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G3

The Heckler & Koch G3A4 (top) and G3A3 cutaway

(bottom)

Type Battle rifle

Place of origin West Germany

Service history

In service 1959–present

Used by See Users

Wars Portuguese Colonial War

Rhodesian Bush War

Vietnam War

Six-Day War

South African Border War

Carnation Revolution

The Troubles

Iranian Revolution

Iran–Iraq War

Salvadoran Civil War

Kurdish–Turkish conflict

Ethiopian Civil War

Gulf War

Yugoslav Wars

Sierra Leone Civil War

War in North-West Pakistan

Operation Enduring

Freedom/ISAF—Afghanistan

Second Gulf War

Mexican Drug War

Syrian civil war

others

Production history

The early Mauser Gerät 06H

prototype assault rifle.

Heckler & Koch G3From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The G3 is a 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle developed in the1950s by the German armament manufacturer Heckler &Koch GmbH (H&K) in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned design and development agency CETME (Centro de

Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales).[1]

Contents

1 History

2 Design details3 Variants

3.1 Models Made Under License

3.2 Other military variants and derivatives

3.2.1 Denmark

3.2.2 Norway

3.2.3 Sweden

3.2.4 Iran

3.2.5 Pakistan

3.2.6 United Kingdom

3.3 Specialized G3 types3.4 Law Enforcement and Civilian Models

3.4.1 Other Manufacturers

4 Users

5 See also

6 References

7 External links

History

The origin of this riflecan be traced backto the final years ofWorld War II whenMauser engineers atthe Light WeaponDevelopment Group(Abteilung 37) at

Oberndorf am Neckar designed the MKb Gerät 06(Maschinenkarabiner Gerät 06 or "machine carbine device06") prototype assault rifle chambered for the intermediate7.92×33mm Kurz cartridge, first with the Gerät 06 model

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Designer Mauser, CETME, Heckler &

Koch

Designed 1950s

Manufacturer Heckler & Koch, Rheinmetall,

SEDENA, Defense Industries

Organization, FBP, Carl Gustafs

Stads Gevärsfabrik, Husqvarna

Vapenfabrik, Hellenic Arms

Industry, Kongsberg

Våpenfabrikk, MAS, Military

Industry Corporation, MKEK,

Pakistan Ordnance Factories,

Royal Ordnance Bangladesh

Ordnance Factories

Produced 1958–1997

Variants See Variants

Specifications

Weight 4.1 kg (9.04 lb) (G3A3)

4.7 kg (10 lb) (G3A4)

5.54 kg (12.2 lb) with optic

(G3SG/1)

4.1 kg (9.0 lb) (G3K)

Length 1,025 mm (40.4 in) (G3A3)

1,025 mm (40.4 in) stock

extended / 840 mm (33.1 in)

stock collapsed (G3A4)

1,025 mm (40.4 in) (G3SG/1)

895 mm (35.2 in) stock extended

/ 711 mm (28.0 in) stock

collapsed (G3K)

Barrel length 450 mm (17.7 in)

315 mm (12.4 in) (G3K)

Cartridge 7.62×51mm NATO

Action Roller-delayed blowback

Rate of fire 500–600 rounds/min

Muzzle velocity 800 m/s (2,625 ft/s)

Effective range 500 metres (550 yd), 100–400 m

sight adjustments

Feed system 20-round detachable box and 50-

round drum magazine

The CEAM Modèle 1950, a French

effort to put the StG 45(M) concept

into mass production. Chambered in

.30 Carbine

using a roller-locked short recoil mechanism originally adaptedfrom the MG 42 machine gun but with a fixed barrel and

conventional gas-actuated piston rod.[2] It was realized thatwith careful attention to the mechanical ratios, the gas system

could be omitted.[3] The resultant weapon, the Gerät 06H (the"H" suffix is an abbreviation for halbverriegelt or "half-locked") was assigned the designation StG 45(M)(Sturmgewehr 45(M) or assault rifle) but was not produced inany significant numbers and the war ended before the first

production rifles were completed.[4]

The Germantechnicians involvedin developing theStG 45(M) weretaken to work inFrance at CEAM(Centre d'Etudes etd'Armement deMulhouse). The StG

45(M) mechanism was modified by Ludwig Vorgrimler andTheodor Löffler at the Mulhouse facility between 1946 and1949. Three versions were made, chambered in .30 Carbine,7.92×33mm Kurz as well as the experimental 7.65×35mmFrench short cartridge developed by Cartoucherie de Valencein 1948. A 7.5×38mm cartridge using a partial aluminium bulletwas abandoned in 1947. Löffler's design, designated theCarabine Mitrailleuse Modèle 1950, was retained for trialsamong 12 different prototypes designed by CEAM, MAC,and MAS. Engaged in the Indochina War and being thesecond NATO contributor, France canceled the adoption ofthese new weapons for financial reasons.

