaw’ forend grip that provides the shooter with added muzzle control.  It is easily removable for rapid conversion to a standard forend.  This year Mossberg also has a line of “Blackwater” branded shotguns.  These guns are based on their Models 590A1, 500 Cruiser and their model 930 SPX.

Heckler & Koch (www.hk-usa.com) has this year brought to market a semiautomatic version of their select-fire Model 416.  This piston-driven AR-style 5.56mm rifle is called the model MR556A1.  The piston-driven method of operation eliminates malfunctions that are common to direct impingement gas systems since hot carbon fouling and waste gases do not enter the receiver area.  The rifle features a quad rail free-floating handguard that has four Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails that allow the user to fit optics, lights and lasers.  The gun uses a German made barrel that is cold hammer forged producing a barrel that provides superior accuracy as well as a long service life.  The MR556A1 will accept all AR-15 style magazines.  Said to be released later this year will be HK’s MR762A1.  This hard hitting rifle is chambered in caliber 7.62x51mm and has many of the same features as the 5.56 mm rifle.  Like its 5.56mm counterpart, the MR762A1 is a direct descendent of the HK416/417 series, only in a semiautomatic rifle configuration developed for civilian users.  The MR762A1 uses many of the assemblies and accessories originally developed for the HK416/417 series including adjustable buttstocks, ergonomic pistol grips, mechanical sights, and the HK free-floating four-quadrant rail system/handguard.  The HK rail system can be removed without special tools by the user and ensures 100% return to zero when reinstalled.  Ambidextrous operating controls are standard on the MR762A1, including the charging handle and an ambidextrous selector lever.  The MR762A1 also uses the same 10- and 20-round translucent polymer box magazines made for the HK417.  Both the MR556A1 and the MR762A1 will be produced at Heckler & Koch’s American manufacturing facilities from both American and German-made components.

MG Industries will be marketing the new belt-fed conversion for the AR-15/M16 series of rifles that is being manufactured by Valkyrie Armament LLC.

Colt (www.coltdefense.com) has finally confirmed the existence of their civilian modular carbine, the new rifle called the SP901.  The SP901 has a patent-pending AR-10/AR-15 format universal multi-caliber lower receiver.  This receiver will accept both their 5.56 (.223) as well as their 7.62 (.308) caliber upper receivers making this a truly a multi-caliber battle rifle.  Because the lower is multi-caliber it will actually accept any caliber upper between 7.62 and 5.56 including 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel.  The rifle also features a monolithic upper/rail system and is completely ambidextrous with all fire controls mirrored on both sides of the gun.  The basic rifle is piston driven and sports a 16 inch barrel although 13, 18 and 20 inch barrels will be available.  In 7.62 caliber it will be offered with the excellent MagPul 20LR magazine and in caliber 5.56 will accept any magazine that will fit the AR-15/M16 rifles.  With the rifle accepting any Mil-Spec upper, different uppers can be equipped with sights or optics and remain zeroed when changed.

Extreme caliber rifles still account for a large percentage of rifles that are sold every year (and also displayed at the SHOT Show).  One of the most, if not “the” most, extreme rifle is the Barrett .50 caliber rifle (www.barrett.net).  Available in several models and styles, this behemoth is the rifle brought to bear when the need to reach out and touch someone or something arises.  This year Barrett introduced a new model of their battle proven semi-auto gun called the M107A1.  Designed to be used with a suppressor, this one-of-a-kind rifle allows the user to combine signature reduction capabilities with the reliability of the original Barrett M107.  An all-new bolt carrier group has been designed to make the rifle suppressor ready.  Its titanium four-port muzzle brake is engineered to work seamlessly with the supplied quick-attach Barrett .50 BMG suppressor.  The rifle’s lower receiver includes a new recoil buffer system that is optimized to also work with a suppressor.  Other features include a thermal cheek guard, back-up iron sights, a lightweight quick-detach bipod, monopod and a flat dark earth finish.

Sig Arms now has a version of their Sig556 in 7.62x39. They also now have a version of this rifle in 7.62x51 (.308).

There are always hordes of new handguns introduced at SHOT and this year was no exception.  With centerfire ammunition prices reaching an all time high there seemed to be an emphasis on new .22 Long Rifle handguns.  Of special interest to readers, there were several “tactical” type guns introduced this year.  Suppressed or “silenced” guns are now more accepted than ever before.  They are leaving behind their reputations as “assassination devices” as more shooters see them for what they really are; another way to save the users hearing.  There were new guns available from both new as well as established companies.  American Tactical Imports (www.americantactical.us) was at the show introducing their new line of .22 caliber pistols called the GSG 1911.  Made by German Sports Guns there are three models.  The standard GSG 1911 with walnut grips, the GSG 1911 with black plastic grips and the GSG 1911 AD-OPS which has black grips, a dust cover rail and comes with a fake suppressor.  All of the guns are copies of the Colt 1911 .45 that is known throughout the world but these guns are designed strictly for .22 Long Rifle ammunition.  All, fortunately, have barrels that are threaded but unfortunately it is a metric M9x.75 thread.  Most .22 caliber suppressors are threaded 1/2×28.  Now several U.S. companies are making adapter bushings that allow the guns to be fitted with a U.S. suppressor.  The guns have a 10-round magazine and have the same weight and specifications as a .45 1911.  They are even compatible with some 1911 parts which allows them to be further customized to the shooters specifications.  Other features include beaver-tail grip safety and skeletonized trigger and hammer.

