Heckler & Koch

The Heckler & Koch HK91 is a semi‑automatic, 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle derived directly from the HK G3 family. Designed in the late 1970s as a civilian‑legal counterpart to the military G3, the HK91 retains the roller‑delayed blow‑back system, cold‑hammer‑forged barrel and robust sheet‑metal receiver that gave the G3 its reputation for reliability under adverse conditions. Its primary purpose is the civilian market, though it has also been adopted by some law‑enforcement agencies for designated‑marksman roles. Distinguishing features include a detachable 20‑round box magazine, a hinged floor‑plate for easy cleaning, and a distinctive wooden or synthetic stock with a pistol grip. The rifle’s modularity allows for quick conversion to full‑auto G3 parts, a factor that has made it both popular among collectors and controversial in jurisdictions with strict conversion laws. The HK91 is praised for its accuracy, durability, and the smoothness of its roller‑delayed action, cementing its status as a benchmark in the battle‑rifle segment.

The Heckler & Koch G3 is a 7.62×51mm NATO, roller‑delayed blowback battle rifle developed in the 1950s as a response to NATO’s standardization of the cartridge. Designed primarily for military service, the G3 emphasizes reliability, ease of manufacture, and modularity, featuring a stamped steel receiver, a detachable box magazine, and a robust trigger group. Its hallmark is the roller‑delayed blowback system, which provides a smooth recoil impulse while allowing a relatively lightweight bolt assembly. The rifle’s straight‑line stock, integrated bipod, and interchangeable barrel lengths made it adaptable to infantry, designated‑marksman, and police roles. The G3 earned a reputation for exceptional durability in harsh environments, simple field maintenance, and consistent accuracy out to 800 m, becoming one of the most widely exported battle rifles of the Cold War era. Distinguishing characteristics include the unique dual‑roller bolt, a hinged dust cover that doubles as a forward assist, and a versatile sighting system with a rotary drum rear and hooded front post.

A short-stroke gas piston rifle based on the AR-15 platform, known for its reliability in harsh conditions.

The civilian version of the HK416, the MR556 offers precision and rugged reliability in an AR-style rifle.

The B36A4 is a selective-fire assault rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch, representing a variant within the renowned G36 family. Designed primarily for military and law enforcement use, the B36A4 incorporates the basic gas-operated, rotating bolt action of the G36 series with a free-floating barrel and a full-length Picatinny rail handguard for enhanced accessory mounting. Its distinguishing features include an integrated red dot sight (Zeiss RSA-S) or optional iron sights, a side-folding polymer stock, and a lightweight construction using high-strength polymer and aluminum alloy. The B36A4 is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and is known for its reliability, accuracy, and modularity. It is often considered a more modern iteration of the G36, addressing earlier concerns about heat sensitivity and rail integration. Its reputation in the firearms community is mixed: praised for ergonomics and low weight, but criticized for polymer durability under sustained fire. Nonetheless, the B36A4 remains a capable service rifle used by several specialized units.

The M433 is featured in Battlefield 6 and is directly inspired by the Heckler & Koch HK433, a modular German assault rifle developed to combine features of the G36 and HK416.

A civilian-legal version of the G36 rifle, featuring a heavy barrel and precision-oriented stock.

The Heckler & Koch HK417 is a battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, designed and manufactured by German arms company Heckler & Koch. It is a larger-caliber derivative of the HK416 platform, designed for designated marksman and battle rifle roles.

A lightweight, polymer-framed modular rifle system, designed as a replacement for the G3 battle rifle.

The Heckler & Koch G3 is a select-fire battle rifle renowned for its robust design and reliability. Primarily intended for military use, it employs a roller-delayed blowback operating system, a design element that distinguishes it from gas-operated rifles. Its modularity allows for various configurations, including different stocks, forends, and optics mounting solutions. While not known for exceptional accuracy compared to some modern designs, the G3 has earned a reputation for dependability in harsh conditions and ease of maintenance. Its widespread adoption globally speaks to its effectiveness as a battle rifle, and its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent firearms designs. The G3's stamped steel construction contributes to its durability, though also to its weight.

The HK53 SD was an integrally suppressed carbine variant of the HK33 series, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. It used ported barrel to bleed off propellant gas into a large suppressor body, reducing velocity to subsonic levels. The weapon combined the compact size of an SMG with assault rifle ballistics.

The Heckler & Koch Mark 23 (HK23) is a purpose‑built, full‑size semi‑automatic pistol designed to meet the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program for a highly reliable, accurate, and durable sidearm capable of operating in extreme environments. Intended primarily for elite military and law‑enforcement units, the Mark 23 combines a stainless‑steel, locked‑breech, short‑recoil system with a massive 13‑round double‑stack magazine, a reinforced polymer frame, and a robust, ambidextrous safety/decocker. Its distinctive features include a match‑grade barrel, a low‑profile, four‑position manual safety, a built‑in accessory rail, and a modular trigger group that can be swapped for a two‑stage competition trigger. The pistol earned a reputation for “the most reliable .45 ACP” in the world, praised for its ability to fire thousands of rounds without malfunction, its low recoil impulse, and its exceptional accuracy (sub‑MOA at 25 m). These qualities, together with its rugged construction, have made the Mark 23 a benchmark for high‑end service pistols.