In 1950, Vorgrimler moved to Spain where he created the LV-50 rifle chambered for the Kurz cartridge and later, the

proprietary 7.92×40mm CETME M53 round.[5] At this point,the rifle was renamed the Modelo 2. The Modelo 2 drew theattention of the West German Border Guards(Bundesgrenzschutz), who sought to re-equip the newlyformed national defense forces. Not willing to accept acartridge outside of the NATO specification, the Germansasked CETME to develop a 7.62×51mm version of the rifle.The resulting CETME Model A was chambered for the7.62×51mm CETME cartridge which was identical in chamberdimensions but had a reduced-power load compared to the7.62mm NATO round. Further development of the rifle withinput from H&K produced the CETME Model B whichreceived several modifications, including the ability to fire froma closed bolt in both semi-automatic and automatic firing

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Sights Rear: rotary diopter; front:

hooded post

A schematic of the G3 roller-delayed

blowback mechanism

modes, a new perforated sheet metal handguard (the foldingbipod had been the foregrip in previous models), improvedergonomics and a slightly longer barrel with a 22 mm riflegrenade launcher guide. In 1958, this rifle was accepted intoservice with the Spanish Army as the Modelo 58, using the 7.62×51mm CETME round.

In 1956, the Bundesgrenzschutz canceled their planned procurement of the CETME rifles, adopting the Belgian-made FN FAL (G1) instead. However, the newly formed West German Army (Bundeswehr) now showed interestand soon purchased a number of CETME rifles (7.62×51mm NATO chambering) for further testing. The CETME,known as the Automatisches Gewehr G3 according to German nomenclature, competed successfully against theSwiss SIG SG 510 (G2) and the American AR-10 (G4) to replace the previously favored G1 rifle. In January 1959,the Bundeswehr officially adopted the CETME proposal. The West German government wanted the G3 rifle to beproduced under license in Germany; purchase of the G1 had previously fallen through over FN's refusal to grant sucha license. In the case of the G3, the Dutch firm Nederlandse Wapen en Munitiefabriek (NWM) held production andsales rights to the CETME design outside of Spain. To acquire production rights, the West German governmentoffered NWM contracts to supply the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) with 20mm ammunition. Production of the G3was then assigned to Rheinmetall and H&K. The latter company already had ties to CETME, and had worked tofurther optimize the CETME rifle for use with the full-power 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge (as opposed to thedownloaded CETME variant). In 1969, Rheinmetall gave up production rights to the G3 in exchange for H&K'spromise not to bid on MG 3 production. Later in 1977, the West German government ceded ownership of G3production and sales rights exclusively to H&K.

Initial production G3 rifles differed substantially from more recent models; early rifles featured closed-type mechanicalflip-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.[5] The weapon was modernized during its service life (among otherminor modifications it received new sights, a different flash suppressor, and a synthetic handguard and shoulder stock),resulting in the most recent production models, the G3A3 (with a fixed polymer stock) and the G3A4 (telescopingmetal stock). The rifle proved successful in the export market, being adopted by the armed forces of over 40

countries.[5] The G3 was and in some cases continues to be produced under license in: France (MAS), Greece(Hellenic Arms Industry), Iran (Defense Industries Organization), Luxembourg (Luxemburg Defense Technologi),Mexico, Myanmar, Norway (Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk), Pakistan (Pakistan Ordnance Factories), Portugal (FBP),

Saudi Arabia, Sweden (FFV), Thailand, Turkey (MKEK) and the United Kingdom (Royal Ordnance).[5]

