The G3 has been exported to over 70 countries and manufactured under license in at least 15 countries. Over 7.8 million G3s have been produced.[3] Itsmodular design was used for several other HK firearm models, including theHK21,MP5,HK33,PSG1, andG41.
The origin of the G3 can be traced back to the final years ofWorld War II whenMauser engineers at the Light Weapon Development Group (Abteilung 37) atOberndorf am Neckar designed theMaschinenkarabiner Gerät 06 (MKbGerät 06, "machine carbine device 06") prototypeassault rifle chambered for the intermediate7.92×33mmKurz cartridge, first with theGerät 06 model using a roller-locked short recoil mechanism originally adapted from theMG 42 machine gun but with a fixed barrel and conventional gas-actuated piston rod.[4] With careful attention to the mechanical ratios, the gas system could be omitted.[5] The resultant weapon,Gerät 06H (the "H" suffix is an abbreviation forhalbverriegelt - "half-locked") was assigned the designationStG 45(M) (Sturmgewehr 45(M), assault rifle 45) but was not produced in significant numbers and the war ended before the first production rifles were completed.[6]
The German technicians involved in developing the StG 45(M) were taken to work in France atCentre d'Etudes et d'Armement de Mulhouse (CEAM). The StG 45(M) mechanism was modified byLudwig Vorgrimler and Theodor Löffler at theMulhouse facility between 1946 and 1949. Three versions were made, chambered in.30 Carbine, 7.92×33mmKurz, and the experimental 7.65×35mm French short cartridge developed by Cartoucherie de Valence in 1948. A 7.5×38mm cartridge using a partialaluminium bullet was abandoned in 1947. Löffler's design, designatedCarabine Mitrailleuse Modèle 1950, was retained for trials among 12 different prototypes designed by CEAM,MAC, andMAS. Engaged in theIndochina War and being the second[clarification needed]NATO contributor, France canceled the adoption of these new weapons for financial reasons.
In 1950, Vorgrimler moved toSpain where he created the LV-50 rifle chambered for theKurz cartridge and later, the proprietary 7.92×40mm CETME M53 round.[7] At this point, the rifle was renamed theModelo 2. TheModelo 2 drew the attention of theWest GermanBundesgrenzschutz (Border Guards), who sought to re-equip the newly formed national defense forces. Not willing to accept a cartridge outside of the NATO specification, the Germans asked CETME to develop a 7.62×51mm version of the rifle. The resultingCETME Model A was chambered for the7.62×51mm CETME cartridge which was identical in chamber dimensions but had a reduced-power load compared to the 7.62×51mm NATO round. Further development of the rifle with input from H&K produced the CETME Model B which received several modifications, including the ability to fire from a closed bolt in both semi-automatic and automatic firing modes, a new perforatedsheet metal handguard (the foldingbipod had been the foregrip in previous models), improved ergonomics and a slightly longer barrel with a22 mmrifle grenade launcher guide. In 1958, this rifle was accepted into service with theSpanish Army as theModelo 58, using the 7.62×51mm CETME round.
In 1956, the Bundesgrenzschutz canceled their planned procurement of the CETME rifles, adopting the Belgian-madeFN FAL as theGewehr 1 (G1) instead. However, the newly formed West German Army (Bundeswehr) now showed interest and soon purchased a number of CETME rifles (7.62×51mm NATO chambering) for further testing. The CETME, known as theAutomatisches Gewehr G3 according to German nomenclature, competed successfully against the SwissSIG SG 510 (G2) and the AmericanAR-10 (G4) to replace the previously favored G1 rifle. In 1956 theBundeswehr started extended troop trials with 400 CETME rifles. Heckler & Koch made a number of changes to the CETME rifles. In January 1959, the Bundeswehr officially adopted the technically improved CETME proposal.[3] The West German government wanted the G3 rifle to be produced under license in Germany; purchase of the G1 had previously fallen through overFN's refusal to grant such a license. In the case of the G3, the Dutch firm Nederlandse Wapen en Munitiefabriek (NWM) held production and sales rights to the CETME design outside of Spain. To acquire production rights, the West German government offered NWM contracts to supply theGerman Air Force (Luftwaffe) with 20mm ammunition. Production of the G3 was then assigned toRheinmetall and Heckler & Koch.[8] The latter company already had ties to CETME, and had worked to further optimize the CETME rifle for use with the full-power 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge (as opposed to the downgraded CETME variant). In 1969, Rheinmetall gave up production rights to the G3 in exchange for Heckler & Koch's promise not to bid onMG 3 machine gun production. Later in 1977, the West German government ceded ownership of G3 production and sales rights exclusively to Heckler & Koch. After obtaining these rights, Heckler & Koch initially had to pay the government 4Deutsche Marks per rifle, despite having been awarded the contract by the German government.
