HK416: The special ops forces rifle used by Navy Seals and Delta Force
The HK416 rifle is used by elite forces worldwide, including the US Navy Seals, but what does it bring to the battlefield that makes some of these legendary units like it so much?
The rifle was designed for US special operations forces with the intention of creating a major product improvement on the M4/M16-type carbines and rifles.
But what is it about the rifle that makes it the preferred weapon for some of the best fighting forces in the world, and can the British Army's new KS-1 rifle match it?
What are the specifications of the HK416 rifle?
Created by Heckler & Koch, the HK416 is a high-performance-optimised assault rifle.
The weapon uses 5.56mm ammunition and can be fired effectively up to 600m. The size of the weapon is 74mm wide and 240mm high, with a barrel length of 279mm, and a weight of 6.87lbs.
Jonathan Ferguson, of the Royal Armouries Museum, said it's for "extremely heavy use over short periods of time".
"This is for hard-charging special operations forces. [Inside] it's an SA80 gas system, the same gas parts essentially as you have in L85 and G36 model, which is specifically where this came from."
Often used by special operations forces, the HK416 is a battle-tested weapon that has been used all over the world.
The HK416 is believed to have been the weapon that was used by Seal Team Six to kill Osama bin Laden and it is also used by Nato and European countries including Germany, Norway, and Ukraine.
What benefits does the KS-1 rifle bring to the British Army?
The KS-1 is an ambidextrous rifle, created by Knights Armament, that benefits from a reduced signature and can be used indefinitely with a suppressor.
The barrel length is 34.8cm and the calibre is 5.56mm, the same as the SA80 rifle.
The KS-1 is lighter, however, weighing 3.12kg and measuring 81.8cm by 38.9cm.
This model of rifle enjoys the benefit of a small, high-efficiency suppressor that can maintain an overall length similar to a 10.3" barrel with a standard suppressor.
This attachment also allows a significantly higher muzzle velocity.
How does the HK416 compare to the newly designed KS-1 rifle?
According to Mr Ferguson, the HK416 and the KS-1 are very similar, and he says that aside from their differences in weight there is little to choose between them, adding that "the user might not even care".
The controls on both rifles are similar, and both have been modified to become ambidextrous.
While several parts of the weapon such as the railings and sights are interchangeable, the only thing not is the gas system inside the HK416.
He added: "For me, I would want the lightest possible weapon.
"The soldier burden, which has been a strong emphasis in the MOD and the British Army in the last 10 or so years, carrying so much kit, so much ammo, so many batteries and so much armour.
"Why not stick to that 6-7lb rifle that has the double-duty gas piston bolt, why not give yourself that ever-so-slight advantage?
"But if you go H&K, you're probably fine."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
