H&K MR556 and MR762: Civilian HK416 and HK417
H&K fans rejoice. The HK416 / HK417 piston driven AR-15 derivatives are finally coming in a semi-automatic form for civilians. The civilian 5.56×45mm HK416 is called the MR556 and the 7.62×51mm HK417 civilian equivalent is the MR762. They are expected to arrive in late 2009.
5.56×45mm MR 556
From HK:
A direct descendent of the HK416, the MR556 is a semi-automatic rifle developed by Heckler & Koch as a premium level commercial/civilian firearm. Like the HK416, the MR556 is a major product improvement of conventional AR-type carbines and rifles.
Using the HK-proprietary gas piston system found on the HK416 and G36, the MR556 does not introduce propellant gases and carbon fouling back into the rifle’s interior, making it the most reliable of any AR-type firearm.
The MR556 will be produced at Heckler & Koch’s new manufacturing facility at Newington, New Hampshire from American and German made components. To conform to German export regulations, certain design changes made in the MR556 prevents the rifle’s upper receiver from being used on other AR-style firearms.
So in other words this is not an AR-15 and in theory would not be banned as a named rifle on AWB 2.0.
Specs for the MR 556
Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm NATO
Length, maximum (stock extended): 37.68″
Length, minimum (stock retracted): 33.90″
Overall width: 3.07″
Height: 9.45″
Barrel Length : 16.5″
weight (without magazine): 8.60 lb
Trigger pull : 7.64 lb
Barrel Profile: 6 lands & grooves, right twist, 1 in 7 in
Sight radius : 14.60″
Oddly enough both models are being shipping with 10 round magazines … AWB 2.0 fears?
7.62×51mm MR 762
Specs for the MR 762
Length, maximum (stock extended) : 39.10″
Length, minimum (stock retracted) : 35.94″
Overall width: 3.23″
Height : 8.36″
Barrel Length: 16.6″
Weight (without magazine): 9.60 lb
Trigger pull: 7.64 lb
Barrel Profile: 6 lands & grooves, right twist, 1 in 12 in
Sight radius: 16.14″
I will update this page as more information becomes available.
“certain design changes made in the MR556 prevents the rifle’s upper receiver from being used on other AR-style firearms.”
This seriously sucks. Would like some details (perhaps from the SHOT show) of what these design changes entail?
Maybe HK, now that we suck a little less, will make non-neutered civvie G36’s in their new facility.
Yeah right, who am I kidding.
Let’s hope you still can buy an AR by the end of 2009.
I don’t think that no high capacity magazines will be shipped because of a hypothetical second AWB, but rather because of some other obscures german exportation laws (remember the SL8 and that dumbed-down UMP ?).
Because, let’s face it, that rifle is a damned black assault military style sniper police killing, puppy slaying, baby eating semi automatic machinegun of hatred and death.
any idea on sticker price? I heard it’s probably shockingly high.
That thing is freaking heavy. HK is too cheap to give the buyers 30 mag rounds.
Any idea what kind of magazines the 417, excuse me, MR762 will be using? Are they the SR mags or a proprietary HK mag? I know they used G3 mags for the prototypes, but obviously they’re not using them here…
H&K MR556 and MR762: Civilian HK416 and HK417 – via thefirearmblog.com…
Thefirearmblog.com has a post up about a couple of new items in the HK lineup (the H&K MR556 and MR762). They also point out that they’re shipping with 10rd magazines. Sound’s like another manufacturer that’s hedging their bet…
A civilian who buys an HK rifle is like a civilian who smokes. Both are minor acts of self-hatred for temporary perceived benefits.
You still suck, and we still hate you, but we deign to allow your lower-class non-agency money to come to us. And no, we won’t make you an AR upper to go with your own lower. Because you suck, and we hate you. Still.
“To conform to German export regulations, certain design changes made in the MR556 prevents the rifle’s upper receiver from being used on other AR-style firearms.”
