Weapons heckler and koch. Heckler & Koch: hunting products, brand history

The Heckler & Koch family of rifles is extremely large and includes many examples small arms designed to solve a variety of problems. Sniper rifles have not been overlooked either, but most of these weapons from this company are improved versions of the standard rifle.

They differ best quality performance, adding some parts and devices, as well as installing optical sight- a necessary thing for aimed shooting at long distances. It is worth noting the traditional reliability and efficiency of the weapons of this company, which is excellent for use in the field.

Typical sniper weapon from Heckler & Koch are the 7.62mm G3 A3ZF and G3 SG/1 rifles. Both of them were produced for the West German police, model G3.

SG / 1 was equipped with a lightweight bipod. These are undoubtedly good examples, but they are only an upgrade of standard weapons, which, in turn, were created for mass production, and not for special purposes. With this in mind, in the mid-1980s, Heckler & Koch turned its attention to the production of special sniper weapons.

Even before work began on the creation of a new rifle, which became known as the PSG1, the designers consulted with experts from the forces special purpose, in particular the GHA-9 (German border guard), the British SAS and some anti-terrorist units from Israel.

The PSG1 sniper rifle has a conventional Heckler & Koch rotating bolt and a weighted barrel that features polygonal rifling. The influence of the G3 rifle can be seen in the outline of the receiver, as well as in the nest for 5- and 20-round magazines (you can also manually load one cartridge), although most of the design elements were developed specifically for this model.

A new handguard was made in front of the magazine nest, the barrel was elongated, while the stock was redesigned and could be adjusted so that the weapon fit a particular shooter.

Accuracy

At first, the PSG1 was produced with a 6x Henzoldt optical sight with six divisions for shooting at distances from 100 to 600 m, but then the rifle began to be produced with a special mount that allows you to install various sights. According to the developers, the rifle is distinguished by “accuracy unattainable for other models”, but it is clear that this is nothing more than a publicity stunt.

It is supposed to use a special machine (tripod) to aim this 7.62 mm rifle, but what it is (if it appears at all) is not yet clear. It can be assumed that this machine is a slightly modernized version of a tripod for one of the Heckler and Koch machine guns, just as the stock of the PSG1 rifle is a variation on the butt of the NK-21 machine gun.

Nevertheless, the PSG1 rifle is one of the most expensive modern sniper rifles: its price reaches 9000 US dollars. In 1990, another model of Heckler and Koch sniper rifles appeared - MSG90 (MSG stands for Militaerisch Scharfschuetzen Gewehr, that is, a combat sniper rifle, and the number is the year it was put into service).

This sample was created as a simplified (and therefore cheaper) version of PSG1 in an attempt to achieve more high level sales. The design is based on the G3 model, the PSG1 trigger mechanism is used in combination with a lightweight barrel and a reduced and lightweight stock. Thus, the length of the weapon was reduced to 1165 mm, and the weight was reduced to 6.4 kg.

"Heckler & Koch" characteristics:

• PSG1
• Caliber: 7.62 mm
• Weight: empty - 8.1 kg
• Overall length: 1208 mm
• Barrel length: 650 mm
• Muzzle velocity: about 860 m/s
• Box magazine, 5 or 20 rounds

Anyone who is interested in arming and equipping "forces special operations", drew attention to how the "special forces" value the personal. Regardless of the presence of an individual (submachine gun, rifle, machine gun, carbine) or group ( light machine gun, grenade launcher) weapons, almost every fighter carries a pistol as a secondary weapon. Apparently not satisfied with the "defensive" nature of modern pistols, the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) in the late 80s announced a program to create an "offensive personal weapon" (Offensive Handgun).

I must say that the idea of ​​​​turning a pistol into the main "weapon of the last throw" is not new. Even during the First World War, the Germans armed assault teams with powerful long-barreled pistols such as "Parabellum Artillery" or "Parabellum Carbine". The well-known military theorist A. Neznamov wrote in the book "Infantry" (1923): "In the future ... for a "strike" a weapon with a bayonet may be more profitable to replace a pistol with a dagger (a pistol with 20 rounds in the magazine and a range of up to 200 m)". However, in the military, and even in the police area, this task was solved at that time by submachine guns. In the 80s, the idea of ​​a powerful "assault" pistol was revived again, but this time it was associated with the needs of special forces. Bulky models like GA-9, R-95, etc. hit the market. Their appearance, accompanied by noisy advertising, was not accidental.

