Sign in or 
Share this
G3
Model: HK G3One of the weapons that made Heckler & Koch famous, the G3 is a massive family of battle rifles with a decades-long history. It was based on the Spanish CETME, which in turn was based on the StG.44 from World War II. Mauser engineers developed a prototype assault rifle that would later inspire the G3 but never entered production. The G3 entered use with the Bundeswehr, who were previously using the CETME. It uses a unique roller-delayed blowback system seen in several German weapons and originally based on the MG42 machine gun. The following list is a sample of G3 variants and copies:
- G3: Original model based on the CETME Modelo B.
- G3A1: G3 with a single position, collapsible stock. This design was chosen after earlier experimentation with a ventrally-folding stock. Excessive recoil caused the latter 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 a HK factory one.
- G3A4: The G3A4 uses drum sights and a single position, collapsible stock. This rifle could also be issued with a scope with the nomenclature G3A4ZF. The ZF stands for Zielfernrohr or "Telescope".
- G3A4A1: This is a variant of the G3A4 with an ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an official German Army designation, not a 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 315mm (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 a HK factory one.
- 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.
- G3A7: HK assigned model number for the Turkish-made version of the G3A3.
- HSG1: HK assigned model number for the Luxembourg- made version of G3A3.
- 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 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) variant. Semi-automatic normally, though could be converted to fully automatic fire by changing the safety lever. This is done without tools.
- 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. 2cm 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 military branches 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 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 40mm HK79 grenade launcher.
- AG-3F2: An improvement of the AG-3F1, featuring Picatinny rails on the receiver as well as the foregrip.
- Ak 4: Swedish-made version of the G3A3. The rifles were manufactured from 1965 to 1970 by both Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfabrik and Husqvarna Vapenfabrik and from 1970 until the end of production in 1985 - exclusively by Gevärsfabrik in Eskilstuna. Also produced with a Hensoldt 4x24 telescopic sight mounted via a HK claw mount, known as the Ak 4OR(No longer issued) and the Ak 4B variant, where the iron sights have been removed, and replaced with a Aimpoint CS red-dot reflex sight mounted on a permanently mounted picatinny rail and an increased rate of fire. All Ak 4s are adapted to mount the M203 grenade launcher. Sweden has supplied Ak4s to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
- DIO G3 Bullpup: Iranian bullpup variant of the G3. Photo
- G3A7A1: Turkish-made variant of the G3A4.
- G3P4: Pakistan Ordnance Factory designation for license produced G3A4 rifles.
- G3TGS: This is simply a G3 with a 40mm HK79 under-barrel grenade launcher. TGS stands for Tragbares Granat System ("portable grenade system").
- G3A3ZF: This is a rifle issued with a scope bracket and a 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 and adjustable cheek rest. A special set trigger group was added for a crisp trigger pull of 1 lb. Automatic fire was retained.
- MSG3: A variant featuring the newer scope 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 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 meet the necessities of police sniper units. This rifle is famous for its accuracy and comfortability, 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.
- 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"). There were two versions, one differing from the G3 by being fitted with a semiautomatic-only trigger pack, the other using a different design of trigger pack, like that of the later HK91. The first version could easily be converted 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 was replaced by the HK91.
- 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. This was considered awkward by many owners. 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 by President Clinton in 1997 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), ot "Target Competition", model was an HK91A2ZF with the trigger group, pistol grip and buttstock derived from the PSG-1.
- G3A1: The terminology used by custom gunsmiths (e.g. Choate) and importers (e.g. Interarms) for weapons with an aftermarket side-folding stock. This is not part of official HK nomenclature.
- HK 51: The HK51 is not made by HK, instead being a creation of the American custom after-market. The HK 51 has no real standards but is usually a cut down and modified G3A3 or its semi-automatic clones the HK41 and HK91 and modified to take MP5 furniture and accessories. It is usually fitted with a collapsible stock; 211mm (8.31 in) barrel; it is 589mm (23.17 in) in length with the stock retracted and 780mm (30.72 in) with the stock extended. Originally made by Fleming Firearms.
- PTR 91 Series: Additionally, JLD started manufacturing semi-automatic copies of the HK G3 called the PTR 91 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 Hellenic Arms in Greece and imported into the United States by Springfield Armory.
- SAR-8: Post-ban version of SAR-3, modified to comply with import restrictions.
| Specifications: | |
| Weight: | 4.4kg (9.7lb) (G3A3) 4.7kg (10 lb) (G3A4) 5.54kg (12.2 lb) with optic (G3SG/1) 4.1kg (9.0 lb) (G3K) |
| Length: | 1,025mm (40.4in) (G3A3) 1,025mm (40.4 in) stock extended / 840mm (33.1 in) stock collapsed (G3A4) 1,025mm (40.4 in) (G3SG/1) 895mm (35.2 in) stock extended / 711mm (28.0 in) stock collapsed (G3K) |
| Barrel Length: | 450mm (17.7 in) 315mm (12.4 in) (G3K) |
| Cartridge: | 7.62x51mm NATO |
| Action: | Roller-delayed blowback |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 800m/s (2,625ft/s) |
| Effective Range: | 500meters (550 yd) |
| Feed System: | Detachable box magazine. 20, 50 (drum) |
| Sights: | Rotating diopter rear, hooded post front |
Where to find
Along with being exceptionally common among European, African, and South/Central American militaries, civilian variants can cost from $800 to $3000 depending on age, model, and manufacturer.
Complexity
As a military weapon produced by a highly reputable manufacturer, the G3 and civilian variants are extremely reliable and easy to use; the lack of a gas operating system in particular gives it no gas cylinder to clog up. Accurized sniping variants can have excellent accuracy, but the PSG1 is known for being rather fragile and unsuitable for military use.
Controls
- Fire selector: Located on the left side of the receiver behind the trigger. Push up to S for SAFE or down to F for FIRE.
- Magazine release: Located in front of the trigger guard. On the HK91 and other civilian rifles, it is located on the right side of the frame in front of the trigger as a button.
- Cocking handle: Located on the left side of the front of the upper receiver.
Loading
Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Push the fire selector to S.
- Pull the cocking handle back and rotate it up into the recess above it to lock it in place.
- Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks.
- Push the coking handle down and let it snap forward. Some prefer to use the "HK Slap" and slap it down from the recess.
Cannot be done
Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Pull the cocking handle back and rotate it up into the recess above it to lock it in place.
- Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks.
Unloading
How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Push the fire selector to S.
- Push the magazine release and pull the magazine out of the weapon.
- Pull the cocking handle back and examine the chamber for any ammunition. Let it snap forward.
- Push the fire selector to F.
- Pull the trigger.
Field Stripping
How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.
- Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
- Unload the weapon as described above.
- Unhook the sling if necessary from the front eyebolt and remove the retaining pins just behind the trigger group.
- Pull the stock back and off the gun with the recoil spring group.
- Rock the trigger group down and off the receiver.
- Pull the bolt carrier group from the back of the receiver.
chitoryu12 |
Latest page update: made by chitoryu12
, Feb 24 2011, 12:47 AM EST
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by chitoryu12
446 words added 173 words deleted view changes - complete history) |
|
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
