Heckler & Koch developed the HK416 for U.S. special operations forces as a major product improvement of M4/M16-type carbines and rifles. Using the HK-proprietary gas piston system found on the G36, the HK416 does not introduce propellant gases and carbon fouling back into the weapon’s interior, making it the most reliable of any M4/M16 type weapon.

The HK416 has been combat-proven in Southwest Asia and has also gained worldwide attention of military, law enforcement, and security users. In April 2007, the HK416 was selected as the new Norwegian Army rifle. The 10.4 inch barrel model is the shortest, most compact variant and is widely used by special operations, law enforcement, and military units worldwide.

In 2011, a variant of the HK416 with a 16.5 inch barrel was selected by the U.S. Marine Corps an their new M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) in an innovative program to create a highly accurate, lightweight, and more reliable alternative to many of their currently fielded light machine guns.

The origins of the HK416 began with the realization of the deficiencies of the direct gas impingement (gas tube) operating system found on conventional M4/M16-style weapons.

Input from the users of current M4/M16-type arms, high-speed video assessment, and extensive live-fire testing in extreme operational environments such as the U.S. Army Desert Proving Ground in Yuma, Arizona revealed multiple areas for weapon improvement.

Upgrades were made to the internal operating system and various component parts, improving reliability in best and worse case scenarios, with all types of ammunition, with all barrel lengths, and with and without sound suppressors attached.

Choice of  handguards include the HK free-floating 4-quadrant rail system (FFRS). The FFRS is designed by HK and allow all current accessories, sights, lights, and aimers used on M4/M16-type weapons to be fitted to the HK416. These HK rail systems can be installed and removed. Both are free-floating and do not touch the barrel or negatively affect the weapon’s accuracy.

The HK-proprietary gas system uses a piston driven operating rod to control the function of the bolt, preventing propellant gases and the associated carbon fouling from entering the weapon’s interior.

This increases the reliability of the weapon and extends the interval between stoppages. It also reduces operator cleaning time, heat transfer to the bolt and bolt carrier, and wear and tear on critical components.

The HK416 uses a barrel produced by Heckler & Koch’s famous cold hammer forging process; further improving reliability, service life, and operator safety during obstructed bore occurrences or in extreme extended firing sessions.

The highest quality steel is used in this unique manufacturing process producing a barrel that provides superior accuracy for more than 20,000 rounds with minimal degradation of accuracy and muzzle velocity. HK416 variants are available with multiple barrel lengths (see product list).

In addition to the improvements in the baseline weapon, HK has produced corrosion resistant steel magazines as well as a proprietary buffer system to further enhance functional reliability.

An HK add-on 40 x 46 mm grenade launcher module can also be quickly attached to the rail system without tools.

As the leading AR-based piston driven weapon system, the HK416 is unsurpassed in durability, safety, and accuracy. It is also the most cost-effective AR type weapon when viewed through total life cycle analysis.