Design details

The G3A3 (A4) is a selective-fire automatic weapon that employs a roller-delayed blowback operating system. The two-piece bolt assembly consistsof a breech (bolt head) and bolt carrier. The bolt is held in battery by twosliding cylindrical rollers that engage locking recesses in the barrel extension(popularly called a "trunnion"; BATF calls this a "mounting block"). Thebreech is opened when both rollers are compressed inward againstcamming surfaces driven by the rearward pressure of the expanding gasesupon the bolt head. As the rollers move inward, recoil energy is transferredto the locking piece and bolt carrier which begin to withdraw while the bolthead slowly moves rearward in relation to the bolt carrier. As the bolt carrier clears the rollers, pressure in the boredrops to a safe level, the bolt head is caught by the bolt carrier and moves to the rear as one unit, continuing theoperating cycle. The bolt also features an anti-bounce mechanism that prevents the bolt from bouncing off the barrel'sbreech surface. The spring-powered claw extractor is also contained inside the bolt while the lever ejector is located

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Mexican army troops armed with G3

rifles

A Bundeswehr G3 fitted with a

FERO-Z51 night vision optic

Disassembled G3A3 rifle. Note:

modular design.

inside the trigger housing (actuated by the recoiling bolt).[5]

The rifle is hammer fired and has a trigger mechanism with a 3-position fire selector switch that is also the manualsafety toggle that secures the weapon from accidentally discharging (fire selector in the “E” or “1” position – single firemode ("Einzelfeuer"), “F” or “20” – automatic fire ("Feuerstoß"), “S” or “0”– weapon is safe ("Sicher"), trigger disabled mechanically). The weapon canbe fitted with an optional 4-position safety/fire selector group illustrated withpictograms with an ambidextrous selector lever. The additional, fourth

selector setting enables a 3-round burst mode of fire.[5]

The firearm is equipped with iron sights that consist of a rotary rear drumand hooded front post. The rear sight, mechanically adjustable for bothwindage and elevation, has an open notch used to fire up to 100 m and

three apertures used for: 200, 300 and 400 m.[5] The receiver housing hasrecesses that work with HK clamp adapters used to mount day or nightoptics.

The rifled barrel (contains 4 right-hand grooves with a 305 mm twist rate)terminates with a slotted flash suppressor which can also be used to attach abayonet or serve as an adapter for launching rifle grenades. From the G3A3

the barrel had polygonal rifling.[6] The barrel chamber is fluted, which assistsin the initial extraction of a spent cartridge casing (since the breech is

opened under very high barrel pressure).[5]

The G3A3 (A4) uses either steel (260 g) or aluminium (140 g) double-stacked straight box magazines, or a 50-round drum magazine. OriginalH&K drums are rare and command high prices, a reproduction is availableat much less cost from Allied Armament. H&K developed a prototypeplastic disposable magazine in the early 1960s, but it was not adopted asaluminum magazines were just as light and proved more durable, as well aseasier to produce.

Standard accessories supplied with the rifle include: a detachable bipod (notincluded with rifles that have a perforated plastic handguard), sling, cleaningkit and a speed-loading device. Several types of bayonet are available forthe G3, but with few exceptions they require an adapter to be inserted intothe end of the cocking tube. The most common type features a 6¾ inchspear-point blade nearly identical with the M7 bayonet, but with a differentgrip because of its mounting above the barrel. The weapon can also mount a40mm HK79 under-barrel grenade launcher, blank firing adapter a straightblowback bolt (called a “PT” bolt, lacks rollers) used for firing 7.62×51mmammunition with plastic bullets, a conversion kit used for training with .22Long Rifle ammunition and a sound suppressor (that uses standard ammunition).

The G3 is a modular weapon system. Its butt-stock, fore-stock and pistol-grip/fire-control assembly may be changedat will in a variety of configurations (listed below). Simple push-pins hold the components in place and removing themwill allow the user to remove and replace parts rapidly.

Variants

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G3A3

German sniper with G3A3ZF-DMR in

Afghanistan

Apart from the G3A3 and G3A4 HK also built: the G3A3ZF (essentially aG3A3 with a Hensoldt 4×24 optical sight), the accurized G3SG/1 rifle(hand-selected G3A3s, equipped with an improved trigger, Zeiss telescopicsight with a variable 1.5–6× magnification and a cheek riser) and the G3Kcarbine which uses an HK33 handguard and a short barrel (reduced inlength to the base of the front sight post), that is too short for use with a

bayonet or rifle grenades.[5]

The G3 served as a basis for many other weapons, among them: the PSG1and MSG90 precision rifles, the HK11 and HK21 family of light machineguns, a semi-automatic version known as the HK91, a "sporterized" modelcalled the SR9 (designed for the civilian market in countries where theHK91 would not qualify, primarily the US after the 1989 importationrestrictions) and the MC51 carbine.