Initial production G3 rifles differed substantially from more recent models; early rifles featured closed-type mechanical flip-up sights (with two apertures), a lightweight folding bipod, a stamped sheet steel handguard, a wooden buttstock (in fixed stock models) or a telescopic metal stock.[7] Before delivery to the Bundeswehr, each G3 went through functional checks, zeroing the sight line (Anschießen) and a shooting test at the factory. In the process, five shots were fired at a target at 100 metres (109 yd) with particularly accurate sighting-in ammunition. The 5-shot group could not exceed 120 mm (4.7 in) (1.2mil/4.13MOA) diameter. The weapon was modernized during its service life (among other minor modifications it received new sights, a differentflash suppressor, and a synthetic handguard and shoulder stock), resulting in the most recent production models, the G3A3 (with a fixedpolymer stock) and the G3A4 (telescoping metal stock). The rifle proved successful in the export market, being adopted by the armed forces of over 40 countries.[7] Of that figure, 18 countries undertook domestic production of the G3 under license.[9] Known manufacturers of the weapon included France (MAS), Greece (Hellenic Defence Systems),Iran (Defense Industries Organization),Luxembourg (Luxemburg Defense Technologie), Mexico,Myanmar, Norway (Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk), Pakistan (Pakistan Ordnance Factories), Portugal (FBP),Saudi Arabia (Military Industries Corporation (Saudi Arabia)), Sweden (Husqvarna Vapenfabrik AB and FFV Carl-Gustaf in Eskilstuna),Thailand, Turkey (MKEK) and the United Kingdom (Royal Ordnance).[7]
The Bundeswehr was working on improving their G3 rifles in the 1990s with a brass deflector that deflects spent cartridge cases down and frontwards from the operator and a new polymer pistol-grip/fire-control assembly module that allows better ambidextrous operation of the safety lever when they had their G3 rifles replaced for theHeckler & Koch G36. Currently (2018) hundreds of thousands of G3A3A1, G3A4A1 and G3KA4A1 modernized variants rifles are maintained by Bundeswehr personnel and kept in reserve or are available in military base small arms storages. The Iranian version remains in production as of 2024.[10]
A schematic of the G3 roller-delayed blowback mechanismCutaway model of the chamber with gas relief flutes (left) and roller-delayed action of the G3 battle rifleFired cartridge cases with scorch marks at the front outer surface caused by intentional propellant gas ingress at the gas relief flutesSchematic of a fluted chamber, as used in the H&K G3 rifle
The G3 is aselective-fire automatic weapon that employs aroller-delayed blowback operating system. The two-piece bolt assembly consists of a breech (bolt head) and bolt carrier. The bolt is held in battery by two sliding cylindrical rollers that engage locking recesses in the barrel extension. The breech is opened when both rollers are compressed inward against camming surfaces driven by the rearward pressure of the expanding gases upon the bolt head. As the rollers move inward, recoil energy is transferred to the locking piece and bolt carrier which begin to withdraw while the bolt head slowly moves rearward in relation to the bolt carrier. As the bolt carrier clears the rollers, pressure in the bore drops to a safe level, the bolt head is caught by the bolt carrier and moves to the rear as one unit, continuing the operating cycle.
Based on the geometric relationship arising from the angles of the roller contact surfaces of the locking piece and the barrel extension recesses, the recoil of the bolt head is delayed by a ratio of 4:1 for the 7.62×51mm NATO chambering. Thus during the same period of time, the bolt head carrier moves 4 times faster than the bolt head. This ratio is continued until the locking rollers have been withdrawn from the barrel extension recesses.
The bolt features an anti-bounce mechanism that prevents the bolt from bouncing off the barrel's breech surface. The "bolt head locking lever" is a spring-loaded claw mounted on the bolt carrier that grabs the bolt head as the bolt carrier group goes into battery. The lever essentially ratchets into place with friction, providing enough resistance to being re-opened that the bolt carrier does not rebound. The spring-powered claw extractor is also contained inside the bolt while the lever ejector is located inside the trigger housing (actuated by the recoiling bolt).[7]
Thechamber has longitudinal gas reliefflutes cut in the chamber wall to ease the cartridge case's extraction upon firing. These flutes allow propellant gas to flow between the case and chamber wall, equalizing the pressure between the inner and outer surfaces of the front of the cartridge case. The intentional propellant gas ingress at the gas relief flutes significantly reduces case friction against the chamber wall, making extraction more reliable by preventing the cartridge case from sticking and tearing.
The reliable functioning of roller-delayed blowback mechanisms is limited by specific ammunition and arm parameters like bullet weight, propellant charge, barrel length and amount of wear. For obtaining a proper and safe functioning parameters bandwidth Heckler & Koch offer a variety of locking pieces with different mass and shoulder angles. The angles are critical and determine the unlock timing and pressure curve progression as the locking pieces act in unison with the bolt head carrier.[11][12]
Field-stripped G3A3 rifle showing its modular designDrehvisier rotating drum sight picturesHK G3 Bayonet with scabbard
The G3 is a modular weapon system. Its butt-stock, fore-stock and pistol-grip/fire-control assembly may be changed at will in a variety of configurations (listed below). Simple push-pins hold the components in place and removing them will allow the user to remove and replace parts rapidly.The weapon made extensive use of cost-savingpressed and stamped steel components rather than machined parts andspot welding to connect parts. The stamped sheet metal cocking handle tube and receiver are large exposed parts that are prone to deformation from hard impact as they were designed to be relatively thin to save weight. If dented severely or deep enough during field service, reliability problems due to internal parts movement impairments can occur that put the rifle out of action and can not be field solved by the user. To determine and correct such situations armorers are trained to employ specially designed "GO" and symmetry gauges and straightening mandrels to fairly quickly repair such problems.[13][14]
The rifle is hammer fired and has a trigger mechanism with a 3-position fire selector switch that is also the manual safety toggle that secures the weapon from accidentally discharging (fire selector in the "E" or "1" position – single fire mode (Einzelfeuer), "F" or "20" – automatic fire (Feuerstoß), "S" or "0" – weapon is safe (Sicher), trigger disabled mechanically). The weapon can be fitted with an optional four-position safety/fire selector group illustrated with pictograms with an ambidextrous selector lever. The additional, fourth selector setting enables a three-round burst mode of fire.[7] The rifle has a relatively high trigger pull of 50–55 N (11.2–12.4 lbf) due to a drop safety requirement. An interchangeable set-trigger pack assembly featuring a trigger stop and less trigger pull is available for the G3SG/1 and other sniping orientated variants.
