Heckler and Koch weapon carbine. Video: Heckler & Koch G11 assault rifle. The history of the creation and development of weapons Heckler & Koch MP5

Previously supplying hunting carbines to Russia, it also supplied sporting pistols.

To date, the range of pistols of this company in Russia is represented by the P30LS and USP models (three modifications). But about the pistols themselves a little lower.

History of Heckler & Koch

The history of Heckler und Koch begins in 1949, in December, when the former leading engineers of the Mauser plant (former, because in 1945 the French troops completely destroyed the Mauser plant) officially registered Heckler und Koch GmbH. At the origins of the company were

However, in the post-war years, the production of weapons for the company was not a priority. H&K began its activity with the production of sewing machines, machine-building equipment, and measuring equipment.

The situation changed radically in 1956. For arming the Bundeswehr, a new weapon was required due to the adoption of the American T-65 cartridge (7.62X51 mm) as the standard NATO rifle and machine gun ammunition.

Using the developments of the Mauser company, H&K engineers created a rifle that went into service in 1959. The G3 automation system was borrowed from one of the developments of the Mauser company (semi-free shutter with roller deceleration) and became a kind of hallmark of many types of weapons manufactured under the H&K brand. The rifle turned out to be very successful, both in terms of reliability and in terms of cost, since H&K engineers made extensive use of stamping instead of expensive machining.

Pistol Heckler & Koch USP

In mid-1989, H&K began developing a new pistol, which was primarily intended for the American gun market (as a service and civilian pistol).

The new pistol was named USP - Universal Selbstlade Pistole (Universal Self-Loading Pistol).

As a result, the H&K USP pistol really turned out to be universal and suited the various requirements of different customers. Today, the USP pistol has ten options for the functioning of the USM.

1. Self-cocking USM (double action) with a fuse on the left side of the frame. Pressing the safety lever down from the “fire” position removes the trigger from the cocking, after which the lever automatically returns to the “fire” position.

2. Same as type 1, but the lever is on the right side of the frame.

3. Self-cocking USM (double action), the lever on the left side of the frame performs only the function of a safe trigger release.

4. Similar to option 3, but the lever is on the left side of the frame.

5. Only self-cocking USM with a safety lever on the left side of the frame.

6. Similar to option 5 with fuse on the right side of the frame.

7. Only self-cocking USM without external fuses.

8. Option for P8 pistol (see below).

9. Self-cocking USM (double action) with a fuse on the left side of the frame. There is no safety trigger function.

10. Similar to type 9, but the lever is on the right side of the frame.

In addition to Germany, where USP pistol variants are in service with the army and a number of police forces, USP series pistols are widely used in the United States, including services such as INS (Immigration & Naturalization Service), Secret Service (security service for senior officials, including the President United States), the US Navy, as well as a number of major police departments. At the same time, if in Europe pistols of the USP series are used in the version for a 9-mm cartridge, then in the USA the options under .40 S&W (both full-size and compact), .45 ACP and .357 SIG (compact) are popular.

In general, pistols of the USP series are distinguished by the highest reliability and survivability, good shooting accuracy.

USP pistols use a modified Browning automation scheme using the recoil energy of the barrel during its short stroke.

The clutch of the barrel with the shutter is carried out by a massive protrusion in the breech breech with a window for ejection of cartridges on the shutter.

Pistol barrel Heckler&Koch USP Custom Sport 9×19

Pistol barrel Heckler&Koch USP Expert .40 S&W

The reduction of the barrel during disengagement from the bolt occurs when the figured tide under the barrel interacts with an inclined groove made in the rear part of the return spring guide rod. The return spring rod is made as a single module with two return springs - main and buffer.

Heckler&Koch USP pistol recoil rod

In this case, the main spring interacts with the bolt, and the buffer spring serves to soften the impact of the return rod on the transverse pin of the frame at the moment the barrel and bolt are disengaged.

Three modifications of the Heckler & Koch USP pistol

At the time of publication of the article, three (a total of nine) modifications of the Heckler & Koch USP pistol are delivered to Russia: Heckler & Koch USP, Heckler & Koch USP Expert (in two calibers - 9 × 19 mm and .40 S&W) and Heckler & Koch USP Custom Sport (also in two calibers - 9 × 19 mm and .40 S&W).

