How a Heckler & Koch G3 Rifle Works

WikipediaThe Heckler & Koch G3 (Gewehr 3) is a 7.62×51mm NATO, select-fire battle rifle 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).[2] 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.

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[1]
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)
Effective firing range 200–400 metres (219–437 yd) sight adjustments
600 metres (656 yd) with Fero Z24 telescopic sight
Maximum firing range 3,700 metres (4,046 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