According to a number of American experts, the 9-mm M9 pistol (Beretta 92, SB-F), which was put into service in 1985 to replace the 11.43-mm M1911A1 Colt, does not fully meet the requirements of close combat in terms of accuracy and effective firing range. With a silencer, the effectiveness of the pistol is markedly reduced. SOCOM wanted a compact, holstered melee weapon (up to 25-30 m) in combat. He was supported by the US Army Command. Since among the "consumers" of weapons there should have been combat swimmer teams (SEALS), the main requirements of the program were presented in October 1990 by the center special ways naval warfare. It was supposed to receive the first 30 prototypes by March 1992, test full-scale samples in January 1993, and in December 1993 already receive a batch of 9,000 pieces. In military periodicals new project immediately dubbed "Supergun".

As the main options for use were considered: fighting on the street and inside buildings, covert penetration of the object with the removal of sentries, the release of hostages, or vice versa - the kidnapping of military or political figures.

"Supergun" was considered as a complex, including not only a "family" of cartridges and self-loading pistol, but also a silent and flameless shooting device, plus an "aiming unit". The modular scheme allowed the assembly of two main options: "assault" (pistol + aiming block) and "spy" (stalking) with the addition of a silencer. The weight of the latter was limited to 2.5 kg, length - 400 mm.

The main requirements for the pistol were as follows: large caliber, magazine capacity of at least 10 rounds, fast reloading, length no more than 250 mm, height no more than 150, width -35 mm, weight without cartridges - up to 1.3 kg, ease of shooting with one and two hands, high reliability in all conditions. A series of 10 bullets must fit into a circle with a diameter of 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) for 25 m. Accuracy was supposed to ensure the balance of the weapon, the muzzle device - a compensator and ease of holding. The latter, in the opinion of many, suggested a large slope and almost sporty design of the handle, a curved trigger guard for imposing the finger of the second hand. It was considered necessary to have two-way controls (fuse, bolt delay lever, magazine latch) available to control the hand holding the weapon. The trigger mechanism was supposed to allow adjustment of the trigger force: 3.6-6.4 kg self-cocking and 1.3-2.27 kg with a pre-cocked trigger. Setting the fuse both with the trigger lowered and cocked. A safety trigger lever was desirable in case the shot was not needed. Sights would include a replaceable front sight and a rear sight adjustable in height and lateral displacement. For shooting at dusk, the front sight and rear sight would have luminous points - a device that has become common in personal weapons.

For the "supergun" they chose the good old 11.43 mm cartridge ".45 ACP". The reason is the requirement for a specific defeat of a living target in the minimum time at the maximum distance. The stopping effect of the 9x19 NATO bullet caused a number of dissatisfaction among the military. With a conventional shell bullet, a large caliber, of course, gives more guarantees of defeat from one hit. Even with body armor, the target will be incapacitated by the dynamic impact of an 11.43 mm bullet. The strong and sharp recoil of such cartridges was not considered essential for physically strong guys from the "special forces". Three main types of cartridges were named:

With a shell bullet of an "improved" type - in terms of improving ballistics and increasing penetrating action, with a bullet of increased lethality - for anti-terrorist operations, a training bullet with an easily collapsing bullet and power sufficient only for automation to work. In addition, it was considered likely to create a bullet with increased penetration, guaranteed to hit a target at 25 m, protected by the 3rd (according to NATO classification) class.

The aiming block was conceived as a combination of two illuminators - conventional and laser. The usual one, which creates a stream of light with a narrow but bright beam, served to search for and identify a target at night or indoors. The laser worked in two ranges - visible and IR (to work with night glasses such as AN / PVS-7 A / B) - and could be used for quick aiming both at night and during the day. Its "spot" should have been clearly projected within the silhouette of a person at a distance of 25 m. The block could be turned on with the index finger of the hand holding the weapon.

The PBS was required to fast (up to 15 s) attachment and removal, and maintain balance. In any case, the installation of the PBS should not displace the STP by more than 50 mm by 25 m. If the pistol has automatics with a moving barrel, the silencer should not interfere with its operation.