It is worth noting that USP and USP Custom Sport are included in the list of pistols for the Production class.

Technical characteristics of the Heckler & Koch USP pistol:

Caliber: 9×19 mm

Total length: 194 mm

Barrel length: 108 mm

Weight without cartridges: 0.72 kg

trigger mechanism: SA/DA

Magazine capacity: 15

Technical characteristics of the Heckler&Koch USP Expert pistol:

Caliber: 9x19mm (.40S&W)

Total length: 224 mm

Barrel length: 132 mm

Weight without cartridges: 1.038 kg (1.043 kg)

trigger mechanism: SA/DA

Magazine capacity: 18 (16)

Specifications pistol Heckler & Koch USP Custom Sport:

Caliber: 9x19mm (.40S&W)

Total length: 194 mm

Barrel length: 108 mm

Weight without cartridges: 0.72 kg (0.821 kg)

trigger mechanism: SA/DA

Magazine capacity: 15 (14)

In addition to performance characteristics, all three modifications also have additional differences, which are determined by the tasks facing the weapon.

On the USP modification, the rear sight and front sight are not adjustable, but with white dots applied to them to improve shooting performance at night. On USP Expert and USP Custom Sport modifications, the rear sight has horizontal and vertical adjustments. However, the height of the front sight on these models is different. The Custom Sport has a higher front sight height.

The non-adjustable rear sight of the H&K USP pistol on the left and the adjustable rear sight of the H&K Custom Sport pistol on the right.

The height difference between the front sights of the USP Custom Sport (left) and USP Expert (right) modifications.

The Custom Sport modification has a one-way slide delay, but a two-way fire safety.

USP Custom Sport on the bottom and USP Expert on the top

All three modifications of the H&K USP pistols have a double-sided magazine ejection latch. Working with it is intuitive and clear. Even if the shooter is wearing gloves, changing the magazine will not cause problems.

The USP Custom Sport and USP Expert modifications have a trigger travel adjustment screw on the trigger (it is visible in the photo above). With this adjustment, the shooter will be able to "adjust" the length of the combat stroke of the trigger "for himself." The USP modification comes with a standard trigger, without this option.

The H&K USP pistol modification comes with a standard magazine and does not have a grip expander.

The USP Custom Sport also does not have a grip expander, but the heel of the magazine of this modification has a protrusion for the shooter's little finger.

In addition to the increased-capacity magazine (18 rounds for caliber 9×19 mm and 16 rounds for caliber .40S&W), the USP Expert also includes a magazine expander.

It should be noted that any of the presented models has the ability to install a handle neck expander as an option. This makes it possible to use an increased capacity magazine, as on the USP Expert.

All three modifications of the gun are supplied in cases. For USP and USP Custom Sport, this is a regular plastic case with a company logo.

USP Expert comes in a metal case with a transport lock.

And for all three versions, a shooting factory pistol target is included in the kit. Shooting is carried out from a distance of 15 meters.

Pistol Heckler & Koch P30L (S)

In our case, the name of the gun has a postscript, in the form of the Latin letter "S", which means the presence of a flag fuse.

The H&K P30L pistol is one of the latest developments from Heckler und Koch Gmbh. Release of the pistol started in 2006; its prototype was the non-serial pistol H&K P3000

Pistol Heckler&Koch P3000

first shown at international gun shows the year before.

Pistol Heckler&Koch P30L

Specifications pistol Heckler & Koch P30L:

Caliber: 9×19 mm

Total length: 181 mm

Barrel length: 98 mm

Weight without cartridges: 0.74 kg

trigger mechanism: CDA/DA

Magazine capacity: 15

The P30L pistol is a further development of the rather successful "police" pistol H & KP2000.

The P30L is positioned by the manufacturer primarily as a universal weapon that allows you to adapt the pistol to the widest requirements as much as possible by choosing various options for the firing mechanism and by selecting the handle elements of the desired shape from the supplied kit.

