The HK Grenade Machine Gun is presently being fielded with select U.S. Special Operations units, replacing the U.S. MK19 GMG. The HK GMG is available from series production at a unit cost well below the purchase cost of the MK19.

Its advanced features, excellent accuracy, operator convertible feed direction and removable barrel, night fighting capability with NVGs and unmatched operator safety features are all unique hallmarks of the HK GMG.

The GMG uses an aluminum receiver for reduced weight and manufacturing costs. Other features include a fluted chamber for equal pressure on the cartridge case and positive extraction and ejection, advanced primer ignition, and a barrel that is easily removable for field stripping, with the use of tools. This is also an advantage in the event that a high explosive projectile becomes lodged in the bore.

The bolt reciprocates on a massive guide rod and is stabilized by two steel rails, all of which are bolted to the receiver, eliminating the need for welding in the receiver.

The gun mounts on the standard U.S. tripod, on various vehicle mounts, or on an aluminum multi-purpose tripod that provides assorted high slow firing positions. An adjustable stabilizing shoulder rod is mounted to the receiver for additional controllability during free gun firing.

Clearing the gun simply consists of lifting the feed tray cover and removing the belt. The position of the ambidextrous charging handle allows the shooter to cock and clear the gun without reaching near the ammunition belt and feed way.

Both the gun and the tripod can be easily transported in a "backpack" configuration, by a two-man team.