HISTORY
In the 1960's Heckler & Koch wanted to capitalize on the success of the G3 rifle by developing a version for the upcoming 5.56mm market. The result was the HK 33 rifle which differs only slightly from the G3. The HK 33 was mainly intended for export sales. One of the unique variants of the HK 33 was the HK 53 sub machine gun. It was the first 5.56mm sub machine gun to be widely adopted by law enforcement units. During its production life it has been improved on several occasions. The newer production models are called the HK 33E. The HK 33 was produced under license in Malaysia, by MAS in France and by MKE in Turkey since 1999. Since 2001 the HK 33 is no longer produced in Germany, but many still remain in use around the world.
DESIGN
The HK 33 is a development of the G3 in 5.56x45mm. The HK 33 looks very similar to the G3 with the later, wider tropical forearm. The HK 33 uses a shorter barrel than the G3 making it a shorter and lighter weapon. Unlike the MP5 the HK 33 family never received different denominators for burst fire trigger groups. At first the HK 33 was produced with the SEF trigger group, but later on the ambidextrous three round burst trigger group became standard. The fixed stock models are designated A2, while the retractable stock versions are called the A3. At first a convex retractable stock as on the G3A4 was used, but this was later changed to a concave one similar to the MP5. The HK 33 uses very strong 25 round metal magazines. Later on 40 round magazines were produced, but they never became as common as the 25 round ones. The HK 33 can be fitted with a bipod that recesses in the hand guard and the HK 79 under barrel grenade launcher. During the final years of production 30 round magazines were introduced. During the production lifetime the HK 33 received several upgrades. The burst trigger groups and new stocks were already mentioned and the twist was changed to a faster one for use with NATO ammunition. The improved versions were sometimes sold as the HK 33E, with the E meaning Export. The HK 53 also received upgrades such as the new retractable stock and a new flash hider but was never rebranded.
PERFORMANCE
The HK 33 is a very capable combat rifle. The roller locked delayed blowback firing mechanism makes the HK 33 very accurate, compact and reliable, but this comes at the cost of high weight and high costs. Compared to the G3 the HK 33 is lighter, more compact and has less recoil. The reliability of the HK 33 is enhanced by the high quality steel magazines, that will function properly even if a car has run over them. During several conflicts the HK 33 has proved itself in military and law enforcement use. The HK 53 is favored by special forces and law enforcement units as it provides good firepower in a small package. The two or three round bust option allows for controlled fire. The HK 33 and HK 33SG/1 make for good designated marksman rifles. They provide very good accuracy and the set trigger group on the HK 33SG/1 is one of the best match trigger groups ever produced.
In the 1960's Heckler & Koch wanted to capitalize on the success of the G3 rifle by developing a version for the upcoming 5.56mm market. The result was the HK 33 rifle which differs only slightly from the G3. The HK 33 was mainly intended for export sales. One of the unique variants of the HK 33 was the HK 53 sub machine gun. It was the first 5.56mm sub machine gun to be widely adopted by law enforcement units. During its production life it has been improved on several occasions. The newer production models are called the HK 33E. The HK 33 was produced under license in Malaysia, by MAS in France and by MKE in Turkey since 1999. Since 2001 the HK 33 is no longer produced in Germany, but many still remain in use around the world.
DESIGN
The HK 33 is a development of the G3 in 5.56x45mm. The HK 33 looks very similar to the G3 with the later, wider tropical forearm. The HK 33 uses a shorter barrel than the G3 making it a shorter and lighter weapon. Unlike the MP5 the HK 33 family never received different denominators for burst fire trigger groups. At first the HK 33 was produced with the SEF trigger group, but later on the ambidextrous three round burst trigger group became standard. The fixed stock models are designated A2, while the retractable stock versions are called the A3. At first a convex retractable stock as on the G3A4 was used, but this was later changed to a concave one similar to the MP5. The HK 33 uses very strong 25 round metal magazines. Later on 40 round magazines were produced, but they never became as common as the 25 round ones. The HK 33 can be fitted with a bipod that recesses in the hand guard and the HK 79 under barrel grenade launcher. During the final years of production 30 round magazines were introduced. During the production lifetime the HK 33 received several upgrades. The burst trigger groups and new stocks were already mentioned and the twist was changed to a faster one for use with NATO ammunition. The improved versions were sometimes sold as the HK 33E, with the E meaning Export. The HK 53 also received upgrades such as the new retractable stock and a new flash hider but was never rebranded.
PERFORMANCE
The HK 33 is a very capable combat rifle. The roller locked delayed blowback firing mechanism makes the HK 33 very accurate, compact and reliable, but this comes at the cost of high weight and high costs. Compared to the G3 the HK 33 is lighter, more compact and has less recoil. The reliability of the HK 33 is enhanced by the high quality steel magazines, that will function properly even if a car has run over them. During several conflicts the HK 33 has proved itself in military and law enforcement use. The HK 53 is favored by special forces and law enforcement units as it provides good firepower in a small package. The two or three round bust option allows for controlled fire. The HK 33 and HK 33SG/1 make for good designated marksman rifles. They provide very good accuracy and the set trigger group on the HK 33SG/1 is one of the best match trigger groups ever produced.