The HK P30L pistol uses a Browning-type automatic, using recoil energy with a short barrel stroke. Locking when fired is provided by the clutch of one lugs in the breech breech with the bolt through the window for ejection of cartridges.

Pistol barrel Heckler&Koch P30L

The reduction of the barrel when unlocking is provided by a figured cutout in the tide under the barrel, which interacts with the axis of the slide stop.

The frame of the gun is made of impact-resistant and high-quality plastic.

Heckler&Koch P30L pistol frame

The pistol grip is also made modular, with interchangeable butt pads and side cheeks of the handle.

Each pistol comes with a set of three butt pads and pairs of cheek pads, labeled S (small), M (medium) and L (large) according to their size.

The third set of recoil pads and cheeks is installed directly on the gun

The frame of the gun has a Picatinny rail, and allows mounting various accessories.

The sights are fixed, with reflective inserts for easy aiming in the dark.

In the photo, to the left of the trigger is the safe (smooth) descent button

The slide stop levers and magazine latches are duplicated on both sides of the weapon.

All over the world pistols manufactured by Heckler & Koch have already earned high praise. Now it is the turn of Russian shooters and sportsmen to test, test and, we hope, appreciate the weapons of this brand.

In this review, we will look at one of the best assault rifles in the world, a favorite of mercenaries and special forces around the world - Heckler-Koch G36. Perhaps this is one of the most unusual rifles that I had to shoot. The first impression that this weapon makes is its external fragility and lightness, that most of the elements are made of plastic, you can immediately see it, and the plastic is very similar to the one from which toys are made, but only externally.

Clear edges, an interesting, one might even say unusual design, soft and pleasant to the touch polymer of the receiver and stock, everything looks very harmonious and a little futuristic. However, when you take the Heckler-Koch G36 in your hands, you understand that the polymer from which it is made is very heavy, since the weight is quite large (3.6 kg without cartridges) for a rifle mostly made of plastic. For example, AK-74 with more metal in the design weighs only 3.2 kg.

As they explained to me, it's all about the stiffeners that are along the entire length of the receiver and butt. This makes the design even more resistant to damage and deformation than the AK-74. The gaps throughout the rifle are minimal, there is no pitching of the butt and forearm, and this despite the age of ten and almost daily use. The Germans, as always, are on top.

The pistol grip is very comfortable., slightly narrows towards the top, which allows you to hold it tighter even in wet hands, and a small protrusion at the base prevents the little finger from jumping off. The fuse is double-sided, three-position with a very soft stroke and a clear information content of switching on. At the same time, it practically does not make any sounds, which the arrow does not unmask in silence. It is located under the thumb of the shooter, this allows you to bring the machine into a combat state without removing your hand from the handle. The cocking handle is located in the upper front of the bolt carrier, which protrudes above the receiver.

The handle itself can be rotated 90 degrees to the right or left, or is straight (in the stowed position, which avoids self-cocking). It is most convenient to turn the handle to the left. This is what professional fighters do, because it is easier to remove the left hand from the forearm, while the right hand is on the pistol grip, and you are always ready to open fire. The magazine latch is plastic, small in size and tight, if the hand is in a thick glove, then skill is required to disconnect the magazine. The only plus is that the edges are rounded and do not cut fingers when pressed.

Myself the store is made of transparent plastic, according to experts, it is more convenient to control the amount of ammunition. Stores are also equipped with latches that allow them to be connected in pairs of two or more pieces. The disadvantage of such stores is thin plastic and, as a result, their fragility in severe frost. Cracks form from impacts or whole pieces break out, and the magazines themselves are deformed, which leads to the cartridge skew during feeding into the chamber.

During development, the task was to unify the rifle under the NATO standard, as a result of which you can use any standard magazine chambered for 5.56 × 45 mm. It is quite common to find fighters with aluminum magazines, as they are more durable and not prone to deformation. A Beta-C disc twin for a machine gun is also suitable. It is quite reliable, but heavy. It is with her that it is most convenient to shoot while standing from the G36 in bursts.

The forearm is massive, but very comfortable in size and shape, made of rough polymer. Of the minuses, one can note the strong heating of the forearm during intense shooting (there is no reflector screen like in the AK-74) and the absence of Picatinnyrail type guides. Although there are standard factory bipod rails, an AG36 underbarrel grenade launcher and a tactical handle.