The H&K VP9 is a striker-fired pistol designed with ergonomics and modularity in mind. It features an advanced trigger system and customizable grip.

The USP Expert is a precision tactical/competition pistol based on the USP platform with a longer barrel and adjustable sights.

The Heckler and Koch USP Compact is a compact version of the full-size HK USP pistol. It was introduced in 1994 alongside the standard USP and was designed for concealed carry and law enforcement use. The USP Compact retains the same operating system as the full-size USP but with a shorter barrel and grip frame. It is available in 9x19mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 SIG. The pistol features HK's unique recoil reduction system and a polymer frame with steel inserts.

The Heckler & Koch P7 is a German semi‑automatic pistol renowned for its innovative gas‑delayed blowback system and ergonomic emphasis on safety and concealability. Designed primarily for law‑enforcement and security professionals, the P7 combines a low‑profile, double‑action trigger with a unique squeeze‑cocking lever that must be depressed before each shot, providing an extra mechanical safety layer. Its sleek, stainless‑steel construction, integrated recoil spring within the grip, and interchangeable 3‑dot night sights set it apart from contemporary service pistols. The P7 earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy, smooth trigger pull, and corrosion resistance, while its distinctive design—featuring a sealed barrel and a patented gas‑piston—has made it a collector’s item and a benchmark for high‑end concealed‑carry firearms.

The Heckler & Koch USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol) is a polymer-framed, hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1993. Chambered in 9x19mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, it was HK's first polymer-framed handgun and set a new standard for durability and reliability. The USP features a unique recoil reduction system using a captured recoil spring and a Browning-style locking system with a modified lock block. It is widely adopted by law enforcement and military units worldwide including the German Bundeswehr and U.S. special operations forces. Its modular trigger group allows for multiple configurations including double-action, single-action, and variant 1 through 9 setups.

The H&K P30 is a polymer-framed pistol designed for police and civilian use. It features customizable grip panels, ambidextrous controls, and various trigger variants.

The Heckler & Koch HK45 is a polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, introduced in 2007. It evolved from the HK USP45 but incorporates ergonomic improvements from the P2000 and P30 series, including interchangeable backstraps and an improved grip angle. The HK45 features a 10-round magazine, a 115mm (4.53 inch) barrel, and HK's O-ring barrel for enhanced accuracy. Its reduced slide profile and ambidextrous controls make it easier to operate than the larger USP. The HK45 is used by U.S. special operations forces and law enforcement tactical units.

The Heckler & Koch P2000 is a 9x19mm hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol developed as an enhanced successor to the USP Compact, incorporating ergonomic improvements requested by European police agencies. It features interchangeable backstraps allowing grip circumference adjustment, a fully ambidextrous slide release and decocker, and a cold hammer-forged polygonal bore barrel. The P2000 was adopted as the standard issue sidearm for several German state police forces and U.S. law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Its subcompact P2000SK variant has been particularly popular for concealed carry among civilians who value HK reliability in a compact package.

A groundbreaking 9mm polymer-frame pistol with an integrated three-round burst capability. It was the first production firearm to use a polymer frame.

The Heckler & Koch MP5SD is an integrally suppressed variant of the MP5 submachine gun. Its built-in suppressor combined with a ported barrel reduces the velocity of supersonic ammunition to subsonic levels, making it one of the quietest firearms ever produced for military service.

The M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) is a U.S. Marine Corps squad automatic weapon based on the Heckler & Koch HK416. Chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, it is designed to provide accurate sustained fire from a magazine-fed platform rather than a belt-fed machine gun.

The M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) is a single-shot 40mm grenade launcher manufactured by Heckler & Koch. It can be fired as a standalone weapon or mounted under the M4 carbine and M16 rifle. The M320 features a side-opening barrel for longer ammunition and an integrated day/night sight.

The HK21 is a German general-purpose machine gun developed by Heckler & Koch as a belt-fed variant of the G3 battle rifle. It uses the same roller-delayed blowback action as the G3 and feeds from disintegrating belts. The weapon was designed for export markets and saw service with numerous military and police forces worldwide.

A German single-shot 40x46mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed for the G36 rifle family. It can also be used as a standalone weapon with a stock kit.

The MG5 is a modern German general-purpose machine gun manufactured by Heckler & Koch. It was designed to replace the aging MG3 in Bundeswehr service, offering improved ergonomics, a lower cyclic rate, and modern mounting options. The MG5 uses a roller-delayed blowback action inherited from the G3 family and feeds from disintegrating belts.

