Mehmetçik 1 is an assault rifle designed and manufactured by MKE (Makina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu) to be an improved version of the Heckler & Koch HK416 rifle. It is speculated that 'Mehmetçik' symbolises Turkish Soldiers. So far the weapon has reportedly been tested by the Turkish Minister of Defence. It is currently only available to government, law enforcement and military organizations.
Mehmetçik 1 uses a proprietary gas system derived from the HK G36, replacing the direct impingement gas system used by the AR-15 family of weapons. The HK system uses a short-stroke piston driving an operating rod to force the bolt carrier to retract. This design prevents propellant gases from entering the weapon’s interior, a traditional short-coming with direct gas impingement systems. The reduction in heat and fouling of the bolt carrier group increases the reliability of the weapon and extends the interval between stoppages. It also reduces operator cleaning time, and stress on critical components.
Mehmetçik 1 is equipped with a proprietary accessory rail forearm with MIL-STD-1913 rails on all four sides of the front hand guard. This allows for accessories such as, sights, lights, grenade launcher to be equipped with Mehmetçik 1. Mehmetçik 1 can be disassembled and maintained without the use of tools, using a bolt locking lug as the screwdriver. The quad-rail is of the 'free-float' variety and does not contact the barrel. This allows for improved accuracy.
The Barrel of Mehmetçik 1 is cold hammer-forged which allows the barrel to maintain its accuracy for over 20,000 rounds, with minimal degradation of muzzle velocity. The cold hammer-forging process also allows for improved operator safety during obstructed bore occurrences or after extended firing sessions. This includes "OTB" (Over-the-beach) capability; Mehmetçik 1 can be safely fired after being submerged in water and not completely drained.