A little later, the G36KV3 model, so beloved by American fighters, will appear. It is equipped with an optional handguard, shorter barrel, telescopic buttstock and folding open sights. It is this version of the rifle that I consider the best of all.

Frame stock with soft butt pad, folds to the right side. The release button is located on the left, and is a little inconvenient due to its “recessed” placement, and the dressing pack completely refuses to fit into the butt slot.

A separate point is to consider sights. All standard G-36 rifles are equipped with two iron sights and include both optical and red dot sights.

The Hensoldt HKV optical sight has a 3.5x magnification. Correction scale and rangefinder grid, marked up to 800 m.

Quite a tolerable parody of a normal sight, besides, it is protected by a handle for carrying a rifle and there is little chance of damaging it. However, with frequent blows to the rifle, it gets knocked down and it has to be constantly brought to an accurate battle, besides, in the rain it slightly, but fogs up, which worsens aiming at distances further than 200 meters.

The Zeiss red dot red dot sight is equipped with a light accumulating system.. This allows him to work in daylight without the use of power sources, however, when it enters the premises, the dot goes out and you need to be distracted by turning on the sight. Battery-powered forced illumination is used for night-time operation. 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.

It is very inconvenient to use the collimator, the viewing angle of this sight is quite small, and this does not allow you to properly control the surrounding space in battle. For export models, even such a sight was not available, and the standard Hensoldt HKV was replaced with a 1.5x sight.

Open sights in the form of a rear sight and a front sight in some models have been replaced with a longitudinal slot in the aiming bar, for me personally this is an unacceptable mistake, especially for an assault rifle. Two years later, this collimator sight will be abandoned, replacing it with a NATO-standard Picatinny rail located on top of the carrying handle. And a year later, the handle with integrated optics will be replaced by a “high” Picatinny rail located above the receiver.

Flash suppressor on a medium efficiency rifle and is only worth it to protect the cut of the trunk. Instead, PBS can be installed. The bayonet-knife is almost a 100% copy of ours for the AK-74, however, the quality of plastic and metal is many times better and it has a sharpening.

The Heckler-Koch G-36 rifle has automation similar to the American AR-18 rifles based on a gas engine with a short stroke gas piston. The barrel is locked by turning the bolt by 7 lugs. The rotary bolt is located in the bolt frame, which moves along one guide rod, on which a return spring is put on. The frame itself is made of light alloy, which reduces muzzle flip when firing.

The gas piston fits rather tightly against 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 G-36 rifle sometimes wedges (especially if the ammunition is damp).

Accuracy and accuracy of the battle is excellent, at a distance of 200 meters, a burst of five rounds all falls into a growth target. But at a distance of more than 450 meters, the accuracy drops sharply, and even single fire is not very effective, only 60% (with a Hensoldt HKV sight). The recoil is soft with a slight upward pull, but easily controlled. The sound of the shot is muffled and pleasant.

Rate of fire approximately 750 rds / min, which is optimal for rifles of this class. Shooting can be carried out both with single shots and with fully automatic fire. The standard G-36 rifle also has a cutoff of two rounds (scattering at a distance of 100 m is only 3 cm), but the export ones only have three (here the dispersion increases to 4 cm).

The rifle is built on a pseudo-modular type, all parts are connected with pins. For disassembly, no tools other than a cartridge are required. For routine maintenance and cleaning, incomplete disassembly is sufficient, but cleaning itself is rather difficult. The inconvenient location of the barrel and gas chamber makes it necessary to spend a lot of time cleaning them well. But the banal absence of a ramrod (it is absent in the machine and is in the maintenance kit) will not allow cleaning this weapon at all.

The German cleaning kit itself is stingy: folding ramrod, brush, oil. And that's all, no screwdrivers, no wiping and oil, by the way, only one kind. If dirt gets into the trigger, it remains only to replace it (fortunately, they are exactly the same and do not require adjustment, unlike AK parts) or rinse with gasoline (kerosene, diesel fuel), it is simply impossible to disassemble the block for normal cleaning in field conditions.

