The failed HK416

No one would have thought that nothing would come of an HK416. The HK416C would have been the ultra-compact version, at various events there were already first copies to see (p.) or selected journalists were also allowed to test and film (see end of article). The HK416C is said to have originated from a suggestion by British Special Operation Forces – who will now never get it.

Their Close Protection Teams like to use the HK53. So what could be more obvious than turning the successful HK416 into a short-range defense weapon. With a barrel length of 228 mm (9.0 in), a muzzle velocity of 730 m/s should be achieved. Accuracy: 4 MOA (12 cm at 100 m) according to Heckler & Koch. The special feature of the HK416C is the shortened buffer tube and the compact sliding stock. But the project is taking a different path. Pictures and descriptions of the weapon disappeared from Heckler & Koch's websites (see below: these are the former company pictures and texts). The rest are rumors: problems with gas pressure, one could read in various forums. SPARTANAT did not trust the rumor, we asked H&K. The project has been canceled, was the laconic response. No details. According to Heckler & Koch, it would have been:

HK416C

Small. Light. Powerful. The compact assault rifle.

The HK416C is an ultra-short assault rifle in caliber 5.56 mm x 45 NATO - The smallest member of the world-famous HK416 series. Due to its extremely compact dimensions, the HK416C is suitable for use in very tight spaces without any loss of performance.

Features:

• Free-floating handguard (Picatinny MIL-STD-1913)
• New shoulder stock design
• Futuristic assault rifle concept for special forces
• Reliable gas pressure loading system
• Gas regulation for use with suppressors/various types of ammunition
• Cold-hammered barrel for long life
• Ambidextrous
• Many common features within the HK416 weapon family
• Compact and lightweight
• Reduced training effort

Areas of application:

• Special Forces (Close range weapon)
• Support personnel (Self-defense)
• Paratroopers

¹ With 30 round magazine / ² With mechanical sight, without magazine

David Crane of Defense Review had the grace to test the HK416C in 2011. He is filmed by a colleague. You can see clearly that Crane is puzzled by the shoulder stock solution. More importantly, the demonstration weapon does not keep the bolt in the rear position after the last shot.