The Benchmark HK MR223 A3 in Flecktarn Nacht (Night) is a custom-made weapon that German Gun Works made that aims to deliver the best quality and performance in its class. It is based on the Heckler & Koch MR223A3 a version of the HK416 for the civilian market, which they consider to be one of the most advanced semi-automatic rifles in the market. They have made several modifications to the original weapon to make it more compact, accurate, and versatile.

One of the main changes made was to use a full metal sliding stock (with 3 locking points) that reduces the overall length of the weapon to just 61cm with the flash hider unscrewed. This makes the weapon easier to handle and carry, especially in close-range situations. They also replaced the standard trigger, which had a high trigger weight of over 3kg, with a WPNTEC trigger that has 1200g - 2750g adjustable. This trigger also allows the user to customize other features such as primary travel and so on. They chose the Straight Curved variant of the trigger blade for this weapon.

For the main sight, the company opted for the EOTech EXPS 3-0, which is a proven sight that can quickly and reliably acquire the target. Also added is the ERATAC flip-up sight, which is mounted at 45°, as a backup sight in case the optic fails or is not suitable for the situation.

To maximize the possibilities of wielding the weapon, included is a Magpul MS3 Gen2 Sling, which can be attached to the front HK sling swivel eyelet on both sides using a carabiner and is inserted into the QD mounts of the shoulder stock on the shoulder stock. The strap can be used as a 1-point or 2-point belt, depending on the preference of the user.

German Gun Works also offer an optional silencer variant, which involves replacing the MFD with an HK fire suppressor with a Rotex interface for the silencer. The silencer we chose is the B&T AG Rotex V silencer, which is made from Iconel/Thermax and can withstand high levels of stress. The silencer not only reduces the sound and the muzzle flash of the shot, but also improves the range and the precision of the weapon. To ensure that the gas pressure can produce optimal shutter speeds with and without a silencer, we have installed an adjustable gas release, which has 5 adjustable positions modes.

Another option the company offers is the Max-Grip version, in which the handle, the assault grip and the fire selector lever were hand-tooled. This option gives the user a better grip on the weapon, but it may also have some drawbacks compared to the standard surfaces of these components. The user can choose whether to have this option or not.

The company says the Benchmark MR223A3 is a very well-coordinated weapon system, which they have created with a lot of skill and experience. These are built to order, as they require a lot of effort and time. The adjusted working time per weapon is approximately 15 hours. The material costs of the weapon parts are not included in our workload, which ranges from approximately €2,650 to €2,800, depending on the variant.

This looks to be a project for some enterprising airsoft custom gun maker to make a similar one for the airsoft market. What do you think?