The USP pistol is a triumph of innovators from Germany. Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle Heckler Koch rifle

The Heckler&Koch SLB 2000 is an example of a utilitarian European semi-automatic weapon. Although it does not have an exquisite finish, it nevertheless differs from mass-produced North American firearms in its impeccable workmanship and excellent ergonomics, corresponding to all the canons of shooting art.

Semi-automatic carbine with detachable box magazine. The reloading mechanism operates on the principle of a gas engine, removing part of the powder gases from the barrel bore. Shutter with rotating cylinder. The stock is semi-pistol, with a steeply set, well-defined grip.

Set of external sighting devices consists of a Batyu rail or folding rear sight and an open metal front sight on a high bracket. It is possible to install a Weaver or Picatinny rail, for which holes with metric threads are made on the receiver cover.

About what it isHeckler&Koch SLB 2000, this video will tell you:

Advantages and disadvantages

Almost legendary high quality workmanship, characteristic of all samples of the Heckler&Koch brand.

• Good shooting qualities, obtained not only due to the precision manufacturing quality of the barrel, but also the use of a bolt with a rotating cylinder, on which there are two rows of lugs, three in each. Thanks to this design solution, the breech locking density of the Heckler&Koch SLB 2000 is no worse than that of bolt-action rifles.
• The design of a gas engine consists of four parts: a piston, return spring and two bolt carrier rods. Therefore, this semi-automatic is more reliable than both the Browning Bar and the Benelli Argo.
• However, the SLB 2000 cannot be called an expedition gun, which is capable of trouble-free operation without seeing a normal cleaning for months. Judging by reviews on the Internet, the only type of ammunition with which this carbine works flawlessly is Dynamite Nobel brand cartridges.
• The ergonomics of the weapon are well thought out, very comfortable for shooting from any position of the stock, all controls are accessible without any extra effort. It is relatively light and compact.
• The fuse box is located on the buttplate of the receiver; it can be operated without being distracted from the aiming line. The force on the trigger is adjustable. Its size is classic for hunting weapons– from 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms.
• The standard magazine capacity is five rounds, which is not typical for European semi-automatic weapons. However, it can optionally be equipped with a ten-round removable hopper. The cartridges are stacked in two rows, which speeds up the loading process.

A full set of external sighting devices and the ability to install a rail for optical sights makes this weapon universal, suitable for all types of hunting. The same can be said about the set of calibers offered by the manufacturer. The range from .308 Win to 300 WM allows you to choose a sample that is suitable for both roe deer and large bear.

Carbine HK 2000 SLB (photo)

Purpose

This is a weapon that can be used for running and driven hunts, as well as shooting from ambush and from storage sheds.

Varieties

The manufacturer offers the following set of calibers:

• 7 X 64 ,
• .308 Win,
• 30-06 Sprg,
• 9.3×62,
• and also 300 WM.

Three models: 2000 L, 2000 K and 2000 L Magnum. The latter has a different design - it is made of black plastic, on which the bipod is mounted. The stock of the Magnum model has a height-adjustable comb, and a compensator brake is installed on the muzzle.

Specifications

Design

• A self-loading repeating rifle that operates using the principle of a gas engine.
• The barrel is made of stainless steel, blued, the rifling is obtained by cold forging. Magnum models are equipped with a muzzle brake-compensator.
• Receiver made of thick-walled aluminum, made by milling. The connection to the barrel is threaded. On the top edge of the cover there are holes for attaching a strap for optical sights.
• A bolt with a rotating cylinder having six lugs - two rows of three each.
• Trigger with the ability to adjust the trigger force from 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms. The fuse box is located on the buttplate of the receiver; it has two positions: Fire – all the way up, a red dot is visible; Stop – all the way down, a white dot is visible.
• The magazine is box-shaped, removable, double-row. The latch is located on the right side of the front branch of the trigger guard.
• After the last cartridge is fired, the shutter is delayed. To remove it, there is a lever with a corrugated prismatic button on the left side of the receiver.
• A set of sighting devices consists of a rear sight (can be either in the form of a Batyu rail or a shield with a slot), as well as a fixed open metal front sight on a high bracket. Magnum models are not equipped with them, they only have a Picatinny rail.
• The stock of the basic models is semi-pistol, made of Bavarian walnut wood. The butt plate is non-adjustable, with a shock-absorbing pad. Magnum models are equipped with a black plastic stock, the butt comb of which has an adjustable height, and the butt plate can be moved vertically. A bipod is attached to its fore-end.

UsageThe Heckler&Koch SLB 2000 carbine is demonstrated in this video:

Options and packaging

The weapon comes in a hard case. The delivery set may include a 10-round magazine, cleaning accessories, and an optical sight. Instructions for use and passport are included.