The original G3 and G3A1 rifle variants had a relatively lowiron sight line that consisted of aKlappvisier, an "L-type" flip up rear sight and hooded front post.From the G3A2 variant the firearm is equipped with a relatively low iron sight line that consists of aDrehvisier a rotary rear drum and hooded front post. The rear sight is mechanically adjustable for both windage and elevation with the help of tools. This deliberately prevents non-armorers to (re)zero the iron sight line. The rotary drum features an open V-notch (numbered 1) for rapid target acquisition, close range, low light and impaired visibility use and three apertures (numbered 2, 3 and 4) used for: 200–400 metres (219–437 yd) in 100 metres (109 yd) increments for more precise aiming.[7] The 1 V-notch and 2 or 200 metres (219 yd) aperture settings have an identical point of aim. The V-notch and apertures are calibrated for US M80 / German DM111 series or other equivalent 9.5 grams (147 gr)7.62×51mm NATO ball ammunition. Thereceiver housing has recesses that work withSTANAG claw mounts/HK clamp adapters used to mount day or night aiming optics.
The rifled barrel – four right-hand grooves with a 305 mm (12.0 in) twist rate to adequately stabilize the military 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition of the era – terminates with a slottedflash suppressor which can also be used to attach abayonet or serve as an adapter for launchingrifle grenades. From the G3A3 the barrel was free floated from the stock and hadpolygonal rifling.[15] The barrel chamber is fluted with twelve flutes, which assists in the initial extraction of a spent cartridge casing (since the breech is opened under very high barrel in internal cartridge case pressure).[7]
The G3A3 (A4) uses eithersteel (260 g) oraluminium (140 g) 20-round double-stacked straight boxmagazines, or a 50-round drum magazine. H&K developed a prototype plastic disposable magazine in the early 1960s, but it was not adopted as aluminum magazines were just as light and proved more durable, as well as easier to produce.
Standard accessories supplied with the rifle include: a detachablebipod (not included with rifles that have a perforated plastic handguard), sling, cleaning kit and a speed-loading device. Several types of bayonet are available for the G3, but with few exceptions they require an adapter to be inserted into the end of the cocking tube. The most common type features a 63⁄4 inch spear-point blade nearly identical with theM7 bayonet, but with a different grip because of its mounting above the barrel. The weapon can also mount a 40 mmHK79 under-barrelgrenade launcher,blank firing adapter, a straight blowback bolt (called a "PT" bolt, lacks rollers) used for firing 7.62×51mm ammunition with plastic bullets, a conversion kit used for training with.22 Long Rifle ammunition and a sound suppressor (that uses standard ammunition).
Original G3 variant with older style flip up sights and wooden stockG3A2Freischwinger (FS)G3A4 and G3A3Bundeswehr soldiers armed with G3A3A1 and G36 rifles in 2010
The G3 served as a basis for many other weapons, among them: thePSG1 andMSG90 precision rifles, theHK11 andHK21 family oflight machine guns, asemi-automatic version known as theHK41, a "sporterized" model called theSR9 (designed for the civilian market in countries where the HK91 would not qualify, primarily the US after the 1989 importation restrictions) and the MC51 carbine.
G3: Original model based on theCETME Model 58 introduced in 1959 and approved in 1960. It had a wooden stock and handguard.
G3A1: G3 approved in 1963 with a single-position, retractable stock sliding in grooves pressed in the sides of the body, locked by a catch under the special bodycap. This design was chosen after earlier experimentation with an MP-40 style ventrally-folding metal stock; excessive recoil caused it to be dropped from consideration.
G3A2: G3 developed in 1962 with new rotating drum rear sight and aFreischwinger (FS) free-floating barrel that significantly improved accuracy.
G3A3: The most well known 1963 version. Drum sights with an improved front sight, a flash-suppressor/muzzle brake capable of firing NATO standard grenades, a fixed solid plastic buttstock, and a plastic handguard that does not contact the free-floating barrel. The handguard came in a slim, ventilated version and a wide version. The latter allows for the attachment of a bipod.
G3A3A1: This is a version of the G3A3 with an ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an officialGerman Army designation, not an HK factory one.
G3A4: The G3A4 uses drum sights and a single position, retractable stock. Entered service in 1974 for frontline infantry units.
G3A4A1: This is a variant of the G3A4 with an ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an official German Army designation, not an HK factory one.
G3KA4: Smallest of the line, it is aKarabiner, orcarbine version of the G3. It uses anHK33 handguard, features drum sights, a retractable stock, and a 315 mm (12.4 in) barrel (reduced in length to the base of the front sight post), that is too short for use with a bayonet or rifle grenades.[7]
G3KA4A1: Variant of the G3KA4 with a polymer grip assembly, ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an officialGerman Army designation, not an HK factory one.
The G3 rifle is or was produced under license in the following countries: Pakistan, Brazil, Iran, France, Greece, Norway, Mexico, Myanmar, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Turkey.
The Pakistani manufacturer,Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) uses the same model number for both automatic versions as well as versions of different manufacturing that are made as semi automatic for the civilian market. POF's definition of the civilian versions are "Semi Auto Irreversible".[16]
G3A3: Model number for Pakistani-made version of G3A3, manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
G3P4: Model number for Pakistani-made version of G3A4, manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
G3A5: HK assigned model number for the HK-made Danish version of the G3A3. It differs in that it has a silent bolt-closure device. In Danish service it is known as theGv M/66. The Gv M/66 was originally intended for use with optics as a designated marksman rifle, while the rest of the squad were issuedM1 Garands.
G3A6: HK assigned model number for the Iranian-made version of the G3A3. It differs in having a dark-green handguard, stock, and trigger pack.
G3A7: HK assigned model number for the Turkish-made version of the G3A3.
