The Heckler & Koch G3 (''Gewehr'' 3) is a
7.62×51mm NATO
The 7.62×51mm NATO (official NATO nomenclature 7.62 NATO) is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge. It is a standard for small arms among NATO countries.
First developed in the 1950s, the cartridge had first been introduced in U.S. service fo ...
,
select-fire
Selective fire is the capability of a weapon to be adjusted to fire in semi-automatic, fully automatic, and/or burst mode. The modes are chosen by means of a selector switch, which varies depending on the weapon's design. Some selective-fire we ...
battle rifle
A battle rifle is a service rifle chambered to fire a fully powered cartridge.
The term "battle rifle" is a retronym created largely out of a need to better differentiate the intermediate cartridge, intermediate-powered assault rifles (e.g. the S ...
developed in the 1950s by the German
armament manufacturer
Heckler & Koch (H&K) in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned design and development agency
CETME (''Centro de Estudios Técnicos de Materiales Especiales'').
The modular designed G3 has over the years been exported to over 70 countries and manufactured under licence in at least 15 countries, bringing the total number built to around 7,800,000.
The G3 was the
service rifle of the
armed forces of Germany until it was replaced by the
G36 in the 1990s.
History
The origin of the G3 can be traced back to the final years of
World War II when
Mauser
Mauser, originally Königlich Württembergische Gewehrfabrik ("Royal Württemberg Rifle Factory"), was a German arms manufacturer. Their line of bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic pistols has been produced since the 1870s for the German arme ...
engineers at the Light Weapon Development Group (''Abteilung 37'') at
Oberndorf am Neckar
Oberndorf am Neckar (; Swabian: ''Oberndorf am Näggô'') is a town in the district of Rottweil, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated on the river Neckar, north of Rottweil. It historically was and currently is a major center of t ...
designed the ''Maschinenkarabiner Gerät 06'' (MKb ''Gerät'' 06, "machine carbine device 06") prototype
assault rifle chambered for the intermediate
7.92×33mm ''Kurz'' cartridge, first with the ''Gerät'' 06 model using a roller-locked short recoil mechanism originally adapted from the
MG 42
The MG 42 (shortened from German: ''Maschinengewehr 42'', or "machine gun 42") is a German recoil-operated air-cooled general-purpose machine gun used extensively by the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS during the second half of World War II. Enterin ...
machine gun but with a fixed barrel and conventional gas-actuated piston rod.
With careful attention to the mechanical ratios, the gas system could be omitted.
The resultant weapon, ''Gerät'' 06H (the "H" suffix is an abbreviation for ''halbverriegelt'' - "half-locked") was assigned the designation
StG 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.
The German technicians involved in developing the StG 45(M) were taken to work in France at
''Centre d'Etudes et d'Armement de Mulhouse'' (CEAM). The StG 45(M) mechanism was modified by
Ludwig Vorgrimler
Ludwig Vorgrimler (September 7, 1912 – February 23, 1983) is the man most commonly associated with the design of the Spanish roller-delayed CETME rifle, and its prolific offspring from the German gunmaker Heckler & Koch such as the G3, HK21 ...
and Theodor Löffler at the
Mulhouse facility between 1946 and 1949. Three versions were made, chambered in
.30 Carbine
The .30 Carbine (7.62×33mm) is a rimless carbine/rifle cartridge used in the M1 carbine introduced in the 1940s. It is a light rifle round designed to be fired from the M1 carbine's 18-inch (458 mm) barrel.
History
Shortly before World W ...
, 7.92×33 mm ''Kurz'', and the experimental 7.65×35 mm French short cartridge developed by Cartoucherie de Valence in 1948. A 7.5×38 mm cartridge using a partial
aluminium bullet was abandoned in 1947. Löffler's design, designated ''
Carabine Mitrailleuse Modèle 1950'', was retained for trials among 12 different prototypes designed by CEAM,
MAC, and
MAS
Mas, Más or MAS may refer to:
Film and TV
* Más y Menos, fictional superhero characters, from the Teen Titans animated television series
* Más (Breaking Bad), "Más" (''Breaking Bad''), a season three episode of ''Breaking Bad''
Songs
* Más ( ...
. Engaged in the
Indochina War and being the second
NATO contributor, France canceled the adoption of these new weapons for financial reasons.
![StG CETME A2b (1) noBG](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/StG_CETME_A2b_%281%29_noBG.png)
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.