The bottom line is this: a truly German rifle with high accuracy and accuracy of combat, designed for the conditions of modern combat, where you can always service the weapon in a timely manner or hand it in for repair to the artefacturer. Weapons more for special forces than for the regular army. An excellent example of a combination of rigor and practicality.

And everything would be fine, only this miracle of the weapons structure is not worth the money that is asked for it. Modern ones, if they are inferior to this rifle, are a little, but they cost two, or even three times cheaper. Of course, for me personally, this weapon will remain the ideal of weapon craftsmanship, but ideals have no place on the battlefield.

Modifications :

G36- basic variant, automatic rifle.

G36K (Kurz)- a shortened version, an assault rifle with a barrel length of 318 mm.

G36C (Compact)- machine gun with a barrel length of 228 mm and a Picatinny rail for attaching various sights instead of a carrying handle.

G36V and G36KV(previously designated as G36E and G36KE) - export options, differing only in the presence of an optical sight with a magnification of 1.5X.

G36KV2- a variant 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 sights, but instead uses a thin longitudinal groove. In addition, on the KV2 modification, a “cheek pad” is installed on the regular frame buttstock.

G36KV3- the most non-standard export version of the G36, featuring a 16-inch barrel (407 mm, for the regular G36 - 480 mm, and for the G36K - 318 mm) with a standard slotted flash hider and a bayonet-knife mount; modified gas outlet block; "low" aluminum Picatinny rail with folding fixed sights, including front sight and diopter; as well as a telescopic folding butt.

G36KA4- the export version, which is in service with the Lithuanian army, differs from the standard G36 by installing an aluminum forearm and an aluminum Picatinny rail with integral sights, manufactured by Brugger & Thomet.

H.K.MG36- light machine gun based on the G36 rifle. It has a weighted barrel near the chamber and bipod (not mass-produced).

SL-8- self-loading rifle for the civilian market.

/Sergey Sviridov - sniper, small arms specialist, ohrana.ru/

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

Description of the Heckler&Koch SLB 2000 carbine

Semi-automatic carbine with detachable box magazine. The reloading mechanism works on the principle of a gas engine, taking part of the powder gases from the bore. Shutter with rotating larva. The stock is semi-pistol, with a steeply set, well-defined handle.

A set of external sights consists of a Batyu rail or a 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.

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 quality of the barrel, but also the use of a bolt with a rotating larva, on which there are two rows of lugs, three in each. Thanks to this design solution, the Heckler & Koch SLB 2000 breech locking density is no worse than that of bolt rifles.
• The design of the gas engine consists of four parts: a piston, a return spring and two rods of the bolt carrier. Therefore, this semi-automatic is more reliable than both Browning Bar and Benelli Argo.
• However, the SLB 2000 is not an expedition shotgun that can work without a hitch for months without seeing a proper cleaning. Judging by the reviews on the Web, the only type of ammunition with which this carbine works flawlessly is the Dynamite Nobel brand cartridges.
• The ergonomics of the weapon is well thought out, very comfortable for shooting from any stock position, all controls are accessible without any extra effort. It is relatively light and compact.
• The safety flag is located on the butt plate of the receiver, it can be operated without being distracted from the aiming line. The trigger pull is adjustable. Its value 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-shot removable bunker. The cartridges are stacked in two rows, which speeds up the loading process.

A complete set of external sights and the ability to install a rail for optical sights make this weapon universal, suitable for any type of hunting. The same can be said about the set of calibers offered by the manufacturer. A range from .308 Win to 300 WM allows you to choose a pattern with which it is appropriate to go on a roe deer and a 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 storehouses.

Varieties

The manufacturer offers the following set of calibers:

• 7 X 64
• .308Win,
• 30-06 Spring,
• 9.3×62,
• as well as 300 WM.