Operating principle

• Reloading of the weapon occurs due to the selection of part of the powder gases from the barrel. They act on the piston, which, through rods, pushes the bolt frame back, forcing the cylinder to turn and disengage the lugs from the barrel breech. With this movement, the cartridge case is removed and the striking mechanism is cocked. On the way back, the bolt frame picks up the cartridge from the magazine and sends it into the chamber. After the cartridges are used up, the bolt frame is delayed in the rearmost position.
• To load the magazine, press down the hopper latch lever located at the front branch of the trigger guard. The cartridges are stacked in two rows. The magazine is installed in the hopper first with the front edge, and then with the rear, after which it is pressed until it clicks.
• To feed a cartridge into the chamber, pull the bolt carrier back by grasping its handle. Then release it so that it returns under the action of the return mechanism spring. If you do not need to shoot immediately, put the weapon on safety by sliding the slider on the butt plate down until a white dot appears.
• If the bolt carrier is delayed, it can be returned to the forward position in two ways: remove the magazine; lower the lever located on the left side of the receiver, in front of the magazine hopper.

Heckler & Koch SLB 2000 Target

Disassembly

1. Unload the weapon by removing the magazine from the hopper and moving the bolt frame.
2. Using a hex key, unscrew the two screws on the bottom edge of the forend and remove it.
3. Using two (slotted on both sides of the receiver) hex wrenches, unscrew the two bolts holding the receiver halves.
4. Separate the upper half of the receiver assembly with the barrel and bolt frame.
5. Remove the two lock washers securing the bolt carrier rods to the piston.
6. Using a flathead screwdriver, press the bolt handle latch and remove it forward.
7. Remove the bolt carrier together with the rods from the receiver, remove the rods.
8. Unscrew the two screws securing the guide spring, remove it and remove the piston from the gas chamber.
9. Press the lock on the butt plate of the bolt stem, remove the pin, and remove the firing pin.
10. Remove the bolt cover.
11. Remove the larva.

Heckler und Koch G36/G36A2

HK G36 assault rifle with optical sight multiplicity 1.5X. The weapon is attached to dual transparent plastic magazines, attached to each other using side hooks, with a capacity of 30 rounds each

The HK G36 assault rifle in the standard version for the Bundeswehr - with a 3.5X optical sight and a red dot sight placed above it for close combat

New option G36- assault rifle The G36A2 can be equipped with a quick-release Zeiss RSA red dot sight mounted on a Picatinny rail, replacing the earlier red dot sight option for the G36. The G36A2's handguard has three Picatinny rails on the sides and bottom, and the fire control handle has an integrated control switch. laser pointer Oerlikon Contraves LLM01. The G36A2 can also accommodate 40 mm underbarrel grenade launcher AG36 from Heckler-Koch, and a bayonet is attached. The rifle can be used to fire rifle grenades.

Heckler & Koch Gewehr 36, G36 - family small arms, developed in the early 1990s by the German company Heckler & Koch to replace the well-known HK G3 automatic rifle. From a mechanical design point of view, the weapon is a variant of the AR-18 rifle, developed in the early 1960s in the United States, but manufactured with extensive use of modern materials, including high-strength polymers for the receiver. The search for a replacement for the G3 began in 1970, when the tactical and technical requirements for the new machine gun were formulated. The contract for its development was awarded to Heckler & Koch, which over the course of 18 years created the G11 assault rifle chambered for a caseless cartridge. However, the G11 did not enter service, and in 1992 the Bundeswehr returned to the issue of replacing the HK G3.

There were the following reasons for this:

1. By the 90s, the armies of all leading countries switched to machine guns chambered for low-pulse cartridges. Only Germany remained committed to the 7.62x51 mm NATO cartridge, which by this time was already an anachronism. This also contradicted the NATO standardization program, where the 7.62x51 mm cartridge was recommended for single machine guns and sniper rifles.
2. The tasks of the Bundeswehr have changed. After the fall of the Iron Curtain military doctrine Germany has changed radically. The primary goals of the Bundeswehr were peacekeeping and anti-terrorism operations, the fight against drug trafficking and smuggling. This required high reliability of weapons in any climate: in mountains and deserts, with heavy dust, with long absence proper maintenance and lubrication. The heavy and bulky G3 was unsuitable for these purposes and conditions, and the efficiency of burst fire with such a powerful cartridge left much to be desired.
3. In addition to obsolescence, systems infantry weapons(P1, MP2, HK G3, ​​MG3) had physically exhausted their service life and required replacement. Resuming production of obsolete weapons systems to replace worn-out models was unwise.

