Heckler & Koch G3: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 10:23, 27 April 2025

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{{Short description|German battle rifle}}

{{Infobox Weapon

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}

|name= Gewehr 3 (G3)

{{Infobox weapon

|image= [[Image:G3A3.jpg|300px]]

| name = Heckler & Koch G3

|caption= G3A3

| image = Heckler & Koch G3 Kunststoffschaft Display noBG.png

|origin= [[Germany]]

| image_size = 300px

|type= [[Battle rifle]]

| caption = A [[Norway|Norwegian]]-produced AG-3, the G3A5 variant of the G3, with the [[Sling (firearms)|rifle sling]] attached

<!-- Type selection -->

| origin = [[West Germany]]

|is_ranged=yes

| type = [[Battle rifle]]

|is_bladed=

<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = Yes

|is_explosive=

<!-- Service history -->| service = 1959–present

|is_artillery=

| used_by = See [[#Users|''Users'']]

|is_vehicle=

| wars = See [[#Conflicts|''Conflicts'']]

<!-- Service history -->

<!-- Production history -->| designer = [[CETME]]<br />[[Mauser]]<br />[[Heckler & Koch]]

|service= 1958–1997 (Germany)

| design_date = 1950s

|used_by=[[Germany]], others (see ''[[Heckler & Koch G3#Operators|Operators]]'')

| manufacturer = [[Heckler & Koch]] (original)<br />[[Rheinmetall]]<br />[[Military Industries Corporation (Saudi Arabia)|MIC]]<br />[[SEDENA]] <br />[[Kongsberg Gruppen]]

|wars=

Pakistan Ordinance Factories<br /> and others <!--<br />[[Defense Industries Organization]]<br />[[Fábrica de Braço de Prata]]<br />[[Bofors Carl Gustaf]]<br />[[Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag]]<br />[[Hellenic Arms Industry|Elliniki Viomihania Oplon]]<br />[[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS)|MAS]]<br />[[Military Industry Corporation]]<br />[[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (Turkey)|MKEK]]<br />[[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]]<br />[[Royal Ordnance]]<br />[[Bangladesh Ordnance Factories]]--->

<!-- Production history -->

| unit_cost =

|designer=[[CETME]], [[Mauser]], [[Heckler & Koch]]

| production_date = 1958–present

|design_date=1950s

| number = 8,000,000{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=31}}

|manufacturer=[[Heckler & Koch]]

| variants = See [[#Variants|''Variants'']]

|production_date=

<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label =

|number=

| weight = {{convert|4.38|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} (G3A3)<br /> {{convert|4.7|kg|abbr=on}} (G3A4)

|variants= A1 to A7 (see ''[[Heckler & Koch G3#Variants of the G3|Variants of the G3]]'')

| length = {{convert|1025|mm|in|abbr=on}}

<!-- General specifications -->

| part_length = {{convert|450|mm|abbr=on|1}}

|weight= 4.4 kg (9.7 lb)

| width = {{convert|45|mm|in|abbr=on}}

|length= 1,026 mm (40.4 in)

| height = {{convert|220|mm|in|abbr=on}} with inserted magazine

|part_length= 450 mm (17.7 in)

| diameter = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->

|crew=

| cartridge = [[7.62×51mm NATO]]

<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->

| action = [[Blowback (arms)#Roller-delayed|Roller-delayed blowback]]

|cartridge= [[7.62 × 51 mm NATO]]

| rate = 500–600 rounds/min

|caliber= [[7.62 mm caliber|7.62 mm]] (.308 in)

| velocity = {{convert|800|m/s|0|abbr=on}}

|action= [[Roller-delayed blowback]]

| max_range = {{convert|1000|m|yd|0}}

|rate= 600 round/min

| feed = 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, or 40-round detachable box, and 50-round and 100-round [[drum magazine]]

|velocity= 790 [[Metre per second|m/s]] (2,600 [[Feet per second|ft/s]])

| sights = Rear: rotary diopter; front: hooded post

|range= 500 m (546 yd)

|max_range=

|feed= 20-round detachable box [[Magazine (firearm)|magazine]]

|sights= Rear: rotary diopter; front: hooded post

<!-- Artillery specifications -->

|breech=

|recoil=

|carriage=

|elevation=

|traverse=

<!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->

|blade_type=

|hilt_type=

|head_type=

|haft_type=

<!-- Explosive specifications -->

|diameter=

|filling=

|filling_weight=

|detonation=

|yield=

}}

The '''Heckler & Koch G3''' ('''{{langx|de|Gewehr 3'''}}) is a family of [[selective fire|select -fire]] [[battle rifle]]s manufacturedchambered 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]].<ref Itname="Woźniak37">{{harvnb|Woźniak|2001|p=37}}</ref> wasThe adoptedG3 aswas the standard [[service rifle]] byof the German ''[[Bundeswehr]]'' inuntil 1959,it aswas wellreplaced asby severalthe other[[Heckler countries& toKoch varyingG36]] degrees.in Thethe G31990s, isand chamberedwas foradopted theinto [[7.62service ×with 51numerous mmother NATO|7.62&nbsp;×&nbsp;51&nbsp;mm NATO]] [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]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.{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=24}} Its [[modular design]] was used for several other HK firearm models, including the [[Heckler & Koch HK21|HK21]], [[Heckler & Koch MP5|MP5]], [[Heckler & Koch HK33|HK33]], [[Heckler & Koch PSG1|PSG1]], and [[Heckler & Koch G41|G41]].{{TOC limit}}