G3: Original model based on the CETME Modelo B. It had a

wooden stock and handguard.

G3A1: G3 with a single-position, collapsible stock. 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 with new rotating drum rear sight.G3A3: The most well known version. Drum sights, a fixed plastic buttstock, and a plastic handguard that does

not contact the 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

official German Army designation, not an HK factory one.

G3A4: The G3A4 uses drum sights and a single position, collapsible stock.

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 a Karabiner, or carbine version of the G3. It features drum sights, a

retractable stock, and a 315 mm (12.4 in) barrel.

G3KA4A1: Variant of the G3KA4 with an ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an official

German Army designation, not an HK factory one.

Models Made Under License

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 the Gv 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 issued M1 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: Turkish-made variant of the G3A4.HSG1: HK assigned model number for the Luxembourg-made version of the G3A3.

Other military variants and derivatives

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A Norwegian soldier takes cover

behind a wall from simulated fire

during a joint NATO exercise. The

soldier is using the license-built AG3

model fitted with a Brügger &

Thomet railed forend, vertical grip

and Aimpoint red dot sight. The blue

bolt carrier signalizes that it is firing

blank rounds.

Denmark

Gv M/75: Variant leased from the German Bundeswehr / Germangovernment by the Danish government to replace the aging M1

Garands. Originally manufactured by either Rheinmetall or HK for the

German Bundeswehr. The Gv M/75 rifles are basically G3's 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 (or vice-versa) by the use of a specialtool.

Norway

AG-3: Norwegian G3A5 variant produced by Kongsberg

Våpenfabrikk. 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. On April 11, 2007, it was announced that the AG-3

would be replaced by the Heckler & Koch HK416, in all militarybranches except for certain groups of the Home Guard.

AG-3F1: An AG-3 with a retractable stock as on G3A4. Produced

by Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk. A retractable stock was required bycertain 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 a40 mm HK79 grenade launcher.AG-3F2: An improvement of the AG-3F1, featuring Picatinny rails on the receiver as well as the foregrip.

Sweden

Ak 4: Swedish-made version of the G3A3, with a buttstock that is approx. 2 cm longer, the bolt carrier has aserrated thumb groove to aid in silent bolt closure and fitted with a heavy buffer for higher number of rounds

fired before failure. The rifles were manufactured from 1965 to 1970 by both Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfabrikand Husqvarna Vapenfabrik and from 1970 until the end of production in 1985 – exclusively by Gevärsfabrik in

Eskilstuna. Also produced with a Hensoldt 4×24 telescopic sight mounted via a HK claw mount, known as theAk 4OR (no longer issued) and the Ak 4B variant, where the iron sights have been removed, and replaced

with an Aimpoint CS red-dot reflex sight mounted on a permanently mounted picatinny rail. All Ak 4s areadapted to mount the M203 grenade launcher. Sweden has supplied unmodified Ak4s to Estonia, Latvia and

Lithuania.

Iran

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A Latvian soldier providing security

for coalition forces with a Swedish-

made Ak4 in Iraq, 2006.

DIO G3-A3 Bullpup: Iranian bullpup variant of the G3. Photo(http://www.diomil.ir/images/product/Original/aig/assault1g3.jpg)

Pakistan

G3P4: Pakistan Ordnance Factory designation for license producedG3A4 rifles.

United Kingdom

FR Ordnance MC51 Machine Carbine: Produced by the UKfirm FR Ordnance International Ltd. for special forces. 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 amuzzle velocity of approx. 690 m/s (2,263.8 ft/s) and a muzzle

energy of 2215 J. The MC51 was manufactured for the British SAS

and SBS [7] Only 50 weapons were produced, and all were

reportedly shipped to the UK special forces. It is believed that nonewere used in combat.

It was designed as a compact but powerful weapon for situations in

which the stopping power and armor piercing capabilities of 9×19mmParabellum round were inadequate. There were three variants. The first was the standard MC51 model with a

SEF trigger group and retractable stock.[8] The second was the MC51(S), which was a Suppressed model

that came fitted with an integral silencer like the MP5SD and came with either a fixed or retractable stock; it

was issued exclusively to the SBS.[9][10] The MC51(T) was a Tactical model with a 3-round burst limiter,

rather than a full-auto setting, and a retractable stock.[11]

The weapon's short barrel meant the gas cylinder didn't have enough gas volume to operate reliably and the

recoil was excessive.[12][10] In a few years they were replaced by the Heckler & Koch HK53 carbine. Another

UK-based company called Imperial Defence Services Ltd. absorbed FR Ordnance and continues to marketthe MC51 standard variant.