What a waste and I bet all the parts are proprietary.
Any way to find out what MSRP is going to be?
I want an M4 type rifle and have been waiting for this particular rifle but I am not going to wait if this is going to be a $3500 deal.
Also, I would guess they are shipping them with 10 round magazines so they will be compliant in as many states as possible.
More firearms developed just in time to get banned. Given HK’s record on delivering civilian versions of their firearms, they probably won’t miss much if they do get banned.
I thought the SLR only took a proprietary HK mag? If they are doing the same again they can go eat crow. If the MR556 accepts STANAG magazines then perhaps it might be worth it. Then again I am not impressed with gas piston AR styled systems.
I don’t think the incompatibility is a bad thing. Its not an AR-15 so if ARs are named on the AWB 2.0 it won’t be banned (unless it is banned for other reasons like an evil pistol grip or flash hider)
I am sure the MR556 accepts STANAG magazines, it would be complete idiocy otherwise.
From what I understand it will be around $3500.
The HK417 will use proprietary magazine. Their G3 magazine will not work with the HK417. Rumors has it it will be around $75-$100 each. Given most AR10 magazine are over $30, it fair to said that the rumors is probably true.
Incompatibility is bad. Finding spare overpriced parts will be a nightmare.
I’m wondering myself if HK limited to 10 rounders like they do with their other rifles. Because I find it no reason other being cheap to not include a 30 round GI magazine. Hell I think the 10 rounders are currently more expensive because of their rarity, lack of manufactures making them.
Someone just posted on AR15.com saying that the MR556 does not take PMAG and Diemaco magazine. The HK magazine feed lips are different then STANAG. If this is true, HK hate you
—————————
“So how comes that the Sabre Defence and Oberland Arms AR15 available here have standard lower receiver and “the law” only affects HK?
I had a closer look at the MR223 at a local dealer here last week. It doesn’t take Diemaco and PMAGs (don’t fit the mag well) and I’m not so sure about USGI mags (I didn’t have one with me that day) as the magazine lips on the HK mag look different. The MR223 has a magazine safety (because you suck in gun handling) With that price tag I buy another Sabre Defence in a heartbeat instead.”
and
“”German export regulations” .
I don’t believe that bullshit for one second.
They are planning on building it in the U.S. !!!
They can easily call it a different name, or other slight differences to differentiate it from any govt. contract model. It’s pure B.S. on HK’s part. They KNOW that since only the upper is different, NOBODY (other than hard-core fanboys) will want to buy an HK lower. So they are deliberately designing it so you cannot just buy the upper. “
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=815091&page=2
HK. Because you suck. And we hate you.
http://larrycorreia.wordpress.com/2007/10/09/hk-because-you-suck-and-we-hate-you/
jdun1911, that is pretty damn amazing! It is hard to believe. HK still hates us.
I won’t be surprise if this is true. HK has a long and sorry past of selling gimped rifles to civilians.
i don’t think i’ve gone from “yay!” to “boo!” so fast in my entire life. patriot ordnance makes something about as good, without the ridiculousness.
Did you guys notice that he mention the magazine safety “feature”, just like in the Browning Hi-Power?
HK can KMA and then FOAD!
I can see the jealousy of HK haters is at an all time high. I don’t want an M4 I could’ve bought a cheaply manufactured american made AR probably for half of what I will pay for the MR’s. But I can afford a superior german engineering, no need to hate on my part. Thanks HK for releasing this incredible piece of hardware.
I am sure the MR556 accepts STANAG magazines, it would be complete idiocy otherwise.