G3A7A1: HK assigned model number for the Turkish-made version of the G3A4.
HSG1: HK assigned model number for the Luxembourg-made version of the G3A3.
BA63: Model number for Myanmar-made version of original G3 (with wooden stock, handguard and flip sight)[17]
Gv M/75: Variant leased from the German Bundeswehr / German government by the Danish government to replace the agingM1 Garands. Originally manufactured by eitherRheinmetall or HK for the German Bundeswehr. The Gv M/75 rifles are basically G3s with the old style straight cocking tube as opposed to the later FS (Freischwinger, "Cantilevered") variant. The Rheinmetall versions lack an external selector lever and can be converted from semi-automatic to full automatic (orvice versa) by the use of aspecial tool.
BA63 (Burma Army):[18] Licensed produced G3 byMyanmar stated owned KaPaSa factories in partnership with Fritz Werner Industry Ausrustungen-Gmbh (FRG) and the German Technical Corporation Agency[19][20] with licensing rights sold by 1960 with the first 10,000 G3s bought from West Germany (through Rheinmetall) before Burmese factories went operational due to fears that it could align with East Germany.[21] It was the main battle rifle for Myanmar armed forces until they were replaced by MA series 5.56mm assault rifles in 1995. The BA63 is still in service with Myanmar Police Force, People's Militia and ethnic Border Guard Forces.[20]
BA64: Typically known as theG4 in Myanmar armed forces,[18] this is the heavy barreled light machine gun (LMG) version of standard G3A3 with bipod, carrying handle and full metal hand-guard with ventilation ports. Produced by KaPaSa factories in partnership with Fritz Werner Industry Ausrustungen-Gmbh (FRG).[19] As standard, a pair of G4s were issued to every infantry section in the Myanmar Army. It has now been phased out from in favour of the MA series light machine guns. The BA64 remained in service with Myanmar Police Force, People's Militia and ethnic Border Guard Forces.[20]
BA72: Typically known asG2 in Myanmar. Assault carbine version of G3A4/G3K with shorter barrel and wooden stock.[19][20]
AG-3: Norwegian G3A5 variant produced byKongsberg Våpenfabrikk, with the given nameAutomatgevær 3. A total of 253,497 units were produced for the Norwegian Armed Forces from 1967 to 1974. The Norwegian AG-3 differs from the original G3; it has a buttstock that is approx. 2 cm longer, the bolt carrier has a serrated thumb groove to aid in silent bolt closure, it features an all-metal cocking handle and a different bayonet mount. Throughout Autumn 2020, the Norwegian home guard began to replace the AG-3 with theHeckler & Koch HK416 andMP7, a transition which is planned to see completion by the end of the year.[22]
AG-3F1: An AG-3 with a retractable stock as on G3A4. Produced by Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk. A retractable stock was required by certain groups of soldiers within the Norwegian Armed Forces, primarily vehicle crews with limited space inside, particularly where a quick disembarkment from such a vehicle is required. All versions of the AG-3 have the ability to attach a 40 mmHK79 grenade launcher.
AG-3F2: An improvement of the AG-3F1, featuring B&TPicatinny rails on the receiver, as well as a RIS handguard. On the AG-3F2, Aimpoint red dot sights were mounted onto the receiver top rail for faster quick acquisition, and easier aiming in low-light conditions.
m/963 The HK G3 was selected to equip the Portuguese Armed Forces as the new service rifle.Fábrica de Braço de Prata started in 1962 to manufacture under licence the G3, including the manufacture of its components and parts and its final assembly. Later, West Germany placed an order for 50,000 Portuguese-made G3 rifles for its own armed forces.
Ak 4: Swedish-made version of the G3A3, with a buttstock that is 2 cm longer, the bolt carrier has a serrated thumb groove to aid in silent bolt closure and fitted with a heavy buffer for higher number of rounds fired before failure. Theiron sights feature extended 200–500 metres (219–547 yd) sight adjustments in 100 metres (109 yd) increments, because the 500 metres (547 yd) hit probability met Swedish military doctrine.[23] The rifles were manufactured from 1965 to 1970 by bothCarl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori andHusqvarna Vapenfabriks and from 1970 until the end of production in 1985 – exclusively byCarl Gustaf inEskilstuna. All Ak 4s are adapted to mount theM203 grenade launcher. Sweden has supplied unmodified Ak 4s to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Ak 4OR: Optiskt Riktmedel, optical sight. This model is fitted with aHensoldt 4×24 telescopic sight mounted via a HK claw mount. During a few years it was not issued but it is now again in use by theHemvärnet - Nationella skyddsstyrkorna ("Swedish Home Guard").
Ak 4B: In this updated version the iron sights have been removed and replaced with anAimpoint CS red-dot reflex sight mounted on aPicatinny rail. The rail is welded onto the rifle. Used byHemvärnet - Nationella skyddsstyrkorna ("Swedish Home Guard").
Ak 4C: An updated version of the Ak 4B with an adjustable-length stock designed and manufactured by the Swedish company Spuhr i Dalby AB. Fielded in 2017 and used byHemvärnet - Nationella skyddsstyrkorna ("Swedish Home Guard").
Ak 4D: An updated version of the Ak 4B with the adjustable-length stock of the Ak 4C but with the addition of a modular handguard (also designed and manufactured by the Swedish company Spuhr i Dalby AB) and theHensoldt 4×24 telescopic sight of the Ak 4OR in a Picatinny mount. The Ak 4D will be used by the Swedish Army as a stop-gapDMR.