== History ==

The G3 was the standard infantry weapon of the [[Germany|German]] ''Bundeswehr'' until 1997, and is still being used by several armed forces around the world. The G3 is typical of its day: a heavy selective-fire rifle chambered in [[7.62 x 51 mm NATO]], using a detachable [[Magazine (firearm)|magazine]]. In its day, it competed with similar infantry rifles such as the [[FN FAL]], [[M14 (rifle)|M14]], and the Armalite [[AR-10]]. It is equipped with a [[flash suppressor]] and can mount a [[bayonet]]. It was developed by former [[Mauser]] engineers, after having spent some time in [[Spain]] working for the arms developers there. These people helped build the [[CETME]] rifle and took it back to Germany. Indeed, for a time the first G3s had "CETME" stamped on the side; the design had some modifications primarily to the bolt group and trigger pack. Early G3s, like the CETME, had wooden [[Stock (firearm)|stock]] and [[Forearm (firearm component)|handguard]].

==History==

The G3 uses an unconventional operating mechanism that was developed from a roller-locking system patented by Edward Stecke of Poland during the 1930s; this was used in the [[MG42|MG-42]]. Near the end of the war Mauser was working on the StG.45(M), which did not make it past the prototype stage but used a development of the roller-locking system, known as a "Delayed Roller Locking" system. This [[roller-delayed blowback]] was further developed in Spain, which was looking for a new rifle. The CETME prototypes were complete by the early 1950s, and standardized on the then new NATO 7.62 mm round. This was adopted as the CETME by Spain in 1954, and with some differences, as the G3 by West Germany in 1959. The West German government bought a licence for manufacture of it and transferred it to HK, though they (HK), and former Mauser engineers had been integral to its development in Spain.

{{Multiple image|align=left|direction=vertical|image1=Gerat06H Prototype.jpg|image2=AME1.jpg|caption2=The early [[Mauser]] ''Gerät 06H'' prototype assault rifle and The [[CEAM Modèle 1950|CEAM ''Modèle'' 1950]], a French effort to put the [[StG 45(M)]] concept into mass production. Chambered in [[.30 Carbine]]}}

The origin of the G3 can be traced back to the final years of [[World War II]] when [[Mauser]] engineers at the Light Weapon Development Group (''Abteilung 37'') at [[Oberndorf am Neckar]] designed the ''Maschinenkarabiner Gerät 06'' (MKb ''Gerät'' 06, "machine carbine device 06") prototype [[assault rifle]] chambered for the intermediate [[7.92×33mm Kurz|7.92×33mm ''Kurz'']] cartridge, first with the ''Gerät'' 06 model using a roller-locked short recoil mechanism originally adapted from the [[MG 42]] machine gun but with a fixed barrel and conventional gas-actuated piston rod.<ref name="Senich">{{harvnb|Senich|1987|p=153}}</ref> With careful attention to the mechanical ratios, the gas system could be omitted.<ref name="Senich_158">{{harvnb|Senich|1987|p=158}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Senich_160">{{harvnb|Senich|1987|p=160}}</ref>

G3 stands for ''Gewehr 3'', the German for "Rifle, 3". The G3 was adopted in 1958 as a replacement for the ''Bundeswehr'''s G1, a modified version of the Belgian [[FN FAL]], which had been used since 1956, the year after West Germany had been accepted to [[NATO]]. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/may/9/newsid_2519000/2519979.stm] The G3 was therefore the first indigenously-produced infantry rifle of the new [[West German]] army.

The German technicians involved in developing the StG 45(M) were taken to work in France at [[Atelier Mécanique de Mulhouse|Centre d'Etudes et d'Armement de Mulhouse]] (CEAM). The StG 45(M) mechanism was modified by [[Ludwig Vorgrimler]] and Theodor Löffler at the [[Mulhouse]] facility between 1946 and 1949. Three versions were made, chambered in [[.30 Carbine]], 7.92×33mm ''Kurz'', and the experimental 7.65×35mm French short cartridge developed by Cartoucherie de Valence in 1948. A 7.5×38mm cartridge using a partial [[aluminium]] bullet was abandoned in 1947. Löffler's design, designated ''[[CEAM Modèle 1950|Carabine Mitrailleuse Modèle 1950]]'', was retained for trials among 12 different prototypes designed by CEAM, [[Manufacture d'armes de Châtellerault|MAC]], and [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|MAS]]. Engaged in the [[First Indochina War|Indochina War]] and being the second{{clarify|date=December 2014}} [[NATO]] contributor, France canceled the adoption of these new weapons for financial reasons.

The G3 rifle has been widely praised for its relatively compact size and sturdy stamped steel construction, which also enabled lower production costs compared to many other 7.62mm NATO rifles. Conversely, its heavy weight and stiff trigger pull have been cited as the weapon's chief disadvantages, along with a rather sharp recoil (due to the thin stock and lack of gas-buffered operation) and less-than-ideal pointing and handling characteristics.

