Heckler & Koch HK433: new modular assault rifle. Video: Heckler & Koch G11 assault rifle History of the creation and development of Heckler&Koch MP5 weapons

Anyone interested in arming and equipping the "forces" special operations", noticed how much the "special forces" value the personal. Regardless of the presence of an individual (submachine gun, rifle, machine gun, carbine) or group ( light machine gun, grenade launcher) weapons, almost every fighter carries a pistol as an auxiliary weapon. Apparently not satisfied with the "defensive" character modern pistols, The US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) in the late 80s announced a program to create an “offensive handgun”.

It must be said that the idea of turning a pistol into the main “weapon of the last throw” is not new. Even during the First World War, the Germans armed assault teams with powerful long-barreled pistols such as the Parabellum Artillery or Parabellum Carbine. The famous military theorist A. Neznamov wrote in the book “Infantry” (1923): “In the future... for a “strike”, it may be more profitable to replace a weapon with a bayonet with a pistol with a dagger (a pistol with 20 rounds in the magazine and a range of up to 200 m)". However, in the military and even in the police field, this task was solved at that time by submachine guns. In the 1980s, the idea of a powerful "assault" pistol was revived again, but this time it was linked to the needs of the troops. special purpose. Bulky models like GA-9, R-95, etc. hit the market. Their appearance, accompanied by noisy advertising, was not accidental.

According to a number of American experts, the 9-mm M9 pistol (Beretta 92, SB-F), adopted for service in 1985 to replace the 11.43-mm M1911A1 Colt, does not fully meet the requirements of close combat in terms of accuracy and effective firing range. With a silencer, the effectiveness of the pistol is noticeably reduced. SOCOM wanted to get a compact close-combat weapon (up to 25-30 m) that could be carried in a holster. He was supported by the US Army Command. Since combat swimmer teams (SEALS) were to be among the “consumers” of weapons, the basic requirements of the program were presented in October 1990 by the Navy Special Warfare Center. It was planned to receive the first 30 prototypes by March 1992, to test full-scale samples in January 1993, and in December 1993 to receive a batch of 9,000 pieces. In military periodicals, the new project was immediately dubbed “Supergun”.

The main applications considered were: combat on the street and inside buildings, covert penetration of a facility with the removal of sentries, the release of hostages, or vice versa - kidnappings of military or political figures.

"Supergun" was considered as a complex, including not only a "family" of cartridges and self-loading pistol,A also a silent and flameless shooting device, plus an “aiming block”. The modular design allowed for the assembly of two main options: “assault” (pistol + aiming unit) and “stalking” with the addition of a silencer. The weight of the latter was limited to 2.5 kg, length - 400 mm.

The basic requirements for the pistol were as follows: large caliber, magazine capacity of at least 10 rounds, reloading speed, length no more than 250 mm, height no more than 150, width -35 mm, weight without cartridges - up to 1.3 kg, ease of shooting with one and two hands, high reliability in any conditions. A series of 10 bullets should fit into a circle with a diameter of 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) at 25 m. Accuracy had to be ensured by the balance of the weapon, the muzzle device - a compensator and ease of holding. The latter, in the opinion of many, implied a large slope and an almost sporty design of the handle, a bend in the trigger guard to accommodate the finger of the second hand. Two-way controls (safety, slide stop lever, magazine release) accessible to the hand holding the weapon were considered necessary. The trigger mechanism had to allow adjustment of the trigger force: 3.6-6.4 kg with self-cocking and 1.3-2.27 kg with a pre-cocked hammer. Setting the safety both when the hammer is released and when it is cocked. A safety release lever was desirable in case the shot was not needed. Sights would include a replaceable front sight and a rear sight adjustable for height and lateral displacement. For shooting at dusk, the front and rear sights would have luminous dots - a device that has become common in personal weapons.

For the “supergun” they chose the good old 11.43 mm cartridge “.45 ACP”. The reason is the requirement to specifically hit a living target in a minimum time at a maximum distance. The stopping effect of the 9x19 NATO cartridge bullet caused a number of discontent among the military. With a regular shell bullet, a large caliber, of course, gives more guarantees of defeat with one hit. Even with body armor, the target will be disabled by the dynamic impact of an 11.43 mm bullet. The strong and sharp recoil of such cartridges was not considered significant for physically strong guys from the “special forces”. Three main types of cartridges were called:

With a jacketed bullet of an “improved” type - in terms of improved ballistics and increased penetration, with a bullet of increased lethality - for anti-terrorist operations, a training bullet with an easily destroyed bullet and power sufficient only for automatic operation. In addition, it was considered likely to create a bullet with increased penetration, guaranteed to hit a target protected according to the 3rd (in NATO classification) class at 25 m.

The sighting unit was conceived as a combination of two illuminators - conventional and laser. The usual one, creating a stream of light with a narrow but bright beam, was used to search and identify a target at night or in an enclosed space. The laser operated in two ranges - visible and IR (for working with night goggles like AN/PVS-7 A/B) - and could be used for quick aiming both at night and during the day. Its “spot” should have been clearly projected within the silhouette of a person at a distance of 25 m. The block could be turned on index finger hand holding a weapon.

