Introduction

The HK416 (5.56 mm) assault rifle was developed by Heckler & Koch for U.S. special operations forces as a major product improvement of M-4/M-16 type carbines and rifles. Based on the experience, gained during successful upgrade program of the British SA-80/L-85A1 program, HK decided to cure the existing M-16 rifles and M-4 carbines from most of their problems, inherent to the deficiencies of the direct gas impingement (gas tube) operating system of this 40-years old design.

HK416 is a gas operated, selective fired weapon of modular design. It uses short-stroke gas piston that operates the 7-lug rotating bolt. Receiver is made from high grade aluminum alloy. Combination type safety/fire selector allows for single shots and full automatic mode. HK416 retains all M-16 style controls, including last round bolt hold-open device, rear-based charging handle and magazine release button on the right side of the magazine well. Buttstock is of typical M-4 design, multi-position telescoped.

Improvements were made to the internal operating system and miscellaneous component parts to improve reliability in best/worst case scenarios, using all barrel lengths and all types of ammunition and with/without sound suppressors attached.

An innovative free-floating 4-quadrant Picatinny rail system/hand guard designed by HK allows all current accessories, sights, lights, and aiming devices on STANAG-1913 compliant mounts to be fitted to the HK416, including the modified HK AG36/AG-C 40mm grenade launcher, which clamps directly to bottom rail. This rail system and can be installed and removed without tools.

The HK-proprietary short-stroke, self-regulating gas piston system (borrowed from HK G36 rifle )uses a piston driving an operating rod to control the function of the bolt, preventing propellant gases and the associated carbon residue fouling from entering the weapon’s interior even after long shooting sessions. This increases the reliability of the weapon and extends the interval between stoppages. It also reduces operator cleaning time, heat transfer to the bolt and bolt carrier, and wear and tear on critical components.

To improve reliability, service life, and operator safety during obstructed bore occurrences or after extreme extended firing sessions, the HK416 uses barrels produced by KH’s cold hammer forging process. The highest quality steel is used in this unique manufacturing process producing a barrel that provides superior accuracy for greater than 20,000 rounds with minimal degradation of accuracy and muzzle velocity. In addition to the improvements in the baseline weapon, HK has produced a corrosion resistant steel magazine and a proprietary buffer to improve functional reliability.

Some HK416 variants also have “OTB” (Over-the-beach) capability and can be safely fired after being submerged in water and not completely drained. HK416 variants are available with 10.4, 14.5, 16.5, and 20 inch (264, 368, 419, 508 mm) barrels.

There is a significant presence of the HK416 in the clandestine US Forces unit such as AWG, CAG and rumors of ST6 and law enforcement units such as the FBI HRT. As of January 2013, the HK416 is a tender participant in the US Army's Individual Carbine competition to find a successor to the M-4 carbine

Review

Live Resin products come in a standard zip-lock plastic bag clamped in a cardboard 3D box-art. The front image is showing the parts layout, while the back image illustrates the optional resin accessories for this specific gun system like various scopes, lights, laser designators, fore-grips etc.

The set includes 2 different HK416 weapon options: HK416 modular assault rifle with a 10.4” barrel (3x) and HK416 with the Knight’s Armament Co. suppressor (3x) and a single casting block with 8 different magazines (also available separately in the LRE 35009 M-4/m-16 magazine set). Each weapon is located on a separate casting block and each block is enumerated with the product serial number and option lettering (in this case LRE35038A through LRE35038E). The weapons are molded in light gray resin that allows every detail to be visible, and the casting itself is astonishing. There are no imperfections, bubbles or any other types of defects in this sample, with only minute traces of flash present. The molding stubs are the thinnest I have ever seen which should facilitate cleaning of the pieces; however caution will be required not to break off the weapon barrels or suppressors which are very delicate.

These guns are not your average HK416’s. They are updated to a more modern version probably more suited to individual SF needs. These guns feature Magpul CTR buttstock, FAB Defense AG-43 ergonomic pistol grip, folding front/rear sights, flash hider for the short variant and for the suppressed variant; a KAC quick disconnect NT4 sound suppressor.