Another interesting handgun made its debut at the show.  Taurus (www.taurususa.com) was showing their new 28 gauge revolver called the Raging Bull XXVIII.  This single action/double action five-shot revolver is advertised as the ultimate handgun for personal protection and home defense as it fires the powerful 28 gauge shotshell.  It features high visibility fiber optic sights and recoil absorbing grips.  It was scheduled to be released right after SHOT Show but word has it that The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said that the gun could not be marketed as is because it was basically a short barreled shotgun.  The reason seems to be that there is not a compatible centerfire caliber that the gun can fire as is the case with the Taurus Judge.  More on this issue later.

Until recently, the field of 40mm grenade launchers was almost exclusively dominated by the M203.  With the recent adoption of the Heckler and Koch M320 by the U.S. Army, a look back at Heckler and Koch’s legacy 40mm systems is in order.  First designed in the late 1950’s, the 40mm grenade system was a stop gap system to bridge the distance between grenades thrown by hand, and the employment of light mortars.  Hand grenades are limited by the distance the infantryman can throw the grenade, typically about 25 meters.  A mortar is capable of dropping rounds as close as 60 meters from the firing position, but the weight of the system and ammunition present logistical and load bearing issues for light infantry.  Clearly, a smaller and lighter weapon system was needed to bridge the gap.  Enter the 40mm grenade.

The HK69: the Original H&K Grenade Launcher
The HK69 grenade launcher is a stand alone, single-shot, shoulder-fired, breech-loaded weapon.  The receiver incorporates the barrel assembly, firing system, and trigger mechanism.  Configured with a rifled barrel, the barrel is hinged at the front of the receiver and rotates upward and away from the receiver, much like an over/under shotgun.  Like a shotgun, the oversized latch to the rear of the receiver (and what appears to be the weapon’s hammer) is actually the barrel release mechanism.  By pushing the barrel release latch to the rear, the barrel is unlocked from the receiver, and springs open under spring tension.   The system lacks an ejector because one is not needed; the additional engineering and weight was deemed unnecessary for a single shot weapon.  Instead, the barrel breech is cut to allow the user to pull the spent cartridge from the breech of the barrel.  This design element has continued throughout the HK 40mm system design, and can still be seen within the current M320 design.

Weighing in at 5.75 pounds, the HK69 distinguished itself from the XM148 and the M203 in that it utilized a break action, similar to a shotgun.  This design proved fruitful, and has lived on as one of the most useful designs in 40mm systems.  The M203 was limited to a round approximately 5.25 inches in length – if the round was any longer in length, the M203 receiver interferes with the loading of the 40mm round in the M203 barrel.  Unlike the M203, the HK69 has no issue accepting oversized 40mm rounds.  Because the barrel swings upwards and away from the receiver, the barrel is not obstructed by the receiver.  This design element has also continued to the present, and can be seen with slight variation within the Heckler and Koch M320 weapon platform.

The safety mechanism on the HK69 is a lever system, on the left side of the receiver, with large markings to show whether the weapon is rendered safe, or ready to fire.  The safety blocks the trigger bar from releasing the hammer; in this manner, the weapon may be safely carried loaded, hammer cocked, with the safety on.  Not one to trust mechanical safeties, potential users may consider carrying the weapon in Condition 2 (hammer down on a loaded chamber) as a better alternative.

The HK M320 mounted on an HK 417 rifle. The HK M320 is interchangeable between rifles without special mounts or hardware. (Photo courtesy of Heckler and Koch.)

The hammer on the HK69 is external to the receiver and is exposed for manual manipulation.  When needed, the hammer can be quickly cocked, rendering the weapon ready to fire.  In the event of a misfire, the weapon can be quickly re-cocked by engaging the hammer.  The trigger on the HK69 is surprisingly light.  Given the design as a single action trigger, perhaps the responsive trigger should not be surprising.  When shooting the family of Heckler and Koch 40mm weapons, the HK69 had the best trigger system, far exceeding the double action only triggers found on later Heckler and Koch systems.

The HK69 utilizes a polymer pistol grip, and a lightweight tubular telescoping metal stock.  Sling swivels are available for use with a sling.  The system is strictly a stand-alone unit, and cannot be mounted to a host weapon in the same manner as the HK79 weapon system, or other future HK 40mm systems.