The PBS was required to quickly (up to 15 s) attach and remove, and maintain balance. In any case, the installation of the PBS should not displace the STP by more than 50 mm at 25 m. If the pistol has an automatic weapon with a movable barrel, the muffler should not interfere with its operation.

In general, the requirements for “offensive personal weapons” did not imply anything fundamentally new and were based on already achieved parameters. This made it possible to count on the implementation of the program within three years.

At the beginning of 1993, SOCOM actually presented thirty “demonstration” samples. At the same time, the clear leaders were the two largest arms companies, Colt Industries and Heckler und Koch. Over the course of a year, their samples were carefully studied, trying to determine ways for further development.

The Colt Industries sample was generally designed in the style of the M1911 A1 Colt pistols of the Mk-IV - 80 and 90 series with modernized retention elements and a number of improvements in the trigger mechanism and automatic operation. The controls are concentrated at the handle. For use by combat swimmers (on land, of course), all elements of the mechanism are made “waterproof.” The muffler and sighting unit also looked quite traditional.

The Heckler und Koch pistol was based on a new USP model (universal self-loading pistol). The USP was originally designed in nine and ten millimeter variants, but was chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge for the Offensive Handgun program.

The USP version of the “offensive personal weapon” with a suppressor from Reda Naytos was presented in October 1993 at an exhibition organized by the Association American Army(AUSA). You can note the total weight of the system has been compressed to 2.2 kg, the laconic and convenient design, and the sighting unit literally integrated into the contours of the frame. Its switch is located within the trigger guard. Note that the “demonstration” samples of “Colt” and “Heckler und Koch” had a constant sight, more typical of pistols. The angle of inclination of the handle for both was less than expected. Another significant feature of the samples is the ability to release them to the market for other purposes if the Offensive Handgun program fails.

The selection of the SOCOM sample was expected in 1995. But even then the Offensive Handgun program was causing criticism. A June 1994 editorial in Modern Gun magazine simply called the idea of a large-caliber "offensive" pistol "dumb." Said with passion, but the idea is really controversial.

In fact, is it really necessary to hold on to the 45 caliber and endure the knocking effect of the recoil (the recoil force of the ".45 ACP" is 0.54 kg) and the increase in the weight of the pistol to the level of a submachine gun? The biggest stopping effect is worth nothing if the bullet misses. Maybe it’s better to put two or three bullets into the target with slightly less lethality, but better accuracy? With a total weapon length of 250 mm, the barrel length should not exceed 152 mm or 13.1 caliber, which threatens to reduce the ballistic data. Reducing the caliber would increase the relative length of the barrel and improve accuracy. A small submachine gun with a variable firing mode remains a serious competitor to self-loading “offensive personal weapons.” This type of weapon is more versatile and, moreover, has already occupied its niche among close combat weapons.

However, in the fall of 1995, SOCOM still chose the 11.43 mm USP to implement the “third phase of the contract.” The third phase involves the production of Heckler und Koch 1950 pistols and 10,140 magazines for them with the start of deliveries by May 1, 1996. The pistol has already received the official designation Mk 23 “Mod O US SOCOM Pistol”. In total, about 7,500 pistols, 52,500 magazines and 1,950 silencers can be ordered.

Let's take a closer look at the USP device. The pistol barrel is made by cold forging on a mandrel. In combination with polygonal cutting, this gives it high accuracy and survivability. Chamber cutting allows the use of the same type of cartridges different manufacturers and with different types bullets The installation of a muffler allows for an extended barrel.

Experts expected that Heckler und Koch would use a fixed-barrel design similar to its P-7. However, the USP automatic operates according to the recoil pattern of the barrel with a short stroke and locking with a skewed barrel. Unlike classical schemes, for example, "Browning High Power", here the barrel is lowered not by a rigid pin of the frame, but by a buffer spring installed with a hook at the rear end of the return spring rod placed under the barrel. The presence of a buffer is designed to make the automation work smoother.

The frame of the pistol is made of molded plastic, similar to the Glock and Sigma pistols. The four shutter-casing guides are reinforced with steel strips to reduce wear. The magazine latch, trigger, trigger mechanism flag, cover and magazine feeder are also made of reinforced plastic. On the pistol frame itself there are guides for attaching a flashlight or laser pointer. The shutter-casing is manufactured as a single piece, milled from chrome-molybdenum steel. Its surfaces are subjected to nitro gas treatment and blued. Added to all this is a special "NOT" ("aggressive environment") treatment, which allows the pistol to withstand immersion in sea water.

