POTD: Heckler & Koch HK416 with Backup HK MP7

Eric B
by Eric B
POTD: Heckler & Koch HK416 with Backup HK MP7

Still life photography is a genre with a large gray area between fine art and documentary photography. Add a firearm to the picture and some will frown and some will cheer. We’re pretty sure you’ve come to our Photo Of The Day to give two thumbs up for this collection. The soldier in the picture carries a Heckler & Koch HK416 and uses the MP7 from the same company as a backup. If we had a vote, I’m pretty sure this combination would win or at least place top 3 with almost any competition thinkable.

Here’s how H&K describes their MP7 ( Source):

The MP7 represents a new generation of enhanced-performance submachine guns that bridge the gap between assault rifles and conventional submachine guns. Developed as a genuine personal defense weapon, it far exceeds the NATO requirements profile.

The MP7 is extremely compact, lightweight, can be used in very confined spaces, and is practically recoil-free. It can be carried continuously, making it the ideal personal weapon for the soldier of today. Those who carry it will be suitably armed for the broadest range of operations.

Comparing the calibres, the penetration and terminal effects of the 4.6 mm x 30 cartridge are several times those of the standardised 9 mm x 19 cartridge. By way of illustration: The new high-performance calibre penetrates the NATO CRISAT TARGET (1.6 mm titanium and 20 layers of kevlar) even at 200 m. One fundamental requirement: At the same time, the risk of overpenetration is reduced to a minimum.

In terms of optics, I think both firearms use the Aimpoint Micro.


The photo comes from Heckler & Koch Germany.

Eric B
Eric B

Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.

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  • T243 T243 on Aug 09, 2021

    The damn Holster charges 800USD+ and is not available to civilians anywhere. HK USA askes for LEO credentials when you try to order it. Well. Im no US LEO. But if any US LEO would get the hands on the Holster for me, I would pay a premium.

    • See 4 previous
    • Iksnilol Iksnilol on Aug 09, 2021

      @Kinetics I know what a straw purchase is. It just sounded so ridiculous it had to be typed twice.

  • Mazryonh Mazryonh on Aug 10, 2021

    It looks like the MP7 in this photo is loaded with a 20-round magazine. Is that so it's less bulky when holstered? Is the user in this photo by any chance carrying 40-round magazines for the MP7, so if the need arises the MP7 has more ammunition on hand between reloads?

    • T243 T243 on Aug 11, 2021

      @Mazryonh So, there was some smaller evolution with the Magazines. I think at the beginning, HK offered only 20 and 40rd Mags. There was some issue with some ammo I think, which is why the 40rd Mags werent reliable with some ammo. Thats why they brought up the 30rd Variant. In the Military we used the 20 and 40rd. 20rd only for vehicle crews, and often just 1x20rd to swap the 40rd to a 20rd when entering the vehicle. With the Police they only use 30rds: Its a great combination, offering a regular 30rd size like with other platforms while stil offering you enaugh maneuverability in limited space. So yes, it is a common practie to have different magazine sizes depending on your needs with the MP7. At the moment, I use 1x30rd and 4x40rd when using a Plate Carrier. If you have a different special purpose, and limited space on the PC (like carring some 5.56 Mags, Medic, Nav, K9 or other stuff), than you can easily have 1x40rd in the rifle and a few 20 or 30rder mags at your belt. BTW: The 30rd is possible to wear on a belt, but only at the sides, like a full size STANAG Mag. To carry them "pistol style" at 11 or 1 o clock on the belt requires me as 185cm/6feet person to use 20rders or they would poke into my belly.

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