The financial situation of the Bundeswehr in the early 90s was significantly different from the situation in the 70s and 80s, and therefore it was decided not to finance the development of new models of small arms, but to purchase models already available on the market. This was provided for by the tactical and technical requirements for the assault rifle and light machine gun developed on September 1, 1993. The selection of rifle models for participation in the competition was carried out by a special working group, which included representatives of the Air Force and Navy. The group selected 10 models of machine guns and 7 models of light machine guns. After the preliminary stage, 2 systems remained - the Austrian Steyr AUG and the German HK50. After conducting comparative tests at the WTD91 training ground, the military chose the HK50 rifle and the MG50 light machine gun (in-house designations G36 and MG36, respectively) based on it.

In 2015, the German Federal Government and Ministry of Defense admitted that the G36 has enough big problems with accuracy and its use should be limited due to overheating during prolonged shooting or when high temperature air.

Unlike previous developments that have semi-blowback automatics, the G36 has a similar American rifles AR-18 automation based on a gas engine with a short stroke of the gas piston. The barrel is locked by turning the bolt by 7 lugs, just like in the AR-18. The cocking handle located on the top of the receiver can be bent in both directions by approximately 90 degrees, ensuring ease of use of the weapon by both right-handed and left-handed people. In the stowed position, it is installed parallel to the axis of the weapon.

The trigger mechanism, attached to the receiver using transverse pins, is made in the form of a single unit with a pistol grip and trigger guard. The trigger mechanism itself has several options, differing in the possibility of firing bursts with a cut-off of 3 rounds. The fuse-translator of modes is a flag type, located on both sides of the weapon.

The machine's fittings are made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Due to the fact that the forend is attached to the receiver with pins, for incomplete disassembly machine, you just need to press your fingers on the pins to push them out of the holes. The magazines are made of transparent plastic to control the consumption of ammunition, and also have special fastenings with which you can combine magazines in pairs to speed up reloading.

Sights are located at the rear of the carrying handle located on the top side of the receiver and include an optical and red dot sight s. The Hensoldt HKV optical sight has a simple optical system and has a 3.5× magnification. The correction scale and rangefinder reticle are marked up to 800 m. The Zeiss “red dot” collimator sight is equipped with a light-accumulating system that allows it to work in daylight without the use of power sources (for operation at night, a forced illumination powered by a battery is used). The collimator sight is mounted on the top of the optical sight and is used for shooting at a distance of up to 200 meters. The modern modification of the G36A2 has a standard Picatinny rail above the optical sight, on which the Zeiss RSA-S red dot sight is mounted. Export versions only have an optical sight with 1.5× magnification (optional 3×). Also, regardless of the modification, on the top of the carrying handle there are simple open sights (front sight and rear sight) molded integrally with the handle. The NSA-80 night module can be installed on the carrying handle, so that its optical output is combined with the lens of the optical sight, making it possible to use a standard aiming mark. The NSA-80 is mounted in a few seconds using a special rotary clamp and does not require zeroing.

The G36 can be equipped with an HK AG36 grenade launcher or a bayonet-knife (a copy of the bayonet knife of the AKM assault rifle), and it also has the ability to fire rifle grenades.

Advantages

Despite its rather large weight, for example, compared to the AK74 (3.6 and 3.2 kg, respectively), the G36 is heavier due to the stiffening ribs that are located along the entire length of the receiver and butt. This makes the design even more resistant to damage and deformation than the AK74.

The G36 rifle turned out to be a very well thought out and respectable design. When the military accepts rifles at a range of 100 m, the deviation of the STP of a series of 5 shots is allowed to be no more than 6 cm and the dispersion radius is not higher than 10 cm. The accuracy and accuracy of the G36 fire is better than these standards (at 100 m a series of shots gives a dispersion of ~ 3 cm).

It should be noted that the recoil is extremely low, making shooting even with automatic fire very comfortable. Bolt carrier made of light alloy, which reduces barrel toss when shooting.

The pistol grip is very comfortable; it tapers slightly towards the top, which allows you to hold it more firmly even in wet hands, and a small protrusion at the base prevents your little finger from slipping off. The fuse is double-sided, three-position with a very soft action and clear informative activation. At the same time, it practically does not make any sounds, which does not reveal the shooter in silence.

The rifle magazine is made of transparent plastic; according to experts, it is more convenient to control the amount of ammunition. The magazines are also equipped with latches that allow them to be connected into pairs of two or more pieces.