At this point, the rifle was renamed the ''Modelo 2''. The ''Modelo'' 2 drew the attention of the
West German ''
Bundesgrenzschutz
Bundesgrenzschutz (BGS; en, Federal Border Guard) is the former name of the German ''Bundespolizei'' (Federal Police). Established on 16 March 1951 as a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the BGS originally was primari ...
'' (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 resulting
CETME Model A was chambered for the
7.62×51mm 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 perforated
sheet metal handguard (the folding
bipod had been the foregrip in previous models), improved ergonomics and a slightly longer barrel with a
22 mm rifle grenade launcher guide. In 1958, this rifle was accepted into service with the
Spanish Army
The Spanish Army ( es, Ejército de Tierra, lit=Land Army) is the terrestrial army of the Spanish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is one of the oldest active armies — dating back to the late 15th century.
The ...
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
The FAL (a French acronym for (English: "Light Automatic Rifle")), is a battle rifle designed in Belgium by Dieudonné Saive and manufactured by FN Herstal (simply known as FN).
During the Cold War the FAL was adopted by many countries of th ...
as the ''Gewehr'' 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 the ''Automatisches Gewehr'' G3 according to German nomenclature, competed successfully against the Swiss
SIG SG 510 (G2) and the American
AR-10 (G4) to replace the previously favored G1 rifle. In 1956 the ''Bundeswehr'' 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. The West German government wanted the G3 rifle to be produced under license in Germany; purchase of the G1 had previously fallen through over
FN'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 the
German Air Force
The German Air Force (german: Luftwaffe, lit=air weapon or air arm, ) is the aerial warfare branch of the , the armed forces of Germany. The German Air Force (as part of the ''Bundeswehr'') was founded in 1956 during the era of the Cold War a ...
(''Luftwaffe'') with 20mm ammunition. Production of the G3 was then assigned to
Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and arms manufacturer, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. Its shares are traded on the Frankfurt stock exchange.
History
Rheinmetall was founded in 1889. Banker and investor Lorenz Zuckermandel
L ...
and Heckler & Koch. 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 on
MG 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 4
Deutsche 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.
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 with particularly accurate sighting-in ammunition. The 5-shot group could not exceed (1.2
mil/4.13
MOA) diameter. The weapon was modernized during its service life (among other minor 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 (telescoping metal stock). The rifle proved successful in the export market, being adopted by the armed forces of over 40 countries.
Of that figure, 18 countries undertook domestic production of the G3 under license.
Known manufacturers of the weapon included France (
MAS
Mas, Más or MAS may refer to:
Film and TV
* Más y Menos, fictional superhero characters, from the Teen Titans animated television series
* Más (Breaking Bad), "Más" (''Breaking Bad''), a season three episode of ''Breaking Bad''
Songs
* Más ( ...
), Greece (
Hellenic Arms Industry),
Iran (
Defense Industries Organization),
Luxembourg (
Luxemburg Defense Technologie), Mexico,
Myanmar
Myanmar, ; UK pronunciations: US pronunciations incl. . Note: Wikipedia's IPA conventions require indicating /r/ even in British English although only some British English speakers pronounce r at the end of syllables. As John C. Wells, Joh ...
, Norway (
Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk
Kongsberg Gruppen is an international technology group headquartered in Norway, that supplies high-technology systems to customers in the merchant marine, defence, aerospace, offshore oil and gas industries, and renewable and utilities industri ...
), Pakistan (
Pakistan Ordnance Factories
, type = State-owned company
, industry = Firearms, Defense, Machinery
, fate =
, successor =
, founded =
, founder =
, defunct =
, hq_location_city = Wah Cantonment, Punjab
, hq_location_country = Pakistan
, area_served = worldwi ...
), 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).
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 the
Heckler & 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.
Design details
Operating mechanism
![DCB Shooting G3 Roller system3](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/DCB_Shooting_G3_Roller_system3.JPG)
The G3 is a
selective-fire automatic weapon that employs a
roller-delayed blowback
Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gas created by the ignition of the propellant charge.
Several blowback systems exist wit ...
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).
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.
Features
![G3 bajonett noBG](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1a/G3_bajonett_noBG.jpg)
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-saving
pressed and stamped steel components rather than machined parts and
spot welding
A spot welder
Spot welding (or resistance spot welding) is a type of electric resistance welding used to weld various sheet metal products, through a process in which contacting metal surface points are joined by the heat obtained from resistance ...
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.
Trigger
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.
The rifle has a relatively high trigger pull of 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.
