When most people think of roller-delayed blowback firearms of the Heckler & Koch pattern, the 7.62 NATO and 9 mm Luger cartridges are what come to mind. The 5.56 NATO cartridge also has a long history with the roller-delayed system. New for 2024, PTR Industries, a company known for its American-made roller-delayed firearms, is revisiting the 5.56 NATO cartridge with the PTR 63.
In the late 1960s, as the 5.56 NATO cartridge began to gain popularity, HK adapted its famed roller-delayed design to the cartridge. Though overshadowed by the ubiquitous HK G3, the HK33 made inroads around the world and is still in production, under license. By the early 1980s, the company updated the design with an eye towards NATO compatibility. The G41 not only fired the 5.56 NATO cartridge, it also used STANAG pattern (AR-15) magazines.
The PTR 63 builds on the G41 concept with its own innovations for the AR-15 age and uses a roller-delayed blowback action and feeds from AR-15-type magazines. This allows for the use of a bolt hold open device. The 16.5” barrel uses a 1:7” RH twist and has its muzzle threaded 1/2x28 TPI. The polymer trigger housing uses an HK-style selector lever and pictogram markings and the fire-control components are compatible with standard HK parts, for those who are lucky enough to own an NFA-registered full-automatic trigger pack. Sights are an HK-type diopter rear with a hooded post front. The finish on external steel components is a black powdercoat over a Parkerizing treatment.
The PTR 63 follows the HK G41 concept adapted to the MSR world.
To this classic design, PTR has added some enhancements from the modern sporting rifle (MSR) world. The polymer trigger housing uses a separate grip that is compatible with any AR-style pistol grip. A 7” Picatinny rail is welded to the top of the PTR 63’s stamped steel receiver. To accommodate larger optics, the travel of the non-reciprocating charging handle has been shortened so that it does not interfere. The handguard is made of aluminum and has M-Lok slots for attaching accessories.
The PTR 63 has an overall length of 38.5” and weighs 8.5 lbs. It has an MSRP of $1,799. For more information, visit ptr-us.com.
