HK 417A2 battle rifle with 16.5-inch barrel, updated handguard and slimline stock.
Source: Heckler & Koch -
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The HK 417 is a modern era battle rifle / marksman rifle of German origin. The HK 417 is an upscaled development in 7.62x51mm NATO of the HK 416 in 5.56x45mm NATO. The HK 417 was first introduced around 2006, two years after the HK 416. Development started at the request of the German military for an assaulter style short barrel battle rifle. Early prototypes used G3 magazines before switching to proprietary magazines. Although starting out with a short barrel, the predominant versions of the HK 417 are long barrel models used in the marksman or precision rifle role.
The HK 417 is a gas operated rifle using a multi-lug rotating bolt. Like the HK 416 it uses a short stroke gas piston located above the barrel. The AR-15 design pattern is retained, including the controls, charging handle, buffer tube and two piece receiver. The translucent polymer magazines are dimensionally different from the SR-25 pattern, which can be considered the de facto standard in modern AR-10 style rifles. The HK 417 is available with several barrel length, with or without full auto capability, with standard or accurized barrels and variety of shoulder stocks and forearm designs. The design is highly modular and
The HK 417 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge from a 20 round magazine. Shorter 10 round magazines exist as well. It generally is a select-fire rifle with a cycle rate of fire of 600 rpm. In the marksman role it is often fitted with a semi-automatic only trigger group. The 20-inch barrel models have an effective range of 800 meters. Generally speaking the accuracy is much better than Cold War era battle rifles, but less than modern bolt-action precision rifles. As such the HK 417 is in the same categorie as other high end AR-10 pattern marksman rifles.
The HK 417 has seen widespread adopted in specialized military units, special operations forces and specialized law enforcement units. Most users are located in Europe, but can be found in the USA, South America and Asia as well. The short barrel assaulter models are least common, but in this very niche firearm category the HK 417 seems to be one of the weapons of choice. The recce and long barrel models are often used as a marksman rifle. Sometimes in a lightweight setup with low power (variable) optic, sometimes in a fully decked out setup with advanced high power optics, bipod, adjustable stock, etc.
The HK 417 with 12-inch barrel is the shortest in the HK 417 line-up. The compact size makes this variant most suitable to working in confined spaces. These are fitted with a short quad Picatinny rail free floating handguard.
The intermediate length HK 417 is used either as battle rifle or marksman rifle. Two barrel options have been offered, either a military grade or a precision barrel. Most common is the shorter handguard, but the longer 13 inch one can be fitted as well. Late production recce models have been seen with the 16.5-inch barrel. Possibly these are designated HK 417A1.
The HK 417 with the 20-inch barrel are commonly seen in the marksman role. These are fitted with the longer 13 inch free floating quad Picatinny rail forearms. Two barrel options have been offered, either a military grade or a precision barrel.
The shortest variant in the second-generation HK 417 is the 13-inch model. This has a barrel one inch longer than before. This includes all of the A2 updates including redesigned receiver, longer barrel interface, new gas port and wide array of new furniture.
Intermediate length version of the second generation. Often employed as a patrol or marksman rifle. The G28 and M110A1 are both derived from the mid length models, but then using a steel upper receiver.
Full length A2 model with the 20-inch barrel. Commonly used with a semi-automatic only trigger group and configured in the marksman rifle role.
Sniper rifle / designated marksman rifle based on the HK 417 design. This uses a strengthened steel upper receiver and lengthened quad rail handguard.
When configured for accuracy the HK 417 can be used in the role of a military semi-automatic sniper rifle. In German service several configurations of HK 417 have been adopted to replace the G3A3ZF and G3SG/1.
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