Heckler & Koch HK23

Description

The German HK23 Machine Gun is the 5.56x45mm caliber version of the 7.62×51mm HK21, which was developed as a squad/section weapon, with its reduced caliber allowing more ammunition to be carried by supporting personnel. It is also 110mm shorter in length and 0.6kg lighter than its big brother.

In 1961 Heckler & Koch based the original design of the HK21 on its G3 Assault Rifle, a weapon which it was midway through manufacturing for the Bundeswehr. In fact almost 50% of its components were interchangeable with this rifle, which would surely be a selling point in terms of overall maintenance. As well as being belt fed, with the aid of a magazine adapter module, the weapon could also swiftly be converted to fire standard box or saddle magazines, another great selling point as a squad weapon.

Sadly the HK21 series came into general production too late to be accepted by the Bundeswehr (who already had the incredibly reliable MG3), but was ordered by many Central and South American Countries, as well as many in Asia and Africa. It was also used by American special forces in the early days of the Vietnam War.