Heckler & Koch MG4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MG4 | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Light Machine Gun |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Specifications | |
| Weight |
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| Length | 1225 mm |
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| Cartridge | 5,56 x 45 mm |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 850 - 900 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 920 m/s |
| Effective range |
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The MG4 is a belt-fed 5.56 mm light machine gun designed and developed by Heckler & Koch within the Infanterist der Zukunft ("infantryman of the future") project of the German Army. It will partially replace the MG3 in infantry units of the Bundeswehr. It is designed to be light, to give the maximum of safety to the user and to be easy to handle for right- and left-handed shooters. It can also be fit to the U.S. US M112A1 Tripod for more accuracy.
The gun is comparable to the FN Minimi. Before its adoption by the German Bundeswehr as the MG4, the manufacturer referred to it as the MG43. The MG4 is gas-operated with a rotating bolt and is similar, except for its higher muzzle velocity, to the FN weapon.
[edit] System features
- Gas-operated weapon with rotating bolt head, firing from the open bolt position
- A special safety mechanism prevents the bolt from traveling forward should it not have reached the rear final engagement position (insufficient functioning) or when the pistol grip has been removed.
- Cartridge feed via belt (Cartridges are loaded in 5.56 mm M27 disintegrating belt links)
- Ammunition: Cal. 5.56 mm x 45 NATO Standard
- Belt intake: From the left, with loaded condition indicator
- Cartridge case ejection below the weapon
- Easy barrel change due to folding carrying handle fastened to the barrel
- The bolt can be locked in any position by folding the cocking lever upwards
- Bipod integrated into handguard
- Mechanical sight, Aperture or open notch sight. Sight graduations from 100 to 1000 m (in 10 graduations), folding front sight
- Picatinny rail MIL STD 1913 for support of optical sights
 MG4 at presentation of the Bundeswehr |
 MG4 at Wehrtechnisches Museum Koblenz (Germany) |