The Pakistani models are manufactured in both automatic and civilian semi automatic versions sharing the same model number.[16]
G3A3:Pakistan Ordnance Factories designation for license-produced G3A3 rifles. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
G3P4:Pakistan Ordnance Factories designation for license-produced G3A4 rifles. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
G3S: A version of G3P3 with a shorter barrel. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
G3M-Tactical: A light weight version of G3 rifle with polymer body and shorter barrel. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
AZB (DMR): A high precision version of G3 rifle with extended barrel length and mill std. picatinny rail as rifle scope mount. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.
F.R. Ordnance MC51 Machine Carbine: Produced by the United Kingdom firmF.R. Ordnance International Ltd.[24] The MC51 weighs 3.1 kg (6.8 lb), has a folded overall length of 625 mm (24.6 in), a barrel length of only 230 mm (9.1 in), which produces a muzzle velocity of approx. 690 m/s (2,263.8 ft/s) and a muzzle energy of 2215J.[24] Another UK-based company called Imperial Defence Services Ltd. absorbed FR Ordnance and continues to market the MC51 standard variant.[24]
German designated marksman (front) with G3A3ZF in 2019German sniper with a modernized G3A3ZF with a STANAG claw mounted Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II telescopic sight in Afghanistan in 2011MSG90 (top) and PSG1
G3TGS: This is simply a G3 with a 40 mmHK79 under-barrel grenade launcher. TGS stands forTragbares Granat System ("portable grenade system").
G3A3ZF: This is a rifle issued with a STANAG claw-and rail scope bracket and a Hensoldt Fero Z24 4×24 telescopic sight to be mounted and zeroed by the user. The ZF stands forZielfernrohr ("Telescopic Sight"). The Hensoldt Fero Z24 4×24telescope sight for G3 rifle and claw mount assembly were developed for designated marksman use. The Fero Z24 elevation knob featuresBullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings for 100–600 metres (109–656 yd) in 100 metres (109 yd) increments calibrated for 7.62×51mm NATO ball ammunition.[25] The G3A3ZF is otherwise a standard G3A3 that during factory test shooting printed a 5-shot group of 80 millimetres (3.1 in) (0.8mil/2.75MOA) diameter or less.
G3SG/1: A modified/accurized rifle for sharpshooter/sniper use introduced in 1972. The "SG" stands forScharfschützengewehr ("Sharpshooting Rifle"). The rifles were individually selected from the G3 production line for outstanding accuracy during test-firing and then modified. G3SG/1 rifles got a heavy, dual-stage buffer, fixed mounted, Zeiss Diavari-DA 1.5-6×36 power telescopic sight and STANAG claw mount assembly mounted. The standard trigger was exchanged for an adjustable set-trigger pack assembly with a 25 N (5.6 lbf) trigger pull and 12.5 N (2.8 lbf) in the set operation mode, the buttstock has a slightly adjustable auxiliary cheek riser, and the lengthened handguard has an integrated bipod. The Zeiss Diavari-DA 1.5-6×36 was windage adjustable and had an elevation knob featuringBullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings for 10–600 metres (11–656 yd). For the sub 100 metres (109 yd) ranges the BDC numbers are yellow. The BDC numbers for the longer ranges are white and in 100 metres (109 yd) increments.[26][27][28] The automatic fire mode was retained but the set-trigger mode could only be used for semi-automatic firing.[29]
MSG3: A variant introduced in 1988 featuring a 600 millimetres (23.6 in) long barrel, a newer telescopic sight mount that is found on only a few of theHeckler & Koch rifles, as compared to the more conventional claw mounts, though the claw mounting points remain on the receiver. This newer telescopic sight mount does not allow the use of theopen sights with the mount in place, as is the case with the more conventional claw mount. The receiver is not strengthened. In addition to the G3SG/1 the buttstock has an auxiliary cheek riser and its length is adjustable and features the PSG1 semi-automatic only trigger pack. MSG stands forMilitärisches Scharfschützen Gewehr ("Military Sniper Rifle").
MSG90: A somewhat cheaper and lighter 600 millimetres (23.6 in) long barrel version of the PSG1 modified for military sniping/designated marksman applications. The MSG90 and PSG1 have different trigger packs.
PSG1: A free-floating 650 millimetres (25.6 in) long barrel semi-automatic only version of the G3 introduced in 1985 with a strengthened receiver with rails welded over the channels where a retractable buttstock would slide and numerous other upgrades and such to meet the necessities of police sniper units. This rifle is famous for its accuracy and comfort, but infamous for its price and inability to be deployed by military units because some upgrades made the rifle too fragile. PSG stands forPräzisionsscharfschützengewehr ("Precision Sniper Rifle").
HK32: An experimental variant of the rifle chambered for the Soviet7.62×39mm M43 cartridge. It was never wholly adopted by any country.[Footnote 1][31][32]
G3A1*: The terminology used by custom gunsmiths (e.g., Choate) and importers (e.g.,Interarms) for imported semi-automatic G3 weapons with an aftermarket side-folding stock. This is not part of official HK nomenclature.
HK41: The HK41 is a semi-automatic version of the G3 that was marketed to law-enforcement. Limited sales at home and US import restrictions and firearms regulations led this weapon to be dropped from HK's product line quickly and it was replaced by the HK91.
Fleming Arms HK51: Contrary to popular belief, the HK51 is not made by H&K, being a creation of the American Class II manufacturing after-market. The HK51 has no real standards, but is usually a cut down and modified G3A3, or its semi-automatic clones the HK41 and HK91, modified to take MP5 stock and accessories. It is usually fitted with a collapsible stock; with a 211 mm (8.31-inch) long barrel; it is relatively small at 589 mm (23.17 inches) with the stock retracted and 780 mm (30.72 inches) with the stock extended. The first commercial version was by Bill Fleming of Fleming Arms and existed before Heckler & Koch made the HK53.