Specialized G3 types

G3TGS: This is simply a G3 with a 40 mm HK79 under-barrel grenade launcher. TGS stands for TragbaresGranat System ("portable grenade system").G3A3ZF: This is a rifle issued with a claw-and rail scope bracket and a 4 x 24mm Hensoldt scope. The ZF

stands for Zielfernrohr or "telescopic sight".G3SG/1: An accurized variant of the G3. The "SG" stands for Scharfschützengewehr, or "sharpshooting rifle".

The rifles were individually selected from the production line for their accuracy and then modified. A Zeiss 1.5-6x variable power telescopic sight was added using a HK claw mount attached to the receiver. The stock was

extended slightly compared to the standard G3 fixed stock and comes with a heavy, dual-stage buffer andadjustable cheek rest. A special set trigger group was added for a crisp trigger pull of 1 lb. Automatic fire wasretained.

MSG3: A variant featuring the newer scope mount that is found on only a few of the Heckler & Koch rifles, ascompared to the more conventional claw mounts, though the claw mounting points remain on the receiver. This

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newer scope mount does not allow the use of the open sights with the mount in place, as is the case with the

more conventional claw mount.PSG-1: A free-floating barrel semi-auto only version of the G3 with numerous other upgrades and such to meetthe necessities of police sniper units. This rifle is famous for its accuracy and comfort, but infamous for its price

and inability to be deployed because some upgrades made the rifle too fragile.MSG-90: A somewhat cheaper version of the PSG-1 modified for military applications.

Law Enforcement and Civilian Models

G3A1*: The terminology used by custom gunsmiths (e.g., Choate) and importers (e.g., Interarms) for importedsemi-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 and civilian

reservists (the prefix number 4 in HK's two-digit number system technically stands for "para-military rifle"). Aspart of a long service tradition in Germany, reservists could buy a copy of their service rifle so they could

familiarize themselves with its function, maintenance, and use. It had the same furniture and accessories (bayonetlug, bipod mount, flash hider) that the military-issue G3 did. It only differed in being semi-automatic only.

There were two versions, one differing from the G3 by being fitted with a semi-automatic-only trigger pack, theother using a different design of trigger pack, like that of the later HK91. The first version could easily beconverted to a full-automatic weapon by swapping out several parts. 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 wasreplaced by the HK91.

Fleming Arms HK51: Contrary to popular belief the HK 51 is not made by H&K, being a creation of theAmerican Class II manufacturing after-market. The HK 51 has no real standards but is usually a cut down and

modified G3A3 or its semi-automatic clones the HK 41 and HK 91 and modified to take MP-5 furniture andaccessories. It is usually fitted with a collapsible stock; with a 211 mm (8.31-inch) long barrel; it is a tiny589 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 madethat 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 preventinstallation of a fully automatic trigger pack. This did not allow the use of the paddle style magazine release andso 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 some48,000 rifles being imported.

HK911: The HK911 was an HK91A2 with the flash hider removed and the receiver re-stamped with an extra1 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 ofseveral "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 andfeatured a smooth forend that lacked the bipod attachment point. The SR9 series were banned from

importation to the United States by President Clinton in 1997 because they could accept standard-capacitymagazines. The SR9 was an HK91A2ZF with the pistol grip and buttstock replaced with a one-piece

thumbhole stock.

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A Turkish officer with the G3A3 rifle

in Northern Iraq

MIC-G3 in Saudi Arabia.

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 anMSG90 model.

SR9 (TC): The (TC), or "Target Competition", model was an HK91A2ZF with the trigger group, pistolgrip and buttstock derived from the PSG-1.

Other Manufacturers

PTR 91 Series: Additionally, JLD started manufacturing semi-automatic copies of the HK G3 called the PTR91 in the United States. They used tooling from the FMP arms factory in Portugal to build the rifles.

SAR-3: Semi-automatic copy of HK-91 made by EBO in Greece and imported into the United States bySpringfield Armory.

SAR-8: Post-ban version of SAR-3, modified to comply with import restrictions.

