HK CAWS

HK CAWS is an idea from the early 1980s. In the early 1980s in the USA was started program CAWS – Close Assault Weapon System. The main goal of this program was to develop a new generation personal firearm, capable of firing high-impulse, multiple projectiles with effective range of 100-150 meters. Using of the multiple projectiles should increase the chances of hitting the target in combat. One of the teams entered in the CAWS race, was Heckler&Koch (Germany) coupled with Winchester/Olin corp. (USA).HK was responsible for developing a weapon, while Winchester/Olin were responsible for development of new types of ammunition. Generally, it was good idea, but from start it wasn’t going in right direction.

HK CAWS is a select-fire, smooth bore weapon, designed to fire special, high-presure shotshells, loaded with tungsten buckshot or fleschettes. HK CAWS utilised patented recoil-operated action with moving barrel and additional, self-regulated gas assist system (used to help unlock breechblock from the barrel if low-power ammo is used). The main goal of this system was to decrease felt recoil down to suitable level.

HK CAWS in appearance is somewhat similar to HK G11 advanced assault rifle, being built in bull-pup configuration, with integral carrying handle. Charging handle is located under the carrying handle, at the top of the receiver, and is ambidextrous. Standart HK-style safety-switch/fire selector has 3 position: Safe, Semi-auto, 3 rounds bursts. It was planned for this rifle to be useful on effective range around 150 meters with rate of fire of 200-300 rounds per minute.

The HK CAWS was tested by US Military, but the whole CAWS programme was closed, and the CAWS development freezed.

Techical specifications for HK CAWS

Type: select-fire, recoil operated (patented system with gas assit subsystem)

Gauge: 12 (special ammunition with belted case, 19,5е76 mm)

Length: 762-988 mm

Barrel length: 457-685 mm

Weigth 3,7-3,86 kg

Magazine: 10 rounds detachable box magazine