[[File:StG CETME A2b (1) noBG.png|thumb|left|CETME A2b 7.92×40mm CETME M53 developmental prototype]]

== Service history ==

The G3 and its variants have been used by a wide variety of countries armed forces, as well as by police forces over its lifetime. As a result it has seen use in a number of conflicts during the late 20th century. The rifle is or has been adopted for military service with Germany, Norway, Cyprus, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and Thailand.

In 1950, Vorgrimler moved to [[Francoist Spain|Spain]] where he created the LV-50 rifle chambered for the ''Kurz'' cartridge and later, the proprietary 7.92×40mm CETME M53 round.<ref name="woźniak">{{harvnb|Woźniak|2001|pp=7–10}}</ref> At this point, the rifle was renamed the ''Modelo 2''. The ''Modelo'' 2 drew the attention of the [[West Germany|West German]] [[Bundesgrenzschutz]] (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 rifle|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 grenade|22 mm]] [[rifle grenade]] launcher guide. In 1958, this rifle was accepted into service with the [[Spanish Army]] as the ''Modelo 58'', using the 7.62×51mm CETME round.

Its first known combat use was by Portuguese armed forces in several counter-insurgency campaigns in Angola, Mozambique, and Portuguese Guinea, beginning in the late 1950s. G3 rifles were issued to both regular army and reserve forces as well as special forces. These included marine and naval commando units (''Fuzileiros'') as well as to Army ''Caçadores Especiais'' (Special Hunter) battalions. Portuguese Air Force paratroops were issued a collapsible stock version of the G3 after Portugal was barred from acquiring additional Artillerie Inrichtingen (Armalite) [[AR-10]] rifles from Holland. The Portuguese found the G3 to be reliable, but judged its weight a handicap when tracking lightly-armed guerrilla forces in heavy bush and jungle. Portuguese forces were unable to carry large quantities of heavy 7.62mm NATO ammunition on long patrols, and the resulting lack of firepower was occasionally a handicap when encountering enemy forces equipped with the AK-47.

In 1956, the Bundesgrenzschutz canceled their planned procurement of the CETME rifles, adopting the Belgian-made [[FN FAL]] 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.{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=24}} The West German government wanted the G3 rifle to be produced under license in Germany; purchase of the G1 had previously fallen through over [[Fabrique Nationale de Herstal|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]] (Luftwaffe) with 20mm ammunition. Production of the G3 was then assigned to [[Rheinmetall]] and Heckler & Koch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armourersbench.com/2019/05/12/rheinmetall-g3/|title=Rheinmetall G3|date=May 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522081742/https://armourersbench.com/2019/05/12/rheinmetall-g3/|archive-date=May 22, 2023|publisher=The Armourer's Bench}}</ref> 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 [[Rheinmetall MG3|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 Mark]]s per rifle, despite having been awarded the contract by the German government.

During the [[Vietnam War]] the G3 served in limited numbers with the [[United States Navy SEALs|U.S. Navy SEALs]]. According to Kevin Dockery however, the Harrington & Richardson T223 (an American-built licenced copy of the [[HK 33 | Heckler & Koch HK33]] assault rifle) was mistaken for a G3, and the G3 was not used in Vietnam. It is not clear if other sources are mistaken, or if they have separate evidence of use. Either way, versions of the G3 were used later by several SEAL teams.

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.<ref name="woźniak" /> 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 {{convert|100|m|yd|0}} with particularly accurate sighting-in ammunition. The 5-shot group could not exceed {{convert|120|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (1.2 [[Milliradian|mil]]/4.13 [[Minute and second of arc|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.<ref name="woźniak" /> Of that figure, 18 countries undertook domestic production of the G3 under license.<ref name=Bourne>{{cite book|last=Bourne|first=Mike|title=Arming Conflict: The Proliferation of Small Arms|url=https://archive.org/details/armingconflictpr00bour|url-access=limited|date=2007|pages=[https://archive.org/details/armingconflictpr00bour/page/n82 66]–67|publisher=Palgrave-Macmillan|___location=Basingstoke|isbn=978-0-230-01933-1}}</ref> Known manufacturers of the weapon included France ([[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS)|MAS]]), Greece ([[Hellenic Defence Systems]]), [[Iran]] ([[Defense Industries Organization]]), [[Luxembourg]] ([[Luxemburg Defense Technologie]]), Mexico, [[Myanmar]], Norway ([[Kongsberg Gruppen|Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk]]), Pakistan ([[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]]), Portugal ([[Fábrica de Braço de Prata|FBP]]), [[Saudi Arabia]] ([[Military Industries Corporation (Saudi Arabia)]]), Sweden (Husqvarna Vapenfabrik AB and FFV Carl-Gustaf in Eskilstuna), [[Thailand]], Turkey ([[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (Turkey)|MKEK]]) and the United Kingdom ([[Royal Ordnance]]).<ref name="woźniak"/>

G3 rifles also saw action with the West German police during the tragic [[Munich Massacre]] in 1972, in a failed attempt to rescue the Israeli athletes held hostage by the [[Black September]] group. The failure of German police and anti-terrorist teams to save the hostages prompted development of the [[PSG-1]] sniper rifle (derived heavily from the G3), later issued to the specially-trained [[GSG 9]] anti-terrorist unit.

