The HK416 is getting more attention nowadays from airsoft players, especially for the US Navy SEAL impressionists who want nothing but the minutest detail to complete their loadout. The good thing is, the impressionists do not need to wait for an airsoft replica to be made for the airsoft market, they might as well mod an existing HK416 airsoft replica if they have the time and inclination to do so.

Now, here comes another HK416 that would surely make some airsoft gunsmiths to start tinkering. The HK416C is a compact assault rifle that Heckler & Koch developed and its intended users are those which PDWs are targeting: paratroopers, vehicle mounted crews, and PSD (Personal Security Detail) but it's also in the Sub compact weapon category that Colt is also working on according to the Firearms Blog. At first glance it looks like one of those Patriot M4 pistols with free float rails, but then the HK416 could easily be mistaken as an M4, the rifle it intends to actually replace, however, it's not quite achieved its objective even it's superior in many areas than the M4.

The HK416 has a 9" barrel and a shortened buffer tube to allow a retractable stock to make it even more compact and can easily be stored or carried. This versatilty then allows for more maneuverability for the user, and in this case, it is definitely more for close quarters.

Defense Review was able to test the HK416, and they find it to be heavier than the FN SCAR PDW. And they have a video to prove it:

The interesting thing that it might be easier to create an airsoft replica for the HK416C without waiting for the airsoft manufacturers come out with their own version. The only companies that we know of that can create such will be MadBull Airsoft, PDI-Japan and King Arms as they have had experience in making Patriot M4 kits. For airsoft, whether it will be for gas blowbacks or AEGs is the create front and back coversion kits for the external furniture of the airsoft HK416.

The internals will mainly maintain any existing airsoft HK416 body, especially the TM-compatible ones. This can be either VFC or SRC, or if you're more budget conscious, go for the Jing Gong HK416 version 2 model. Then find a 9" barrel and buffer tube with from those Patriot Kits. The front area bears similarity to one of the PDI-Japan Patriot kits.

If you're an airsoft DIYer you might want to try your hands on it. If you've create your own HK416 replica whether it's an AEG or gas blowback, we want to write about your project. Contact us once you have a prototype and we can feature your work here.