Japan Self-Defense Forces gets new rifle: Howa Type 20 Assault Rifle
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Banzai！
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
That is a modern bayonet not the old type 30 from the Second World War. It’s length is that of about the same as the modern PLA issue. Where the Banzi charge bayonet was built around the sword bayonet which would be twice as long. This is not a one of the previous generations I know of.
What we have here is a very modern iteration of the assault rifle. It resembles the Magpul Masada in terms of receiver and stock. This shouldn’t surprise as the Masada and in turn the Bushmaster ACR as well as the Type 89 are all derived from the AR18. On the ACR that stock is folding. Which may also be for the type 20. Making it more compact for parajumps or loading into a vehicle.
One of the neat features of the 89 was its built in Bipod this clearly shows that that That feature was deleted in favor of a grip pod. The Stock is adjustable for length of pull and cheek weld. The optic is Japanese a Deon Match F 1-8. Rail system is M1913 Milstd on the top with MLock on the sides and bottom. Perhaps the biggest shocker isn’t on the weapon.
Japanese SDF never adopted the M203 or a 40x46mm low velocity launcher favoring the type 06 rifle grenade launcher however this new rifle comes with this.
This is the Beretta GLX160 grenade launcher. Also note the HK SFP9 9mm pistol. These might just be for the SF units but would make excellent additions and replacements of existing systems.
Removable back up irons and that slot over the ejection port clearly indicates the charging handle. The magazine is a Pmag.
Looks like the optic is installed in reverse.
More details:
MwRYum
Major
Selector switch is clearly more akin with the Type 89, probably to minimize re-training of personnel who are familiar with Type 89.More details:
Magpul PMAG and M-LOK Paraclip sling mount...does that mean Type 20 goes M-LOK or that may subject to change on the final version (the gun still has the "prototype rifle" marking).
MwRYum
Major
If the magnification ring is at the rear, that means it was installed correctly, right?
Unknown grip pod model, but that's minor...if JSDF allow personnel use their own accessories, it's easy for them to shop other brand and make.
Lastly is the buttstock...I initially thought it's foldable and telescopic, but it seems it's only telescopic, with adjustable cheek rest.
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
I think the Deon March (not Match) F is installed properly. It’s not a scope seen often. this is the first time I had even heard of one. They are a Japanese maker. However scopes of a similar nature are not unheard of. Short dot types because they are smaller have some eccentricity to them. This one advertises as the smallest lightest of the type and seems to be there first showing on a JSDF display. looking at the makers English page though. it looks right.
The pistol grip looks to be magpul to.
The PMAG should address a long time issue with the Type 89. The magazine used was STANAG style but had witness holes. Which often became mud and debris holes. Looks like they even flared the magazine well.
Now that we have more images yes this model is a fixed stock although it’s not impossible for them to make variants with a folder. One also wonders if they will have shorter barreled versions and DMR down the pipe.
The pistol grip looks to be magpul to.
The PMAG should address a long time issue with the Type 89. The magazine used was STANAG style but had witness holes. Which often became mud and debris holes. Looks like they even flared the magazine well.
Now that we have more images yes this model is a fixed stock although it’s not impossible for them to make variants with a folder. One also wonders if they will have shorter barreled versions and DMR down the pipe.
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
Old news now but the video at least shows some manipulation of the controls.