The Heckler & Koch HK43 is a civilian semi-automatic rifle based upon the Heckler & Koch HK33 rifle and is the predecessor of the Heckler & Koch HK93 semi-automatic rifle.
| Heckler & Koch HK43 | |
|---|---|
 HK43A2 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Place of origin | West Germany |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Produced | March 1974 - 1989 |
| Variants | KA1, A2 and A3 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 8.4 pounds (3.8 kg) (empty magazine) |
| Length | 36.2 inches (920 mm) |
| Barrel length | 16.975 inches (431.165 mm) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO, .223 Remington |
| Action | Roller-delayed blowback |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic |
| Feed system | 5, 20, 25, 30 or 40-round double column, detachable box magazine |
| Sights | Protected post front, rotating diopter rear sight |
Overview
editThe HK43 was created in 1974 as a semi-automatic version of the HK33 (which itself was a scaled down version of the Heckler & Koch G3, but chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO).[1] According to H&K's numbering nomenclature, the "4" indicates that the weapon is a paramilitary rifle, and the "3" indicates that the caliber is 5.56 mm. The HK40-series was designed for sale to conscripts so they could be familiar with their service rifle before entering military service, a common practice in Germany and Switzerland.[2] They had a bayonet mount and furniture just like the military model, but came with a semi-auto trigger pack instead of a full auto trigger pack. This allowed a civilian rifle to be easily made into an assault rifle just by dropping in a full auto trigger pack.[citation needed]
HK43 can sell for anywhere between $7,500 and $10,000 depending on the condition and the economy at the time.
An HK43 version KA1 with a shorter 322 mm barrel was used in 1977 by the German RAF urban guerrilla group to assassinate general attorney Siegfried Buback and two policemen.[3][4] Verena Becker, a former RAF member, claimed Stefan Wisniewski was the killer.[4]
HK93
editThe HK93 is a variant based upon the HK43 that was imported to the United States. The name change was reportedly based on several factors including the changes in barrel length to comply with US import laws and changes in H&K's own nomenclature system. Approximately 200 HK43 rifles were imported to America prior to 1974.[1] The standard HK93A2 utilized a fixed stock while the HK93A3 used a retractable stock. The HK93 series had a redesigned semi-automatic trigger pack and metal shelf installed in the trigger group well that made it impossible for it to fit a full-auto trigger pack. It also had the bayonet mount removed and had different furniture.[citation needed]
C93
edit
The C93 is a civilian version of the HK93 created by Century International Arms, Inc.[1] It comes with an 18.9-or-16.25-inch (480 or 413 mm) barrel with a 1:9 twist ratio. A carrying handle and 40-round magazine are standard. Advertised weight is 8.2 lb (3.7 kg). The C-93 is built from Thai Type-11 parts kits using an American made barrel and other miscellaneous American parts.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b c Burgreen, Todd (May 2012). "Made in America: Century International Arms C93 Rifle". SWAT. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ^ "HK43: The 5.56mm "Paramilitary" Rifle". 8 March 2024.
- ^ "Mit der HK 43 habe ich nie geschossen". 19 November 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Who Assassinated Siegfried Buback? Germany Revisits RAF Terrorism Verdict". Spiegel Online. 23 April 2007. Retrieved 22 September 2019.