Iran Introduces (Yet Another) New Assault Rifle, the "MASAF" – HK416 Clone?
It seems the Iranian small arms industry is experiencing a bit of a boom – just released last week is another new rifle, called the MASAF, following the Fateh, Nabi, and two other unnamed rifles. The MASAF is obviously based on the AR-15, with a short-stroke operating rod in lieu of a direct impingement gas tube. This and other features suggest the new rifle is based on the Heckler & Koch HK416, although whether the MASAF is a true clone, and whether it is legitimate, remain unknown.
The MASAF is discussed, with additional pictures, in this Pakistan Defence forum thread, and I recommend my readers check that out. Some of the photos are embedded below:
We do not yet know whether Iran is building these weapons under license, or whether this is an illicit clone – or even a clone at all.
More on this subject (in Farsi) is available in a thread over at Military.Ir forums.
Nathaniel is a history enthusiast and firearms hobbyist whose primary interest lies in military small arms technological developments beginning with the smokeless powder era. He can be reached via email at nathaniel.f@staff.thefirearmblog.com.
More by Nathaniel F
Comments
Join the conversation
I found this on youtube.
https://youtu.be/dlygF52jojo
Why would you expect anything less from a sand monkey? You think theyre capable of using their brains for designing something original? BWAHAHAHA Seriously, the best thing theyre good for is blowing themselves up in the name of Allah. Which I really have no objection to them doing, I just wish they'd let us get to a minimum safe distance before they do it. Its really fun to watch and would make a hell of a reality TV show!