The main USP feature is its firing mechanism. At first glance, this is an ordinary hammer-type mechanism with a semi-hidden trigger and a flag placed on the frame in two positions. However, by replacing a special retaining plate, it is possible to switch it to five different operating options. The first is a double-action mechanism: when the flag is in the upper position, it is possible to fire with pre-cocking of the hammer; when in the lower position, only self-cocking is possible, and lowering the flag safely releases the trigger. The second option: when the flag is moved to the top position - “safety”, to the bottom - “double action”, this is exactly the most typical for service weapons. In the third option, it is possible to fire only with preliminary cocking of the hammer, there is no safety, and the flag is used as a lever for safely releasing the hammer. The fourth option is somewhat similar to the third, but shooting is only possible by self-cocking. The fifth and final option specifies the “self-cocking” and “fuse” modes. I would like to add that in each mode the checkbox is located at your discretion - on the right or left. The first and second options best meet the requirements of the American program. Selection can only be made by a qualified technician. The trigger pull with pre-cocking is 2.5 kg, with self-cocking - 5 kg, that is, typical for a service pistol. There is also an automatic safety lock that locks the firing pin until the trigger is fully pressed. There is no magazine safety, so a shot cannot be ruled out after it is removed; the drawback is small but still unpleasant.

The double-sided magazine release lever is located behind the trigger guard and is protected from accidental pressure. The magazine holds 12 rounds, staggered. In the upper part, the two-row magazine smoothly transitions into a single-row one, which gives it a shape that is convenient for equipment and improves the operation of the feeding mechanism. A step and recess at the bottom of the handle make magazine changes easy. At the end of shooting, the pistol places the bolt carrier on the bolt stop. Its extended lever is located on the left side of the frame.

The handle and frame are one. The front side of the handle is covered with checkerboard, and the back side is covered with longitudinal corrugation, side surfaces- rough. In combination with a thoughtful balance and an angle of inclination of the handle to the axis of the bore of 107 degrees, which makes holding the pistol very comfortable. The pistol trigger guard is pretty large size which makes it possible to shoot with thick gloves. However, due to this, the front bend on the brace is practically not used - for a rare shooter, when shooting with two hands, the index finger of the second hand will stretch that far.

The 11.43mm USP weighs around 850g and is 200mm long. Accuracy of fire allows you to place five bullets at a distance of 45 m in a circle with a diameter of up to 80 mm. The execution and finishing of each detail corresponds to the degree of its importance. According to Heckler und Koch, the survivability of the barrel is 40,000 shots.
A replaceable rear sight with a rectangular slot and a front sight with a rectangular cross-section are installed on the bolt frame using a dovetail mount. The sights are marked with white plastic inserts or tritium dots.

Heckler und Koch also produces a “universal tactical illuminator” UTL for USP. It operates in the visible light range, has an adjustable beam angle and two switches. The first is a lever protruding inside the trigger guard so that it can be operated with the index finger. The second one, in the form of a pad, is attached with Velcro to the handle and turns on when the palm of your hand tightly grips it. UTL power supply is from two 3-volt batteries.

There is also a new version of a removable muffler. It is still based on an expansion scheme. Expanded and cooled gases are discharged through openings. However, it is now clear that this weapon will undergo more than one modification and will serve the American army for many years.

A Bundeswehr soldier and is designed to defeat enemy personnel.

The G11 Heckler rifle is the development of West German designers, which replaced the G3 rifle. In the mid-60s of the 20th century, the concept of armament of motorized infantry units of NATO armies began to change, incl. and units of the Bundeswehr. According to NATO analysts, the main strike “self-defense forces,” as the arms race businessmen liked to call themselves, are armed with an assault rifle that is not light enough to meet modern requirements.

Development of new standard weapons

G11 - this is the name given to the new assault rifle; it was developed by the German company Heckler and Koch in the late 1960s. The German government approved this project and instructed the shortest possible time manufacture the required type of weapon.
During the design and survey work, the designers settled on a light, small-caliber and compact rifle in the “bullup” version with high accuracy. In this case, the clip is structurally attached above the barrel, the cartridges in it are defined across the diameter of the barrel bore. The effectiveness of hitting a target was achieved by hitting it with several shots, so the designers settled on the option of using a 43 mm caseless cartridge in the new weapon (later they chose the 47 mm caliber). The updated rifle could fire single shots and shoot at automatic mode, both long and short bursts of 3 shots. According to the developed concept, the Heckler-Koch company was entrusted with the creation of the new G11, and the Dynamite-Nobel company was responsible for creating a new shot without a shell.

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Design features of G11
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The automatic weapon circuit operates due to kinetic energy powder gases released after a shot and a short stroke of the barrel. The initial placement of cartridges in the clip above the barrel with bullets down. The G11 rifle is equipped with a special rotating breech chamber, where before the start of fire the cartridge is fed vertically downwards. After this, the breech is turned at a right angle, and when the cartridge is aligned with the line of the barrel, a shot is fired, while the cartridge is not fed directly into the barrel. Because the cartridge is without a shell (the capsule burns out when fired), then the operation of the automation is simple: there is no need for the mechanism to throw out the spent cartridge case. After the shot is fired, the breech chamber turns back to receive the next ammunition. If it misfires, the defective cartridge is thrown down under the influence of the feed force of the next ammunition. The mechanism is cocked using the rotary handle located on the left. The handle does not move when shooting.

