Heckler & Koch · Carbine
Heckler & Koch HK53
Roller delayed blowback · 5.56x45mm NATO · introduced 1975
Also known as HK 53, L101A1
About the Heckler & Koch HK53
The Heckler & Koch HK53 is a compact carbine derived from the HK33 assault rifle, retaining the company's signature roller-delayed blowback action developed for the G3. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO with a short 211 mm barrel, it bridges the gap between a submachine gun and a full rifle, delivering rifle-caliber performance in a package small enough for close-protection and special-operations work. It became a favored weapon of British special forces and numerous police units worldwide.
Compact enough to be carried concealed under a coat yet firing full-power 5.56mm, the HK53 became a quiet favorite of the British SAS for close-protection and counter-terror work where a submachine gun lacked punch.
Heckler & Koch HK53 specifications
General
- Type
- Carbine
- Action
- Roller delayed blowback
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- 5.56x45mm NATO
- Magazine capacity
- 25 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 211 mm (8.3 in)
- Overall length
- 765 mm (30.1 in)
- Folded length
- 563 mm (22.2 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.35 kg (7.39 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:7 in (178 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Polymer
- Finish
- phosphate
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 750 m/s (2461 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 1125 J (830 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 300 m
History
- Introduced
- 1975
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- DE
- Designer
- Heckler & Koch
Features
- Retractable stock
- Roller delayed blowback action
- Drum rear sight
- Polymer handguard
- Hk claw mount compatible
Safety
- Manual safety
- Fire selector
Sometimes described as a submachine gun due to its size, but it fires the 5.56x45mm rifle cartridge. Accepts the same HK roller-locked accessories as the HK33/G3 family.
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