Funny thing, the MR556 (if it can’t take STANAG) goes against Larry Vicker’s statement that “[t]he one major drawback to [using a better magazine] is that it would make the magazine non-interchangeable with other M16 style weapons and magazines on the market. Unfortunately that took a different magazine off the table for this project.” (HKPro.com)
How can you hate on HK? I would put the USP against any other handgun and choose HK anytime. I have started seeing the rifles for sale now and just what I thought anywhere from $3500 to $9000. Really, I have been waiting to buy the both of them since I heard about them 5 Years ago, but lets just say I would now rather buy 3 rock rivers compaired to 1 MR. Sad to say but true. I dont know how HK thinks this rifle is worth this much money. I understand the new tech. side of it but 3500 dollars. Here are the auctions if you are trying to find them. The first one is a dealer in Canada and the ones he has were made in germany.
http://www.crafm.com/
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=121412754
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120746986
I’d buy it..
same reason I would buy a Mercedes-Benz.
Of course for what it costs to get either of those..I can have a couple of American versions..
Still…I’d want one of each..and a tricked out 416.*including a M320..for flares..you know
will AR 15 magazines fit?
HK jealousy, RU serious? I’d put an LWRC M6A2 up against it everyday. In fact, I believe the Navy Seals did and performed just as well as the HK but without all of the HK BS and price!
I apologize if this is redundant but I see a lot of confusion and not many answers.
1) There *is* a problem with PMags and the civ. 416, Magpul is compensating with the ‘EMag’ which is meant for these two and the two versions of the FN SCAR. The problem is the mags wont drop when released. GI mags *should* work fine.
2) The difference on the AR compatibility is the offset of the pushpins that separate the upper and lower.
3) The price point (via hkpro.com) is around $2500. Lance probably saw a 416 uppper, or a 416 upper on a AR-15 lower for sale. They aren’t out yet so, no Lance, you didn’t see one for sale. $3500-9k is about right for a new ‘416′. We will see if they can ship enough of them to stick that price point.
For the record HK is win, but I would honestly recommend a POF or LWRC setup over this, simply for the compatibility issues.
what is the fall x distance rate for the 7.62 round. Because I know the ak 47 shoot the 7.62 and the ak is extremely inaccurate, but there are sniper rifle that shoot the 7.62?
@Trevor, AK-47’s use 7.62×39mm rounds, while the MR762 uses 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) which is also used on a good number of sniping platforms.
awsome hk eeh…exeted my expetations eeh… cant believe some people dont like it hk rullesssssssssssss eeh…
I love this design. I just hope it accepts all the AR-15 accessories.
this rifle is more reliable from stanpoint of combat in extreme conditions such as prolong exposure to dust, water, drops etc.
Unless the average homeowner regularly dunks his rifles in the bathtub, use it as a gardening tool or hammering nails into the roof, this rifle does not offer anything more than an AR-15.
cool to own one but not necessary from a technical aspect.
It also has the upside of not needing to be cleaned as much as a normal AR-15, and it comes in a larger chambering.
I just got sweeped away by the M6A2.
….
….
I love the 416, but seriously?
A piston gas rifle that fires underwater, with sand in the barrel, and is 6.8 x43mm?
LWRC has won my money.
Are you sure that you’re not just talking about LWRC’s M6A# series in general? So far as I recall, the M6A2 specifically refers to the SBR build, whereas, say, the M6A3 would have been their IAR entry. (Maybe it’ll find its way back, depending on whatever happens with the Army and the M4 contract.)
M6A2 is 10” barrel to 16.1” barrel.
I will be getting the 16.1” barrel and try to get my hands on an 18”.
HK already makes its own type of magazine that works with their HK416 series rifles. They are very much an upgrade from the standard GI mag and are compatible with every AR rifle I have heard of. The one drawback to them is that they are made of a steel body so they do have some added weight. This is not a factor if you just go to a range and shoot off a table, but will be noticable if you have a full kit on with 8 to 10 mags in it. If it is true about the PMAG being incompatible with the MR556, that sucks, since I am sure a good number of people have them since they are one of the best mags out there. It is good that Magpul is addressing this problem by developing a mag that works with this rifle, so long as it still works with the other AR based platforms. I personaly would buy one of these rifles as long as HK keeps the price reasonable. I have seen the 416 in action, with is what this platform is based off of, and have to say that is is a superb rifle. I owned a USP Tactical, and if this rifle is in tune with HK’s reputation for reliability, then it will be a flawlessly functioning rifle.
Hi there
I own a HK MR 223
It shoots great the handling is excelent the groups with dump ammo are about 4cm S&B does about 2cm
a diemaco mag will fit if you remove about 2mm of the top rib on the side and front of the mag ,it does not drop out automaticly tough ,steel AR15 (alu)mags fit without a problem HK 30rnd mags can be filled with 30 rounds .
the weapon stays very clean firred about 400 rounds and it still looks clean
The weapon comes without sights with only 1 10 round mag
Id love to buy a 416 BUT I have to win the lottery to afford one. I think the .308 AR is worthless id buy a M1A Socom far before a AR-10 of any type.
I rather prefer the M1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Abrams
My Siaga shoots .308, and the powder does not get into the chamber/bolt area, and DOES NOT malfunction….ever! neither does my Siaga AK-101 style rifle. Both are Kalashnikov action rifles and both shoot fairly tight groups with good hand loads.
Stag Arms is coming out very soon, (Dec 2009 I believe) with a piston driven 5.56 NATO rifle. See here: http://www.stagarms.com/index.php?cPath=13_22
Vern
bmwm3- wrote:
“I can see the jealousy of HK haters is at an all time high. I don’t want an M4 I could’ve bought a cheaply manufactured american made AR probably for half of what I will pay for the MR’s. But I can afford a superior german engineering, no need to hate on my part. Thanks HK for releasing this incredible piece of hardware.”
how you can even compare this weapon to an ar-15 made by colt is beyond me. and justify the comparison that we hate the hk because its so $$ is even more ridiculous. thats like comparing a glock to a colt navy revolver. hk knew the short comings of the m4 platform ahead of time so they knew what to fix.
im not debating this rifle isnt better than a standard issue colt m4. eventhough the di colt’s bolt can be considered to act as the piston in the set up. what i am debating is what your comparing it to. and your arrogance against cheap american product.
because ill tell you right now, your choice of top tier german engineering for guns is as bad as your choice for german cars…bmw has nothing on audi. and bmw can never do it like pure amearican muscle. just like hk can never do it like a lwrc m6a2.
as for combat, noone is ever happy. every type of machine made has an upside and a downside. if i were you, id focus on your shooting skills. let the armorer worry about design.
Love the piston rifle idea. Now, make them available in 6.8 SPCII and 6.5 Grendel, and you have one fine rifle.
Here is some info to settle some of the confusion on the MR556:
1. It is the civilian version of the HK416. (This means it is not the exact same rifle.)
2. The HK416 was designed to work with the lowers of the AR15 so the military would not have to buy the complete rife from HK to reduce cost. The MR556 is the civilian model and not the same as the HK416 and not able to use the AR15 lowers.
3. The MR556 is its own rifle and not to be compared to the AR15 and will stand by its own merit. I have used the 416 and if the MR556 has the same design in regards to the piston system it is worth having. It is ignorance when someone says “Unless the average homeowner regularly dunks his rifles in the bathtub, use it as a gardening tool or hammering nails into the roof, this rifle does not offer anything more than an AR-15.”. This will be the most reliable 5.56×45mm rifle available to the civilian period. That alone makes it worth it.
” This will be the most reliable 5.56×45mm rifle available to the civilian period. That alone makes it worth it.”
I have a Saiga rifle, made by Izhmash in Russia, that I converted back into it’s basic design, namely the AK-101. It is in .223 Remington/ 5.56 x 45 NATO caliber. It is VERY reliable, and I would say, as reliable, if not more, than the HK. I also have shot under 1″ groups with it at 100 yards with select hand loaded ammunition. I believe the piston system is the best in reliability. I also believe that there are better rounds out there than the 5.56 x 45, namely the 6.8 SPCII and especially the 6.5 Grendel.