In general, the requirements for "offensive personal weapons" did not imply anything fundamentally new and were based on the parameters already achieved. This made it possible to count on the implementation of the program within three years.

In early 1993, thirty "demonstration" samples were actually presented to SOCOM. At the same time, the two largest arms firms, Colt Industries and Heckler und Koch, were the clear leaders. During the year, their samples were carefully studied, trying to determine ways for further development.

The Colt Industries sample was generally designed in the style of the M1911 A1 Colt pistols of the Mk-IV - 80 and 90 series with modernized retention elements and a number of improvements in the firing mechanism and automatic operation. The controls are concentrated at the handle. For use by combat swimmers (on land, of course), all elements of the mechanism are made "water-resistant". The muffler and aiming block also looked quite traditional.

The Heckler und Koch pistol was based on a new USP model (universal self-loading pistol). The USP was originally designed in 9mm and 10mm versions, but for the Offensive Handgun program it was chambered in ".45 ACP".

The USP in an "offensive sidearm" variant with a Reda Knightos suppressor was introduced in October 1993 at an exhibition organized by the American Army Association (AUSA). It can be noted that the total weight of the system is reduced to 2.2 kg, the laconic and convenient design, the aiming block is literally inscribed in the contours of the frame. Its switch is located within the trigger guard. Note that the "demonstration" samples "Colt" and "Heckler und Koch" had a constant sight, more characteristic of pistols. The angle of inclination of the handle of both was less than expected. Another significant feature of the samples is the ability to release them to the market for other purposes if the Offensive Handgun program fails.

The choice of the SOCOM sample was expected in 1995. But even then, the Offensive Handgun program was criticized. A June 1994 editorial in Modern Gun magazine simply called the idea of ​​a large caliber "offensive" pistol "stupid". It is said with enthusiasm, but the idea is really controversial.

Indeed, is it really necessary to hold on to the .45 caliber and endure the overturning effect of the recoil (the .45 ACP recoil force is 0.54 kg) and the increase in the weight of the pistol to the level of a submachine gun? The biggest stopping power is worthless if the bullet misses. Maybe it's better to put two or three bullets into the target with a slightly lower lethality, but better accuracy? With a total weapon length of 250 mm, the barrel length should not exceed 152 mm or 13.1 caliber, which threatens to reduce ballistic data. Reducing the caliber would increase the relative length of the barrel and improve accuracy. A serious competitor to self-loading "offensive personal weapons" remains a small submachine gun with a variable firing mode. This type of weapon is more versatile and, moreover, has already taken its niche in a number of melee weapons.

However, in the fall of 1995, SOCOM still opted for 11.43 mm USP for the implementation of the "third phase of the contract." The third phase involves the release of "Heckler und Koch" 1950 pistols and 10,140 magazines for them with the start of deliveries by May 1, 1996. The pistol has already received the official designation Mk 23 "Mod O US SOCOM Pistol". In total, about 7,500 pistols, 52,500 magazines and 1950 silencers can be ordered.

Let's take a closer look at the USP device. The barrel of the pistol is made by cold forging on a mandrel. In combination with polygonal slicing, this gives it high accuracy and survivability. Cutting the chamber allows you to use the same type of cartridges from different manufacturers and with different types bullets. The installation of a silencer allows an elongated barrel.

Experts expected Heckler und Koch to use a fixed-bore design similar to their P-7. However, USP automatics work according to the barrel recoil scheme with a short stroke and barrel skew locking. Unlike classic schemes, such as the Browning High Power, here the barrel is lowered not by a rigid frame pin, but by a hook installed by a buffer spring at the rear end of the return spring rod placed under the barrel. The presence of a buffer is designed to make the operation of automation smoother.

The frame of the pistol is made of injection molded plastic, similar to the Glock and Sigma pistols. The four guides of the shutter-casing are reinforced with steel strips to reduce wear. The magazine latch, trigger, trigger box, cover and magazine feeder are also made of reinforced plastic. On the frame of the pistol itself there are guides for attaching a flashlight or laser pointer. The shutter-casing is manufactured as a single piece, milled from chromium-molybdenum steel. Its surfaces are subjected to nitrogas treatment and blued. To all this, a special "NOT" ("aggressive environment") treatment is added, which allows the pistol to withstand immersion in sea water.

