Improving the AR-15: The HK416 A5 with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson.

I love Jonathan saying "it'll save you some burbling from me," as if Jonathan's burbling isn't the express reason we're all here.

Having used the HK416 A5 in the french army, I can assure you that the magazine release button on the left side is a pain in the ass. If you hold the rifle against your plate carrier, it will press the button and you'll unintentionally drop the mag. As it happens often, we just block this button with anything we find.

We should celebrate how lucky we are to have this channel and it's awesome content. Jonathan is THE MAN.

Very neat seeing HK try to improve durability. If I remember correctly, the 416 was, at the same time highly regarded, but also gained a reputation for breaking down faster than the older M4 models used by US SOF units. Thus, a lot of folks referred to the 416 and MR556 as "an overgassed AR18 that will eventually beat itself to death". But, I guess if you're a tier 1 unit receiving an unlimited from the DOD, that isn't much of an issue. Well done, Johnathan!

I hope we get a video on the Glock Rifle for Project Hunter since that was the most mysterious submission since Glock usually doesn't make rifles.

It's really awesome how the original AR-15 design is still chugging along, 70+ years after inception. And how others are using Stoner's AR-18 designs to mesh the two rifles. I personally love my AR's, and I have no issues with the DI gas system. It works. It blows junk out of the port and keeps it clean and operable. You get mud in an op rod gun? You have to wash it out. Personal preference in practice though. The AR will live on for a long time I believe. Simple, effective, easy to work on. You can put Stoner's name up there with JMB and the 1911. Amazing that the 1911 is still soldiering on after more than 100 years. The engineering on it is just awe inspiring. Love my polymer guns, but my DS 1911's are in a league of their own.

not mentioned enough how serious Jonathan takes muzzle safety. like obviously the gun is safe and clear, but he tries his best to never muzzle sweep even the camera crew.

12 year infantryman here, that machined and retained firing pin retainer may be one of my favorite minor details of this. Awesome video!

The original sizes for the barrel were 10.4, 14.5, 16.5, and 20! The new ones are 11, 12.5, 14.5, 16.5, and 20!

Yo, Jonathan cam went hard

HK416 and Jonathan. Two of my favorite things in one video.

Johnathan you're a man of excellent character! Your disdain for beige proves that beyond a doubt.

For those who do not have a lot of experience with the 416 platform vs. standard M4/M16 platform the most important thing I think that needs to be mentioned is the weight difference. The 416 platform is extremely heavy for it's size. For that reason I never used the platform for very long, it's just too damn heavy and the potential gains in reliability I never saw in real life. The truth is the standard M4 platform is as reliable as it needs to be. In my opinion, it's not worth the increased weight. My 416C 10.5" rifle is 2lbs heavier than a 16" rifle with optics.

Absolutely outstanding muzzle discipline This should be shown and used as a firearms handling instructional video Hats off to you good sir Think about this fact There are more AR-15s in civilian possession in America than in in army in the world A fact as an American I am immensely and immeasurably proud of

Nice lighting, much easier to see stuff, real help. Thanks.

16.5" barrel is common for USA sales since 16" is the legal minimum for common civilian sales.

The HK416A5 was never adopted by the German Bundeswehr. Only the HK416A7 and A8. Dont get confused. The A5 as the G38 was only adopted by the German Customs SWAT Team (ZUZ) and a few other Police Forces.

You really hit the spot with this backdrop

The VCOG is an amazing optic and doesn’t get enough credit. The 1-8 mode is way better than the 1-6 model.

The RAL 8000 is actually the color given to the furniture on the A5. The aluminum parts probably are FDE or something similar. Additionally, while the handguard does use Magpul’s MLOK accessory attachment system, it is, in fact, made in house by HK for their 416 and the MLOK logo is just there as a Magpul trademark since they invented the system.