Last year TFB reported about the MPT-76 rifle with some unique pictures from the MKE stand at IWA.

As you may recall, this project first started as a 5,56×45, but has since developed to a 7,62×51 mm after feedback and new research and development. I guess if you’re used with a HK G3, you might as well keep the caliber.

The first batch of rifles is now about to be delivered to the Turkish army, according to the source Haber7.

The Turkish motto for the MPT-76 is for it to be “as effective as G-3, reliable as AK-47, and practical as M-16″. To me it resembles a HK 417.

MKEK, Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation, is the Government owned company that has designed and now produce the MPT-76

One reason why Turkey choose to develop their own “national rifle” is most likely that they want more freedom and independence from foreign sources.  Let’s presume that foreign source might be Heckler & Koch, considering MKE also produce G3 and MP5 clones.

Apart from the independence, the “in-house” R&D of the MPT-76 is rumored to save money and this project is probably just a stepping stone for further development of other military weapons.

Fully automatic testing Turkish style, straight down into the ground. From Haber7.com.

In the video (linked below) they test the MPT-76 rifle in full auto, magazine after magazine until the barrel is smoking.

And I mean smoking…there is also testing in mud, ice and all sorts of interesting situations.

I don’t recognize the optic, possibly something Made in Turkey. Note the IR/laser as well, plus front grip with built-in bipod.

As the top picture has the same optic, but with a red dot on top, I think the scope has some kind of magnification.

Some details. Most seem correct, but I think they fired more than just 50 rounds to test it.

There’s a video of the test firing in this link: HERE. Check the bottom of the page and press play.

(Source: Haber7.com Turkey)

You can find more details and pictures of the MPT-76 here.