HK91: The HK91 is a semi-automatic version of the G3 similar to the HK41, also marketed to civilians. However, in order to comply with US firearm regulations a number of modifications to the HK91 were made that do not appear on the first pattern HK41. Internal parts that could allow fully automatic fire were removed. A shelf was welded onto the receiver where the push-pin of the trigger pack would normally go, to prevent installation of a fully automatic trigger pack. This did not allow the use of the paddle style magazine release and so the magazine release button on the right side of the magazine well must be used instead. It is otherwise identical to the G3A3/A4. Importation into the United States began in 1974 and ceased in 1989, with some 48,000 rifles being imported.
HK911: The HK911 was an HK91A2 with the flash hider removed and the receiver re-stamped with an extra 1 to comply with the US importation ban of 1989. The new designation theoretically made it legally immune to the Import Ban, as no "HK911" rifles were mentioned on the list of banned guns. However, the later banning of several "paramilitary" features on the HK911 made it illegal.
SR9: These variants of the HK91ZF were created to comply with the Semi-Auto Import Ban of 1989, which included all variants of the HK91. They differed from the HK91 in that they had their flash hiders removed and featured a smooth forend that lacked the bipod attachment point. The SR9 series were banned from importation to the United States because they could accept standard-capacity magazines. The SR9 was an HK91A2ZF with the pistol grip and buttstock replaced with a one-piece thumbhole stock.
SR9 (T): The (T), or "Target", model was an HK91A2ZF with the trigger replaced with the PSG-1 model, the pistol grip replaced with an ergonomic PSG-1 grip and the buttstock replaced with an MSG90 model.
SR9 (TC): The (TC), or "Target Competition", model was an HK91A2ZF with the trigger group, pistol grip and buttstock derived from the PSG-1.
PTR Industries 91 Series: PTR Industries is manufacturing semi-automatic copies of the HK G3 called thePTR 91.[33] They use tooling from the FMP arms factory in Portugal to build the rifles.[34]
Bangladesh:G3A3,G3A4 &G3/SG-1 variants are in service.[43]
Brazil: Seized rifles used in limited numbers by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police.[45][46] G3A3, G3A4 and G3SG1 used by special forces. G3A4 and G3SG1 used by police forces. G3SG1 used by BOPE.[47][48]
ABundeswehr G3 fitted with a FERO-Z51 night vision opticGermany: Used by theGerman Army from the 1950s until the mid-1990s as the primary service rifle.[55] Originally to be replaced by theHK G41 andHK G11, post-reunification budget cuts forced the procurement of theHK G36 instead. Large numbers are still in storage, and is used in overseas deployments as a designated marksman rifle. Some variants are still in use by border guards and police forces.[43]
Mexico:[43] Made under license by Departamento de la Industria Militar, Dirección General de Fábricas de la Defensa, slowly being replaced by theFX-05 Xiuhcoatl
Morocco[43]Pakistani soldier carrying the G3A3 variant after successfulSwat Operation at the highest point in the Swat valley on May 12, 2009
Nigeria: Produced under license by Defense Industries Corporation[63]
Norway: Locally produced variant designated AG-3. In service with theNorwegian Army from 1968 to 2008. Largely phased out in theHome Guard (HV), only used by HVU units at this time.
Sweden: Made by three manufacturers, Heckler & Koch in Germany, and under license by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik (1965–70) and Carl Gustaf Gevärsfaktori (1965–80) which was later renamed toFörenade Fabriksverken (FFV) as theAk 4 (Automatkarbin 4).[74] Two sub-variants are known to exist, one equipped with a rail andAimpoint sight (Ak4 B) and the other with a 4× magnifying optic, the Hensoldt ZF4×24 (Ak 4OR). It has since been replaced by theAk 5 (Automatkarbin 5; a modified version of theFN FNC) in the regular army. Ak 4B and Ak 4OR, some times in combination with the M203 grenade launcher, is still in use inHemvärnet – Nationella skyddsstyrkorna ("Swedish Home Guard"). About 5,000 units will receive a new adjustable stock from 2016. In December 2020,Tidningen Hemvärnet announced that every soldier in the Home Guard would receive the new adjustable stock AK4C variant before the end of 2022.[75]
Turkey: Made under license byMakina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu (MKEK) ("Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation") as the G3A7 and G3A7A1. A local version called the M65 was produced between 1966 and 1983. During the 1980s it was gradually replaced by the M79, a locally produced version of the HK-33 assault rifle.[77]
Colombia:[43] Originally in 1975, Heckler and Koch sold toIndumil the manufacturing license for the G3, the MP5 submachine gun, and the HK21 machine gun.[81] Replaced in service byIMI Galil.
Denmark: G3A5, as theGevær Model 1966 (Gv M/66). Another variant, designatedGevær Model 1975 (Gv M/75) was leased from the German government.[54] All G3s in Danish service are being replaced by theDiemaco C7 (Gv m/95), andDiemaco C8 (Gv m/96).
Georgia: Turkish made G3s used by Special Forces.[82]
South Africa: 100,000 FMP-manufactured surplus G3 rifles were bought from Portugal and designated the R2 Rifle. It was the standard-issue rifle of theSouth African Marine Corps andSouth African Air Force, as well within theSouth West African Territorial Force as a substitute for the R1 Rifle (FN FAL) until it was replaced by theR4 assault rifle in the 1980s[54] The rifle's stock would soon break down in the heat and become loose, so a replacement stock made of a tough polymer was made byChoate Machine & Tool. The forend had recesses for a bipod's legs and the FAL-style polymer buttstock had a rubber buttplate.[89]
^"Heckler & Koch G3: Opis" [Heckler & Koch G3: Description] (in Serbian). specijalne-jedinice.com.Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved24 January 2017.
