SAS Weapons - HK 33 / 53

HK33

The Heckler & Koch HK33 was developed following the success of the 7.62x59mm G3. The HK33 is essentially a G3 chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, usually fed from a 25 round magazine. Like its older brother, the G3, the HK 33 comes in various sizes (see images below). It's believed that the Regiment uses the HK33KE variant for close protection (body guarding) duties, usually keeping the rifle in the vehicles.

HK53

The HK53 is essentially a cut-down HK33, designed to be used at close quarters. The SAS used the compact HK53 in Northern Ireland. In his book, Immediate Action, Andy McNab recounts a car chase/ gun battle with IRA gunmen during which the HK53 was employed. The shortened barrel, combined with the 5.56 round means that the HK53 is not ideal for shooting from vehicles into other vehicles, however. That said, it still packs a substantially heavier punch than the 9mm MP5 without being much bigger and the HK53 soon became a favourite of 14 Int (or 'Det') operators in NI. HK53s are also employed by the various close protection (bodyguard) units within the British military.

Full-sized HK33 assault rifle	HK33KE - shorter barrel and collapsible stock
HK53

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