History of Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch (H&K) is a German firearms manufacturer known for producing high-quality, innovative small arms. Founded in 1949 in Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany, by former Mauser engineers Edmund Heckler, Theodor Koch, and Alex Seidel, the company emerged in the post-World War II era when Germany was restricted from producing weapons. Initially, H&K focused on precision manufacturing before shifting to firearms production in the 1950s. Their first major success came with the G3 battle rifle, which was adopted by the German military in 1959 and became one of the most widely used rifles worldwide.
Over the decades, H&K established itself as a leader in firearms design, introducing iconic weapons such as the MP5 submachine gun, the USP pistol series, and the G36 rifle. The company has supplied firearms to military, law enforcement, and civilian markets globally. Despite financial struggles and ownership changes, H&K continues to innovate, producing modern firearms like the HK416, used by U.S. special forces. Known for their durability and precision, H&K weapons remain a preferred choice for elite military and police units worldwide.