The barrel, the trigger (except for the safety flag and trigger), the rotating breech with mechanisms and the clip are assembled on one base, which moves translationally inside the body of the weapon. When firing single shots or automatic non-fixed shooting, the mechanism completes the entire shot cycle, and the recoil becomes less. At automatic shooting With fixed bursts, after every third shot, the moving system comes to the rearmost position, while the recoil force acts after the end of the shooting, which achieves greater accuracy of fire (by analogy with the domestic AN-94 “Abakan” assault rifle).
The first modifications of the G11 were equipped with a non-removable optical sight single magnification, also used when carrying a rifle.

Ammunition

For standard use, shellless cartridges with dimensions of 4.73x33 mm, manufactured by Dynamit Nobel AG, have been developed. The prototype ammunition for the Heckler & Koch G11 had a square-shaped powder charge, coated with a moisture-proof varnish, an igniter primer in the bottom and recessed in powder charge bullet. Next, they created a modified version of the ammunition for the Heckler & Koch G11, where the bullet and powder charge are completely encapsulated along with the igniter primer in the bottom part and the lid in the upper part of the capsule.

Modifications

The Bundeswehr has two types of such weapons:
-Rifle Heckler Heckler&Koch G11K2 - an updated version of the G11. The body has been shortened, a bayonet mount and a clip for 45 shots have been developed. The sight is a removable weapon handle; instead it is possible to install standardized sighting devices adopted by NATO troops.

Heckler Heckler&Koch LMG11 - light machine gun based on the Heckler&Koch G11

Caliber: 4.7x33 mm, unjacketed cartridge
Automation: gas vent, with rotating breech
Length: 0.750 m
Barrel length: 0.540 m
Weight: 3.6 kg without ammunition
Clip: 50(45) shots

Anyone interested in the weapons and equipment of “special operations forces” has noticed how special forces value personal weapons. Regardless of the presence of individual (submachine gun, rifle, machine gun, carbine) or group (light machine gun, grenade launcher) weapons, almost every fighter carries a pistol as an auxiliary weapon. Apparently not satisfied with the “defensive” nature of modern pistols, the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) announced a program to create an “offensive handgun” in the late 80s.

It must be said that the idea of turning a pistol into the main “weapon of the last throw” is not new. Even during the First World War, the Germans armed assault teams with powerful long-barreled pistols of the "artillery" or "Parabellum carbine" type. The famous military theorist A. Neznamov wrote in his book “Infantry” (1923): “ In the future... for "strike" purposes, it may be more profitable to replace a weapon with a bayonet with a pistol with a dagger (a pistol with 20 rounds in the magazine and a range of up to 200 m)". However, in the military and even in the police field, this task was solved at that time by submachine guns. In the 1980s, the idea of a powerful “assault” pistol was revived again, but this time it was associated with the needs of special forces. Bulky models like GA-9, R-95, etc. hit the market. Their appearance, accompanied by noisy advertising, was not accidental.

According to a number of American experts, the 9-mm M9 pistol (Beretta 92, SB-F), which was put into service in 1985 to replace the 11.43-mm M1911A1 Colt, does not fully meet the requirements of close combat in terms of accuracy and effective firing range. With a silencer, the effectiveness of the pistol is noticeably reduced.

SOCOM wanted a compact melee weapon that could be carried in a holster (up to 25-30 m). He was supported by the US Army Command. Since combat swimmer teams (SEALS) were to be among the “consumers” of weapons, the basic requirements of the program were presented in October 1990 by the Navy Special Warfare Center. It was planned to receive the first 30 prototypes by March 1992, to test full-scale samples in January 1993, and in December 1993 to receive a batch of 9,000 pieces. In military periodicals the new project was immediately dubbed “Supergun”.

The main applications considered were: combat on the street and inside buildings, covert entry into a facility with the removal of sentries, the release of hostages, or vice versa - kidnappings of military or political figures.

The “supergun” was considered as a complex that included not only a “family” of cartridges and a self-loading pistol, but also a “sighting unit”. The modular design allowed for the assembly of two main options: “assault” (pistol + aiming unit) and “stalking” with the addition of a silencer. The weight of the latter was limited to 2.5 kg, length - 400 mm.

The basic requirements for the pistol were as follows:
- large caliber,
— magazine capacity of at least 10 rounds,
- speed of reloading,
— length no more than 250 mm, height no more than 150, width 35 mm,
— weight without cartridges — up to 1.3 kg,
— convenience for shooting with one or two hands,
— high reliability in any conditions.
A series of 10 bullets should fit into a circle with a diameter of 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) at a distance of 25 m.

Accuracy had to be ensured by the balance of the weapon, the muzzle device - a compensator and ease of holding. The latter, in the opinion of many, implied a large slope and an almost sporty design of the handle, a bend in the trigger guard to accommodate the finger of the second hand. Two-way controls (safety, slide stop lever, magazine release) accessible to the hand holding the weapon were considered necessary.

The trigger mechanism had to allow adjustment of the trigger force: 3.6-6.4 kg with self-cocking and 1.3-2.27 kg with a pre-cocked trigger. Setting the safety both when the hammer is released and when it is cocked. A safety release lever was desirable in case the shot was not needed. Sights would include a replaceable front sight and a rear sight adjustable for height and lateral displacement. For shooting at dusk, the front and rear sights would have luminous dots - a device that has become common in personal weapons.

