Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the general purpose machine guns (gpmg) category.
01 / Overview
HK23
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG) · COLD WAR
8
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the general purpose machine guns (gpmg) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Production Year1972
- Service Entry Year1972
- Weight (Empty)8.7 kg
- Weight (Loaded)10.5 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre7MOD.7
- Cartridge7.62×51mm NATO
- Calibre7.62 mm
- Case Length51 mm
- Calibre Class7.62mm NATO
- Bullet Weight9.33 g
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation8MOD.8
- Action TypeDelayed Blowback
- Fire Modesfull-auto
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemBelt
- Cyclic Rate of Fire900
- Practical Rate of Fire200
- Trigger Typesingle-stage
- Safety Typeselector lever
◇Ballistics7MOD.7
- Muzzle Velocity850 m/s
- Muzzle Energy3,400
- Effective Range (point)800 m
- Effective Range (area)1,200 m
- Maximum Range3,700 m
- Sighting Range1,200 m
- Accuracy3
◆Barrel & Sights8MOD.8
- Barrel Length560 mm
- Rifling Twist1:12 inches (305 mm)
- Rifling Grooves4
- Sight Typeiron sights, optional optics
- Sight Radius685 mm
- Optic RailYes
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelNo
▤Construction6MOD.6
- Receiver Materialsteel
- Furniture Materialpolymer
- Folding / Collapsing StockYes
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Ambidextrous ControlsYes
- Modularityquick-change barrel, folding stock variant
⬢Features5MOD.5
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Production Start1972
- Variants1
◎Additional Dimensions2MOD.2
- Width120 mm
- Height250 mm
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
- 1972Production started
54
years in service
0
countries operating
ⓘ 5 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries5country
05 / MASS Score
GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG) RANKING General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
26GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG)8COLD WAR · GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG)104GERMANY · ALL WEAPONS59PERFORMANCE/PRICE · GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS (GPMG)
ⓘ Rankings are within theGeneral Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a flexible or rigid container (magazine) inserted into the grip or attached externally, feeding rounds into the chamber via a spring or follower.
A type of semi-automatic pistol action where the barrel remains locked for a short period after firing, delaying the blowback of gases to slow the opening of the breech.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Integral bipod: a permanently attached, built‑in bipod that provides a two‑point support for a firearm, allowing it to be rested on a surface without separate accessories.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources