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Heckler & Koch HK512
Photo: Rizuan · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
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Heckler&KochHK512

Combat Shotguns · Germany · 1980
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Heckler&KochHK512

Heckler & Koch HK512
Heckler & Koch HK512 Photo: Rizuan · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Close-Range Lethality
75
Ammunition Versatility
60
Capacity
55
Reliability
85
Handling
80
Breaching Capability
70
Pattern Control
75
Ergonomics
80
Technology
65
Cost-Effectiveness
70
Origin Germany
ManufacturerHeckler & Koch
CategoryCombat Shotguns
EraCold War
In service1980
Operators4 countries
Quantity1,500
Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
72
Combat Shotguns MASS Rating
10/33
Cold War
28/107
All-Time
Combat Shotguns · 10 axes scored
Close-Range Lethality
75
Ammunition Versatility
60
Capacity
55
Reliability
85
Handling
80
Breaching Capability
70
Pattern Control
75
Ergonomics
80
Technology
65
Cost-Effectiveness
70
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the combat shotguns category.
01 / Overview
Heckler & Koch HK512
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1980–
Quantity
1,500
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
COMBAT SHOTGUNS · COLD WAR
10
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
78
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
72
combat shotguns category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the combat shotguns category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
  • First Production Year1980
  • DesignerLuigi Franchi
  • Weight (Empty)3.63 kg
  • Notable UsersGSG-9, EKO Cobra, Grupo Especial de Operaciones
◈Cartridge & Calibre3MOD.3
  • Cartridge12 gauge
  • Calibre18.5 mm
  • Case Length70 mm
▣Operation6MOD.6
◇Barrel & Sights2MOD.2
◆Construction3MOD.3
▤Features1MOD.1
⬢Production & Cost2MOD.2
  • Total Production1,500
  • Production Start1980
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1980Production started
46
years in service
1,500
units produced
4
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A straight, cylindrical ammunition container that feeds cartridges into a firearm's action via gravity or a spring.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Combat Shotguns entry →