H&K HK416C.

Operating principle: Gas operated, short stroke piston. Bolt system: Rotating bolt. The HK416C is the ultra compact variant of the HK416 weapon system. The HK416C (Compact) has a high degree of component commonality with other HK416 variants although the HK416C has a newly developed retractable buttstock and buffer system. The HK416C fulfills a unique role as a potent PDW (personal defense weapon) type firearm that is chambered for the high-powered 5.56 x 45 mm rifle cartridge. The new buffer system not only enables a shorter buttstock but aids in reducing the full automatic rate of fire of the HK416C to 450-500 rounds/minute. The HK416C uses a version of the Heckler & Koch proprietary gas piston operating system found on full-size HK416s, the G36, and other HK weapons. The HK416C system employs a piston and a solid operating “pusher” rod in place of the gas tube normally found in M4-style firearms. The HK system does not introduce propellant gases and carbon fouling back into the weapon’s interior, making it the most reliable of any M4/M16 type weapon. The short 9-inch (228 mm) barrel is cold hammer forged and depending on the type of 5.56 mm ammunition used, produces muzzle velocities of approximately 2,395 feet/second (730 meters/ second). The HK416C is capable of excellent accuracy, in recent tests, 4 MOA (12 centimeters at 100 meters) was not uncommon with barrel service life matching that of other HK416 variants. The HK416C is also available with an adjustable gas regulator for use with suppressors and the widest variety of ammunition types. The HK416C uses an abbreviated version of the HK Free Floating Rail System (FFRS) handguard. Its four MIL-STD-1913 “Picatinny” rails allow all current accessories, sights, lights, and aimers used on M4/ M16-type arms to be fitted. The HK rail system can be installed and removed without tools and returns to zero when reinstalled. Standard or two stage triggers are available and all controls are fully ambidextrous. The smallest member of the renown and combat-proven HK416 system, the ultra compact HK416C is the ideally suited weapon for special operations and personal defense use in confined environments where maximum power and reduced size are required.