^DESFILE MILITAR DO DIA DE PORTUGAL 2022 (in European Portuguese), 11 June 2022, archived from the original on 21 January 2023, retrieved21 January 2023{{citation}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
^Bott, Peter (1986).Modern African Wars (1) 1965–80. Bloomsbury USA. p. 15.ISBN0-85045-728-9.
^Chris, Cocks (2006) [First published 1988].Fireforce: One Man's War in the Rhodesian Light Infantry (4th ed.). Covos Day. p. 139.ISBN978-0-9584890-9-6.
^"NLD ထောက်ခံသူတို့၏ ပိုင်ဆိုင်မှုများ ကန့်ဘလူ ပျူစောထီး ရောင်းစား".မင်းကုန်း(ခ)ကျေးရွာ ပျုစောထီးအဖွဲ့သည် လုံခြုံရေးအကြောင်းပြချက်ဖြင့် ကျေးရွာ အဝင်အထွက်တွင်လည်း ဂိတ်များ ဖွင့်ထားပြီး ယင်းပျုစောထီးအဖွဲ့ကို စစ်ကောင်စီက ဘီအေ ၆၃ မောင်းပြန်ရိုင်ဖယ်(G3) အလက်၂၀ လက်၊ တထောင့်ထိုး သေနတ် ၁၀ လက်၊ ခဲယမ်း အပြည်အစုံ တပ်ဆင်ပေးထားကြောင်း သိရသည်။ [The Junta backed Pyusawhti militia set an checkpoint at the village entrance points. They are armed with around 20 BA 63 Battle Rifles (G3), 10 single shot muskets and quite sufficient ammunition]
Smith, W.H.B,Small arms of the world : the basic manual of military small arms, Harrisburg, Pa. : Stackpole Books, 1955.OCLC3773343
Clinton Ezell, Edward; Small arms of the world, Eleventh Edition, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1977
(in French)Les fusils d'assaut français "The french assault rifles" by Jean Huon, published by Editions Barnett in 1998,ISBN2-9508308-6-2.
Senich, Peter R. (1987).German Assault Rifle: 1935–1945. Paladin Press.ISBN0-87364-400-X..
(in German) Günter Wollert; Reiner Lidschun; Wilfried Kopenhagen,Illustrierte Enzyklopädie der Schützenwaffen aus aller Welt : Schützenwaffen heute (1945–1985), Berlin : Militärverlag der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, 1988.OCLC19630248
Gotz, Hans Dieter,German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, 1871–1945, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1990.OCLC24416255
G. de Vries, B.J. Martens: The MP 43, MP 44, StG 44 assault rifles, Propaganda Photos Series, The Sturmgewehr, Volume 4, Special Interest Publicaties BV, Arnhem, The Netherlands. First Edition 2001.
Gangarosa, Gene Jr. (2001).Heckler & Koch—Armorers of the Free World. Maryland: Stoeger Publishing.ISBN0-88317-229-1.
Woźniak, Ryszard (2001).Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł (in Polish). Warsaw, Poland: Bellona.ISBN83-11-09310-5.
McNab, Chris (2002).20th Century Military Uniforms (2nd ed.). Kent: Grange Books.ISBN1-84013-476-3.
Walter, John (2006a).Rifles of the World (3rd ed.). Oxford: Krause Publications.ISBN978-0-89689-241-5.
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Afghanistan: Iranian and Turkish-made G3s[41][42]
Angola[43]
Argentina: Grupo Halcón (Buenos Aires PoliceSWAT)[44]
Bahrain[43]
Bangladesh:G3A3,G3A4 &G3/SG-1 variants are in service.[43]
Brazil: Seized rifles used in limited numbers by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police.[45][46] G3A3, G3A4 and G3SG1 used by special forces. G3A4 and G3SG1 used by police forces. G3SG1 used by BOPE.[47][48]
Bolivia[43]
Botswana[49]
Brunei[43]
Burkina Faso:[43] French-made G3s[50]
Burundi[43]
Cameroon[43]
Chad[43]
Central African Republic[51]
Chile[43]
Republic of Congo: Used byCocoye militia duringCongo Civil War[52]
Côte d'Ivoire:[43] French-made G3s[50]
Cyprus[43]
Djibouti[43]
Dominican Republic[43]
El Salvador[43]
Estonia: Uses theAk4 and AG-3F2 variant.[53]
Ethiopia[54]
Gabon:[43] French-made G3s[50]
Germany: Used by theGerman Army from the 1950s until the mid-1990s as the primary service rifle.[55] Originally to be replaced by theHK G41 andHK G11, post-reunification budget cuts forced the procurement of theHK G36 instead. Large numbers are still in storage, and is used in overseas deployments as a designated marksman rifle. Some variants are still in use by border guards and police forces.[43]
Ghana[43]
Greece: The HK G3A3 replaced the AmericanM1 Garand in the late 1970s and manufactured under license byHellenic Defence Systems[56][57]
Guyana[43]
Haiti[43]
Iceland:AG-3 supplied from Norway[58]
Indonesia:[54]TNI-AU (Indonesian Air Force) Special Forces (theKorps Pasukan Khas (Paskhas)) used the G3 as their standard weapon along with theAK-47 since the early '60s duringOperation Trikora campaign in Western New Guinea conflict. It was replaced by theColt M16A3. The G3 is currently used in reserve and training units.
Iran: Manufactured locally byDefense Industries Organization as the G3A6. A bullpup variant is called the G3-A3.[59]
Iraq[43]
Ireland[43]
Jordan[43]
Kenya[43]
Latvia:Ak4 variant used byNational Guard, Being replaced by G36[43]
Kuwait[61]
Lebanon:[43] French-made G3s[50]
Libya[43]
Lithuania:Ak4 variant was used by theLithuanian Armed Forces[62] andLithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces.
