Now even better - HK416A5

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From Germany come some very nice things that start with the letter A: A4, A6 and A8 from Audi are among them. The fact that the series of even numbers is now broken is thanks to the company Heckler and Koch, which has further modernized its AR15 system. This has turned the highly respected HK416 into the new HK416A5, now in the hands of our Polish colleagues from the highly recommended FRAG OUT magazine, who have held it and tested it critically:

Heckler and Koch from Oberndorf is a company that doesn't really need to be introduced. Their products can be seen everywhere, around the world, for decades. They have some bestsellers in their lineup, but they don't rest on their laurels, instead they launch new or improved equipment. They do not limit themselves to purely external improvements like other colors, the angle of the grip, or a different rail system, but when they introduce something new to the market, it usually brings improvements that the user can directly benefit from. The positive acceptance of feedback from end consumers, the culture of listening, is their strength and guideline in product development.

On the surface

The latest version of the Heckler and Koch 416 has some specific improvements compared to previous models. The least important is the most obvious - the German Black Rifle is now available in Flat Dark Earth (FDE), also known as RAL 8000. At least initially, this color choice will only be available to US customers, as Europeans have the same color choice as with the Ford Model-T: black or black.

The HK416A5 is available with four different barrel lengths: 279mm (11"), 368mm (14.5"), 419mm (16.5"), and 505mm (20").

A useful improvement in the new version is the collapsible stock, which has been reduced in size and now has a thinner and more uniform rubber end. The buffer tube has also been changed to better integrate into the housing. The HK416A5 can also boast a new grip (like the 417A2 and the G28 DMR) that integrates a removable tool kit, similar to a bicycle. The most important tool is the hex key, which allows the handguard to be removed and reassembled. The trigger guard has been enlarged and curved outward, allowing room for thick gloves. The charging handle has been ergonomically improved.

For left-handed shooters and situations where shooting with the left hand is necessary, the HK416A5 is equipped with ambidextrous controls, meaning the magazine release button and the bolt catch lever are both present on both sides. The right-side bolt catch lever is designed so that right-handed shooters can operate it easily with the trigger hand. The lever on the left side has been enlarged. To prevent unintended manipulations, the safety bumps on the housing have been adjusted accordingly.

For those who have suffered from the fact that previous 416 models were not compatible with P-Mags, the A5 version is a relief, as the magazine well has been changed to accommodate all generations of P-Mags, just as Magpul introduces the 416-compatible 4th generation… Be that as it may, according to Heckler & Koch, now "most" AR-15 magazines (those that are Milspec, NATO-STANAG 4179 compliant) fit, and functionality is no longer guaranteed exclusively with H&K magazines.

The internal values

Although the safety lever looks the same as in the previous model, the trigger group within the housing has changed significantly. The trigger has been improved, it breaks more easily with less force and has a shorter travel - so it is now very close to a match trigger. The safety has been adjusted to the "European standard", which means that the weapon can now be safe regardless of whether it is cocked or not. But if you absolutely want an "American" safety, one that only works when cocked, you can also order the HK416A5 with that configuration. And if you change your mind, you can swap the two versions afterwards.

The adjustable gas block, as with the A3, has two settings, one normal (N) and one for suppressors (S). The setting can be easily adjusted without tools. In the long version (505mm), the gas block is located under the handguard, which is why there is an exception in the side to adjust it. The front sight has been moved further forward and is now between the gas block and the muzzle. The only exception is the 279mm version, in which the front sight is integrated into the Picatinny rail of the handguard. Hopefully, this has also resolved the issue with the short version, where the folded front sight was directly above the gas vents and was blown downward due to pressure over time.

The bolt carrier of the HK416A5 has its own holes to drain water and an improved extractor with a modified barrel extension. This is especially useful for amphibious operations, as the weapon can also be fired before the water has drained.

For those who want to take a closer look at the pictures, check out the first issue of FRAG OUT. The FRAG OUT magazine is published regularly in Polish and English editions. Two issues have been released so far, which can be downloaded for free here: http://fragoutmag.com/

Thank you very much to the FRAG OUT team