Look.. To answer most of the repeated questions I’ve just read. The only changes made to the556 that keeps it from being used on the lower receiver of an ar-15 platform is pin position. There are two pins that allow seperation of the upper and lower receiver on any ar-15 plattform. The position of the forward pin on the mr556 is the only change keeping the upper from fitting a traditional lower receiver. Second. 10 20 and 30 round magazines will be available for the 556. The 762, however, will only be available in 10 and 20 round magazines according to the h&k u.s. Website. Now as far as the critics I’ve read over. I’ve served with a traditional colt m4 and in 2004 us delta guys were blessed with the h&k 416. I’ve fired the same 416 for five years now in and out of combat. I can promise u there will b abang when u pull the trigger. This weapon system has never failed me and my guys. U will not be dissapointed. Also don’t forget that the 762 round, though transfers more kenetic energy on its target, is about. 400mph slower than a 556. Also the 762 drops out of the air at 400 yards.
You say 10,20, and 30 round magazines will be available… will they accept standard AR mags or only special ones?
I’m looking for the top 10 brands of AR-15s (in decending order) to consider buying a few before Obama make even tougher gun laws. Which ones are the top few after Colt of course! Mil-spec only. Thanks
Well, let’s see 400 MPH to feet per second is about 586.6 fps if my math is correct, but anyone is more than welcome to correct me. ((400 mph x 5280) /60 ) /60 I know 60 mph is 88 feet per second from my law enforcement days of figuring distance traveled at 60mph 60 x 5280 then divide by 60 again give you 5280 and now divide that by 60 again for fps = 88 FPS
Now, I don’t know about much speed drop, but I do know you are going to drop out more severly with a 65 gr .223 bullet than you will with a 165 gr .308 bullet. At 500 yards the .223 drops -66.4 inches but the .308 aka 7.62 bullet drops -50.1 inches at that distance. Ref: http://www.remington.com/Products/Ammunition/Ballistics/comparative_ballistics_results.aspx?data=R223R6*PRA308WB
So an assement of the dimunitive and inneffecitve 5.56 NATO round at 500 yards is off quite a bit, as the 5.56 or .223 Remington drops a lot more at 500 yards than does the .308 Winchester at the same distance. This is zeroed in on the scope at 200 yard zero.
Also the small .224 bullet only had 204 ft/lbs of energy left at 500 yards, whereas the .308 bullet still has 1176 ft/lbs of energy at 500 yards.
Interestling enough, the smaller 6.5mm bullet int he 6.5 Grendel or especially the 6.5 bullet in 6.5 Creedmoor shot from the AR rifles will surpass the .308 in energy at around 300 yards.
I will stick with my galil
I am wondering if we can by a sear and a 10.5 inch barrel for the MR556?
im glad to see not everyone on here is a hater…i mean just because they didn’t make it to conform to the way some of you want, is no reason to hate. yeah H&K is also pricey but you get what you pay for, and if they are good enough for special operations forces all around the world then H&K weapons are def good enough for me..lol
[...] H&K MR556 (semiauto version of the 416) [...]
Been waiting for the MR762 to come out for a year. I know it will be the best rifle out there. Here’s why. I saw the LWRC REPR at a gun show late last year and it was just amazing. The build quality seemed flawless and it was $3500 (ouch)! Lately I have read more than a few blogs about the LWRC REPR being unreliable or breaking down! Owners are trading or selling their REPR’s for less than its retail but did comment that factory support is very good. This was the other rifle I would have considered if the MR762 did not debut. I called H&K in december (‘09) and a rep got back to me and said the rifle will not come out before mid 2010. At the time, I put H&K on the back burner and began to scope out 30-06 Garands. At such a high retail, I’m surprised the REPR is having problems but relieved that I know about them. It’s problems are helping me to make a decision. I’ll wait again for the MR762!