Users

Angola[13]

Argentina: Grupo Halcón (Buenos Aires Police Special

Operations Group).[14]

Bahrain[13]

Bangladesh: Manufactured by the Bangladesh Ordnance

Factory for the armed forces.[15]

Bolivia[13]

Brunei[13]

Burkina Faso[13]

Burma[16]

Burundi[13]

Chad[13]

Chile[13]

Colombia:[13] Originally used copies made by IMI and Indumil.

Replaced in service by IMI Galil.

Côte d'Ivoire[13]

Croatia[13]

Cyprus[13]

Denmark: G3A5, as the Gevær Model 1966 (Gv M/66).

Another variant, designated Gevær Model 1975 (Gv M/75) was leased from the German government.[16] All

G3s in Danish service are being replaced by the Diemaco C7 (Gv m/95), and Diemaco C8 (Gv m/96).

Djibouti[13]

Dominican Republic[13]

El Salvador[13]

Estonia: Uses the Ak4 and AG-3F2 variant.[17]

Ethiopia[16]

Gabon[13]

Germany: Used by the German Army from the 1950s until the mid-1990s.[18] Originally to be replaced by

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Danish soldiers carrying the G3A5

variant.

Greek soldiers in NBC gear with

Greek-made G3s.

the HK G41 and HK G11, post-reunification budget cuts forced the procurement of the HK G36 instead.

Some variants still in use by border guards and police forces.[13]

Ghana[13]

Greece: The HK G3A3 replaced the American M1 Garand in the late 1970's. Formerly manufactured by

Elliniki Biomihania Oplon (EBO) (English > "Hellenic Arms Industry").,[19] since 2004 it is made under license

by Ellinika Amyntika Systimata (EAS) (English > "Hellenic Defense Systems"),[20]

Guyana[13]

Haiti[13]

Iceland[21]

Indonesia[16] Indonesian Air Force Special Forces (the Korps

Pasukan Khas (Paskhas)) used the G3 as their standard weaponsince the early 60's during the counter-terrorist campaign in West

Irian. It was replaced by the Colt M16A3. The G3 is currently usedin reserve and training units.

Iran: Manufactured locally by Defense Industries Organization intwo variants, the fixed stock G3A3 and a collapsing-stock variantknown as the G3A4. Early imported G3A6 models had black

handguards, stocks, and trigger packs and indigenous-manufacture

models have dark green handguards, stocks, and trigger packs.[22] A

bullpup variant is called the G3-A3.[23][24] Police sharpshooters are

issued G3A3s with bright-orange handguards and stocks.[25]

Iraq[13]

Jordan[13]

Kenya[13]

Latvia: Ak4 variant used by Latvian National Guard.[13]

Lebanon[13]

Libya[13]

Lithuania: Ak4 variant was used by the Lithuanian Armed

Forces.[26]

Malawi[13]

Malaysia: G3SG1 variant.[13]

Mauritania[16]

Mexico[13] Used by Mexican army. Made under license by

DIM and DGFD), slowly being replaced by the FX-05 Xiuhcoatl("Fire Serpent").

Morocco[13]

Myanmar[13]

Niger[13]

Nigeria: Produced under license by Defense Industries

Corporation.[27]

Norway: AG-3, a modified G3A5 made by Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk, later renamed to Norsk

Forsvarsteknologi. Has been replaced by the Heckler & Koch HK416.[28] The AG-3 will still remain in use in

selected units. Production of the AG3 ended in 1974. Pakistan: Variants in use by the Pakistani military are locally produced by Pakistan Ordnance Factories in

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Soldiers from the Portuguese Army,

2nd Mechanical Battalion in Bosnia-

Herzegovina with INDEP-made G3s

Guyanese soldiers on exercise with

various Caribbean countries, as well

as American and British forces. The

soldier on the right is carrying a

G3A3 with a blank-firing attachment

on the muzzle

Wah Cantt. Manufactured are the G3A3 and a version of the G3A4, which carries the factory designation

G3P4.[29][30]

Paraguay[16]

Peru[13]

Philippines[16]

Portugal:[13] Made under license by Fábrica de Braço de Prataas the FMP m/961 (G3) and FMP m/963 (G3A3).