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

Specifications

Design

• Self-loading magazine carbine that works using the principle of a gas engine.
• Stainless steel barrel, blued, cold forged rifling. On Magnum models, a muzzle brake-compensator is installed.
• The receiver is made of thick-walled aluminum, made by milling. The connection with the barrel is threaded. On the top edge of the cover, holes are made for attaching a strap for optical sights.
• A bolt with a rotating larva having six lugs - two rows of three each.
• Trigger mechanism with the ability to adjust the trigger force from 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms. The fuse box is located on the butt plate 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.
• Shop box-shaped, removable, two-row. The latch is located on the right side of the front branch of the trigger guard.
• After shooting the last cartridge, the shutter becomes delayed. To remove it, on the left side of the receiver is a lever with a corrugated prismatic button.
• A set of sights consists of a rear sight (it can be either in the form of a Batyu strap 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, there is only a Picatinny rail.
• The stock of the basic models is semi-pistol, made of Bavarian walnut wood. The butt pad is unregulated, with a shock-absorbing pad. The Magnum models are equipped with a black plastic stock, the comb of which has an adjustable height, and the butt plate can be moved vertically. A bipod is attached to its forearm.

Completion and packaging

The weapon is supplied in a hard case. The package may include a magazine for 10 rounds, cleaning tools, an optical sight. Instructions for use and a passport are attached.

Operating principle

• The reloading of weapons occurs due to the selection of part of the powder gases from the barrel. They act on the piston, which, through the rods, pushes the bolt carrier back, forcing the larva to turn and disengage the lugs from the breech of the barrel. With this movement, the sleeve is removed and the percussion mechanism is cocked. On the way back, the bolt carrier picks up a cartridge from the magazine and sends it to the chamber. After the cartridges are used up, the shutter frame becomes delayed in the rearmost position.
• To equip 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 bunker first with the front edge, and then with the rear, after which it is pressed in until a characteristic click.
• To feed a cartridge into the chamber, pull the bolt back by holding its handle. Then release it so that it returns under the action of the return mechanism spring. If you do not want to fire immediately, put the weapon on the safety by moving the slider on the butt plate of the receiver down until a white dot appears.
• If the bolt carrier is on a delay, 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.

Disassembly

1. Discharge the weapon, for which remove the magazine from the bunker and distort the bolt carrier.
2. Unscrew the two screws on the bottom edge of the forearm with a hex wrench, remove it.
3. Unscrew two (slotted on both sides of the receiver) hex keys two bolts holding the halves of the receiver.
4. Separate the upper half of the receiver assembly with the barrel and bolt carrier.
5. Remove the two lock washers securing the bolt carrier rods to the piston.
6. Using a flat head screwdriver, depress the latch of the bolt handle and remove it in a forward motion.
7. Remove the bolt carrier together with the rods from the receiver, remove the rods.
8. Unscrew the two screws securing the spring guide, remove it and remove the piston from the gas chamber.
9. On the butt plate of the shutter stem, press the latch, remove the pin, remove the striker.
10. Remove the shutter cover.
11. Take out the larva.

On April 7, the RIA Novosti news agency reported that the parliamentary opposition to the Bundestag announced its intention to investigate the activities of the German Ministry of Defense in the field of arms procurement. The reason for this decision was the recent statement by German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen about the presence of technical flaws in the G36 rifle, which is in service with the Bundeswehr.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen
news19.ru

The 5.56 caliber G36 assault rifle manufactured by the German arms company Heckler & Koch has been in service with the German army since 1996 and is available in basic, shortened, compact and export versions. In addition, the G36 design was used as the basis for the production of the HK MG36 machine gun and SL-18 self-loading rifles for the civilian market. Since the start of production of the G36 rifle, the Bundeswehr has purchased almost 180 thousand units of this weapon from the manufacturer.

G36 assault rifle is in service in more than forty countries around the world
seal-team-pro.livejournal.com

The weight of the rifle in its various modifications ranges from 3.3 to 3.8 kilograms (for the compact version of the G36C - less than 3 kilograms), and its length without a stock ranges from 500 to 760 millimeters. Structurally, the G36 model is an improved version of the AR-18 rifle, created in the USA in the early 60s and served as a model for small arms in many countries of the world. The German rifle has automation similar to the American prototype (the principle of operation of which is based on the removal of powder gases from the bore), but at the same time it has some design differences.