For the “super gun” they chose the good old 11.43 mm “.45 ACP” cartridge. The reason is the requirement to specifically hit a living target in a minimum time at a maximum distance. The stopping effect of the 9×19 NATO cartridge bullet caused a number of discontent among the military. With a regular shell bullet, a large caliber, of course, gives more guarantees of defeat with one hit. Even with body armor, the target will be disabled by the dynamic impact of an 11.43 mm bullet. The strong and sharp recoil of such cartridges was not considered significant for physically strong guys from the “special forces”. Three main types of cartridges were named:

- with an “improved” type jacket bullet— in terms of improving ballistics and increasing penetration;
- with a bullet of increased lethality— for anti-terrorist operations;
- training cartridge with an easily destroyed bullet and power only sufficient for automatic operation.

In addition, it was considered likely to create a bullet with increased penetration, guaranteed to hit a target protected according to the 3rd (in NATO classification) class at 25 m.

The muffler (PBS) was required to quickly (up to 15 s) attach and remove and maintain balance. In any case, the installation of the PBS should not displace the STP by more than 50 mm at 25 m. If the pistol has an automatic weapon with a movable barrel, the muffler should not interfere with its operation.

In early 1993, SOCOM was actually presented with thirty "demonstration" samples. At the same time, the clear leaders were the two largest arms companies, Colt Industries and Heckler und Koch. Over the course of a year, their samples were carefully studied, trying to determine ways for further development.

The Colt Industries sample was generally designed in the style of the M1911 A1 Colt pistols of the Mk-IV series - 80 and 90 with modernized retention elements and a number of improvements in the trigger mechanism and automatic operation. The controls are concentrated at the handle. For use by combat swimmers (on land, of course), all elements of the mechanism are made “waterproof.” The muffler and sighting unit also looked quite traditional.

The Heckler&Koch pistol was based on a new USP model (universal self-loading pistol). The USP was originally designed in nine and ten millimeter versions, but was chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge for the Offensive Handgun program.

USP in the version of “offensive personal weapon” with a silencer from Reda Naytos was presented in October 1993 at an exhibition organized by the Association of the American Army (AUSA). You can note the total weight of the system has been compressed to 2.2 kg, the laconic and convenient design, and the sighting unit literally fit into the contours of the frame. Its switch is located within the trigger guard. Note that the “demonstration” samples of “Colt” and “Heckler&Koch” had a constant sight, more typical of pistols. The angle of inclination of the handle for both was less than expected. Another significant feature of the samples is the ability to release them to the market for other purposes if the Offensive Handgun program fails.

In fact, is it really necessary to hold on to the .45 caliber and endure the knocking effect of the recoil (the recoil force of the “.45 ACP” is 0.54 kg) and the increase in the weight of the pistol to the level of a submachine gun? The biggest stopping effect is worth nothing if the bullet misses. Maybe it’s better to put two or three bullets into the target with slightly less lethality, but better accuracy? With a total weapon length of 250 mm, the barrel length should not exceed 152 mm or 13.1 caliber, which threatens to reduce the ballistic data. Reducing the caliber would make it possible to increase the relative length of the barrel and improve accuracy. A small submachine gun with a variable firing mode remains a serious competitor to self-loading “offensive personal weapons.” This type of weapon is more versatile and, moreover, has already occupied its niche among close combat weapons.

However, in the fall of 1995, SOCOM still chose the 11.43 mm USP to implement the “third phase of the contract.” The third phase involves the production of 1950 pistols and 10,140 magazines for them with the start of deliveries by May 1, 1996. The pistol has already received the official designation Mk 23 “Mod O US SOCOM Pistol”. In total, about 7,500 pistols, 52,500 magazines and 1,950 silencers can be ordered.

Let's take a closer look at the USP device. The pistol barrel is made by cold forging on a mandrel. In combination with polygonal cutting, this gives it high accuracy and survivability. Chamber cutting allows you to use the same type of cartridges from different manufacturers and with different types of bullets. The installation of a muffler allows for an extended barrel.

Experts expected that Heckler & Koch would use a fixed-barrel design similar to its P-7. However USP automation operates according to a barrel recoil scheme with a short stroke and locking by warping the barrel. Unlike classic schemes, for example, “Browning High Power”, here the barrel is lowered not by a rigid pin of the frame, but by a hook installed with a buffer spring at the rear end of the return spring rod, placed under the barrel. The presence of a buffer is designed to make the automation work smoother.

The pistol frame is made of molded plastic similar to the Glock and Sigma pistols. The four slide-casing guides are reinforced with steel strips to reduce wear. The magazine latch, trigger, trigger mechanism flag, cover and magazine feeder are also made of reinforced plastic. On the pistol frame itself there are guides for attaching a flashlight or laser pointer. The shutter-casing is manufactured as a single piece, milled from chrome-molybdenum steel. Its surfaces are subjected to nitro gas treatment and blued. Added to all this is a special “NOT” (“aggressive environment”) treatment, which allows the pistol to withstand immersion in sea water.