Qatar[13]

Rhodesia: G3A3 variant.[31][32]

Rwanda[13]

Saudi Arabia:[13] Made under license by the Military Industries

Corporation, Al-Khardj Arsenal.[33]

Senegal[13]

Somalia[13]

South Africa: Standard issue rifle of the South Africa Marine

Corps and Air Force until it was replaced by the R4 assault rifle in

the 1980s.[16]

Sudan: Made under license by Military Industry Corporation as

the Dinar.[34]

Sweden: Made by 3 manufacturers, Heckler & Koch in

Germany, and under license by Husqvarna Vapenfabrik (Years ofmfg. 1965–70) and Carl Gustaf Gevärsfaktori (Years of mfg. 1965–80) which was later renamed to Förenade Fabriksverken (FFV) as

the Ak 4 (Automatkarbin 4).[35] Two sub-variants are known toexist, one equipped with a rail and Aimpoint sight (Ak4 B) and the

other with a 4x magnifying optic, the Hensoldt ZF4×24 (Ak 4OR). Ithas since been replaced by the Ak 5 (Automatkarbin 5; a modifiedversion of the FN FNC) in the regular army. AK4 B, some times in

combination with the M203 grenade launcher, is still in use inHemvärnet – Nationella skyddsstyrkorna ("Swedish Home

Guard").

Tanzania[13]

Togo[13]

Turkey: Made under license by Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu (MKEK) ("Mechanical and

Chemical Industry Corporation") as the G3A7.[19][36]

Uganda[13]

United Arab Emirates[13]

United Kingdom: The G3KA4 was designated L100A1 by the British Army.[37] These were most likelyfabricated from receivers produced locally under license, along with G3A3/4s (designations unknown), at the

Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. It was originally used by the SAS and 14 Intelligence Company in Northern

Ireland for vehicle-carried raids and counter-gang operations.[38] Now phased out and replaced by theHK417.

Zaire[16]

Zambia[13]

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A Saudi infantryman with the G3A4

rifle

Zimbabwe[16]

See also

List of battle rifles

References

Notes

1. ^ Woźniak, Ryszard: Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł, page 7. Bellona, 2001.

2. ^ Senich, Peter: The German Assault Rifle: 1935–1945, page 153. Paladin Press, 1987.

3. ^ Senich, 158

4. ^ Senich, 160

5. ̂a b c d e f g h i Woźniak, Ryszard. Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej – tom 2 G-Ł. Bellona. 2001. pp7–10.

6. ^ "p. 164". Rifles of the World, 3rd edition. Oxford: Krause Publications, Inc. 2006. ISBN 978-0-89689-241-5.

7. ^ http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1700/1750.htm Security Arms > FR Ordnance MC51

8. ^ http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1700/1750.htm Security Arms > FR Ordnance MC51

9. ^ http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1700/1750.htm Security Arms > FR Ordnance MC51

10. ̂a b www.eliteukforces.info SBS WEAPONS - MC51 (http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-boat-service/weapons/mc51/)

11. ^ http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1700/1750.htm Security Arms > FR Ordnance MC51

10/13/13 Heckler & Koch G3 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G3 13/14

12. ^ http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/1700/1750.htm Security Arms > FR Ordnance MC51

13. ̂a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar Jones, Richard D.;Ness, Leland S., eds. (January 27, 2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Coulsdon: Jane'sInformation Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.

14. ^ url=http://fuerzasespecialesgrupohalcon.blogspot.com.ar/(http://www.mseg.gba.gov.ar/Seguridad/Halcon/conformacion.htm)

15. ^ G3 Automatic Rifle. (http://www.bdmilitary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=206&Itemid=95) Retrieved on October 28, 2008.

16. ̂a b c d e f g h i j Gangarosa, 2001. pp. 76–77.

17. ^ "Eesti Kaitsevägi – Tehnika – Automaat AK-4" (http://www.mil.ee/?menu=tehnika1&sisu=ak4) (in Estonian).

18. ^ Hogg, Ian (2002). Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-00-712760-X.

19. ̂a b

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Personal+infantry+weapons%3A+old+weapons+or+new+hardware+in+the+coming...-a09037642

20. ^ Hellenic Defense Systems (http://www.eas.gr/index.php?lang=en&sec=7&cid=115)

21. ^ ""Sóttu teppi í skotmark hryðjuverkamanna", 'Fréttablaðið', october 27, 2004, p. 12."(http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?pageId=3737869) (in Icelandic).