American rifle AR-18,
served as the prototype for the G36
onopi.at.webry.info

While the American manufacturer, striving for ease of production and cheaper products, used non-deficient materials in the design, the use of a large number of polymeric materials became a distinctive feature of the German rifle. In particular, its magazine is made of transparent plastic, which in combat conditions allows you to visually control the amount of remaining ammunition. For the manufacture of metal parts of the rifle, modern metalworking methods were used, including shaped steel and powder metallurgy technologies. The use of plastics in the design of the G36 did not lead to a reduction in the weight of the weapon; moreover, the German rifle is 10-15% heavier than its American prototype.

G36 assault rifle variants
forum.nationstates.net

The design features of the G36 rifle also include the absence of a mechanical sighting bar and front sight traditional for small arms (instead of them, a permanent optical sight with a laser designator is installed on a special handle for carrying weapons). The sight has a threefold increase and is designed for shooting at distances from 200 to 800 meters. For firing at distances of less than 200 meters, a collimator sight is additionally installed on top of the optical sight. The design of the rifle is made in such a way that it is equally convenient to shoot from it for both right-handers and left-handers, since the cocking handle can be moved both to the right and to the left side of the upper part of the receiver. Magazines are designed for 30 rounds of standard NATO caliber 5.56x45mm and are easily mounted in pairs or threes. In military operations and peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Mali and the Balkans, the rifle proved to be a reliable weapon with good accuracy of fire and a large resource of durability.

Signals that the G36 assault rifle has serious technical flaws began to arrive several years ago. So, in 2012, the Spiegel magazine was the first to publish an article stating that during the tests of this weapon, conducted by the Bundeswehr, facts of barrel overheating were revealed, as a result of which the accuracy of fire decreased noticeably. The topic was picked up by other media as well. In particular, the Bild daily published the data of an internal audit of the Bundeswehr technical center, which confirmed the presence of problems with aimed shooting due to barrel overheating. Protecting its product, Heckler & Koch entered into a real information war, explaining the appearance of critical materials in the press solely by the intrigues of competitors. As counterarguments, the gunsmiths presented the positive results of tests previously performed by the Federal Bureau of Defense Technology and Procurement when processing arms supplies to the Bundeswehr. The manufacturing company also pointed to the fact that for more than ten years of service life of the rifle in "hot spots" it had received no complaints from active military units.

The G36 rifle does not tolerate overheating well.
weathermed.com

However, checks of the G36 rifle, initiated by the media and interested organizations, confirmed the facts of its overheating during intensive shooting, as well as a noticeable deterioration in accuracy. Complaints have also been made about plastic magazines that are not strong enough and often break, causing the cartridges to skew. Neither the manufacturer's attempts to shift the blame to subcontractors and component suppliers, nor the decision of the federal government to suspend the purchase of G36 rifles for the Bundeswehr, did not reduce the sharpness of criticism. German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, speaking in the Bundestag, acknowledged the problem, and this may mean the beginning of the search for another main model of small arms for the German army. In this case, Heckler & Koch will have to demonstrate their new developments and try to prove their superiority over products from other manufacturers.

Fame and popularity of this or that type of weapon is sometimes brought not so much by its outstanding tactical and technical characteristics, but by the degree of “exposure” in various Hollywood blockbusters. In this regard, the German Heckler Koch MP5 submachine gun is very lucky - it can be seen in many 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 “bright image” is a rather debatable 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.

The history of the creation and development of weapons Heckler & Koch MP5

After the end of World War II, it might seem that the "golden age" of submachine guns is 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 apply the gas-operated principle of automatic operation that had already become familiar, preferring the semi-free shutter mechanism.

From the very beginning, it was clear that the HK G3 would be too long and bulky for tankers and armored vehicle drivers. Therefore, the question arose of 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 to create a compact weapon, which received the initial designation HK 54. The number "5" meant that it was 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 repair work. In addition, it was not difficult to guess that since the automation can cope with powerful 7.62x51 rifle cartridges, the transition to a weaker pistol ammunition will not be difficult.

The original plans of heckler Koch 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, which received the official designation HK MP5 (Maschinenpistole 5), was handed over to the border guards.

One of the first known examples of 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 ended in 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-5. It was these fighters who became a kind of "advertising agents" who were the first to introduce their colleagues from other Western countries to the capabilities of German compact weapons.