Sights
The original G3 and G3A1 rifle variants had a relatively low
iron sight
Iron sights are a system of physical alignment markers (usually made of metallic material) used as a sighting device to assist the accurate aiming of ranged weapons (such as a firearm, airgun, crossbow or even compound bow), or less commonly as ...
line that consisted of a ''Klappvisier'' a "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 a ''Drehvisier'' 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: in increments for more precise aiming.
The 1 V-notch and 2 or aperture settings have an identical point of aim. The V-notch and apertures are calibrated for US M80 / German DM111 series or other equivalent
7.62×51mm NATO
The 7.62×51mm NATO (official NATO nomenclature 7.62 NATO) is a rimless, bottlenecked rifle cartridge. It is a standard for small arms among NATO countries.
First developed in the 1950s, the cartridge had first been introduced in U.S. service fo ...
ball ammunition. The
receiver housing has recesses that work with
STANAG claw mounts/HK clamp adapters used to mount day or night aiming optics.
Barrel
The rifled barrel - four right-hand grooves with a twist rate - terminates with a slotted
flash suppressor which can also be used to attach a
bayonet
A bayonet (from French ) is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit on the end of the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar firearm, allowing it to be used as a spear-like weapon.Brayley, Martin, ''Bayonets: An Illustr ...
or serve as an adapter for launching
rifle grenades. From the G3A3 the barrel was free floated from the stock and had
polygonal rifling
Polygonal rifling ( ) is a type of gun barrel rifling where the traditional sharp-edged "lands and grooves" are replaced by less pronounced "hills and valleys", so the barrel bore has a polygonal (usually hexagonal or octagonal) cross-sectional p ...
. 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).
Feeding
The G3A3 (A4) uses either
steel
Steel is an alloy made up of iron with added carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant ty ...
(260 g) or
aluminium (140 g) 20-round double-stacked straight box
magazines, 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.
Accessories
![G3 G36 MPG ManoeverPatronenGeraet](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/G3_G36_MPG_ManoeverPatronenGeraet.jpg)
Standard accessories supplied with the rifle include: a detachable
bipod (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 6 inch spear-point blade nearly identical with the
M7 bayonet, but with a different grip because of its mounting above the barrel. The weapon can also mount a 40 mm
HK79
The HK69A1 is a 40 mm grenade launcher developed and produced by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch (H&K). The weapon was designed to engage enemy troops and strongpoints out to a distance of 350 m; it can also be used to deploy smoke gre ...
under-barrel
grenade launcher
A grenade launcher is a weapon that fires a specially-designed large-caliber projectile, often with an explosive, smoke or gas warhead. Today, the term generally refers to a class of dedicated firearms firing unitary grenade cartridges. The mos ...
,
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
The .22 Long Rifle or simply .22 LR or 22 (metric designation: 5.6×15mmR) is a long-established variety of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition originating from the United States. It is used in a wide range of rifles, pistols, revolvers, smo ...
ammunition and a sound suppressor (that uses standard ammunition).
Variants
![Panzergrenadiere neben Marder 1A3](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Panzergrenadiere_neben_Marder_1A3.jpg)
The G3 served as a basis for many other weapons, among them: the
PSG1 and
MSG90
The Heckler & Koch PSG1 (''Präzisionsschützengewehr'', German for "precision shooting rifle") is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed and produced by the German company Heckler & Koch.
Development
This rifle is said to have been developed ...
precision rifles, the
HK11 and
HK21 family of
light machine guns, a
semi-automatic version known as the
HK41, a "sporterized" model called the
SR9 (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 the
CETME 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 a ''Freischwinger'' (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 official
German Army
The German Army (, "army") is the land component of the armed forces of Germany. The present-day German Army was founded in 1955 as part of the newly formed West German ''Bundeswehr'' together with the ''Marine'' (German Navy) and the ''Luftwaf ...
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 a ''Karabiner'', or
carbine version of the G3. It uses an
HK33 handguard, features drum sights, a retractable stock, and a barrel (reduced in length to the base of the front sight post), that is too short for use with a bayonet or rifle grenades.
* G3KA4A1: Variant of the G3KA4 with a polymer grip assembly, ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an official
German Army
The German Army (, "army") is the land component of the armed forces of Germany. The present-day German Army was founded in 1955 as part of the newly formed West German ''Bundeswehr'' together with the ''Marine'' (German Navy) and the ''Luftwaf ...
designation, not an HK factory one.
Models made under license
The G3 rifle is or was produced under license in the following countries: Brazil, Iran, France, Greece, Norway, Mexico, Myanmar, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Turkey.
* G3P3: Model number for Pakistani-made version of G3A3.
* G3P4: Model number for Pakistani-made version of G3A4.