Operation of the HK69
Loading and unloading the HK69 is intuitive and easy.  To open the barrel, grasp and rotate the oversized barrel release mechanism to the rear.  The barrel opens under spring tension.  Loading the weapon is as easy as dropping the desired 40mm round into the breech of the barrel.  Unloading the weapon is equally easy by utilizing the semi-circle relief cuts within the breech to grasp the cartridge base.

The weapon is cocked by retracting the hammer at the rear of the weapon.  The manual safety on the left side of the receiver should be pushed to the “fire” position.  The weapon is now ready to fire.

Two sight systems are employed on the HK69.  The first system utilizes a small, fold down blade sight capable to engaging targets at 50 to 100 meters.  For longer range accuracy, a folding ladder sight allows the user to engage targets out to 350 meters.  With a little practice and experience, it is possible to engage targets beyond the listed maximum range.

Final Analysis
Potential downsides of the HK69 included the all metal interface – the weapon seemed significantly heavier than any other 40mm grenade system, save for perhaps the HK79, when mounted to a G3 rifle.  The steel receiver has a tendency to get extraordinarily hot when exposed to desert firing conditions.  Presumably, the steel receiver would be equally cold if exposed to sub-freezing temperatures.  The same issues were not observed when test firing other systems.  Other downsides included the single-action only trigger.  Although the single action trigger was extraordinarily crisp when compared to other 40mm systems, the weapon has no provision to fire as a double action.  In the event the shooter forgets to cock the weapon, the weapon will not fire – the trigger simply releases the hammer – the trigger will not cock the hammer if the hammer is down.  Adopted by the German army in 1974, the HK69 was popular within the European community, but saw limited commercial success in the United States.  As a first generation 40mm weapon system, the HK69 is highly effective, easy to use, with the fire control mechanisms intuitive to most shooters.

The author test firing the HK 79 grenade launcher.

The H&K HK79: Competitor to the American M203
Partially based upon the HK69 design, the HK79, together with the XM148 and M203, brought significant firepower to the individual infantryman.  No longer limited to the engagement distance of hand thrown grenades, the individual infantryman could use his rifle as a mobile platform for indirect fire.  Similar to rifle grenades of World War II, the 40x46mm grenade system offered a larger payload and more advanced safety systems.  More importantly, rifle grenades of World War II relied upon blanked ammunition to launch grenades down range.  With the advent of the 40x46mm grenade systems, the individual infantry soldier could engage the enemy with a 40mm grenade with follow on fire from his rifle.  There was no longer a need for the soldier to carry ball and grenade launching rifle ammunition.

The HK79 was the German response to the M203.  Designed to be attached to German battle rifles, the HK79 was most commonly seen mounted to the G3 and HK33 model rifles, but could be adapted for mounting to most European designed rifles.  Because the system was based upon the design attributes of the HK69, there are design commonalities between the two systems.  Most notably, the HK79 is made primarily of steel, resulting in a heavy addition to any battle rifle.

The HK79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, breech-loaded weapon.  Like that HK69, the receiver incorporates the barrel assembly, firing system, and an unusual trigger mechanism.  Configured with a rifled barrel, the barrel is hinged at the front of the receiver.  Unlike the HK69, the HK79 barrel rotates downward and away from the receiver.  The practical effect however is the same – the barrel extends away from the any obstruction created by the receiver, allowing extra length 40mm rounds to be easily chambered.  Similar to the HK69, the barrel is released via an oversized latch on the left side of the receiver.  By pulling the barrel release latch to the rear, the barrel is unlocked from the receiver, and allows the barrel to open under spring tension.  Like the HK69 (and all HK 40mm systems) the system lacks an ejector – the barrel breech is cut to allow the user to pull the spent cartridge from the breech of the barrel.

Operation of the safety is achieved via a cross-bolt manual safety catch, a traditional round push through switch installed on the receiver, forward of the cocking mechanism.  The “safe” and “fire” positions are marked with red and white rings respectively; the weapon can be loaded and cocked with the safety set at either position.  Unlike the HK69, the fire control mechanisms on the HK79 are entirely different from any previous or subsequent 40mm grenade launcher.

Replacing the external hammer of the HK69 is the Hk79’s horizontal T-grip, at the rear of the receiver.  Similar in size and shape to the charging handle on an M16 rifle, the HK79 hammer is set by retracting the charging handle to the rear.  The charging handle also has the effect of resetting the trigger.  Like the HK69, the system can be re-cocked without unlocking the breech, in the unlikely event of a misfire.  In this respect, the HK79 is similar to the failed American XM148, which also used an external handle to charge the weapon.  However, the HK79 system is much more refined than the XM148 system as would be expected from German engineering.