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. The Iranian version remains in production as of 2024.<ref name=Ferguson2912>{{cite AV media |people=Jonathan Ferguson & Ian Sanders |date=6 November 2024 |title=Firearms of the Cold War Part 1 with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson & Cold War expert Ian Sanders |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7evV9DBbXo |access-date=7 November 2024 |time=29:12-29:30 |publisher=Royal Armouries}}</ref>

The sniper version, the G3 SG/1, saw a notable use in 1983 during [[Operation Urgent Fury]], otherwise known as the Invasion of Grenada. A SEAL team was sent in to secure the Government House, where it was believed Governor [[Paul Scoon]] was held. The team was dropped in by helicopters and resistance was nil; Scoon was indeed there and the house was secured and perimeter set up. Among the positions, a SEAL sniper set up upstairs with his G3SG1. The PRA soldiers soon began their counterattack however, which consisted of a [[BTR-60]] and a number of soldiers attacking throughout the east gate. The SEAL sniper single-handedly eliminated 21 PRA soldiers during the attack. This along with fire from other SEALs resulted in the PRA pulling back for a time, and a longer range firefight ensued. The standoff was eventually solved later on in the day with more forces; an [[AC-130]] gunship eventually destroyed the APC and scattered the remaining troops in the attack.

==Design details==

The G3 would again see use during the [[Gulf War]].

===Operating mechanism===

[[File:G3 Bolt.PNG|thumb|upright|A schematic of the G3 roller-delayed blowback mechanism]]

[[File:DCB Shooting G3 Roller system3.JPG|thumb|upright|Cutaway model of the chamber with gas relief flutes (left) and roller-delayed action of the G3 battle rifle]]

[[File:G3 Patronen mit Druckausgleichsrillen 002.jpg|thumb|upright|Fired cartridge cases with scorch marks at the front outer surface caused by intentional propellant gas ingress at the gas relief flutes]]

[[File:Kinematik Vergleich zwischen Patronenlager mit und ohne Gasentlastungsrillen bei einer kraftschlüssig dynamisch verriegelten Feuerwaffe mit Flaschenhalshülse horizontale Version CC BS-SA 4.0.svg|thumb|upright|Schematic of a fluted chamber, as used in the H&K G3 rifle]]

The G3 is a [[Selective fire|selective-fire]] automatic weapon that employs a [[Blowback (arms)#Roller-delayed|roller-delayed blowback]] 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.

== Construction details ==

[[Image:G3A3 disassembled.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Disassembled G3A3]]

[[Image:G3_sight_right.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Close-up of G3's rear sight]]

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 G3 is of modular construction, based around a stamped steel receiver, a pressed in barrel, and a detachable '[[trigger group]]' which encompasses the handgrip, trigger, and fire selector mechanism. The selector switch is typically referred to by the acronym "SEF", which refers to the most common fire settings. The top setting stands for '''S'''icher, which is German for "safe". The middle setting '''E'''inzelfeuer (Ine-tsell-foyer) means "single shot" and makes the rifle [[semi-automatic]]. The bottom setting '''F'''euerstoß (pronounced foyer-shtoss) means "burst shot/full-auto". The modular trigger group allows for several different fire combinations; some G3 export versions include only safe and semi-automatic modes, and some use dot symbols or iconic/pictogram representations of bullets instead, i.e. one dot (".") for single shot and three dots ("...") for burst mode.

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).<ref name="woźniak" />

In the roller-delayed blowback system, the bolt is not locked into the receiver in the normal static manner. The bolt-head has small rollers on each side of the bolt head that fit into recesses in the receiver. The bolt-head protrudes slightly from the rest of the bolt, being pushed backward when a cartridge is chambered, locking the rollers into their recesses. When a round is fired the intense pressure of 50,000 lbf/in² (300 MPa) must first overcome the rollers before the bolt pushes backward against the recoil spring. After the bolt has been stopped by a much harder spring buffer at the end of its travel, the recoil spring then pushes it back forward while stripping another round from the magazine.

The [[Chamber (firearms)|chamber]] has longitudinal gas relief [[Fluting (firearms)#In barrel chamber|flutes]] cut in the chamber wall to ease the cartridge case's extraction upon firing. These flutes allow propellant gas to flow between the case and chamber wall, equalizing the pressure between the inner and outer surfaces of the front of the cartridge case. The intentional propellant gas ingress at the gas relief flutes significantly reduces case friction against the chamber wall, making extraction more reliable by preventing the cartridge case from sticking and tearing.