Another plus of the G36 is ergonomics. The controls are conveniently located and are equally accessible for right and left hand operation. The cocking handle is foldable and does not interfere with carrying the weapon, and there is also no risk of getting caught in it and accidentally pulling the bolt back.

The rifle has very few protruding parts. The optical sight is located low, but is quite convenient for aiming, since shooting with it is mainly carried out from a prone position. On the contrary, the upper location of the collimator is favorable when shooting while standing and kneeling. Thanks to the use of plastics, the G36 is one of the lightest automatic machines.

The rate of fire is approximately 750 rounds/min, which is optimal for rifles of this class.

The rifle is built according to the pseudo-modular type, all parts are connected using pins. No tools other than a chuck are required for disassembly. For routine maintenance and cleaning, partial disassembly is sufficient.

Flaws

The rifle, made primarily of plastic polymer, weighs quite heavily, weighing 3.6 kg without ammunition. For example, AK74 with more The metal in the structure weighs only 3.2 kg.

The disadvantage of the translucent plastic magazines used in the G36 is the thinness of the plastic and, as a result, its fragility on severe frost. Impacts cause cracks to form or whole pieces break off, and the magazines themselves are deformed, which leads to the cartridge being misaligned during feeding into the chamber. However, the rifle can also use opaque aluminum magazines.

Another disadvantage (in versions with a standard handguard) is the strong heating of the handguard during intense shooting (there is no reflector screen, like in the AK74, inside the handguard, however, unlike the AK74, this rifle does not have a tendency to heat up to the level of fire, which is an advantage AK74 is in doubt)

The butt lock button is located on the left, and is a little inconvenient due to its “recessed” placement, and the dressing bag completely refuses to fit into the butt slot, which, however, is a dubious disadvantage since most of small arms is not intended for carrying dressing bags.

(For options with built-in sights instead of a Picatinny rail) The built-in optical sight gets knocked down with frequent impacts on the rifle and has to be constantly adjusted for accurate combat; moreover, in the rain it does fog up slightly, which impairs aiming at distances beyond 200 meters. Using another built-in sight, a collimator sight, is very inconvenient; the viewing angle of this sight is quite small, and this does not allow normal control of the surrounding space in battle.

The flash hider on the rifle is of average effectiveness and is only used to protect the cut of the barrel.

The gas piston fits quite tightly to the wall of the gas chamber, and in the absence of a gas regulator, this has a bad effect on the unpretentiousness of the rifle. Therefore, after 3-4 thousand shots without cleaning, the G36 rifle sometimes jams (especially if the ammunition is damp, although it’s not clear who, in principle, is going to fire 3 thousand shots from a rifle without cleaning the weapon; for comparison, barrel survivability of 20,000 shots is already considered very good for a rifle) .

The inconvenient location of the barrel and gas chamber makes it necessary to spend a lot of time cleaning them well. And the absence of a cleaning rod (it is absent in the machine gun and is in the maintenance kit) will not allow cleaning this weapon at all. If dirt gets into the trigger, all that remains is to replace it or wash it with gasoline (kerosene, diesel fuel); it is simply impossible to disassemble the unit in field conditions for normal cleaning.

Also, despite its shortcomings, the G36 is one of the most expensive modern automatic machines.

Overheating

In April 2012, reviews appeared from the German military that the G36 rifles used in Afghanistan overheated in the fore-end area during prolonged firefights, since 150 rounds of ammunition were continuously fired. Overheating affects the G36's accuracy, making it difficult to hit targets beyond 100 meters, rendering the rifle ineffective beyond 200 meters, and unable to fire effectively beyond 300 meters. In addition, the risk of misalignment and jamming of small arms, as well as the likelihood of severe burns, increases significantly.

The G36 series rifles were described as not being able to withstand prolonged firefights. HK representatives stated that the rifle was not designed for continuous, sustained fire.

The command of German military operations in Afghanistan has issued instructions to military personnel requiring mandatory cooling of Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifles. According to the new instructions, after a long period of shooting, a soldier must allow the barrel of the weapon to cool enough to touch it without getting burned. By complying with this requirement, possible injury can be avoided, as well as a reduction in the effectiveness of the G36 fire.

The real reason

Accuracy at a range of 300 meters dropped by 30% (2012). In December 2013, the company Metallwerk Elisenhütte, which for a long time supplied ammunition to the German army and police, took the blame for the reasons for the rapid overheating of the HK G36 barrels. After lengthy investigations by independent experts Ernst-Mach-Institut and Fraunhofer Society, uniform supplies (to German troops in Afghanistan) of cartridges from different manufacturers (including defective and low-quality ones) are the cause of overheating of rifles (which is quite logical, since when firing low-quality cartridges, an overestimated barrel temperature). And since the bore is chrome-plated, such rapid overheating due to the barrel itself is unlikely.

