Howa Type 20
Japanese next-generation 5.56×45 mm NATO assault rifle with modern ergonomics, integral rails and a folding telescopic stock, developed to gradually replace the Type 89 in JSDF service.
Howa Type 20
Community
Data trust
- Reliability
- Unverified
- Sources
- Sources pending review
Identity
- Designation
- Howa Type 20
- Alias
- 20式小銃
- Manufacturer
- Howa Machinery
- Country
- Japan
- Year
- 2020
- Category
- Assault rifle
- Status
- In service
Ballistics
- Caliber
- 5.56×45 mm NATO
- Muzzle velocity
- 780 m/s
- Rate of fire
- ~750 rpm
- Effective range
- 500 m
- Maximum range
- 800 m
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 330 mm
- Overall length
- 730 / 780 mm
- Empty weight
- 3.5 kg
Mechanics
- Operating system
- Presa di gas, pistone a corsa corta
- Bolt / action
- Rotating bolt
Feed
- System
- Caricatore STANAG staccabile 30 colpi
- Standard capacity
- 30 rounds
Fire modes
Historical profile
Developed by Howa Machinery in the 2010s to meet new Japan Self-Defense Forces requirements, the Type 20 was created to improve modularity, corrosion resistance and compatibility with modern optics and accessories.
Operational fielding began in 2020, with priority given to amphibious units, rapid-reaction forces and contingents tasked with defending Japan's southwestern islands.
The design moves away from the traditional Type 89 layout in favor of an architecture closer to contemporary Western standards, with ambidextrous controls, multiple rails and an adjustable stock for use with body armor and maritime-arctic environments.
Variants
Main users
Giappone (JSDF)
Key components
- ●Stock — Shoulder rest.
- ●Receiver — Weapon body with internal mechanisms.
- ●Grip — Primary grip.
- ●Magazine — Cartridge feed.
- ●Barrel — Guides the projectile.
Community
Recent reviews
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