The HK416 has been tested by the United States military and is in use with some law enforcement agencies.
ĭelta Force replaced its M4s with the HK416 in 2004, after tests revealed that the piston operating system significantly reduces malfunctions while increasing the life of parts. The project was originally called the Heckler & Koch M4, but this was changed in response to a trademark infringement suit filed by Colt Defense. Army's XM8 rifle project (cancelled in 2005) and the British Armed Forces SA80 A2 upgrade programme. During development, Heckler & Koch capitalised on experience gained developing the Bundeswehr 's Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle, the U.S. At this point, they were equipped with the Heckler & Koch MP5, whose 9mm bullet was considered too weak, and the M4 Carbine, which was considered too large. The United States Army's Delta Force, at the request of R&D NCO Larry Vickers, collaborated with Heckler & Koch to develop a new carbine in the 1990s for use in close quarters combat.