The G3's folding charging handle is mounted on the left side of the weapon, in line with the forward handgrip. This is in contrast to the majority of competing designs, which mount the charging handle directly on the receiver. Some criticize this design decision as making it awkward to manipulate, particularly while prone. However, many found the arrangement quite intuitive in actual use: the left hand would be on the foreguard just below it to support the gun during firing. When a reload is required, the hand can naturally fold the handle out and pull it back, then lock the handle in the rear position and continue moving to the magazine release. After inserting a new magazine into the rifle, the hand slaps the charging handle out of the locking slot while returning to the foreguard to support the rifle as before. Unlocking the handle lets the recoil spring move the bolt and handle forward and chambers a fresh round. The charging handle will automatically catch and fold in along the barrel when it reaches its fully forward position.

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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd8FrUe8fMM|title=How Does It Work: Roller Delayed Blowback|date=17 March 2020 |via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120103728/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd8FrUe8fMM|archive-date=November 20, 2022|access-date=November 20, 2022|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.internationalsportsman.com/how-roller-delayed-firearms-work-and-why-it-matters/|title=How Roller-Delayed Firearms Work and Why it Matters|first=Nathan|last=Thornton|date=October 12, 2019|website=International Sportsman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326164023/https://www.internationalsportsman.com/how-roller-delayed-firearms-work-and-why-it-matters/|archive-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref>

The action requires that the rifleman allow the bolt carrier to fly forward with full power, or the rollers will not lock and the bolt will not fully close. Some versions including the Norwegian [[AG-3]] and the Swedish [[Ak 4]] feature a rarely used "forward assist" function; the bolt carrier has a machined thumb groove just inside the ejector port which enables the rifleman to ease the charging handle forward silently, then manually force the bolt to fully close (locking the rollers) by pushing it forward with his thumb through the port.

===Features===

Another contrast to some of the G3's contemporaries, most notably the [[Armalite AR-15]], is the lack of a bolt hold-open device. This would catch the bolt in the rear position after the final round from a magazine has been fired, to signal the rifleman that he has expended his ammunition and automatically charge the rifle for reloading. Not using such a device allowed the G3 design to contain fewer moving parts and may improve reliability. To signal when a magazine is near empty, some troops have resorted to loading the final one or two rounds with tracer ammunition.

[[File:G3A3 disassembled mod.jpg|thumb|Field-stripped G3A3 rifle showing its modular design]]

[[File:Heckler & Koch rotating drum sight pictures.png|upright|thumb|''Drehvisier'' rotating drum sight pictures]]

[[File:G3 bajonett noBG.jpg|thumb|HK G3 Bayonet with scabbard]]

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 magazines are made of steel or aluminum, the latter being more popular on account of relatively light weight. The metal edges at the top of the steel magazine could easily be damaged if dropped, while aluminum magazines can suffer from metal fatigue with age and use. During the 1990s, the US manufacturer Thermold made glass-filled polymer magazines for the G3. In military service the G3's magazine was typically of twenty-round capacity, though smaller and larger magazines are available. The magazine release is a flap immediately behind the magazine, which is pushed towards the magazine to free it.

The weapon made extensive use of cost-saving [[Stamping (metalworking)|pressed and stamped steel]] components rather than machined parts and [[spot welding]] 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.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Battle Rifle: Development and Use Since World War II|first= Russel|last=Tilstra|publisher=McFarland & Company, Inc.|year=2014|isbn= 978-1-4766-1564-6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_a0zAwAAQBAJ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/hk_g3.pdf|title=G3 Armorer's Manual Instructions for Maintenance and Repair Cal. 7.62 mm × 51, page 8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030192710/http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/hk_g3.pdf|archive-date=October 30, 2022}}</ref>

====Trigger====

Initial stripping of the weapon is achieved by pushing two small pins from the buttstock, removing the buttstock, folding the rear of the trigger pack down (it could be removed completely by pushing out another pin holding it in place), and pulling back the charging handle to push the bolt out of the rifle.

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.<ref name="woźniak" /> The rifle has a relatively high trigger pull of {{convert|50|-|55|N|lb-f|1|lk=on|abbr=on}} 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====

== Variants of the G3 ==

The original G3 and G3A1 rifle variants had a relatively low [[iron sight]] line that consisted of a ''Klappvisier,'' an "L-type" flip up rear sight and hooded front post.

[[Image:Misccaparms.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Small arms captured in [[Fallujah]], [[Iraq]] by the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] in 2004. The second gun from the left is a G3A4.]]

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: {{convert|200|-|400|m|yd|0}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0}} increments for more precise aiming.<ref name="woźniak" /> The 1 V-notch and 2 or {{convert|200|m|yd|0}} aperture settings have an identical point of aim. The V-notch and apertures are calibrated for US M80 / German DM111 series or other equivalent {{convert|9.5|g|gr|0}} [[7.62×51mm NATO]] ball ammunition. The [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] housing has recesses that work with [[STANAG]] claw mounts/HK clamp adapters used to mount day or night aiming optics.

====Barrel====

The G3 has served as the basis for a wide variety of other H&K firearms, including firearms in different calibers and various sniper rifles. The first G3s (from CETME in Spain) had a steel forearm with large perforations, and a "paddle wheel" sight. The "paddle wheel" consisted of one v notch set for 100 meters and aperture sights set for 200, 300, and 400 meters. The use of the 100 meter notch was discouraged with the 200 meter aperture being favored for both 100 and 200 meters. The 100 meter sight was relegated to volley fire and extreme close ranges.