* 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: 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)
Other military variants and derivatives
Denmark
![Norwegian AG-3](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Norwegian_AG-3.jpg)
* Gv M/75: Variant leased from the German Bundeswehr / German government by the Danish government to replace the aging
M1 Garands. Originally manufactured by either
Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and arms manufacturer, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. Its shares are traded on the Frankfurt stock exchange.
History
Rheinmetall was founded in 1889. Banker and investor Lorenz Zuckermandel
L ...
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
special tool.
Myanmar
* BA63 (Burma Army):
Licensed produced G3 by
Myanmar
Myanmar, ; UK pronunciations: US pronunciations incl. . Note: Wikipedia's IPA conventions require indicating /r/ even in British English although only some British English speakers pronounce r at the end of syllables. As John C. Wells, Joh ...
stated owned KaPaSa factories in partnership with Fritz Werner Industry Ausrustungen-Gmbh (FRG) and the German Technical Corporation Agency
[https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maung_Myoe/publication/272092747_Building_the_Tatmadaw/links/54dac5d50cf2ba88a68de69a/Building-the-Tatmadaw.pdf , Page 106.] 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. 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.
* BA64: Typically known as the G4 in Myanmar armed forces,
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).
As standard, a pair of G4s were issued to every infantry squad 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.
* BA72: Assault carbine version of G3A4/G3K with shorter barrel and wooden stock.
* BA100: A copy of the G3A3ZF sniper rifle.
Norway
* AG-3: Norwegian G3A5 variant produced by
Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk
Kongsberg Gruppen is an international technology group headquartered in Norway, that supplies high-technology systems to customers in the merchant marine, defence, aerospace, offshore oil and gas industries, and renewable and utilities industri ...
, with the given name ''Automatgevær 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 the
Heckler & Koch HK416 and
MP7
The Heckler & Koch MP7 (German: ''Maschinenpistole 7'') is a personal defense weapon chambered for the HK 4.6×30mm armor-piercing cartridge designed by German defence manufacturer Heckler & Koch.
It was designed (together with the new cartrid ...
, a transition which is planned to see completion by the end of the year.
* 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 mm
HK79
The HK69A1 is a 40 mm grenade launcher developed and produced by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch (H&K). The weapon was designed to engage enemy troops and strongpoints out to a distance of 350 m; it can also be used to deploy smoke gre ...
grenade launcher.
* AG-3F2: An improvement of the AG-3F1, featuring B&T
Picatinny 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.
Sweden
![G3pak](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/G3pak.JPG)
* 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. The
iron sights
Iron sights are a system of physical alignment markers (usually made of metallic material) used as a sighting device to assist the accurate aiming of ranged weapons (such as a firearm, airgun, crossbow or even compound bow), or less commonly ...
feature extended sight adjustments in increments, because the hit probability met Swedish military doctrine.
The rifles were manufactured from 1965 to 1970 by both
Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori
FFV-Carl Gustaf was a Swedish armaments firm, bought up and merged on several occasions.
History
''Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori'' ("Rifle Factory of Carl Gustaf's Town") was founded in 1812 as a state arsenal. The name "Carl Gustaf's To ...
and
Husqvarna Vapenfabriks
Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag or simply ''HVA''; {{IPA-sv, ˈhʉ̂ːsˌkvɑːɳa, pron, sv-Husqvarna.ogg) was a Swedish firearms manufacturing company in the town of Huskvarna by lake Vättern.
History
In 1689 the manager at the nearby stat ...
and from 1970 until the end of production in 1985 – exclusively by
Carl Gustaf in
Eskilstuna. All Ak 4's are adapted to mount the
M203 grenade launcher
The M203 is a single-shot 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the high-low propulsion system to keep recoil force ...
. Sweden has supplied unmodified Ak 4's to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
* Ak 4OR: Optiskt Riktmedel, optical sight. This model is fitted with a
Hensoldt 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 the ''Hemvärnet - Nationella skyddsstyrkorna'' ("
Swedish Home Guard").
* Ak 4B: In this updated version the iron sights have been removed and replaced with an
Aimpoint CS red-dot reflex sight mounted on a
Picatinny rail. The rail is welded onto the rifle. Used by ''Hemvärnet - 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 by ''Hemvärnet - 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 the
Hensoldt 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-gap
DMR.
Iran
* DIO G3-A3 Bullpup: Iranian bullpup variant of the G3.
