Due to increased attention to this weapon, that is sold in Europe and Canada (and not USA due to US Import regulations), I believe it is time for "a closer look".
The MR223 A3 as its official designation by HK comes in two unofficial Versions:
V1 is the initial released version, sold since early 2016 and available in 16.5in barrels. The rifle displayed is a V1 rifle.
V1 features are: Quadrail Handguard, Gas-Block mounted front sight post, Rear "G3 Style" Drum Sight.
V2 is the version current as of early 2017 and available in 16.5, 14.5 and 11 in barrels.
V2 differences: HKey Handguard, Sights are slim fold down picatinny style.
Apart from these accessory options, both versions are indeed identical.
Picture of MR223 A3 V2(right):
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HK MR223 A3 V1 rifle overview, displayed with Brügger & Thomet Rotex-V Compact and Aimpoint M4 QRP
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Biggest change of this rifle is the new lower. It is fully ambidextrous, allowing for improved manipulation for both left and right hand shooters. I actually consider this a huge plus for right handed shooters as it allows full manipulation of the bolt, including hold open, via the trigger finger:
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Some minor changes are the nicer flare to the magwell, the buffer tube nut that allows better impact resistance and slimline stock:
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The upper and lower have alot more play than previous versions, goal of HK was to improve the compatibility with non HK rifles. HK has a tiny spring to reduce play in the upper:
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OTB features are fully visible on the rifle, as visible on the barrel extension and also bolt carrier group with the drain hole (note the dirt in the upper due to surpressor usage):
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The upper now also features a full lenght pica-rail:
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And of course, the topic of discussion all over the place: GAS BLOCK. Its vented, it works very well surpressed, the rifle has 100s of rounds surpressed through it.
It is noteworthy that the V1 construction of the foldable front sight post is rather bad. The sight gets extremely hot during shooting, so you must deploy it before shooting if you intend to use it. It also needs regular movement to avoid seizing due to carbon build up. As you can see from the fold down picture, it gets blasted quite alot by the vent.
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As added Bonus Content a brand new Rotex-V compact was delivered today to reduce OAL (previously ran with the full lenght version), never shot, so i figure its worth showing this surpressor that HK also sells with its own brand. Its made from Inconel and Thermax and can be shot until glowing red hot, its a household item with EU Tier-1 troops and extremely reliable. It mounts directly to the A2 Birdcage OR, as displayed, a HK SD Mount Muzzle device:
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If you have any Q's let me know!
The MR223 A3 as its official designation by HK comes in two unofficial Versions:
V1 is the initial released version, sold since early 2016 and available in 16.5in barrels. The rifle displayed is a V1 rifle.
V1 features are: Quadrail Handguard, Gas-Block mounted front sight post, Rear "G3 Style" Drum Sight.
V2 is the version current as of early 2017 and available in 16.5, 14.5 and 11 in barrels.
V2 differences: HKey Handguard, Sights are slim fold down picatinny style.
Apart from these accessory options, both versions are indeed identical.
Picture of MR223 A3 V2(right):
HK MR223 A3 V1 rifle overview, displayed with Brügger & Thomet Rotex-V Compact and Aimpoint M4 QRP
Biggest change of this rifle is the new lower. It is fully ambidextrous, allowing for improved manipulation for both left and right hand shooters. I actually consider this a huge plus for right handed shooters as it allows full manipulation of the bolt, including hold open, via the trigger finger:
Some minor changes are the nicer flare to the magwell, the buffer tube nut that allows better impact resistance and slimline stock:
The upper and lower have alot more play than previous versions, goal of HK was to improve the compatibility with non HK rifles. HK has a tiny spring to reduce play in the upper:
OTB features are fully visible on the rifle, as visible on the barrel extension and also bolt carrier group with the drain hole (note the dirt in the upper due to surpressor usage):
The upper now also features a full lenght pica-rail:
And of course, the topic of discussion all over the place: GAS BLOCK. Its vented, it works very well surpressed, the rifle has 100s of rounds surpressed through it.
It is noteworthy that the V1 construction of the foldable front sight post is rather bad. The sight gets extremely hot during shooting, so you must deploy it before shooting if you intend to use it. It also needs regular movement to avoid seizing due to carbon build up. As you can see from the fold down picture, it gets blasted quite alot by the vent.
As added Bonus Content a brand new Rotex-V compact was delivered today to reduce OAL (previously ran with the full lenght version), never shot, so i figure its worth showing this surpressor that HK also sells with its own brand. Its made from Inconel and Thermax and can be shot until glowing red hot, its a household item with EU Tier-1 troops and extremely reliable. It mounts directly to the A2 Birdcage OR, as displayed, a HK SD Mount Muzzle device:
If you have any Q's let me know!
