Heckler & Koch's 5.56mm HK416 is beginning to show up in more and more places, including foreign militaries and the Marine Corps, where a variation of the weapon known as the M27 infantry automatic rifle could eventually replace many M249 squad automatic weapons downrange.
It should come as no surprise, then, that HK would try to capitalize on the gas-piston weapon's increasing popularity. This week at SHOT Show, the company is unveiling its new HK416C, a compact variant of the weapon with a 9-inch barrel, about 7 1/2 inches shorter than a standard HK416. It's envisioned as a personal defense weapon with a lot of punch, the kind of firearm that would be helpful in providing personal security.
The rifle has a large amount of commonality with other HK416 models, but incorporates a new retractable buttstock and buffer system that has a spring riding up into the bolt carrier. Of note: With buttstock retracted, its just 22 inches long -- in the same neighborhood as HK's MP5, a 9mm sub-machine gun that is used by special operators, Force Reconnaissance Marines, and other hard-chargers. It doesn't have it in the photograph above, but it also will be equipped with a larger MP5-style buttstock.
HK also is showcasing its MR556A1, a new commercial variant of the HK416. It has been adapted to prevent it from being fired in full-auto.