The rifled barrel – four right-hand grooves with a {{convert|305|mm|abbr=on}} twist rate to adequately stabilize the military 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition of the era – terminates with a slotted [[flash suppressor]] which can also be used to attach a [[bayonet]] or serve as an adapter for launching [[rifle grenade]]s. From the G3A3 the barrel was free floated from the stock and had [[polygonal rifling]].{{sfn|Walter|2006a|p=164}} 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).<ref name="woźniak" />

====Feeding====

The [[HK 33]] and the [[HK G41]] are related firearms, and are essentially a G3 scaled down to [[5.56 mm NATO]].

The G3A3 (A4) uses either [[steel]] (260 g) or [[aluminium]] (140 g) 20-round double-stacked straight box [[Magazine (firearms)|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====

===''Rifles and Carbines:''===

[[File:G3 G36 MPG ManoeverPatronenGeraet.jpg|thumb|G3 blank firing adapter]]

*'''G3''' - Original model based on CETME Model B.

*'''G3A1''' - G3 with an experimental ventrally-folding collapsible stock similar to that of the MP-40 or AKMS. Its excessive recoil caused it to be dropped from production.

*'''G3A2''' - G3 with new 'rotating drum' rear sight. The range settings remained the same, but the rear sight was more secure.

*'''G3A3''' - The most well known version. Drum sights, a fixed plastic buttstock, and a plastic handguard. The handguard came in a slim, ventilated version and a wide version. The latter allows for attachment of a bipod. This rifle could also be issued with a [[Telescopic sight|scope]] with the nomenclature G3A3ZF. The ZF stands for ''Zielfernrohr'' or "Telescope."

[[Image:G3a3.gif|thumb|250px|G3A3]]

**'''G3A3A1''' - This is a version of the G3A3 with an ambidextrous trigger group. This is an official German Army designation, not an 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 G3A4 ZF. The ZF stands for 'Zielfernrohr' or "Telescope."

**'''G3A4A1''' - This is a variant of the G3A4 with an ambidextrous trigger group. This is an official German Army designation, not an HK factory one.

*'''G3KA4''' - Smallest of the line, it is a ''Karbiner'', or [[carbine]] version of the G3. It uses drum sights, a retractable stock, and a 12.4 inch (314.96 mm) barrel.

[[Image:G3ka4.gif|thumb|250px|G3KA4]]

**'''G3KA4A1''' - This is a variant of the G3KA4 with an ambidextrous trigger group. This is an official German Army designation, not an HK factory one.

*'''G3A5''' - Danish-made version of the G3A3. In Danish service it is known as the '''Gv m/75'''.

*'''G3A6''' - Iranian-made version of the G3A3.

*'''G3A7''' - Turkish-made version of the G3A3.

**'''G3A7A1''' - Turkish-made variant of the G3A4.

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{{fraction|3|4}}&nbsp;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&nbsp;mm [[HK69A1|HK79]] under-barrel [[grenade launcher]], [[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]] ammunition and a sound suppressor (that uses standard ammunition).

===''Specialized G3 types:''===

*'''G3-TGS''' - This is simply a G3 with a 40mm [[HK 79]] under-barrel grenade launcher attached. '''TGS''' stands for '''"Tactical Group System"'''.

*'''G3SG/1''' - This is the accurised variant of the G3 designed for sniping. The "SG" stands for "Scharfschützengewehr" or sharp shooting rifle. The rifles were picked from the production line for their mechanical accuracy and then modified. A 6x Hensoldt scope was added using the H&K mount attached to the receiver. In addition a special set trigger group was added, which enabled the trigger to be set in semi-automatic mode. This allowed a crisp pull of 1 lb. In addition, automatic fire was retained.

==Variants==

In addition to the G3SG/1, the [[MSG90]] / [[MSG3]], [[PSG-1]], and [[HK33SG/1]] are other sniper rifles derived from the G3 to varying degrees.

[[File:Heckler & Koch G3 Holzschaft Display noBG.png|thumb|upright|Original G3 variant with older style flip up sights and wooden stock]]

[[File:H&K G3FS.jpg|upright|thumb|G3A2 ''Freischwinger'' (FS)]]

[[File:DCB Shooting G3 pictures.jpg|upright|thumb|G3A4 and G3A3]]

[[File:Panzergrenadiere neben Marder 1A3.jpg|thumb|upright|Bundeswehr soldiers armed with G3A3A1 and G36 rifles in 2010]]

The G3 served as a basis for many other weapons, among them: the [[Heckler & Koch PSG1|PSG1]] and [[Heckler & Koch PSG-1#MSG90|MSG90]] precision rifles, the [[Heckler & Koch HK21#Variants|HK11]] and [[Heckler & Koch HK21|HK21]] family of [[light machine gun]]s, a [[semi-automatic firearm|semi-automatic]] version known as the [[Heckler & Koch HK41|HK41]], a "sporterized" model called the [[Heckler & Koch SR9|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.

===''Law Enforcement and Civilian models (including OEM variants):''===

* '''G3''': Original model based on the [[CETME Model 58]] introduced in 1959 and approved in 1960. It had a wooden stock and handguard.

