Critics like to accuse Heckler & Koch of deliberately designing their systems to be closed in order to
prevent the use of accessories made by other companies, at the same time turning a deaf ear to
complaints. With the HK433, both claims can be refuted. The HK433 is H&K’s latest rifle design and one we have only seen on a handful of occasions since it was first announced in .

HK433 @ TFB:

• New Photos: Latest Version of Heckler & Koch’s HK433
• New Heckler & Koch Product Photos Emerge – HK233, HK433, HK416 & HK417!
• 7.62mm HK433 Variant CONFIRMED by H&K at [AUSA 2017]
• The HK433: Up Close and Personal at [AUSA 2017]
• Breaking: News from Heckler & Koch – HK433 A New Rifle!

The HK433 is a modular weapon platform with the intention to combine the properties of the HK G36 with those of the HK 416, which of course makes it a potential replacement option for users of both types. After a long development period, according to H&K, it is now ready to go into mass production.

Heckler & Koch HK433 (Alexander Straube)

The fixed part of the gun is a gas-piston system closely related to that of the G36. It is adjustable in two different settings, N (normal) and S (suppressed) respectively. Not a bad thing, but hardly the defining
characteristic of the HK443, because that is clearly its ability to be customized.

A close up of the Heckler & Koch HK433’s gas regulator (Alexander Straube)

The least essential part of the modular concept is the color. The HK433 will be available from the factory
in three different tones, best described as black, grey and flat dark earth. The buttstock is more interesting. It can be adjusted in 4 heights and 7 lengths. If this is not enough, there are two other variants; One
especially for helmet wearers and one with a raised cheek to facilitate the use of Optics. The barrels will
be available in 11”, 14,5” and 16,5”.

Heckler & Koch HK433 in two-tone FDE (Alexander Straube)

However, the core of the concept is undoubtedly the lower receiver. It is available in a version with a
push-button magazine release, for those coming from the different AR-15 platforms, including the HK
416; and in one with a paddle-mag release, staple of the G36. The thought behind this setup is to
accommodate previous users of both systems, by enabling them to continue in their accustomed training
and handling routine. Both are fully ambidextrous with adjustable grips and the ability to use drop in
trigger groups.

Heckler & Koch HK433 with G36-style paddle magazine release (Alexander Straube)

Heckler & Koch HK433 with an AR-15-style button magazine release (Alexander Straube)

Regarding the magazine itself: it is no longer proprietary as in the G36, H&K now uses the STANAG magwell. A pleasant and somewhat overdue development, which greatly increases the options in this regard. And the same can be said for the handguard. It uses an M-Lok interface, yet there is an option to switch it to HKey, if wanted. Again, users of older H&K products can still use their equipment, while new buyers no longer have to enter a closed proprietary system (are you starting to see the underlying idea?).

Heckler & Koch had an array of HK433s on display, in sharp contrast to some recent exhibitions where they were not present at all (Alexander Straube)

Another choice to be made is the caliber. At the beginning the gun will come in three different calibers:
5.56mm NATO, 7.62mm NATO and .300 Blackout. However, other cartridges may be added in the
future. Sadly, there is no civilian version for this gun, …yet. Asked about it, an H&K Sales Representative said: “I can not see it not happening.“ and claimed that he will buy one for himself, as soon as possible, if he could.

Alexander Straube is a German freelance writer, chief editor of FIPS and author of the book on the German gun debate.