As we reported recently, VFC announced a HK416C GBB and also revealed a HK417.^[1] While we were wondering whether the HK417 would be a GBB as well, Elite Force^[2] posted some updates on their facebook page^[3]. Elite Force which is part of Umarex^[4], holding the H&K licences, will distribute the HK416/17 range of VFC guns within the USA.

Elite Force now revealed a new picture and following details:

"We have had many questions regarding the new HK 416s and 417s. The new items will be debuted at SHOT SHOW on JAN 17th - 20th. Please see below and "SHARE"
1. Supplier - VegaForceCompany
2. Exclusive - Elite Force / UMAREX USA
3. Pricing - Not available. The MAP price will be announced soon
4. 1 Year warranty - Internal and External from Elite Force.
5. CNCd Aluminum and Steel Bodys
6. LIPO ready!!
7. Fully licensed and trademarked H&K
8. Small bore barrel include"

So apparently the HK417 is going to be an AEG after all. Interestingly this includes the HK416C as well though. As we have seen the video of the HK416C GBB already, it now appears as if there will be both a GBB and an AEG version. This could also mean that an HK417 GBB is still possible.

Also noteworthy is that they now include the correct H&K crane stock and pistol grip with the standard HK416 AEG as well. What remains open is where the battery for the HK416C AEG will fit.

When we look at the first picture from VFC again, we see two HK416C models, that one of them has a PEQ-15 battery box installed. This could be a hint that there is no room for an internal LiPo battery within the RIS or the shortended buffer tube. Furthermore, seeing that one of the HK416C guns is probably an AEG and the other one a GBB, the fact that there is only one HK417 present, possibly means that there is no GBB version of this model yet.

For more details visit Elite Force's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/EliteForceAirsoft?sk=wall.

^{Sources:
[1] VFC HK416C GBB and HK417 (A2D) http://www.airsoft2day.com/news/592-vfc-hk416c-gbb-and-hk417.html
[2] Elite Force http://www.eliteforceguns.com/
[3] Elite Force (facebook) http://www.facebook.com/EliteForceAirsoft?sk=wall
[4] Umarex USA http://umarexusa.com/catalog/Elite-Force,78.htm}