*'''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.

* '''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.

*'''HK 41''' - The HK 41 is a semi-automatic version of the G3 that was marketed to law-enforcement and civilians (the prefix number 4 in H&K's two-digit number system technically stands for "para-military rifle"). It differs only from the G3 in its trigger group, and because of the modularity of trigger packs can easily be converted to a full-automatic weapon by swapping out a minimum of parts. Limited sales at home and US import restrictions and firearms regulations led this weapon to be dropped from H&K's product line quickly and it was supplanted by the HK 91.

* '''G3A2''': G3 developed in 1962 with new rotating drum rear sight and a ''Freischwinger'' (FS) free-floating barrel that significantly improved accuracy.

*'''HK 51*''' - Contrary to popular belief the HK 51 is not made by H&K, being a creation of the American Class II manufacturering 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 and accessories. It is usually fitted with a collapsable stock; with a 211 mm (8.31-inch) long barrel it is a tiny 589 mm (23.17 inches) with the stock retracted and 780 mm (30.72-inches) with the stock extended.

* '''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.

*'''HK 91''' - The HK 91 is a semi-automatic version of the G3 similar to the HK 41, also marketed to civilians. However, in order to comply with US firearm regulations a number of modifications to the HK 91 were made that do not appear on the HK 41. The internal parts required for 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 precluded the use of the paddle style magazine release and so a button on the right side of the magazine well is 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.

* '''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.

*HK-911: The HK-911 was an HK91A2 with the flash hider removed and the receiver re-stamped with an extra 1 to comply with the importation ban of 1989. The new designation theoretically made it legally immune to the Import Ban, as no "HK-911" rifles were mentioned on the list of banned guns. However, the later banning of several "paramilitary" features on the HK-911 made it illegal.

* '''G3A4''': The G3A4 uses drum sights and a single position, retractable stock. Entered service in 1974 for frontline infantry units.

*'''SR-9 Series (“Sporting Rifle, Civilian”)''': These variants of the HK-91ZF were created to get around the Semi-Auto Import Ban of 1989, which included all models of the HK-91. They differed from the HK 91 in that they had their flash hiders removed and had a smooth forend that lacked the bipod attachment mount. The SR-9 series were banned by the later Crime Bill of 1994.

* '''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.

**'''SR-9''': The SR-9 was an HK91A2ZF with the pistol grip and butt-stock replaced with a one-piece thumbhole stock.

* '''G3KA4''': Smallest of the line, it is a ''Karabiner'', or [[carbine]] version of the G3. It uses an [[Heckler & Koch HK33|HK33]] handguard, features drum sights, a retractable stock, and a {{convert|315|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel (reduced in length to the base of the front sight post), that is too short for use with a bayonet or rifle grenades.<ref name="woźniak" />

**'''SR-9 (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 model and the butt-stock replaced with an MSG90 model.

* '''G3KA4A1''': Variant of the G3KA4 with a polymer grip assembly, ambidextrous trigger group and brass deflector. This is an official [[German Army]] designation, not an HK factory one.

**'''SR-9 (TC)''': The (TC), ot "Target Competition", model was an HK91A2ZF with the trigger group, pistol grip and butt-stock replaced by the PSG/1 models.

===Models made under license===

== Advantages and disadvantages ==

The G3 rifle is or was produced under license in the following countries: Pakistan, Brazil, Iran, France, Greece, Norway, Mexico, Myanmar, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Turkey.

The [[G3]] is a reliable weapon system, accurate, and easy to maintain. Some frequent complaints are that it is not very ergonomic, has poor pointing and handling characteristics, a heavy trigger pull, and a complicated field strip procedure (although it can be performed completely without tools in typical HK fashion).

The Pakistani manufacturer, [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]] (POF) uses the same model number for both automatic versions as well as versions of different manufacturing that are made as semi automatic for the civilian market. POF's definition of the civilian versions are "Semi Auto Irreversible".<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://depo.gov.pk/download/catalogue/public/POF.pdf|title=Public sector organizations

It is a heavy rifle, weighing nearly 10 lbs. (over 4 kg) without a magazine, compared to 9 lbs. for the [[FN FAL]], 8.5 lbs. for the [[M-14]],and 7.25 lbs. for the early [[AR-10]]. Although the G3 is capable of fully automatic fire, in practice this is not extremely useful, as the [[recoil]] generated by the 7.62 NATO cartridge makes fully automatic operation impractical at anything beyond point-blank range.

|website=depo.gov.pk|access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref>

* '''G3A3''': Model number for Pakistani-made version of G3A3, manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

Recreational users find that the roller-locking system's extraction cycle is particularly hard on the cartridge case making recycling of cases problematic. Even military operators have noticed this problem as plastic-cased blank training ammunition was developed to reduce training costs.

* '''G3P4''': Model number for Pakistani-made version of G3A4, manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

* '''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 Garand]]s.

