Heckler & Koch HK4

The HK 4 pocket pistol was first introduced by Heckler & Koch in 1967. Government agencies received 12,000 pistols in the .32 ACP caliber with the designation P11 and were serial numbered 40001 to 52400.

HK4
A H&K HK4, one of the 2000 commemorative specimens were produced in 1971, with the name plate and trigger made of gold.
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originWest Germany
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerAlex Seidel
Designed1967
ManufacturerHeckler & Koch, MAS
Produced1968-1984
Specifications
Mass480 g (17 oz)
Length157 mm (6.2 in)
Barrel length85 mm (3.3 in)
Width32 mm (1.3 in)
Height110 mm (4.3 in)
Cartridge.22 Long Rifle
.25 ACP
.32 ACP
.380 ACP
ActionStraight blowback, unlocked breech
Muzzle velocity356 m/s (MAG-95, MAG-98, MAG-98c)
Effective firing rangeSights ranged for 25 m
Feed system7, 8-round box magazine
SightsFixed, front post and rear notch, sight radius 121 mmm

Design

The HK4 is basically a new version and a more refined development of the Mauser HSc self-loading pistol. Heckler & Koch was familiar with HSc design, as during pre-war and post-war periods, many of the Heckler & Koch company founders were employees of the Mauser-Werke Oberndorf A.G. company.

Like the HSc, the HK4 is also an unlocked recoil charger with a spring-mass lock, cocking trigger and a combined safety / release device.

Switching between ammunition with central ignition (6.35 mm Browning, 7.65 mm Browning, 9 mm short) and ammunition with rim ignition (.22 lfB) is possible by simply turning the (removable) butt plate. The caliber change within the group of center fire cartridges takes place in a few seconds without tools, when changing to caliber .22 lfB you only need a screwdriver to loosen the push plate.

Occasionally, the pistol grips were made from light metal (duralumin) and a partially stamped steel. As a result, the grips could come loose and possibly break unexpectedly while shooting.

Reception and Legacy

The HK4 is a historical firearm and marks the beginning of pistol production at Heckler & Koch. In its basic structure and the main manufacturing processes, the HK4 laid groundwork for its much more important and successful successor, the H&K P9S.

Due to its high manufacturing quality and easy caliber change, the HK4 was quite successful on the market, though did not offer serious competition to established Walther PP and PPK pistols. HK4's biggest success was the adoption by West German customs as their service weapon.

For the civilian market, 26550 pieces were produced, with serial numbers from 10001 to 36550 [1] and 12400 were produced for the West German police force, with numbers from 40001 to 52400.[2] Another 8700 pieces were made for the US market, with production numbers from 001 to 8700[3] and imported by Harrington & Richardson. In 1971, 2000 commemorative specimens were produced, with the name plate and trigger made of gold.[4]

Users

References
  1. https://web.archive.org/web/20080811033130/http://www.hkpro.com/hk4.htm
  2. https://web.archive.org/web/20080811033130/http://www.hkpro.com/hk4.htm
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20080811033130/http://www.hkpro.com/hk4.htm
  4. http://hkp7.com/hk4/
  5. http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/de/hk-4-e.html
  6. Jones, Richard D.; Ness, Leland S., eds. (January 27, 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Coulsdon: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
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