The German Army recently selected the Heckler & Koch G28 rifle chambered in 7.62mm NATO as their standard-issue Designated Marksman weapon. Tactical-Life.com recently had a limited opportunity to handle this new rifle at HK headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia.

This rifle combines elements of both the HK417 and the civilian version of the rifle, the MR762A1. In fact, there is 75 percent parts interchangeability between the G28 and the HK417. Still, this is a piston-operated, semi-automatic-only carbine specifically designed to rapidly engage man-sized targets out to 800 meters, perfectly fitting into the Designated Marksman role in an infantry unit, which is not the same as that of a sniper.

While a carbine with a 16.5-inch barrel, the G28 is no lightweight. The steel upper receiver and standard equipment pushes the empty weight to 16.5 pounds. The collapsible buttstock features an adjustable buttpad and cheekweld, and the complete rifle is finished in a custom low IR observable green/tan desert finish.

The rifle is being provided to the German military as an out-of-the-box solution with a Schmidt & Bender PMII 3-20×50 scope that has an Aimpoint Micro T-1 red-dot sight mounted on top. The elongated, free-floated quad rail protects the barrel and provides access to the gas system adjustment valve for regular and suppressed fire.

The heavy cold-hammed-forged target barrel is also chrome-lined and is topped off with an elongated flash suppressor. The G28 also includes both 10- and 20-round translucent polymer magazines, and the rifle is in current operational use in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, it cannot be imported in its current configuration, although HK has produced a Patrol version that is 3.5 pounds lighter.

For more information, visit hk-usa.com or call 706-568-1906.