Heckler & Koch HK43 - Overview

Overview

In the mid to late 1960s, Heckler & Koch developed the HK33, which was a scaled down version of the Heckler & Koch G3, but chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO. The HK33 entered production in 1968. In 1974, a semi-automatic version of the HK33 was introduced by H&K and was designated the HK43. 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 .223. HK43s were sold with 25 round steel magazines. Of the approximately 377 HK43s produced, it is estimated that about 200 were imported into the U.S in 1974.