German firearms big Heckler & Koch (HK) is increasing its operations in the US, a transfer signaling a better deal with U.S. customers and a step towards addressing the rising demand for HK merchandise within the nation. The transfer may additionally point out a shift in how the model interacts with American consumers, as echoed by the notorious slogan/meme: “Since you suck, and we hate you”.
In a collection of communications to the HK Professional Neighborhood, HK introduced the official launch of HK USA, a strategic initiative designed to bolster its U.S. presence. In line with the corporate, this challenge has been in growth for 5 years. HK emphasised that its dedication to high quality stays unchanged, with merchandise manufactured each in Germany and the U.S. assembly the identical rigorous “No Compromise” requirements.
HK expects to unveil three main new or enhanced platforms between mid-October and the HK Professional WOFT occasion scheduled for February. Whereas particular particulars on these new merchandise and equipment stay scarce, there’s a powerful trace that extra can be revealed throughout the upcoming SHOT Present.
In a follow-up letter, HK addressed questions from the U.S. client base about what this enlargement means for them. Many have been left questioning what to anticipate when HK first elevated its stateside manufacturing presence again in 2017.
There’s hope that this enlargement will result in extra iconic HK firearms turning into out there within the U.S., such because the MP5. Traditionally, releases have been hampered by strict German export legal guidelines, limiting what could possibly be despatched to U.S. customers.
A notable instance of previous disappointment got here with the discharge of the primary SP5k, which lacked options like a paddle journal launch and a tri-lug barrel (which was later rectified, minus the giggle change).
For a lot of followers of the model, disappointment got here in different flavors. U.S. consumers who wished a G36 have been as an alternative provided the SL8, a sporterized model of the basic. Happily, builders like Tom Bostic of TommyBuilt Tactical have been in a position to restore these fashions to their unique glory. Bostic has even created an HK MP7 clone, first seen at this yr’s SHOT Present. These conversions and clones can definitely have their points, leading to many holding off for the “actual deal” from HK themselves.
For followers of the MP7 and G36, the excellent news is these fashions seem like in growth! Nevertheless, the dangerous information is that they’re not anticipated to be out there till not less than 2026. Within the meantime, there have been leaks hinting at an up to date model of the SFP9CC micro-compact, doubtlessly rebranded because the “CC9,” which seems a lot nearer to completion.
Because the resident HK fanatic, I’m past enthusiastic about the potential for proudly owning extra OEM choices of essentially the most iconic weapons from one in every of my favourite producers.
What are you most wanting ahead to from HK sooner or later? Tell us your ideas within the feedback under!