Pakistan
* G3P4:
Pakistan Ordnance Factories
, type = State-owned company
, industry = Firearms, Defense, Machinery
, fate =
, successor =
, founded =
, founder =
, defunct =
, hq_location_city = Wah Cantonment, Punjab
, hq_location_country = Pakistan
, area_served = worldwi ...
designation for license-produced G3A4 rifles.
* G3S: A version of G3P3 with a shorter barrel.
* G3M-Tactical: A light weight version of G3 rifle with polymer body and shorter barrel.
United Kingdom
* FR Ordnance MC51 Machine Carbine: Produced by the United Kingdom firm FR Ordnance International Ltd.
The MC51 weighs , has a folded overall length of , a barrel length of only , which produces a muzzle velocity of approx. and a muzzle energy of 2215
J.
Another UK-based company called Imperial Defence Services Ltd. absorbed FR Ordnance and continues to market the MC51 standard variant.
Specialized G3 types
![MSG 90 rifle PSG 1 rifle 2014 noBG](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/MSG_90_rifle_PSG_1_rifle_2014_noBG.jpg)
* G3TGS: This is simply a G3 with a 40 mm
HK79
The HK69A1 is a 40 mm grenade launcher developed and produced by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch (H&K). The weapon was designed to engage enemy troops and strongpoints out to a distance of 350 m; it can also be used to deploy smoke gre ...
under-barrel grenade launcher. TGS stands for ''Tragbares 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 for ''Zielfernrohr'' ("Telescopic Sight"). The Hensoldt Fero Z24 4×24
telescope sight for G3 rifle and claw mount assembly were developed for designated marksman use. The Fero Z24 elevation knob features
Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings for in increments calibrated for 7.62×51mm NATO ball ammunition. The G3A3ZF is otherwise a standard G3A3 that during factory test shooting printed a 5-shot group of (0.8
mil/2.75
MOA) diameter or less.
* G3SG/1: A modified/accurized rifle for sharpshooter/sniper use introduced in 1972. The "SG" stands for ''Scharfschützengewehr'' ("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 trigger pull and 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 featuring
Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings for . For the sub ranges the BDC numbers are yellow. The BDC numbers for the longer ranges are white and in increments. The automatic fire mode was retained but the set-trigger mode could only be used for semi-automatic firing.
* MSG3: A variant introduced in 1988 featuring a long barrel, a newer telescopic sight mount that is found on only a few of the
Heckler & 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 the
open 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 for ''Militärisches Scharfschützen Gewehr'' ("Military Sniper Rifle").
*
MSG90
The Heckler & Koch PSG1 (''Präzisionsschützengewehr'', German for "precision shooting rifle") is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed and produced by the German company Heckler & Koch.
Development
This rifle is said to have been developed ...
: A somewhat cheaper and lighter 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 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 for ''Präzisionsscharfschützengewehr'' ("Precision Sniper Rifle").
* HK32: An experimental variant of the rifle chambered for the Soviet
7.62×39mm M43 cartridge. It was never adopted by any country.
Law enforcement and civilian models
![HK SR9T Rifle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/HK_SR9T_Rifle.jpg)
* 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 furniture 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.
Other manufacturers
* PTR Industries 91 Series: PTR Industries is manufacturing semi-automatic copies of the HK G3 called the
PTR 91. They use tooling from the FMP arms factory in Portugal to build the rifles.
*
Century International Arms
Century International Arms is an importer and manufacturer of firearms that is based in the United States. The company was founded in 1961 in St. Albans, Vermont,
with offices in Montreal. In 1995, the company headquarters and sales staff moved t ...
: Century Arms builds a clone of the
CETME C (similar to a G3) under the designation C308.
* SAR-3: Semi-automatic copy of the HK-91 made by
EBO in Greece and imported into the United States by
Springfield Armory.
** SAR-8: Post-ban version of SAR-3, modified with a thumbhole stock and shipped with 10-round magazines to comply with import restrictions.
* Schwaben Arms: Civilian clones for the German market called M41.
*
MKE: MKEK made a clone known as the T41.
* LuxDefTec: Luxembourgish clones of the G3 designated HSG41.
Users
Active
*: Iranian and Turkish-made G3s
*
* : Grupo Halcón (Buenos Aires Police Special Operations Group)
*
* : ''G3A3'', ''G3A4'' & ''G3/SG-1'' variants are in service.
* :Seized rifles used in limited numbers by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police.
G3A3, G3A4 and G3SG1 used by special forces. G3A4 and G3SG1 used by police forces. G3SG1 used by BOPE.
*
*
*
*
* :
French-made G3s
*
*
*
*
*
* : Used by
Cocoye militia during
Congo Civil War
* :
French-made G3s
*
*
*
*
*
* : Uses the ''Ak4'' and AG-3F2 variant.
