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Heckler & Koch MG5


HK 121


Introduction


H&K MG5

Right side view of intermediate model MG5. Note the large adjustable folding stock as present on the first large batch of German MG5.
Source: Heckler & Koch - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Germany
Type
Machine gun
Entered service
Mid to late 2010's
Status
In service
Development
2000's
Developer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Production
2015 - Present (series production)
Producer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Unit cost
About € 16.000, depending on accessories
Number produced
Over 15.000 by 2024
Designations
MG5 / Machinengewehr 5 (German service)
HK 121 (manufacturer index)
Notable users
Germany
Ukraine

Description


Introduction

The MG5 is a modern era machine gun of German origin. It was developed in the 2010's as a universal machine gun to replace the aging MG3 in German service, both with the infantry and on vehicles. For this reason ambitious requirements were set regarding reliability and long range accuracy.

Design

The design of the MG5 is an upscaled MG4. The MG5 uses a long stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. It fires from the open bolt position and has a quick change barrel. The shoulder stock is foldable, is adjustable in length and has an adjustable cheek riser. Since the MG5 is also intended for the sustained fire role it is a rather heavy and sturdy weapon.

Firepower

The MG5 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. In German service 50 round belts are carried in an assault pouch or 120 round belts are used from an ammunition box. In a vehicle or tripod position multiple belts can be linked. Rate of fire is adjustable depending on the gas setting. Practical effective range is up to 800 meters from the bipod, or up to 1.5 km on a tripod or vehicle mount.

Users

The MG5 has been adopted in quantity with Germany. It is used by the infantry, on tripods, on pintle mounts, in overhead weapon systems and as a coaxial machine gun. Several nations have acquired the MG5, mostly for their special forces units.

Variants


MG5

Regular full size model for infantry use. Features a full length barrel and fully adjustable folding stock. Used from the bipod or a tripod mount.

MG5 A1

Variant intended for use as a coaxial machine gun or remote weapon system. Fitted with a stubby pistol grip and ability for remote trigger operation. Lacks a stock and bipod, but these can be retrofitted for egress.

MG5 A2

Compact and more portable configuration of the MG5. Uses a shorter fluted barrel and grip pod. This configuration is intended for use by a single operation, such as in the special forces role.

Details


Facts MG5 MG5 A1 MG5 A2
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Machine gun
Caliber
Caliber
7.62x51mm NATO
Feed system
Belt feed
Barrel length
550 mm
Rifling
4 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
810 m/s
Operation
Action
Gas operated, long stroke gas piston, fires from open bolt position
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - F
Rate of fire
Three adjustable gas settings
680, 740 and 800 rpm
Dimensions
Stock type
Foldable, adjustable for length and cheek riser
Length
1.202 mm with stock fully extended
960 mm stock folded
Width
127 mm unloaded
146 mm stock folded
Height
241 mm unloaded
Weight
11.6 kg unloaded with adjustable folding stock
11.2 kg unloaded with solid folding stock
3.0 kg spare barrel
Sights
Mechanical
Flip-up post front, adjustable back-up sight rear
Sight radius
359 mm
Adjustment
Up to 400 m for back-up sight
Optics
Picatinny rail for mounting optical sights
Accessories
Bipod
Stowable adjustable bipod

Media


Related article


Heckler & Koch MG4

The MG5 is an upscaled development of the MG4 machine gun.

Rheinmetall MG3

The MG5 was developed as a universal machine gun to replace the MG3 in the infantry role, on the tripod and as a vehicle mounted weapon.