American Handgunner May/June 1977

ÂInset left are the four cartridges whichthe HK-4 will accept. Interchangeablebarrels and magazines allow the user tochoose .22 LR: .25ACP: .32ACP or .380ACP.Above, ~onte shoots the rimfire option.I don't know just when the flutes were dropped, but they arenot present on guns now being offered, and that is as it shouldbe.Today's HK-4 looks the same as before. It is best described asa blowback, pocket-size, autoloading pistol of conventional layout,with double-action capability, and incorporating advanceddesign and manufacturing features. At 6'18 inches long, 43/4 incheshigh, 1'14 inches wide, and with a 3'1s inch barrel, it is compactand easily handled and concealed. It possesses exceedingly fewsharp edges and protrusions, so is unlikely to snag on clothing inuse.The HK-4 is unusual in operation. With gun empty and magazineremoved, retracting the slide automatically engages theslide stop and the slide is held to the rear. With the magazineout, the slide may be run forward only by pulling the trigger; ifan empty magazine is inserted, the slide will automatically runforward; if a loaded magazine is inserted, the slide will also runforward, chambering the first cartridge and leaving the hammercocked. This will occur regardless of the position of the manualsafety. The hammer may then be lowered safely only by first engagingthe safety and then pulling the trigger; the safety shaftlowers the firing-pin head so it cannot be struck by the hammer.Further, a lug on the pin comes behind a shoulder in the slide soit cannot move forward. Moving the safety to "fire" positionAMERICAN HANDGUNNER MAY/JUNE 1977then readies the gun for DA firing of the first shot; leaving it at"safe" prevents both firing and cocking by either DA or SA.This design combination makes it possible to safely carry theHK-4 "cocked and locked," or ready for instant DA use. However,the shape, location, and direction of movement (upward)of the safety combine to make it slow and inconvenient of usewhen carried cocked and locked. Nevertheless, it is one of thefew DA autos which allow this option. There is also a magazinesafety or disconnector which prevents firing or cocking whenthe magazine is withdrawn more than about '11s inch.This 'slide-forward-when-magazine-seats' feature aids in combatreloading, but the placement of the magazine catch at therear of the butt makes reloading still a relatively slow process. Itrequires two hands to remove the empty magazine, rather thanone as when the catch is left and rear of the trigger in Colt/Browning fashion. Relocating the catch behind the triggerwould make this one of the fastest-reloading auto pistols of all.All of this may sound a bit confusing, but with reasonable practice,operation of the HK-4 becomes as instinctive as that ofother - --- - - nistols.r -- - - -Aside from the unusual features mentioned, the HK-4 greatlyresembles the pre-war Mauser HSc. The barrelJslide unit is almostidentical, as is the barrel retaining system. Pressing downon the dismount latch inside the front of the trigger guard draws