The G36 rifle itself is structurally reliable and free of defects. It fully complies with the requirements of the German army (as evidenced, for example, by the test results during which this rifle was adopted by the German army, although the MP-40 was also adopted German army, but in reality it jammed due to dirt adhering to the oil and when the magazine was filled with more than 28 rounds).

Also, the German army once again ordered supplies of G36 rifles from Heckler & Koch.

In June 2014, purchases of new batches of rifles were suspended. In 2015, after months of investigation, the federal government officially acknowledged accuracy problems with the G36 rifle, regardless of the quality of the ammunition used. It turned out that during intense shooting in hot climatic conditions Critical deformation of the plastic body of the weapon may occur.

Options

Basic:
G36 - basic version, automatic rifle.
G36K (Kurz) - a shortened version, an automatic rifle with a barrel length of 318 mm.
G36C (Compact) - an assault rifle with a 228 mm barrel and a Picatinny rail for mounting various sights instead of a carrying handle.

Upgraded:
G36A1 - modernized version. Supplied to troops since 2002.
G36A2 - the second modernization of the rifle (2004). It has a new collimator sight and a modified handguard with a rail for mounting tactical accessories (usually an LLM-01 laser laser).
G36KA1 and G36KA2 are modernized shortened versions. Picatinny rail, accessory rail under the forend, a muffler can be installed. Unlike the KA2, the KA1 variant does not have a built-in optical sight.

Export:
G36V and G36KV (previously designated as G36E and G36KE) are export versions, distinguished by the presence of only a 1.5X optical sight.
G36KV2 - export version of the G36K, characterized by the installation of a “high” picatinny rail instead of a carrying handle on top of the receiver. The guide is not equipped with any sighting devices, but instead a thin longitudinal groove is used. In addition, on the KV2 modification, a “cheek rest” is installed on the standard frame stock.
G36KV3 - the most non-standard export version of the G36, distinguished by a 16-inch barrel (407 mm, for the regular G36 - 480, and for the G36K - 318) with a standard slotted flash hider and bayonet mount; modified gas outlet unit; “low” picatinny rail made of aluminum with folding non-removable sights, including a front sight and a diopter; as well as a telescopic folding stock.
G36KA4 - an export version in service with the Lithuanian army, differs from the standard G36 by the installation of an aluminum forend and an aluminum picatinny rail with integrated sights, manufactured by Brugger & Thomet.

Other:
HK MG36 - light machine gun based on the G36. It has a weighted barrel near the chamber and bipod. Produced a few hundred in 1995 and was canceled the same year serial production, due to the dissatisfaction of Bundeswehr soldiers with the duration of continuous fire.
HK SL8 is a self-loading rifle for the civilian market.
HK SL9SD is a suppressed sniper rifle, based on the SL8, chambered for the 7.62x37mm cartridge (developed by H&K based on the .300 Whisper cartridge). A silencer not only reduces the sound of a gunshot, but also modifies it so that it does not sound like a normal gunshot. Used by the German special forces GSG 9.
HK243 S SAR (Semi Automatic Rifle) and HK243 S TAR (Tactical Automatic Rifle) are self-loading rifles for the civilian market. They differ from each other in the butt (folding adjustable in length for the TAR and folding non-adjustable for the SAR), the forend (the presence of Picatinny rails for the TAR), and the flash suppressor (not available for the SAR).

Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle (Germany)

Sniper rifle Heckler und Koch HK G28 as standard

Sniper Heckler rifle und Koch HK G28 in a lightweight Patrol version

The Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle was designed and produced by order of the Bundeswehr by the German company Heckler-Koch. This weapon appeared as a result of the demands of German troops fighting in Afghanistan. This rifle performs the function of supporting small infantry units. The HK G28 sniper rifle was developed on the basis of the HK MR308 sports and hunting self-loading rifle, which in turn is a civilian version of the HK417 automatic rifle. The Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle in its concept is an analogue of the Soviet Dragunov SVD sniper rifle.

The automation of the Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle operates using gas-operated automatics with a short stroke of the gas piston and a rotating bolt. Reliable operation of the weapon both in conventional and with the use of a shot silencer is ensured by a two-position gas regulator. The trigger mechanism allows you to fire only single shots. The barrel is cantilevered inside the forend. The rifle receiver consists of two halves. The upper one is made of steel, and the lower one is made of aluminum alloy. Cartridges are fed from detachable box magazines with a capacity of 10 or 20 rounds.

