There are some pretty serious people that use the HK416. They could have anything they want and they go for the 416. That says something. But remember they also use it full auto with suppressors at high round counts. That's an application that really tears up a DI SBR. The 416 was made for this, literally.
But there are a couple of serious issues with the MR556 or MR223 as offered by HK in the US: the stupid magwell and the stupid barrel.
The magwell requires you to use Emags, GI mags or the HK mags. This isn't the end of the world, but it's a major issue. Already the USMC has stopped allowing Marine units to buy Pmags for use in the M16A4 because they are incompatible with the IAR. It's unknown if they will get to buy Emags or get stuck with GI mags. So HKs magwell has kept HK from upgrading to a superior magazine. Awesome.
The current barrel as offered by HK is super heavy and non-chrome lined. That's weak sauce IMO. At least treat it with Melonite or something similar.
The HK416 system is a very solid setup especially for an SBR, but only if you can get an HK416 upper with a proper barrel and put it on a lower with a proper magwell. I wouldn't touch the current MR556 with a ten foot pole. But if I could legally have a SBR, I would look hard at a 10.5 inch HK416 upper. Otherwise, I'll stick with DI.
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