The main USP feature is its firing mechanism. At first glance, this is an ordinary hammer-type mechanism with a semi-hidden trigger and a flag placed on the frame in two positions. However, by replacing a special retaining plate, it is possible to switch it to five different operating options.

First double action mechanism: when the flag is in the upper position, it is possible to shoot with pre-cocking of the hammer, in the lower position - only by self-cocking, and lowering the flag safely releases the trigger.

Second option: when the flag is moved to the top position - “safety”, to the bottom - “double action”, this is exactly the most typical for service weapons.

In the third option it is possible to fire only with preliminary cocking of the hammer, there is no safety, and the flag is used as a lever for safely releasing the hammer.

Fourth option somewhat similar to the third, but shooting is possible only by self-cocking.

Fifth and final option sets the “self-cocking” and “fuse” modes.

I would like to add that in each mode the checkbox is located at your discretion - on the right or left. The first and second options best meet the requirements of the American program. Selection can only be made by a qualified technician. The trigger pull with pre-cocking is 2.5 kg, with self-cocking - 5 kg, that is, normal for a service pistol. There is also an automatic safety lock that locks the firing pin until the trigger is fully pressed. There is no magazine safety, so a shot cannot be ruled out after it is removed; the drawback is small, but still unpleasant.

The double-sided magazine release lever is located behind the trigger guard and is protected from accidental pressure. The magazine holds 12 rounds, staggered. In the upper part, the two-row magazine smoothly transitions into a single-row one, which gives it a shape that is convenient for equipment and improves the operation of the feeding mechanism. A step and recess at the bottom of the handle make magazine changes easy. At the end of shooting, the pistol places the bolt carrier on the bolt stop. Its extended lever is located on the left side of the frame.

The handle and frame are one. The front side of the handle is covered with checkerboard, and the back side is covered with longitudinal corrugation, the side surfaces are rough. In combination with a thoughtful balance and an angle of inclination of the handle to the axis of the bore of 107 degrees, which makes holding the pistol very comfortable. The trigger guard of the pistol is quite large, which makes it possible to shoot while wearing thick gloves. However, in this regard, the front bend on the brace is practically not used - for a rare shooter, when shooting with two hands, the index finger of the second hand will stretch out that far.

The weight of the 11.43 mm Heckler&Koch USP pistol is about 850 g, length - 200 mm. Accuracy of fire allows you to place five bullets at a distance of 45 m in a circle with a diameter of up to 80 mm.

The execution and finishing of each detail corresponds to the degree of its importance. According to Heckler & Koch, the survivability of the barrel is 40,000 shots.

On the bolt carrier using a " dovetail» a replaceable rear sight with a rectangular slot and a front sight with a rectangular section are installed. The sights are marked with white plastic inserts or tritium dots.

Heckler&Koch also produces a “universal tactical illuminator” UTL for USP. It operates in the visible light range, has an adjustable beam angle and two switches. The first is a lever protruding inside the trigger guard so that it can be operated with the index finger. The second one, in the form of a pad, is attached with Velcro to the handle and turns on when the palm of your hand tightly grips it. UTL is powered by two 3-volt batteries.

Heckler&Koch

Fighters! The "Great Gunsmiths" section continues to tell you about famous designers firearms. Today our guest is the legendary German company "Heckler&Koch", whose fame has spread all over the world.

Marauders

"H&K" is a relatively young company, founded on December 28, 1949 by German engineers Edmund Heckler, Theodor Koch and Alex Sidel in the city of Oberndorf am Neckar. Before this, all three designers worked at the Mauser plant, where they accumulated great experience in the arms business. The enterprise of Peter Paul and Wilhelm Mauser was destroyed by French troops towards the end of World War II, so the engineers based their production on equipment that was saved from destruction.

First legend

The first years of activity of Heckler&Koch are notable for the fact that the company was engaged in the production of small household appliances, sewing machines, measuring and engineering equipment. But everything changed in 1956, when the Bundeswehr (German armed forces) needed new weapons, and the leadership announced a state tender to replace the Belgian FN FAL. As you might guess, the H&K company won, offering everyone the well-known G3 assault rifle, which, in turn, was created on the basis of the Spanish CETME rifle. The weapon had a low cost due to the fact that stamping was used during production, and during the design, H&K engineers took the developments of the Mauser company as a basis.

Entering service in 47 countries, the G3 became a real hit of its time. And this is not surprising - Heckler and Sidel studied weapons making from the Mauser brothers, and Theodor Koch at one time studied precision mechanics, so the success of the rifle was guaranteed. The design turned out to be so successful that the weapon was produced until 2001, despite the fact that back in 1995 the Bundeswehr switched to the new HK G36 assault rifle.

Derivatives

Based on the HK G3, the G3SG1, PSG-1 and MSG90 sniper rifles were created, which were used by both civilians and the military. Also worth mentioning are the HK21 machine gun and the legendary MP5 submachine gun, released by the company in 1966 as a smaller copy of the HK G3 chambered for the 9x19 mm Parabellum cartridge. The new machine gun attracted the attention of the German special forces unit GSG 9, thanks to which the MP5 gradually gained popularity among other intelligence agencies around the world. Currently, there are more than 10 varieties of submachine guns, which can be quickly customized and modified, depending on the assigned combat mission. An interesting fact is that the MP5 is not in service with the Bundeswehr, which uses the Israeli ultrasound.