The main feature of the USP is its trigger mechanism. At first glance, this is a conventional trigger-type mechanism with a semi-hidden trigger and a two-position flag placed on the frame. However, by replacing a special retainer plate, it is possible to switch it to five different modes of operation. The first double-action mechanism: with the flag in the upper position, firing with a preliminary cocking of the trigger is possible, with the lower position - only by self-cocking, and lowering the flag safely pulls the trigger. The second option: when the flag is moved to the top position - "fuse", to the bottom - "double action", this is just the most typical for service weapons. In the third option, it is possible to fire only with a preliminary cocking of the trigger, there is no fuse, and the flag is used as a lever for safe trigger release. The fourth option is somewhat similar to the third, but shooting is possible only by self-cocking. The fifth and final option sets the "self-cocking" and "safety" modes. I would like to add that in each of the modes the flag is located at your discretion - to the right or to the left. Requirements American program the most consistent with the first and second options. Selection can only be made by a qualified master. Trigger force with pre-cocking the trigger is 2.5 kg, self-cocking - 5 kg, that is, they are common for a service pistol. There is also an automatic fuse-latch that fixes the drummer until the moment when the trigger is fully pressed. There is no magazine fuse, so a shot after its removal is not ruled out, the disadvantage is small but still unpleasant.

The double-sided magazine release lever is located behind the trigger guard and is hidden from accidental pressure. The magazine holds 12 cartridges stacked in a checkerboard pattern. In the upper part, the two-row magazine smoothly turns into a single-row one, which gives it a convenient shape for loading and improves the operation of the feed mechanism. A step and a notch at the bottom of the handle make it easy to change the magazine. At the end of firing, the pistol puts the bolt carrier on the bolt delay. Its elongated lever is located on the left side of the frame.

Handle and frame are the same. The front side of the handle is covered with checkerboard, and the back with longitudinal corrugation, the side surfaces are rough. In combination with a well-thought-out balance and a 107-degree angle of inclination of the handle to the axis of the bore, which makes holding the pistol very comfortable. Pretty pistol trigger guard big size which makes it possible to shoot with tight gloves. However, in connection with this, the front bend on the bracket is practically not used - for a rare shooter, when shooting from two hands, the index finger of the second hand will stretch so far.

The 11.43mm USP weighs about 850g and is 200mm long. Accuracy of fire allows you to stack five bullets at a distance of 45 m in a circle with a diameter of up to 80 mm. The execution and finish of each detail corresponds to the degree of its importance. According to "Heckler und Koch", the survivability of the barrel is 40,000 rounds.
Interchangeable rear sight with a rectangular slot and a front sight of a rectangular cross section are mounted on the bolt carrier with a dovetail mount. Sights are marked with white plastic inserts or tritium dots.

Also, Heckler und Koch releases the "universal tactical illuminator" UTL for the USP. It operates in the visible light range, has an adjustable beam angle and two switches. The first is a lever protruding inside the trigger guard so that it can be operated with the index finger. The second in the form of a pillow is fastened with Velcro on the handle and turns on when it is tightly covered with the palm of your hand. Food UTL - from two 3-volt batteries.

There is also a new version of the removable muffler. It is still based on an expansion scheme. Expanded and cooled gases are discharged through openings. However, even now it is clear that this weapon will undergo more than one modification and will serve the American army for many years.

Bundeswehr soldier and is designed to defeat enemy manpower.

The G11 Heckler rifle is a development by West German designers that replaced the G3 rifle. In the mid-60s of the XX century, the concept of armament of the motorized infantry units of the NATO armies began to change, incl. and divisions of the Bundeswehr. According to NATO analysts, the main shock “self-defense forces”, as the arms race businessmen liked to call themselves, are armed with an insufficiently light assault rifle that meets the requirements of our time.