*
* :
French-made G3s
*
![Hec kler & Koch G3 with Night Vision](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Hec_kler_%26_Koch_G3_with_Night_Vision.jpg)
: Used by the
German Army
The German Army (, "army") is the land component of the armed forces of Germany. The present-day German Army was founded in 1955 as part of the newly formed West German ''Bundeswehr'' together with the ''Marine'' (German Navy) and the ''Luftwaf ...
from the 1950s until the mid-1990s as the primary service rifle.
[Hogg, Ian (2002). ''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide''. Jane's Information Group. .] Originally to be replaced by the
HK G41 and
HK G11
The Heckler & Koch G11 is a non-production prototype assault rifle developed from the late 1960s–1980s by ''Gesellschaft für Hülsenlose Gewehrsysteme'' (GSHG) (German for "Association for Caseless Rifle Systems"), a conglomeration of compani ...
, post-reunification budget cuts forced the procurement of the
HK G36 instead. Large numbers still in storage, and is used in overseas deployments as a designated marksman rifle. Some variants still in use by border guards and police forces.
*
![Gas mask greek](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bf/Gas_mask_greek.jpg)
* : The HK G3A3 replaced the American
M1 Garand in the late 1970s and manufactured under license by
Elliniki Biomihania Oplon (EBO) (now
Ellinika Amyntika Systimata (EAS)).
*
*
* : ''AG-3'' supplied from Norway
* :
TNI-AU (
Indonesian Air Force) Special Forces (the
Korps Pasukan Khas (Paskhas)) used the G3 as their standard weapon along with the
AK-47 since the early 60's during
Operation Trikora
Operation Trikora was an Indonesian military operation which aimed to seize and annex the Dutch overseas territory of Netherlands New Guinea in 1961 and 1962. After negotiations, the Netherlands signed the New York Agreement with Indonesia on ...
campaign in Western New Guinea conflict. It was replaced by the
Colt M16A3. The G3 is currently used in reserve and training units.
* : Manufactured locally by
Defense Industries Organization as the G3A6. A bullpup variant is called the G3-A3.
*
** : 8,000 rifles
*
*
*
* : ''Ak4'' variant used by
National Guard
*
* :
French-made G3s
*
* : ''Ak4'' variant was used by the
Lithuanian Armed Forces and
Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces
The National Defence Volunteer Forces or NDVF ( lt, Krašto apsaugos savanorių pajėgos [], previously []) is a branch of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Volunteer forces were officially established on 17 January 1991 by the law of the Supreme Co ...
.
*
* : The
Malaysian Army and
Royal Malaysia Police used the G3A4 as their standard weapon along with
HK33 since the early 1970s during
Communist 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 the
Colt M16A1
The M16 rifle (officially designated Rifle, Caliber 5.56 mm, M16) is a family of military rifles adapted from the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle for the United States military. The original M16 rifle was a 5.56×45mm automatic rifle with a 20-roun ...
. The G3/SG-1 is currently used in reserve and paramilitary units
*
– French-made G3s
* : Former main battle rifle of the
Military of Mauritius. Kept in reserve for training. Still in use in limited amount with the anti-riot police.
* :
Made under license by Departamento de la Industria Militar, Dirección General de Fábricas de la Defensa, slowly being replaced by the
FX-05 Xiuhcoatl
The FX-05 ''Xiuhcoatl'' ("Fire Serpent", literally "Turquoise-Serpent" in Classical Nahuatl,) is a Mexican assault rifle, designed and built by the ''Dirección General de Industria Militar del Ejército'' (General Directorate of Military Industr ...
*
![Raising the flag in Swat - Flickr - Al Jazeera English](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d7/Raising_the_flag_in_Swat_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg)
*
* :
French-made G3s
* : Produced under license by Defense Industries Corporation
* : Locally produced variant designated AG-3. In service with the
Norwegian Army from 1968 to 2008. Largely phased out in the
Home Guard (HV) , the last few HV-units to still use it, are set to convert to the
HK416 by the end of 2022.
* : Locally produced by
Pakistan Ordnance Factories
, type = State-owned company
, industry = Firearms, Defense, Machinery
, fate =
, successor =
, founded =
, founder =
, defunct =
, hq_location_city = Wah Cantonment, Punjab
, hq_location_country = Pakistan
, area_served = worldwi ...
in G3P4 designation
*
*
*
*
*: Starting in 1962, it was made in Portugal under license by the
Fábrica do Braço de Prata. The
Portuguese Marine Corps use a modernized version of the G3 with kit Spuhr.
