Heckler & Koch HK 417 Battle Rifle / Sniper Rifle (2006)
The HK 417 is chambered for the 7.62mm NATO standard cartridge and is categorized as a Battle Rifle.
The HK 417 retains much of the form and function of the preceding HK 416 series and, as such, showcases several of the same integral components and functionality. Like the HK 416 before it - and the HK G36 before that - the HK 417 makes use of a "pusher" rod-based gas system assembly over that of the traditional "hollow" gas cylinder common to conventional gas-operated assault systems. HK markets this feature as improved reliability over the life of the weapon as well as lower maintenance requirements and extended service life. During testing, the HK 417 and HK 416 have been put through their paces through the firing of thousands of rounds of ammunition. The overall project commitment has been in developing a weapon system with a supremely low rate of failure and - to date - it seems that HK has succeeded in that respect.
Outwardly, the HK 417 sports a fine clean and modern design look. The receiver is well laid out and constructed of both lightweight polymers and metals - a fine balance needed to produce a lightweight weapon that is also a manageable firing platform. The charging handle is set to the right side of the body as is the ejection port in typical HK fashion. The trigger unit is integrated to the lower receiver and attached to the pistol grip. The magazine feeds into a port just ahead of the trigger unit. The firing selector switch is located along both sides of the receiver making the weapon semi-ambidextrous. Firing modes include a safety, semi-automatic fire and full-automatic fire. The stock is tubular in its basic design and adjustable/collapsible, capped with a rubber pad for some comfort. The HK 417, like other modern rifle designs, makes use of Picatinny rail systems for the implementation of optics and accessories. A rail system is prominently featured across the top of the receiver and continued over the forend. The sides of the forend are also accessories-friendly. Another accessories rail is found under the forend which broadens the tactical applications of the HK 417. Iron sights are standard at the rear of the receiver and at the extreme end of the forend. Optics can quickly change the tactical nature of the HK 417 into that of a designated marksman's semi-automatic sniper rifle. The barrel protrudes ahead of the forend shroud and is capped by a slotted muzzle brake. The barrel is constructed of cold hammer forged steel and is chrome-lined for excessive wear and tear with conventional rifling therein. An optional single-shot grenade launcher can be affixed to the lower forend.
HK plans on eventually marketing their 417 in a variety of barrel lengths to fully broaden the customer interest base. The series intends to feature 12-, 16- and 20-inch barrel lengths which will turn the HK 417 from carbine to assault rifle to marksman rifle in minutes. The short form is known as the "Recce" while the basic form is the "Assaulter". The long form is the "Sniper". Additionally, only basic tools will be needed to change out the barrel assembly. The rail systems will also be easily removable and these without the need for tools or even "zeroing" the weapon after reinstallation of accessories.
To date, testing of the HK 417 has ensured zero-failure rates after some 15,000 rounds of ammunition were fired. Beyond consideration given by the United States military, the HK 417 is also tied to the militaries of Albania, Australia, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Heckler & Koch HK 417
Battle Rifle / Sniper Rifle
Country of Origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany
Initial Year of Service: 2006
Overall Length: 885mm (34.84in)
Barrel Length: 305.00mm (12.01in)
Weight (Empty): 8.53lbs (3.87kg)
Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action: Gas-Operated, Rotating Bolt
Feed: 10- or 20-round detachable box magazine
Muzzle Velocity: 2,325ft/sec (709m/sec)
Rate-of-Fire: 600 rounds per minute
Sights: Adjustable Iron; Optional Optics
Variants:
HK417 "Assaulter" - Standard Battle Rifle variant; 12" barrel.
HK417 "Recce" - Reconnaissance variant; 16" barrel.
HK417 "Sniper" - Dedicated sniper variant; 20" barrel.
Operators:
Albania; Australia; Germany; Ireland; Malaysia; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Slovakia; United Kingdom; United States
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