Development of new regular weapons

G11 - this is the name given to the new assault rifle, was taken into development by the German company Heckler and Koch in the late 1960s. The German government approved this project and instructed the shortest time make the required type of weapon.
During the project survey work designers settled on light version, small-caliber and small-sized rifles in the "bullup" version with high hitting accuracy. In this case, the clip is structurally attached above the barrel, the cartridges in it are defined in diameter to the bore. The effectiveness of hitting a target was achieved by hitting it with several shots, so the designers settled on the option of using a caseless cartridge of 43 mm caliber in the new weapon (further they chose 47 mm caliber). The updated rifle could fire single shots and fire in automatic mode, both in long and short bursts of 3 shots. According to the developed concept, Heckler-Koch was entrusted with the creation of a new G11, and Dynamite-Nobel was responsible for creating a new shellless shot.

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Design features G11
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The automatic scheme of the weapon operates due to the kinetic energy of the powder gases that are removed after the shot and the short stroke of the barrel. The initial placement of cartridges in the clip above the barrel with bullets down. The G11 rifle is equipped with a special rotating breech chamber, where the cartridge is fed vertically down before the start of fire. This is followed by a turn of the breech at a right angle, and when the cartridge is aligned with the line of the barrel, a shot is fired, while the cartridge is not fed directly into the barrel. Because cartridge without a shell (the primer burns out when fired), then the operation of the automation is simple: there is no need for the mechanism to throw out the spent cartridge case. After the shot is fired, the breech chamber turns back to receive the next ammunition. During a misfire, a defective cartridge is thrown down under the influence of the feed force of the next ammunition. The mechanism becomes cocked using the rotary knob located on the left. When shooting, the handle does not move.

Barrel part, USM (except for the safety flag and trigger), rotating breech with mechanisms and clip are assembled on one base, which moves progressively inside the body of the weapon. When firing with single shots or with automatic non-fixed firing, the mechanism completes the entire firing cycle, while the recoil becomes less. With automatic firing in fixed bursts, after every third shot, the mobile system comes to the rearmost position, while the recoil force acts on after the end of the shooting, which achieves a greater accuracy of fire (by analogy with the domestic AN-94 Abakan assault rifle).
The first modifications of the G11 were equipped with a single-magnification fixed optical sight, which is also used when carrying a rifle.

Ammunition

For regular use, cartridges without a shell have been developed, with dimensions of 4.73x33 mm, manufactured by Dynamit Nobel AG. The prototype ammunition for the Heckler & Koch G11 had a square-shaped powder charge coated with waterproof varnish, an igniter primer at the bottom and a bullet recessed in the powder charge. Then they created a modified version of the ammunition for the Heckler & Koch G11, where the bullet and the charge of gunpowder are completely encapsulated along with an igniter primer at the bottom and a lid at the top of the capsule.

Modifications

The Bundeswehr is armed with two types of such weapons:
-Rifle Heckler Heckler & Koch G11K2 - an updated version of the G11. The body is shortened, a mount for a bayonet and a clip for 45 shots have been developed. The sight is a removable type weapon handle; instead, it is possible to install standardized sighting devices adopted by NATO troops.

Heckler Heckler&Koch LMG11 - light machine gun based on the Heckler&Koch G11

Caliber: 4.7x33 mm, uncased cartridge
Automation: gas operated, with a rotating breech
Length: 0.750 m
Barrel length: 0.540 m
Weight: 3.6 kg without ammunition
Clip: 50 (45) shots

Fame and popularity for a particular type of weapon is sometimes brought not so much by its outstanding performance characteristics, how much is 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 1972 Munich Olympics. 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 with the capabilities of German compact weapons.

In 1977, the GSG-9 detachment, using MP5, neutralized the terrorists who hijacked a 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 unit The SAS released hostages held by Arab terrorists at 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. However, thanks to the funds mass media 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.

Sight MP5 - 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 formed 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. Weight Limit 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. Ability to install on MP5 additional equipment- 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 is a weapon 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 the military for a long time to come. various countries peace. 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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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 the butt is 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, distinctive feature German rifle was the use of a large number of polymeric materials. 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 were used modern methods metalworking, 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, german rifle 10–15% heavier than its American prototype.

G36 assault rifle variants
forum.nationstates.net

TO design features G36 rifles can also be attributed to the absence of a mechanical aiming 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, an additional red dot 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 left side top of the receiver. The magazines are designed for 30 rounds of NATO standard 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 daily newspaper Bild published data from an internal audit of the Bundeswehr technical center, which confirmed the existence 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 counter-arguments of the gunsmiths were presented positive results tests previously performed by the Federal Office for 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.