The Heckler & Koch GMG (Grenade Machine Gun) is a belt-fed 40×53mm automatic grenade launcher. It delivers fully automatic high-velocity grenade fire at ranges exceeding 2,000 meters, mounted on vehicles, tripods, or naval mounts.

The HK79 is a 40x46mm single-shot under-barrel grenade launcher designed by Heckler & Koch for the G3, G36, and HK33 series of rifles. It features a break-open breech accessed by a lever on the left side. The launcher provides infantry with precision 40mm grenade capability at ranges up to 400 meters.

The Heckler & Koch G28 is a German designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, derived from the HK417 battle rifle. It was adopted by the U.S. Army as the M110A1 CSASS (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System), replacing the KAC M110 in frontline service.

The M110A1 SDMR is a 7.62x51mm NATO semi-automatic designated marksman rifle manufactured by Heckler & Koch for the United States Army as part of the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) program. Based on the HK G28 platform, which itself is derived from the HK417, the M110A1 features an adjustable gas block with a suppressor-ready muzzle device, a Geissele M-LOK handguard, and the SIG Sauer TANGO6 1-6x24 optic. It delivers enhanced accuracy and range over standard M4 carbines while being lighter and more maneuverable than the M110 SASS it replaces. The M110A1 bridges the gap between infantry riflemen and dedicated sniper teams by providing squad-level precision fire capability.

The Heckler & Koch PSG1 (Präzisionsschützengewehr 1) is a German semi-automatic sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Introduced in 1972, it is renowned as one of the most accurate semi-automatic rifles ever produced, legendary for its precision, build quality, and equally legendary price tag.

The HK417 DMR is a designated marksman variant of the Heckler & Koch HK417 battle rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It features a longer, heavy barrel for improved accuracy and a free-floating handguard. The weapon is used by several NATO special forces units as a precision semi-automatic rifle.

The Heckler & Koch MSG90 (Militärisches Scharfschützengewehr 90) is a militarized, lighter, and more cost-effective version of the legendary PSG1 precision rifle. Adopted by numerous military forces, it offers similar accuracy in a package suited for field deployment.

The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9x19mm Parabellum submachine gun renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and widespread adoption by military, law enforcement, and special operations units globally. Its design philosophy centers on providing a compact, controllable, and highly effective weapon for close-quarters combat. A key innovation is its roller-delayed blowback operating system, adapted from the G3 rifle, which allows for a lighter bolt and smoother recoil impulse compared to direct blowback designs. The MP5's modularity, with various stock, handguard, and trigger group options, further enhances its adaptability. Its reputation stems from its accuracy, even at extended ranges for a submachine gun, and its reliability in adverse conditions. The MP5 remains a benchmark for submachine gun design, influencing numerous subsequent weapons.

The Heckler & Koch MP7 is a German personal defense weapon (PDW) designed as a compact, lightweight, and highly effective firearm for military and law enforcement personnel who require a weapon with greater penetration capabilities than traditional submachine guns. Its design philosophy centers around providing a weapon system capable of defeating modern body armor while remaining easily concealable and maneuverable in close-quarters combat. A key innovation is its proprietary 4.6x30mm cartridge, optimized for armor penetration and flat trajectory. The MP7 is highly regarded for its accuracy, reliability, and controllability, setting a new standard for PDWs. Its compact size, lightweight construction, and high rate of fire make it a formidable weapon in specialized roles. Notable design characteristics include a telescoping stock, folding foregrip, and ambidextrous controls.

The MP5K is a compact version of the famous Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun chambered in 9x19mm. The K stands for Kurz, German for short, with the weapon being significantly shorter than the standard MP5. It uses a roller-delayed blowback action inherited from the HK G3 rifle. The MP5K has a 115 mm barrel and a vertical foregrip instead of a standard handguard. It is designed for concealed carry by plainclothes security personnel and special operations forces.

The Heckler & Koch UMP (Universale Maschinenpistole, 'Universal Submachine Gun') is a blowback-operated submachine gun developed by German manufacturer Heckler & Koch in the late 1990s. Designed as a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to the roller-delayed HK MP5, the UMP is chambered primarily in .45 ACP, though versions in 9×19mm (UMP9) and .40 S&W (UMP40) are also available. It features extensive use of polymer for the receiver and furniture, a side-folding stock, and Picatinny rails for accessory mounting. The UMP has been adopted by various law enforcement agencies and military units worldwide.

The Heckler & Koch 512 is a semi-automatic shotgun developed by Heckler & Koch in Germany. It was designed as a commercial semi-automatic sporting shotgun for hunting and clay target shooting. The HK 512 uses HKs trademark roller-delayed blowback action, adapted from the G3 rifle system. It was chambered in 12 gauge and featured a polished blue finish and walnut stock. Production was limited as the shotgun faced stiff competition from established Italian and American manufacturers.

A Heckler & Koch prototype automatic shotgun developed for the U.S. Army Close Assault Weapon System program. It featured a unique bullpup layout.