Advanced technology

At the end of the 60s, the Heckler & Koch company began creating a fundamentally new G11 rifle. The weapon was designed according to the “bull-pup” design and used a caseless cartridge as a charge. However, the tense situation within the country international standards NATO unification of ammunition and the lack of government orders for the finished G11 became the reason for the closure of the project and large financial losses companies. You can read more about this in our special article dedicated to the HK G11 rifle:

Ups and downs

The Royal Ordnance concern was able to save H&K from bankruptcy, which acquired the company in 1991, and by 2000 entrusted it with the modernization of the new L85A1 assault rifles. From 1994 to 1995, Heckler&Koch worked on a government order for the creation and production of an assault rifle for the Bundeswehr, according to updated requirements. As a result, German engineers developed Project HK50, later designated HK G36. The rifle turned out to be extremely successful due to the use of durable polymers in its body, as well as the design features of the automation inherent in most of the company’s creations. By 2002, largely thanks to the adoption of the G36 and, as a result, orders for rifle supplies, the company was bought out by the HK Beteiligungs-GmbH holding.

The commercial success of Heckler & Koch was also facilitated by the creation of a line of pistols and submachine guns, which later became " business card» companies:

Heavy weapons

In addition to firearms, Heckler&Koch has developed several grenade launchers, which were appreciated by the military of many countries. Thus, the well-known M320, created as an alternative to the M203 under-barrel grenade launcher, can also be used as a separate weapon. At the same time launcher from H&K has a built-in night vision device, a laser rangefinder, as well as a number of other design features that distinguish the M320 from its competitors.

The most interesting in the company's line of heavy weapons is the XM-25 self-loading hand grenade launcher. So far, the weapon is undergoing military tests, including in real combat conditions - several samples were used by American soldiers in Afghanistan, who noted the good combat effectiveness of the grenade launcher. However, the XM-25 weapon is not cheap - the first hand-assembled copies cost about 35 thousand dollars, and reducing the price to 25 thousand, if mass production is organized, will not solve the problem of high cost, so talk about widespread use There is no grenade launcher in the army.

New era

The latest most famous and successful developments of Heckler&Koch are: the XM8 small arms complex, as well as the HK416 and HK417 assault rifles, which were developed at the same time.

It is interesting that the XM8 gained wide popularity only as an assault rifle, while the series includes a submachine gun, sniper rifle and even a machine gun. It is known that the rifle complex, designed on the basis of the HK G36, is the fruit of cooperation between the German H&K and the American ATK (Alliant Techsystems). In 2004, the rifle successfully passed tests and by 2005 was supposed to enter service with the US Army, but the commercial war of competitors who wanted to get a government tender for the supply of weapons forced the command of the Armed Forces to announce an additional competition, which was soon stopped for several reasons. As a result of this process, a promising and generally good project was closed, thereby becoming a victim of military intrigue and unfair competition. At the moment, the fate of the shooting complex is unknown.

In parallel with the XM8, Heckler&Koch developed the NK416, an assault rifle more familiar to US law enforcement officers, chambered for the 5.56x45 NATO caliber. Some design features, design and ergonomics of the American M4 and M16 samples were taken as a basis, which was reflected in the name of the new weapon. Largely thanks to this decision, the company was able to conclude a contract for the supply of its product to the US Army - during the destruction of Osama Bin Laden fur seals NK416 was used.

However, the new rifle is a clone of famous American guns only in appearance - German engineers did a fair amount of work on the internal mechanisms of the weapon, using their best technical solutions and developments. The result justified itself - the NK416 barrel alone can withstand more than 20 thousand shots. The rifle entered service by 2005, and in 2007 the NK417 saw the light of day, using a more powerful cartridge - 7.62x51 NATO. Thus, H&K was able to recover from the failure associated with XM8. Moreover, the company has squeezed out its competitors - the Belgian Fabrique Nationale, which has launched large supplies of its newest FN SCAR assault rifle to the US Army.

Modern realities

Over its short history, Heckler&Koch has loudly declared itself by releasing many weapons, each of which has become a legend. However, the company's reputation is spoiled from time to time by various kinds of scandals. For example, in 2011, information was made public that HK G36 KV assault rifles were found in the possession of Libyan rebels who captured Tripoli and the residence of Muammar Gaddafi, who took them from the palace guards. It was alleged that H&K sold its assault rifles to the leader's fighters, thereby violating German law prohibiting the export of weapons to countries where fighting is taking place.