The Heckler-Koch XK G28 rifle allows infantry to fire effectively at distances of about 400 meters and beyond that are inaccessible to standard 5.56 mm assault rifles. Especially if the use of more powerful support weapons, such as machine guns, mortars, artillery, is impossible for some reason or is unavailable. For the Heckler-Koch XK G28 sniper rifle, the accuracy of groups of 10 firing shots is guaranteed by the manufacturer to be at least 1.5 MOA (minutes of angle). When conducting aimed shooting at a chest target, the declared effective range is up to 600 meters, and when shooting at a height target - up to 800 meters.

The Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle can be used in two versions, which can be changed at the army base. This is the standard version and the lightweight Patrol. The standard version of the HK G28 rifle has an extended forend, a folding bipod, a telescopic adjustable buttstock with a cheekpiece, as well as a Schmidt & Bender RMP 3-20x50 optical sight, plus a laser rangefinder mounted on it. The Patrol variant is used in foot raids. In it, the rifle is equipped with a shortened and lightweight forend, a lightweight adjustable buttstock without a cheekpiece and a Schmidt & Bender RMP 1-8x24 sight. In addition, the Heckler und Koch HK G28 sniper rifle can be equipped with various night sights and laser designators.

The US Department of Defense was dissatisfied with the American M110 sniper rifles and is purchasing a new batch of “long-range” weapons – this time made in Germany. The portal guns.com reported the signing of a contract between the American military department and Heckler & Koch for the supply of compact semi-automatic sniper systems (Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System, CSASS). The contract does not specify which rifles will be supplied to the American armed forces, however, it is known that only one weapon model produced by Heckler & Koch meets the requirements of the US Department of Defense - the G28 rifle.

According to the agreement, the first “trial” delivery will consist of 30 rifles and a set of accessories for them. During testing, representatives of the US Department of Defense will determine the optimal configuration and set of additional options for the new weapon. In the future for American army 3,643 rifles will be purchased for $44.5 million (about $12,000 per unit). The contract amount includes supplies additional accessories(which will be selected during testing) and replacement parts, warranty service, as well as basic training for soldiers to work with the new weapon system.

M110 rifles manufactured by Knight's Armament Company entered mass production in 2005, and into service with the US Army in 2008. The US Department of Defense purchased 4492 rifles, which were actively used by US Army units in Afghanistan and Iraq. Soldiers who used the M110 in combat conditions, they complained about the low accuracy, unreliability and fragility of the M110 (after 500 shots, the accuracy of fire sharply decreased). Therefore, in 2014, the US Department of Defense announced a new tender for the purchase of compact semi-automatic sniper rifles of .308 Win caliber (7.62 × 51 NATO), which can be effectively used for shooting from distances up to 1000 m, and will also be lighter and more compact than the M110.

Specifications HK G28 rifles

Caliber: 7.62×51 (.308 Winchester)

Weapon length: 1082/965 mm

Barrel length: 420 mm

Weapon width: 78 mm

Weapon height: 340 mm

Weight without cartridges: 5.8 (standard) / 5.3 (Patrol) kg.

Magazine capacity: 10 or 20 rounds

Sniper rifles

The fame and popularity of a particular type of weapon is sometimes brought not so much by its outstanding performance characteristics, how much is the degree of “overexposure” in various Hollywood blockbusters. In this regard, the German Heckler Koch MP5 submachine gun is very lucky - it can be seen in many places around the world. famous films. These are “Die Hard”, “Predator”, “Resident Evil”, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, “The Matrix”, “Mission Impossible” - the list goes on for a very long time. Whether the MP5 lives up to its “light image” is a rather controversial question, but in any case it is clear that even without the help of filmmakers it looks good compared to other submachine guns. This is not so little, considering his considerable age - about fifty-three years.

History of the creation and development of Heckler&Koch MP5 weapons

After the end of World War II, it might seem that the “golden age” of submachine guns was becoming a thing of the past. Armies began to switch to more powerful and long-range weapons - automatic and assault rifles. In the USSR it was the famous AK, in the USA it was the M14, which is not often mentioned today, and the Bundeswehr received the Heckler & Koch G3 at its disposal. This rifle was notable primarily for the fact that its designers did not use the already familiar gas-operated principle of automatic operation, preferring a semi-blowback mechanism.

From the very beginning it was clear that the HK G3 would be too long and bulky for tank and armored vehicle drivers. Therefore, the question arose about creating a submachine gun designed specifically for this category of military personnel. The rifle was put into service in 1959, and in the same year German designers began creating a compact weapon, which received the initial designation HK 54. The number “5” meant that we were talking about a submachine gun, and “4” indicated that It is supposed to use a 9x19 mm cartridge.

