DESIGN
The HK 21 is a machinegun based upon the
G3. It was developed in the late fifties
and introduced in 1961 by Heckler & Koch.
In 1974 the improved HK 21A1 and HK 23A1
were introduced. In the early 80’s the production
switched to the HK 21E and HK 23E. The ‘E’
versions were developed for the export market.
‘E’ stands for ‘Export’.
The HK 21 uses the 7.62x51mm NATO round and
is fitted with the roller delayed blowback
system and uses a long, hexagonal, free-floating
barrel and is therefore very accurate. Instead
of firing full-automatic only, it has a trigger
group, which allows it to fire semi-automatic,
three round burst and full-automatic. The
HK 21 has a quick change barrel, bipod and
a forward assist. It can be fitted with a
4x scope, allowing sniper like support fire.
The HK 21 can be fitted with a magazine adapter.
All these features show that the HK 21 was
not developed solely as a machinegun, but
also as a special forces weapon. |
| The HK21 uses the 7.62x51mm NATO round. When
the HK21 is fitted with a magazine adapter
it is called HK11. |
| The HK23 is similar to the HK21, but uses
the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It has a shorter
barrel and has less recoil, but lacks the
punch and long range. |
| The HK 73 is a HK 13, but fitted with a 150
round (!) magazine and a 4x scope. Not much
of these have been sold. |
PERFORMANCE
The HK 21 might be the best machinegun ever
developed. It is very accurate, has a 0-1-3-F
trigger group, has a quick change barrel,
is not heavy compared to other 7.62mm machineguns
and is very reliable. Both HK 23 and HK 73
are more accurate than the M249, Negev and
other machineguns in the same caliber. The
(scoped) HK 21 can be used by marksman to
deliver accurate long range shots. The 1200m
diopter sights have a wide angle of view,
but can still be used to aim precisely. Therefore
no scope is needed to fire accurately at
a long range. The HK21 is the only machinegun
ever created that can be silenced, making
it far more effective in low light situations.
There is only one drawback: its cost. The
HK 21 is not only the best machinegun ever
made, but also the most expensive….. Because
of its high costs, it is not as popular as
it should be.
USE
- The HK 21 and HK 23 are used by the German
army.
- Danmark uses the HK21.
- The US Delta Force uses the scope HK 21
as a sniper rifle.
- The HK 13 and HK 21 are used by the Greek
army.
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