Malawi[43]
Malaysia: TheMalaysian Army andRoyal Malaysia Police used the G3A4 as their standard weapon along withHK33 since the early 1970s duringCommunist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89). The G3/SG-1 used by the sniper teams of both the military and police special forces. It was replaced by theColt M16A1. The G3/SG-1 is currently used in reserve and paramilitary units[43]
Mauritania[54] – French-made G3s[50]
Mauritius: Former main battle rifle of theMilitary of Mauritius. Kept in reserve for training. Still in use in limited amount with the anti-riot police.[citation needed]
Mexico:[43] Made under license by Departamento de la Industria Militar, Dirección General de Fábricas de la Defensa, slowly being replaced by theFX-05 Xiuhcoatl
Morocco[43]
Myanmar[43]
Niger:[43] French-made G3s[50]
Nigeria: Produced under license by Defense Industries Corporation[63]
Norway: Locally produced variant designated AG-3. In service with theNorwegian Army from 1968 to 2008. Largely phased out in theHome Guard (HV), only used by HVU units at this time.
Pakistan: Locally produced byPakistan Ordnance Factories in G3P4 designation[64][65]
Papua New Guinea[66]
Paraguay[54]
Peru[43]
Philippines[54]
Portugal: Starting in 1962, it was made in Portugal under license by theFábrica do Braço de Prata. ThePortuguese Marine Corps use a modernized version of the G3A3/A4 with kit Spuhr andAimpoint CompM4red dot sight.[67]
Qatar[43]
Romania[68]
Rwanda[43]
Saudi Arabia:[43] Made under license by theMilitary Industries Corporation, General Organization for Military Industries in Alkharj[69]
Sierra Leone: 8,000 received from the UK and Nigeria during the 1970s and the 1980s. Some Iranian-made G3s have also been recovered.[70]
Somalia[43]
Senegal[43][71] – French-made G3s[50]
Serbia: Used by Special Forces[72]
South Africa: Used bySpecial Forces[43]
Sudan: Made under license byMilitary Industry Corporation as the Dinar[73]
Sweden: Made by three manufacturers, Heckler & Koch in Germany, and under license by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik (1965–70) and Carl Gustaf Gevärsfaktori (1965–80) which was later renamed toFörenade Fabriksverken (FFV) as theAk 4 (Automatkarbin 4).[74] Two sub-variants are known to exist, one equipped with a rail andAimpoint sight (Ak4 B) and the other with a 4× magnifying optic, the Hensoldt ZF4×24 (Ak 4OR). It has since been replaced by theAk 5 (Automatkarbin 5; a modified version of theFN FNC) in the regular army. Ak 4B and Ak 4OR, some times in combination with the M203 grenade launcher, is still in use inHemvärnet – Nationella skyddsstyrkorna ("Swedish Home Guard"). About 5,000 units will receive a new adjustable stock from 2016. In December 2020,Tidningen Hemvärnet announced that every soldier in the Home Guard would receive the new adjustable stock AK4C variant before the end of 2022.[75]
Syria – G3A3 and G3A4s used asdesignated marksman rifle byRepublican Guard.[76][dead link]
Tanzania[43]
Togo[43]
Turkey: Made under license byMakina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu (MKEK) ("Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation") as the G3A7 and G3A7A1. A local version called the M65 was produced between 1966 and 1983. During the 1980s it was gradually replaced by the M79, a locally produced version of the HK-33 assault rifle.[77]
Uganda[43]
Ukraine: 1,000 G3A3/4s sent by Portugal as part of a military package in response to the2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The number of G3s sent was revealed in an interview withCommander Silva Pinto held during themilitary parade onPortugal Day.[78][79]
United Arab Emirates[43]
United Kingdom: Many versions of the G3 were used by the SAS and UKSF like the G3K and MC51. The G3KA4 was designated L100A1 by the British Army.[80]
Yemen:Yemeni Republican Guard and the Yemeni Special guard.[54]
Zambia[43]
Zimbabwe[54]
Colombia:[43] Originally in 1975, Heckler and Koch sold toIndumil the manufacturing license for the G3, the MP5 submachine gun, and the HK21 machine gun.[81] Replaced in service byIMI Galil.
Denmark: G3A5, as theGevær Model 1966 (Gv M/66). Another variant, designatedGevær Model 1975 (Gv M/75) was leased from the German government.[54] All G3s in Danish service are being replaced by theDiemaco C7 (Gv m/95), andDiemaco C8 (Gv m/96).
Georgia: Turkish made G3s used by Special Forces.[82]
Lesotho[83]
Rhodesia: Portuguese[85] built G3s were used by auxiliary or reserve units of theRhodesian Security Forces[86][87][88]
South Africa: 100,000 FMP-manufactured surplus G3 rifles were bought from Portugal and designated the R2 Rifle. It was the standard-issue rifle of theSouth African Marine Corps andSouth African Air Force, as well within theSouth West African Territorial Force as a substitute for the R1 Rifle (FN FAL) until it was replaced by theR4 assault rifle in the 1980s[54] The rifle's stock would soon break down in the heat and become loose, so a replacement stock made of a tough polymer was made byChoate Machine & Tool. The forend had recesses for a bipod's legs and the FAL-style polymer buttstock had a rubber buttplate.[89]
United States Used by theUS Army Rangers in the mid-1970s and by theUS Navy Seals from 1980. NSN 1005-12-140-9436[90]
Zaire[54]
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (in Democratic Republic of Congo)[91]
Provisional IRA: 100 stolen from Norwegian Reserve base near Oslo, 1984[92]
ISIL[93]
Lord Resistance Army[94]