The HK54 was based on the G3, which is easy to see when looking at the two weapons. This decision was logical in its own way: it simplified both the training of soldiers and renovation work. In addition, it was not difficult to guess that since automation can cope with powerful rifle cartridges 7.62x51, then switching to weaker pistol ammunition will not be difficult.

Heckler Koch's initial plans were not destined to come true - the army did not want to adopt the HK54. But the submachine gun did not go unclaimed - the German government considered that it would be perfect for the police. In addition, this weapon, officially designated HK MP5 (Maschinenpistole 5), was handed over to border guards.

One of the first famous examples The use of a new submachine gun was an attempt to free Israeli athletes captured by Arab terrorists during the Olympics in Munich in 1972. Unfortunately, the operation has ended a complete failure- all the hostages were killed. This tragedy prompted the German government to create a special unit, GSG 9, whose employees were armed with MP-5s. It was these fighters who became a kind of “advertising agents” who were the first to introduce their colleagues from other countries Western countries with the capabilities of German compact weapons.

In 1977, the GSG-9 squad, using MP5, neutralized the terrorists who hijacked a Lufthansa airliner. The success was obvious, however, the real finest hour for the submachine gun came on May 5, 1980, when soldiers of the British special unit SAS freed hostages held by Arab terrorists in the Iranian Embassy in London. For a variety of reasons, this operation, codenamed “Nimrod,” was widely covered by television and the press, and, as they say, “in real time.” The shocked public learned for the first time about the very existence of SAS. Considering that all participants in the operation were armed with an MP5, the worldwide fame of this submachine gun was ensured from that moment on.

Of course, Heckler Koch's designers didn't sit idle either: throughout the 70s they developed several new modifications of the MP5, the most significant of which were the MP5SD and MP5K. Nevertheless, it is precisely thanks to the means mass media the submachine gun became known all over the world. The results were immediate: over the years since then, the MP5 submachine gun has appeared in service in more than 50 different countries around the world. It is interesting that Britain officially acquired the first batch of German submachine guns only in 1984.

MP5 is still produced and used today, and no fundamental changes have appeared in its design. This submachine gun is still holding its position, although it can hardly be called an ideal weapon, rather an “ordinary” one.

Description of design

When creating the MP5, a modular principle was applied. This means that the submachine gun is something like a simple construction kit that can be assembled in different variations. For example, you can separate the permanent stock and install a metal sliding stock in its place, and this whole operation will not take even half a minute.

The receiver of the weapon is made of steel by stamping - cheap and practical. The trigger mechanism (trigger) housed in it is made integral with the trigger guard and pistol grip. It is easy to fold it down and remove it.

MP5 uses several variants of this node:

1. The trigger has two positions – “safe” and “single fire”. Installed on civilian and police versions;
2. USM for three positions - added continuous fire mode;
3. USM for four positions - the ability to fire a burst of a fixed length (two or three rounds) has been introduced.

Replacing one firing mechanism on the other, thanks to the modular principle, there is no difficulty. The firing mode translator is double-sided and can be easily controlled with one finger.

The reload lever is located at the top of the submachine gun, its handle is turned to the left. It is possible to lock the bolt in the open position - this is sometimes necessary in order to cool the parts after intense shooting.

The MP5 sight is diopter and consists of a front sight protected by a steel ring and a set of “holes” of different diameters placed in a drum rear sight.

Operating principle of a submachine gun

Position A – just before the shot, B – start of recoil, C – recoil completed, cartridge case ejected, spring ready to return bolt group to position A

The MP 5 mechanisms work when firing this weapon something like this:

1. The shooter pulls back the reloading handle. At the same time, the chamber opens, and a cartridge is supplied from the magazine;
2. Moving in reverse direction under the influence of a spring, the bolt group “picks up” the cartridge. Dispatch is in progress. Special rollers located between the bolt body and the combat cylinder are at this moment forced into the grooves provided for them, located in the barrel coupling;
3. After pressing the trigger, a shot occurs, and the resulting powder gases begin to exert pressure on the bottom of the cartridge case;
4. The combat larva is pushed back. The rollers slow down this movement, while at the same time somewhat accelerating the rollback of the shutter body;
5. The pressure in the barrel decreases. At this point, the rollers are completely recessed into the bolt body, and the cartridge case is rolled back and ejected. At the same time, the return spring is compressed;
6. The cycle, starting from point 2, is repeated, only the descent is performed automatically until the trigger is released.

By slowing down the action and firing from the front sear, the MP5 provides fairly high accuracy when shooting from stable positions, especially with single fire.