*
*
*
*
![Saudi Soldier with G3](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/Saudi_Soldier_with_G3.JPEG)
:
Made under license by the
Military Industries Corporation, General Organization for Military Industries in Alkharj
* : 8,000 received from the UK and Nigeria during the 1970s and the 1980s. Some Iranian-made G3s have also been recovered.
*
*
– French-made G3s
* : Used by Special Forces
* : Used by
Special Forces
Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are military units trained to conduct special operations. NATO has defined special operations as "military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equip ...
* : Made under license by
Military Industry Corporation as the Dinar
* : 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 to ''Förenade Fabriksverken'' (FFV) as the ''Ak 4'' (''Automatkarbin 4''). Two sub-variants are known to exist, one equipped with a rail and
Aimpoint sight (Ak4 B) and the other with a 4× magnifying optic, the Hensoldt ZF4×24 (Ak 4OR). It has since been replaced by the
Ak 5 (''Automatkarbin 5''; a modified version of the
FN FNC) in the regular army. Ak 4B and Ak 4OR, some times in combination with the M203 grenade launcher, is still in use in ''Hemvärnet – 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 will receive the new adjustable stock AK4C variant before the end of 2022.
* – G3A3 and G3A4s used as
designated marksman rifle by
Republican Guard
*
*
*
![G3A3 and Engerek3+](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/G3A3_and_Engerek3%2B.jpg)
: Made under license by
Makina 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.
*
* : Undisclosed quantity of Portuguese-made G3A3/4s sent by Portugal as part of a military package in response to the
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. The invasion has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides. It has caused Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. An ...
.
*
* : 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.
* : Yemeni Republican guard and the Yemeni Special guard.
*
*
Former
![DF-ST-96-00265](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b7/DF-ST-96-00265.JPEG)
* :
Originally in 1975, Heckler and Koch sold to
Indumil the manufacturing license for the G3, the MP5 submachine gun, and the HK21 machine gun.
[https://www.bits.de/public/articles/kw_nl/kleinwaffen-nl08-07eng.htm] Replaced in service by
IMI Galil.
* : G3A5, as the ''Gevær Model 1966'' (Gv M/66). Another variant, designated ''Gevær Model 1975'' (Gv M/75) was leased from the German government.
[Gangarosa, 2001. pp. 76–77.] All G3s in Danish service are being replaced by the
Diemaco C7 (Gv m/95), and
Diemaco C8
The Colt Canada C7 is a Canadian family of military rifles, manufactured by Colt Canada (formerly Diemaco prior to 2005), having similar design and function to the Colt M16A3.
The C7 and its variants have been adopted as the standard issue rif ...
(Gv m/96).
* : Turkish made G3s used by Special Forces. G3s were also used by Georgian contingent in Kosovo
*
*
![Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE (22778497686)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Exercise_TRIDENT_JUNCTURE_%2822778497686%29.jpg)
:
G3A3 and A4 versions. The G3 was the standard-issued rifle of the
Portuguese Armed Forces from 1963-2020, manufactured under license by
Fábrica de Braço de Prata before it shut down. In 2019, it was announced that it would be replaced by the
FN SCAR. The
Portuguese Marine Corps still use a modernized version of the G3 with kit Spuhr.
* : Portuguese
built G3s were used by auxiliary or reserve units of the
Rhodesian Security Forces
The Rhodesian Security Forces were the military forces of the Rhodesian government. The Rhodesian Security Forces consisted of a ground force (the Rhodesian Army), the Rhodesian Air Force, the British South Africa Police, and various personnel a ...
* : 100,000 FMP-manufactured surplus G3 rifles were bought from Portugal and designated the R2 Rifle. It was the standard-issue rifle of the
South African Marine Corps and
South African Air Force, as well within the
South West African Territorial Force as a substitute for the R1 Rifle (FN FAL) until it was replaced by the
R4 assault rifle
The Vektor R4 is a 5.56×45mm assault rifle designed in 1979 based on the IMI Galil rifle. It entered service as the standard service rifle of the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1980. The R4 replaced the R1, a variant of the 7.62×51mm ...
in the 1980s
The rifle's furniture would soon break down in the heat and become loose, so replacement furniture made of a tough polymer was made by
Choate Machine & Tool. The forend had recesses for a bipod's legs and the FAL-style polymer buttstock had a rubber buttplate.
*
Non-state users
*
Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda
The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (french: Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, FDLR) is an armed rebel group active in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. As an ethnic Hutu group opposed to the ethnic Tuts ...
