Heckler & Koch HK 79

Description

Germany’s answer to the American M203, the HK 79 was predominantly designed to fit below their then current service rifle, the G3.

Unlike the M203 which is opened by sliding the barrel forward, the HK 79 awkwardly drops downward, which in a combat/prone position, would prove somewhat impractical, with the operator needing to raise their rifle to gain access, or indeed lay it on its side.

Although initially designed to attach to a G3, it could also be fitted to the later HK33 and G41. Although with these weapons already deemed heavy in comparison to the M16 etc. the addition of another 1.8kgs was certainly not popular with the average infantryman.

With the introduction of the G36 rifle, the HK 79 was phased out, with the HK AG36 proving to be a vast improvement. Which would go on to be used globally, from the British Army to U.S Police departments (for riot control).