22. ^ http://www.network54.com/Forum/242875/thread/1287597654/last-1287597654/ WAFF > Iran: Small Arms -

Assault Rifles > G3

23. ^ http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx

24. ^ http://www.network54.com/Forum/242875/thread/1287597654/last-1287597654/ WAFF > Iran: Small Arms -

Assault Rifles > G3

25. ^ http://www.network54.com/Forum/242875/thread/1287597654/last-1287597654/ WAFF > Iran: Small Arms -

Assault Rifles > G3

26. ^ http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/automatiniai_sautuvai/automatinis_sautuvas_ak-4.html

27. ^ Nigeria: Arms Procurement and Defense Industries. (http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-9464.html)Retrieved on October 5, 2008.

28. ^ http://www.hkd-usa.com/HKWebNews/byItemID///13//3/15

29. ^ "Pakistan Army" (http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/).

30. ^ "POF - Automatic Rifle G3A3 & G3P4" (http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_autorifles.aspx).

31. ^ http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Rhodesia+Zimbabwe%3A+from+Cecil+Rhodes...-a0234316416

32. ^ McNab, Chris (2002). 20th Century Military Uniforms (2nd ed.). Kent: Grange Books. ISBN 1-84013-476-3.

33. ^ http://en.mic.org.sa/our-products/light-weapon/g3-automatic-rifle-cal-7-62x51mm

34. ^ Military Industry Corporation (MIC) Official Website(http://www.mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/DINARbn.html)

35. ^ http://www.mil.se/sv/Materiel-och-teknik/Vapen/Automatkarbin-4/

36. ^ G3 – A4 AUTOMATIC INFANTRY RIFLE. (http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=87&iKodUrunKategorisi=122)

37. ^ Special Air Service Weapons > G3 (http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/weapons/g3.php)

38. ^ Special Air Service Weapons > G3 (http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/weapons/g3.php)

Bibliography

‹See Tfd›(French) Les fusils d'assaut français "The french assault rifles" by Jean Huon, published by Editions Barnett in1998, ISBN 2-9508308-6-2.Gangarosa, Gene Jr. (2001). Heckler & Koch—Armorers of the Free World. Maryland: Stoeger Publishing. ISBN 0-88317-229-1.Gotz, Hans Dieter, German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, 1871–1945, Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. West Chester,Pennsylvania, 1990. OCLC 24416255 (http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/24416255)Senich, P. (1987). German Assault Rifle: 1935–1945. Paladin Press. ISBN 0-87364-400-X.G. de Vries, B.J. Martens: The MP 43, MP 44, StG 44 assault rifles, Propaganda Photos Series, The Sturmgewehr,

10/13/13 Heckler & Koch G3 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G3 14/14

Volume 4, Special Interest Publicaties BV, Arnhem, The Netherlands. First Edition 2001.Smith, W.H.B, Small arms of the world : the basic manual of military small arms, Harrisburg, Pa. : Stackpole Books,1955. OCLC 3773343 (http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/3773343)Afonso, Aniceto and Gomes, Carlos de Matos, Guerra Colonial, 2000.

‹See Tfd›(German) Günter Wollert; Reiner Lidschun; Wilfried Kopenhagen, Illustrierte Enzyklopädie derSchützenwaffen aus aller Welt : Schützenwaffen heute (1945–1985), Berlin : Militärverlag der DeutschenDemokratischen Republik, 1988. OCLC 19630248 (http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/19630248)Clinton Ezell, Edward; Small arms of the world, Eleventh Edition, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1977

‹See Tfd›(Polish) Woźniak, Ryszard (2001). Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł. Warsaw, Poland:Bellona. ISBN 83-11-09310-5.

External links

Buddy Hinton collection / HK (http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/Heckler_Koch/)HK museum (http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/HK_Plant_Mauser_Museum/)

G3 rifle variations (http://www.hk94.com/g3-rifle.php)Modern Firearms (http://world.guns.ru/assault/as12-e.htm)Heckler and Koch G3 disassembled (http://www.bimbel.de/artikel/artikel-12.html) (In German)Heckler & Koch G3 Armorer's Manual (http://www.ar15.com/content/manuals/G3_Armorer_Manual.pdf)

Video of operation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV—qxEREhU) on YouTube ‹See Tfd›(Japanese)

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Heckler_%26_Koch_G3&oldid=576545579"Categories: 7.62 mm firearms Battle rifles Rifles of the Cold War Delayed blowback firearms

Heckler & Koch rifles Cold War weapons of Germany

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