(in Democratic Republic of Congo)
*
Provisional IRA: 100 stolen from Norwegian Reserve base near Oslo, 1984
*
*
Lord Resistance Army
The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), also known as the Lord's Resistance Movement, is a rebel group and heterodox Christian group which operates in northern Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Co ...
*
People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad
*
Revolutionary United Front
*
Revolutionary Organization 17 November
Conflicts
1960s
*
Internal conflict in Myanmar (1948–present)
*
Portuguese Colonial War (1961–1974)
*
Papua conflict (1962–present)
*
The Troubles (Late 1960s–1998)
*
Colombian conflict (1964–present)
The Colombian conflict ( es, link=no, Conflicto armado interno de Colombia) began on May 27, 1964, and is a low-intensity asymmetric war between the government of Colombia, far-right paramilitary groups, crime syndicates, and far-left gue ...
*
Rhodesian Bush War (1964–1979)
*
Indo-Pakistani War (1965)
*
South African Border War (1966–1990)
*
Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)
*
Football War (1969)
1970s
*
Bangladesh Liberation War (1971)
*
Indo-Pakistani War (1971)
*
Turkish invasion of Cyprus (1974)
*
Ethiopian Civil War (1974–1991)
*
Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990)
*
Indonesian invasion of East Timor (1975–1976)
*
Nicaraguan Revolution (1978–1990)
*
Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)
*
Uganda-Tanzania War (1978-1979)
*
Salvadoran Civil War (1979–1992)
*
Grand Mosque seizure (1979)
1980s
*
Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988)
*
Seychelles coup d'état attempt (1981)
*
Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005)
*
Lord's Resistance Army insurgency (1987–present)
*
First Liberian Civil War (1989–1997)
1990s
*
Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)
*
Gulf War (1990–1991); saw limited combat use
*
Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001)
*
Republic of the Congo Civil War (1997–1999)
The Second Republic of the Congo Civil War was the second of two ethnopolitical civil conflicts in the Republic of the Congo, beginning on 5 June 1997 and continuing until 29 December 1999. The war served as the continuation of the civil war ...
*
Kargil War (1999)
2000s
*
War in Afghanistan (2001–2014)
War in Afghanistan, Afghan war, or Afghan civil war may refer to:
*Conquest of Afghanistan by Alexander the Great (330 BC – 327 BC)
* Muslim conquests of Afghanistan (637–709)
*Conquest of Afghanistan by the Mongol Empire (13th century), see al ...
*
Iraq War (2003–2011)
*
Kivu conflict (2004–present)
*
Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2004–present)
*
Mexican Drug War (2006–present)
*
Somali Civil War (2009–present)
2010s
*
Militias-Comando Vermelho Conflict (2010-present)
*
Libyan conflict (2011–present) Libyan conflict may refer to:
*2011 Libyan Civil War
The First Libyan Civil War was an armed conflict in 2011 in the North African country of Libya that was fought between forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and rebel groups that were see ...
*
Syrian Civil War (2011–present)
*
South Sudanese Civil War (2013-2020)
*
Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)
2020s
*
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014. The invasion has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides. It has caused Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. An ...
References
;Notes
;Bibliography
* Smith, W.H.B, ''Small arms of the world : the basic manual of military small arms'', Harrisburg, Pa. : Stackpole Books, 1955.
* Clinton Ezell, Edward; Small arms of the world, Eleventh Edition, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1977
* ''Les fusils d'assaut français'' "The french assault rifles" by Jean Huon, published by Editions Barnett in 1998, .
* .
* Günter Wollert; Reiner Lidschun; Wilfried Kopenhagen, ''Illustrierte Enzyklopädie der Schützenwaffen aus aller Welt : Schützenwaffen heute (1945–1985)'', Berlin : Militärverlag der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, 1988.
* Gotz, Hans Dieter, ''German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, 1871–1945'', Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1990.
* 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.
* Afonso, Aniceto and Gomes, Carlos de Matos, ''Guerra Colonial'', 2000.
*
*
*
*
*
*
External links
HK G3 RIFLE - OWNER'S MANUALG3 Armorer's Manual Instructions for Maintenance and Repair Cal. 7.62 mm × 51Zentrale Dienstvorschrift Das Gewehr G3 ZDV 3/13 13 December 1978
{{DEFAULTSORT:Heckler and Koch G3
7.62×51mm NATO battle rifles
Rifles of the Cold War
Roller-delayed blowback firearms
G03
Cold War weapons of Germany
Designated marksman rifles
Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1959
Cold War weapons of Myanmar