BOTH HK416 and HK433 Submitted to Bundeswehr Rifle Trials, H&K Confirms [AUSA 2017]

[Zarvan]

Representatives of the German gun manufacturing company Heckler & Koch confirmed today that the company has submitted both the HK416 assault rifle and the new HK433 modular assault rifle to the Bundeswehr’s System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr (SSB) rifle trials, which are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.



The decision to submit both rifles to the trials makes some sense, as there is some pressure for the German government to adopt a common rifle with the French, who just selected the HK416F as the winner of their AIF rifle program. This means that, if the HK416 performs well in trials, it could potentially have an additional edge over other competitors in the eyes of German politicians. If the race is a close one – and it seems like it might end up being one – that advantage could prove decisive for Heckler & Koch.

The HK433, though, offers some other potential advantages versus the HK416. It is ergonomically much closer to the existing G36 than the HK416, having been designed from the ground up with the Bundeswehrin mind (the HK416 was not). Also, it is reportedly more reliable than the HK416, which could prove important as – for all its faults – the G36 is widely considered to be a tremendously reliable weapon. The Bundeswehr is unlikely to be happy with a new weapon that is less reliable than their existing rifle, and if there is concern that the HK416 may not meet this standard the HK433 may be a hedge against that possibility. Finally, the HK433 is supposed to be much cheaper than the HK416, and more likely to win in a competitive bidding war between similarly-performing candidates.




http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...undeswehr-rifle-trials-hk-confirms-ausa-2017/

 

[Zarvan]

The HK433: Up Close and Personal at [AUSA 2017]

At the 2017 Association of the United States Army annual meeting, Heckler & Koch brought out a weapon much talked-about but not seen on a US show floor until now: The HK433 rifle. Designed on the heels of the G36 controversy and intended to add a modern, inexpensive modular rifle to the Heckler & Koch lineup, the HK433 melds the features of the HK416 and G36 together into a single platform. From the G36, it takes its basic operating mechanism, polymer lower receiver, and basic disassembly procedure, while from the HK416, it takes the AR-15-compatible magwell, barrel design, aluminum receiver construction, and AR-15 fire control group.



Speaking with Heckler & Koch representatives, TFB learned several detals about the new rifle that had not previously been published. First, the rifle, like the HK416, uses AR-15-compatible trigger elements, but these are assembled into a pack that drops into the receiver, similar to the G3 or MP5. Second, the receiver is extruded like an FN SCAR, not forged like an HK416. Third, two elements of the rifle were dictated by Bundeswehr requirements: the 45 degree safety, and the AR-pattern magazine well. The safety configuration is determined by the Bundeswehr’s doctrine of flicking the rifle off safe with the thumb, and flicking it back on with the index (trigger) finger, which thereby removes the trigger finger from the trigger guard. Also, the Bundeswehr apparently requested the use of AR magazines, though with the same style of magazine release as the G36. This suggests HK433 will not be offered with G36 pattern magazines, or at least not unless that is requested by a customer.



There will be more coverage of both the HK433 and AUSA, so stay tuned!

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/10/11/hk433-close-personal-ausa-2017/

 

[Saquib]

Is PA aware of this rifle? Have H & K send some samples for PA to test and may be adopt it as its new rifle?

 

[Zarvan]

Is PA aware of this rifle? Have H & K send some samples for PA to test and may be adopt it as its new rifle?

HK has stopped selling weapons to non NATO countries

 

[Saquib]

HK has stopped selling weapons to non NATO countries

What would happen if the Germans don't pick HK433? they will have to change their mind and offer the rifle for testing if accepted they could offer a TOT. Would they turn down chance for a big order from PAK army?
Me thinks No!

 

[Zarvan]

What would happen if the Germans don't pick HK433? they will have to change their mind and offer the rifle for testing if accepted they could offer a TOT. Would they turn down chance for a big order from PAK army?
Me thinks No!

They are not selling to non NATO countries