In 1977, the GSG-9 detachment, using MP5, neutralized the terrorists who hijacked the Lufthansa airliner. The success was obvious, however, the real finest hour for the submachine gun came on May 5, 1980, when the fighters of the British special SAS unit freed the hostages held by Arab terrorists in the building of 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 first learned about the very existence of the SAS. Considering that all participants in the operation were armed with MP5, the world fame of this submachine gun from that moment was ensured.

Of course, the designers of Heckler Koch also did not sit idly by: during the 70s they developed several new modifications of the MP5, of which the MP5SD and MP5K became the most significant. Nevertheless, it was thanks to the media that the submachine gun was known all over the world. The results were not slow to affect: over the years since then, the MP5 submachine gun has been in service with more than 50 different countries of the world. It is interesting at the same time that Britain officially acquired the first batch of German submachine guns only in 1984.

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

Design Description

When creating MP5, a modular principle was applied. This means that the submachine gun is something like a simple designer that can be assembled in different variations. For example, you can separate the permanent stock and install a metal sliding stock instead, 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 (USM) placed in it is made one with the trigger guard and pistol grip. It is easy to fold it down and take it off.

The MP5 uses several variants of this node:

1. USM on two positions - "safe" and "single fire". Installed on civil and police variants;
2. USM on three positions - continuous fire mode has been added;
3. USM for four positions - the possibility of firing a burst of a fixed length (two or three rounds) has been introduced.

Replacing one trigger mechanism with another, thanks to the modular principle, is not difficult. The firing mode translator is double-sided, 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 shutter in the open position - this is sometimes necessary in order to cool the parts after intense shooting.

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

The principle of operation of the submachine gun

Position A - immediately before the shot, B - the beginning of the rollback, C - the rollback is completed, the cartridge case is ejected, the spring is ready to return the bolt group to position A

MP 5 mechanisms work when firing from this weapon like this:

1. The shooter pulls back the reload handle. The chamber at the same time opens, and a cartridge is fed from the magazine;
2. Moving in the opposite direction under the influence of a spring, the bolt group “picks up” the cartridge. Sending occurs. Special rollers located between the bolt body and the combat larva are forced out at this moment into the grooves provided for them, located in the barrel sleeve;
3. After pressing the trigger, a shot occurs, the resulting powder gases begin to exert pressure on the bottom of the sleeve;
4. The combat larva is pushed back. The rollers slow down this movement, while speeding up the rollback of the shutter body somewhat;
5. The pressure in the barrel is reduced. The rollers by this moment are completely recessed into the body of the shutter, 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 already performed automatically until the trigger is released.

By slowing down the movement of the bolt group and firing from the front sear, the MP5 provides fairly high accuracy from steady positions, especially with single fire.

Ammunition for MP5

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

It is a cartridge widely used throughout the world, which enjoys an excellent reputation and is used by many other models of submachine guns.

There are also modifications of the MP5, created by 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 close 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 these weapons.

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 the replacement of USM;
2. High quality workmanship 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 bursts, it can be easily returned to the original line of sight;
5. The ability to install additional equipment on the MP5 - a tactical flashlight, an improved sight and other useful devices;
6. Achieved a bullet energy value excellent for this weapon class.

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

There are other shortcomings:

1. Increased manufacturing complexity and cost MP This is due to the chosen principle of operation of automation;
2. Sensitivity to pollution and demanding care;
3. Difficulty replacing an incompletely used magazine;
4. Poor compatibility with some types of 9x19 cartridges.

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

Major modifications of the MP5

Experts have about a hundred different versions 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 completed with a telescopic sliding butt, and the second - with a permanent plastic one. Then there were modifications 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, creating this weapon, did not begin to develop a special "subsonic" cartridge. Instead, they artificially reduced the speed of the bullet 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 discreetly.

Separately, we can mention the MP5SF, designed to arm the British police and the American FBI. The main difference of this modification is the lack of a burst firing mode.

Another option - MP5N (N stands for "Navy") - was produced for the needs of the US Navy. The only noticeable difference is that a thread is applied to the barrel of the submachine gun, designed to install a silencer.

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

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