We all know the level of details that Live Resin brings to these little marvels in resin, but the accuracy of those details are unbelievable. Take for instance the Magpul buttstock:

The Magpul CTR (Compact/Type Restricted) – Mil-Spec Model is a drop-in replacement buttstock for AR15/M16 carbines using mil-spec sized receiver extension tubes. Designed for light, fast action the streamlined A-frame profile avoids snagging and shields the release latch to prevent accidental activation. The CTR also features a supplemental friction lock system that minimizes excessive stock movement for enhanced weapon stability and an ambidextrous QD sling mount that will accept any push-button sling swivel. The Mil-Spec Model includes a standard 0.30" rubber butt-pad which provides positive shoulder purchase to prevent slippage even with body armor or modular gear.

I’ve been looking at the photos and some schematics of the real thing and every single line, opening, indentation is present. This may not seem like a big deal but when you are dealing with a 1/35 scale weapon, the buttstock is only 4-5 mm in length and that says much about the level of detail. There are no shortcuts taken here with the design.

On to the pistol grip:
The AG-43 Pistol Grip enhances grip control, reduces slipping and wrist fatigue, improving overall control during firing sequences. It features finger swelts and a backstrap shape designed to enhance grip (even when wet), extended beavertail for better control, allowing a higher firmer hold readily accessible storage area with securely sealed hinged door, made from mil-spec reinforced polymer composite material. Basically, what you see in the real thing is what you get in the resin model. Only thing I could find lacking is the FAB Defense inscription but that would probably need a microscope to be seen.

The upper/lower receiver assembly is intricate as it gets. Everything is very well represented, the charging handle, fire selector switch, forward assist button, mag release button, collapsible front/rear sights, it’s all there and in very sharp detail. And now to the highlight of the weapon design – the lower receiver features an aperture for the magazine itself. It may not be much, but the way it’s designed you just need to slide in the magazine (included in the set) almost like the real thing! This ensures proper alignment and reducing the chance of gluing your fingers with CA glue trying to manhandle these tiny parts. A welcome innovation on 1/35 weapons indeed. The rail interface is as usual from Live Resin very sharply detailed and will accommodate most accessories for this gun already available in earlier releases.

The KAC NT4 quick disconnect suppressor is also perfect in detail. With weight just under 2 lbs and length of 6,6” it provides reduction of 28 dB without any significant disadvantages to the weapon system. The main visual feature of this suppressor is the round perforations in the outer layer. There are a million of these and they are lined up and spaced perfectly. With a simple wash these will pop out and bring a great visual detail to this gun. As with all Live Resin weapons, the pouring stub is going directly to the barrel, so it will require careful drilling out.

The magazines included on the last block are: 2x standard HK416 mags, single Magpul PMAG, single mag with the original Magpul tab, single PMAG with a Magpul Ranger Plate, single HK416 mag with a Magpul Ranger Plate, standard dual HK416 mag with double mag coupler and dual HK416 mag with double mag coupler and Magpul Ranger Plate. Every mag also has a locating tab that inserts right into the receiver opening. These parts are tiny so take care when removing them from the casting block.

The best thing about these weapons they can be upgraded with a number of already released Live Resin accessory sets with ease and without any doubt about proper fitting. A nice paint job will do these weapons the real justice they deserve.

Conclusion

This 1/35 scale weapon set includes 6 HK416 assault rifles: 3 in the short barrel version and 3 in the suppressed version. The cast is absolutely perfect with a lot of intricate weapon details. Another extra that will be very useful is the addition of the magazine block.

HK416 systems were designed exclusively for US Special Forces and these weapons but are now fielded by a wide number of foreign users as well (notably Norway as a standard issue AR). If you’re interested in contemporary figures, and using something newer than the M-4, this weapon set is a great asset. As for the quality of the Live Resin products, this one is a no-brainer. Get it if you want to detail your figures with a first class resin modern weapon.

References

Heckler & Koch USA
World Guns
Magpul CTR stock
FAB Defense pistol grip
Kight’s Armament Company NT4 suppressor