Heckler & Koch G3
| Heckler & Koch G3 | |
|---|---|
A Norwegian-produced AG-3, the G3A5 variant of the G3, with the rifle sling attached | |
| Type | Battle rifle |
| Place of origin | West Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1959–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | See Conflicts |
| Production history | |
| Designer | CETME Mauser Heckler & Koch |
| Designed | 1950s |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch (original) Rheinmetall MIC SEDENA Kongsberg Gruppen Pakistan Ordinance Factories and others |
| Produced | 1958–present |
| No. built | 8,000,000 |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.38 kg (9.66 lb) (G3A3) 4.7 kg (10 lb) (G3A4) |
| Length | 1,025 mm (40.4 in) |
| Barrel length | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Width | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Height | 220 mm (8.7 in) with inserted magazine |
| 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) |
| Maximum firing range | 1,000 metres (1,094 yd) |
| Feed system | 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, or 40-round detachable box, and 50-round and 100-round drum magazine |
| Sights | Rear: rotary diopter; front: hooded post |
The Heckler & Koch G3 (German: Gewehr 3) is a select-fire battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO developed in the 1950s by the German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch, in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned firearms manufacturer CETME. The G3 was the service rifle of the German Bundeswehr until it was replaced by the Heckler & Koch G36 in the 1990s, and was adopted into service with numerous other countries.
The G3 has been exported to over 70 countries and manufactured under license in at least 15 countries. Over 7.8 million G3s have been produced. Its modular design was used for several other HK firearm models, including the HK21, MP5, HK33, PSG1, and G41.