Ammunition for MP5

The machine is fed from standard magazines. Their capacity can be 10 (for civilian versions of the weapon), 15 (for the MP5K modification), 30 and 40 rounds. The main type of ammunition for this submachine gun is 9x19 Parabellum.

This is a widely used cartridge throughout the world that enjoys an excellent reputation and is used in many other models of submachine guns.

There are also modifications of the MP5, created under special foreign orders for other types of ammunition. These are, in particular, .40S&W and “10 mm AUTO” cartridges.

Specifications

The performance characteristics of the MP-5 submachine gun are quite similar for all its modifications, changing noticeably only for versions with an integrated silencer:

The rear sight on all models is marked up to 100 meters, in increments of 25 m. The maximum weight of some submodifications reaches (without cartridges) 3.4 kg.

Pros and cons of a submachine gun

Over the years of practical operation, numerous owners of the Heckler and Koch MP 5 have repeatedly noted, first of all, the excellent ergonomics and ease of use of this weapon.

In addition, the following important advantages of the submachine gun should be mentioned:

1. Ease and speed of conversion from one sub-modification to another, including replacement of the trigger;
2. High quality manufacturing of all parts and their reliability, structural strength as a whole;
3. Good accuracy and accuracy of fire from stable positions;
4. The weapon is easily controlled when firing in bursts; it can be returned to the original aiming line without effort;
5. Can be installed on MP5 additional equipment– tactical flashlight, improved sight and other useful devices;
6. An excellent bullet energy value for this class of weapon has been achieved.

Of course, it was not without its drawbacks. One of the most obvious is redundancy. large mass some modifications. MP5SD3, for example, weighs 3.4 kg without ammunition, that is, the same as an equipped automatic carbine, but this is a weapon of a completely different class, much more powerful and long-range.

There are other shortcomings:

1. Increased manufacturing complexity and cost of MP This is due to the selected operating principle of the automation;
2. Sensitivity to pollution and high maintenance requirements;
3. Difficulty in replacing an incompletely used magazine;
4. Poor compatibility with some types of 9x19 cartridges.

When testing the submachine gun by Russian special forces soldiers, frequent delays in firing were also noted. It is possible that this was caused by the use of inappropriate ammunition.

Main modifications of MP5

Experts count about a hundred different variants of the submachine gun. Most of them have only minor differences. Initially, this weapon was produced in the MP5A1 and MP5A2 modifications. The first option was equipped with a telescopic sliding butt, and the second - with a permanent plastic one. Then modifications appeared with an improved four-position trigger.

More significant changes were required for the appearance of a submachine gun with an integrated silencer, designated MP5SD. The designers of Heckler and Koch, when creating this weapon, did not develop a special “subsonic” cartridge. Instead, they artificially reduced the bullet's speed by making special holes in the barrel connected to the silencer chamber. This made it possible to reduce the volume of the shot so much that it became difficult to distinguish it at distances of more than 30 meters.

In 1976, another notable modification appeared in the Heckler and Koch MP5 line - MP5K. It was the most reduced and shortened version of the submachine gun. Such weapons are perfect for intelligence officers in civilian clothes and can be carried concealed.

Separately, mention can be made of the MP5SF, intended to arm the British police and American FBI employees. The main difference between this modification is the absence of a burst firing mode.

Another variant, the MP5N (N stands for "Navy"), was produced for the needs of the American navy. The only noticeable difference is that the barrel of the submachine gun has a thread for installing a silencer.

Despite the fact that the MP5 hardly has a noticeable advantage over its numerous analogues, it will remain in service for a long time. various countries peace. This is facilitated by both its “cinematic” fame and the excellent reputation of German gunsmiths. At the same time, the potential for modernizing the submachine gun has apparently been exhausted. It can be assumed that they will try to adapt it to more powerful ammunition, since the standard 9x19 cartridge often turns out to be powerless when shooting at an enemy protected by body armor.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

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 the requirements of modern times.

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 easy version, a small-caliber and compact rifle in the “bullup” version with great accuracy. In this case, the clip is structurally attached above the barrel, the cartridges in it are defined in diameter to 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 a 47 mm caliber). The updated rifle could fire single shots and fire in automatic mode, both in 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 circuit of the weapon operates due to the kinetic energy of the powder gases released after the shot and the 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 part, 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. When firing automatically in fixed bursts, after every third shot the movable system comes to the rearmost position, while the recoil force acts after the end of the shooting, thereby achieving greater accuracy of fire (by analogy with the domestic AN-94 “Abakan” assault rifle).
The first modifications of the G11 were equipped with a fixed, single-magnification optical sight, which is also used when carrying the 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 Heckler&Koch G11

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