« Heckler& Koch" AndCombatArms

Combat Arms has many Heckler&Koch weapons:

The official version says that the Heckler Koch company owes its birth to... the French army, which destroyed the Mauser arms factory in the town of Oberndorf am Neckar in 1945. Three talented weapons engineers, upset by this fact, Edmund Heckler, Theodor Koch and Alex Sidel, “rescued what they could from the rubble and laid the foundation for a new weapons company...” Probably, the official history was written by the French in order to at least sideways, but get closer to the success of the most prolific enterprise of our time producing small arms. Buy Heckler Koch weapons in the online store>

However, despite the fact that the Heckler company is registered und Koch(um... probably “und” was the nickname of Mr. A. Sidel) was already in 1949, and at first it produced peaceful products. Messrs. Heckler und Koch returned to the development and production of small arms only in 1956, when the newly created German army needed to arm itself. Using previous developments from Mauser times, the company very quickly produces the Heckler Koch G3 automatic rifle with a semi-blowback. The weapon turned out to be extremely successful - it remained in service with the Bundeswehr for almost 40 years.

An even more successful example was the Heckler Koch MP5 submachine gun developed on the basis of the G3. The semi-blowback bolt used in it in combination with the 9x19 cartridge and firing from the front sear (closed bolt) provided the new PP with very good accuracy at high tempo shooting. The compact, lightweight, convenient MP5 is used by the police, border guards and counter-terrorism units of the Federal Republic of Germany. PP is available in a large number of modifications, incl. in the version with an awkward Heckler Koch MP5 K PDW stock, and is still in service not only with police and special forces in more than forty countries around the world, but also with a large army of airsoft players. Pneumatic MP5 are produced by UMAREX under the Umarex Heckler Koch brand. Buy Heckler Koch weapons in the Okhotnik online store>

In the 60s, the company began a truly revolutionary project - the development of a promising caseless rifle system, the Heckler Koch G11. It is both a new rifle and a completely new cartridge that places the bullet directly into a solid, completely burning propellant charge. For what? And in order to gain in cartridge case weight and increase the ammunition carried by a fighter five times compared to the 7.62x51 cartridge, and two times compared to the 5.56x45. A huge number of radical innovative developments were used in the rifle itself - a bullpup design, the arrangement of cartridges in the magazine perpendicular to the axis of the barrel bore, a breech chamber rotating 90 degrees, into which the next cartridge was fed before firing... The rifle could fire in series of 3 shots in the mode recoil accumulation - the movable barrel-box-magazine-trigger system came to the rear position only after the third bullet left the barrel, which ensured accuracy of fire unattainable for other assault rifles and submachine guns. But... caseless ammunition itself has given rise to a considerable number of qualitatively new problems. As a result, after military tests of a batch of 1000 rifles, the G11 program was curtailed, the company itself changed owners, and Heckler Koch G36 automatic rifles began to arrive in the Bundeswehr to replace the G3.

In its new automatic rifle chambered for a low-pulse cartridge, the company has moved away from the proprietary semi-blowback design; the G36 has a gas-operated automatic system with the bolt locked by rotating 7 lugs. Today, this rifle is in service in more than forty countries around the world and is available in various modifications, including the Heckler Koch SL8 sports and hunting version. Here it must be said that all the main products of the H&K company are for military purposes, but some samples, nevertheless, are quite successfully used in sports shooting and as hunting semi-automatic carbines. The latter include the Heckler Koch MR308 and Heckler Koch MR223 - “civilian” versions of the Heckler Koch 416 assault rifle, also sold in Russia. From my " older sister» semi-automatic MR carbines differ only in the absence of an automatic fire mode and standard army sights.

The Heckler Koch SLB 2000 semi-automatic carbine is a “purely hunting” model. It was developed “from scratch” and is not a clone of any military model. The gas release mechanism in it is located under the barrel, and the Heckler Koch SLB 2000 carbine itself is made according to a modular design and is produced in various options calibers This weapon appeared in Russia relatively recently, there is little information on it. One of the clear advantages of the SLB over other semi-automatic carbines is the ability to be equipped with a 10-place double-row magazine, which in itself is for hunting rifles– a great rarity.

Heckler Koch's weapons are not limited to machine guns alone - the company also successfully produces machine guns and, what is more interesting to us, pistols. One of the most famous models was the Heckler Koch P30, launched in 2006. Today, many consider this pistol to be one of the best combat pistols in the world. It is produced in two calibers - 9x19 and .40 S&W, and its main “zest” besides large quantity Lightweight polymer parts include replaceable grip pads, allowing the P30 to fit the hand of any shooter. Due to its low muzzle flip, low recoil and safety to carry, the P30 pistol is very popular not only among law enforcement units, but also among IPSC athletes, incl. Russian. The pneumatic version of the Umarex Heckler Koch P30 is also in wide demand due to its “omnivorous” nature - it works reliably with both balls and lead bullets.

But that’s not all. The prolific company Heckler Koch produces not only firearms, but also bladed weapons. And not just any, but including one of the best “tactical” knives of our time, Heckler Koch 14205: very comfortable both in the hand and when worn, with excellent balance and blade shape, this knife was developed with the direct participation of the famous knifemaker Alex Sidel . In general, no matter what direction Heckler Koch works in, it always tries to attract the best specialists and use the best practices that already exist.

Heckler & Koch HK433: new modular assault rifle. Video: Heckler & Koch G11 assault rifle History of the creation and development of Heckler&Koch MP5 weapons

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