High on a hill in picturesque Oberndorf, Germany sits Heckler & Koch. The company has a unique history and origin, and Heckler & Koch's covert location plays a large role in the founding of the town as it is today.
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As
"The Standard Catalog of Rifles and Shotguns" tells the legendary founding story, the company began literally
bei nacht und nebel. At the end of World War II, the French took control of Oberndorf. Their main objective was to dismantle the Waffenfabrik Mauser AG factory. Under the cover of night, three former Mauser engineers, Edmund Heckler, Theodor Koch, and Alex Seidel, rescued what they could and hid their treasures on the very spot that eventually became their famous factory. Heckler, Koch, and Seidel opened the Engineering Office Heckler & Co. The new firm would play a key role in rebuilding the war-torn nation. It's initial product line included parts for bicycles and household machines before giving way to designing and manufacturing guns.
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Heckler & Koch’s history of innovation in firearms began with that first weapon, the G3. By 1959 it was the standard rifle for all of Germany's armed forces. In the mid-1960's H&K gained international recognition with its MP5, and is regarded as the preeminent submachine gun some 50 years later,
according to an article on Revolvy.com. More than 50 countries utilize H&K's weapons for their military, the article says.
Heckler & Koch pioneered the use of polymers in weapon designs, and the integral rail on handguns for flashlights. With its development of polygonal rifling, H&K has increased velocity and extended barrel life.
The popular VP9 was recently listed as the number one gun to buy with your tax refund,
according to Outdoor Hub's Matt Korovesis.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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