By: Friedrich Seiltgen
HK has come out with another gem of a weapon, the HK 416 .22 LR rimfire. It’s modeled after the HK 416 tactical rifle used by elite law enforcement and military units such as Seal Team 6, who were using HK 416s when they killed Usama bin Laden. Now you can get your very own copy of the HK 416 at a great price!
The new rimfire is manufactured by Umarex under license by HK. Umarex is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of airguns, pistols, rifles, and firearms accessories, the world’s largest manufacturer of over-the-counter firearms replicas, and the largest importer of air guns in Europe. Its headquarters are in Arnsberg, Germany, and its American unit based in Ft. Smith Arkansas. Umarex is well known for its quality work and has acquired licenses to build replica guns from every major firearms manufacturers. They have been a global player in the shooting sports industry for almost 50 years.
The rifle is an almost exact copy of its big brother, the centerfire HK 416. The HK 416 rimfire comes with a forged aluminum receiver instead of plastic, as well as having a full size magazine well. A 6-position collapsible stock gives shooters of all sizes achieve the proper cheek weld. The pistol grip has a storage compartment.
The rifle comes equipped with polymer flip up sights, and the receiver/handguard are equipped with a continuous M-LOK picatinny rail allowing for optics. The barrel comes equipped with the cool looking 4-prong flash suppressor, and it has a step down for mounting an M203 grenade launcher!
Cosmetically, it looks like the real deal with some minor differences. While HK wanted the gun to be the same aesthetically and use the same control functions of the centerfire rifle, they can only do so much. While the forward assist does move, it is not functional. The bolt release is only cosmetic. Magazines are polymer, come in 10/20/and 30 round models, and will fit in standard magazine carriers.
The rifle has particularly good accuracy, shooting an average group of 1.3 inches at 50 yards! Although some are unhappy with the 9 lb. trigger pull.
SPECIFICATIONS
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback Operated
Caliber: .22 LR
Magazine capacity: 10/20/30 Rounds
Sights: Flip up Style, Front Blade, Rear Aperture
Barrel Length: 16.1
Length: 32.75 – 35.75
Weight: 5 lbs., 9 oz
MSRP $469
Overall, the HK 416 rimfire is a great weapon at a decent price. Given the high price of the centerfire 416 and similar type rifles, the 416 .22 LR is a bargain. Whether it’s for hunting, plinking, or a sub-caliber training gun, the HK 416 centerfire fits the bill! Oh, by the way, the 416 comes in a pistol version with an 8.5 inch barrel also!
That’s all for now folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s be careful out there.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism, Firearms, First Aid, Active Shooter Response, and Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations in Florida. His writing has appeared in The Counter Terrorist Magazine, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].