* '''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) <ref>{{cite magazine|title=The military rifle cartridges of Burma/Myanmar|first=Paul|last=Scarlata|magazine=[[Shotgun News]]|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Burma%2FMyanmar.-a0288876068|date=May 2012|access-date=2018-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128075329/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Burma%2FMyanmar.-a0288876068|archive-date=2018-11-28|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Other military variants and derivatives===

== Additional details ==

====Denmark====

* '''[[Rifling]]:''' 4 grooves, right hand, 1:305 mm (1-in-12 inches) [[twist rate]]

* '''Sights:''' Rotary diopter (rear); ring with vertical post (front)

* '''Maximum effective range:''' 400 m (~440 yards)

* '''Maximum range:''' 3,700 m (~4,110 yards)

* '''[[Magazine (firearm)|Magazine]] capacity:''' 20 rounds (18 to avoid wearing out the magazine spring)

* '''Weight:''' 4.25 kg (9.37 lb)

[[File:Norwegian AG-3.jpg|thumb|upright|A Norwegian soldier with the licence-built AG-3F2 model fitted with a [[Brügger & Thomet]] railed forend, vertical grip and [[Aimpoint]] [[red dot sight]]]]

==Popular culture==

* '''Gv M/75''': Variant leased from the German Bundeswehr / German government by the Danish government to replace the aging [[M1 Garand]]s. Originally manufactured by either [[Rheinmetall]] or HK for the German Bundeswehr. The Gv M/75 rifles are basically G3s 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 [[Hex wrench|special tool]].

{{main|Heckler & Koch G3 in popular culture}}

====Myanmar====

The G3 has appeared in several films and video games.

* '''BA63''' (Burma Army):<ref name="HRW">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/burma/Burma0902.htm |title="My Gun Was as Tall as Me" |access-date=2018-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020114157/http://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/burma/Burma0902.htm |archive-date=2008-10-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> Licensed produced G3 by [[Myanmar]] stated owned KaPaSa factories in partnership with Fritz Werner Industry Ausrustungen-Gmbh (FRG) and the German Technical Corporation Agency<ref name="BTT">[https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maung_Myoe/publication/272092747_Building_the_Tatmadaw/links/54dac5d50cf2ba88a68de69a/Building-the-Tatmadaw.pdf Building the Tatmadaw] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725063634/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maung_Myoe/publication/272092747_Building_the_Tatmadaw/links/54dac5d50cf2ba88a68de69a/Building-the-Tatmadaw.pdf |date=2018-07-25 }}, Page 106.</ref><ref name="SAR">{{Cite web |url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1154 |title=Burmese Small Arms Development |date=26 August 2009 |access-date=2018-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715210629/http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1154 |archive-date=2018-07-15 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bits.de/public/articles/kleinwaffen-nl11-07eng.htm |title="Strong and Fast": German Arms in Burma |access-date=2018-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005121730/http://www.bits.de/public/articles/kleinwaffen-nl11-07eng.htm |archive-date=2018-10-05 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="SAR"/>

* '''BA64''': Typically known as the '''G4''' in Myanmar armed forces,<ref name="HRW"/> 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).<ref name="BTT"/> As standard, a pair of G4s were issued to every infantry section 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.<ref name="SAR"/>

* '''BA72''': Typically known as '''G2''' in Myanmar. Assault carbine version of G3A4/G3K with shorter barrel and wooden stock.<ref name="BTT"/><ref name="SAR"/>

* '''BA100''': A copy of the G3A3ZF sniper rifle.<ref name="BTT"/><ref name="SAR"/>

====Norway====

<!--Please add references to specific films of games on the pages 'List of firearms in video games' and 'List of firearms in films' and not here. -->

* '''AG-3''': Norwegian G3A5 variant produced by [[Kongsberg Gruppen|Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk]], 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&nbsp;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 [[Heckler & Koch MP7|MP7]], a transition which is planned to see completion by the end of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|last=B|first=Eric|date=2020|title=Norwegian Home Guard Gets More HK416s and MP7s as AG-3 is Phased Out|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/10/19/norwegian-home-guard-get-more-hk416-and-mp7-as-the-ag-3-is-phased-out/|website=The Firearm Blog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204091724/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/10/19/norwegian-home-guard-get-more-hk416-and-mp7-as-the-ag-3-is-phased-out/|archive-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref>

* '''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&nbsp;mm [[Heckler & Koch HK69A1|HK79]] grenade launcher.

* '''AG-3F2''': An improvement of the AG-3F1, featuring B&T [[Picatinny rail]]s 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.

{{anchor|Ak 4}}

==Operators== Portugal ====

*'''m/963''' The HK G3 was selected to equip the Portuguese Armed Forces as the new service rifle. [[Fábrica de Braço de Prata]] started in 1962 to manufacture under licence the G3, including the manufacture of its components and parts and its final assembly. Later, West Germany placed an order for 50,000 Portuguese-made G3 rifles for its own armed forces.

====Sweden====

{{main|Automatkarbin 4}}

* '''Ak 4''': Swedish-made version of the G3A3, with a buttstock that is 2&nbsp;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]] feature extended {{convert|200|-|500|m|yd|0}} sight adjustments in {{convert|100|m|yd|0}} increments, because the {{convert|500|m|yd|0}} hit probability met Swedish military doctrine.<ref name="krtraining1">{{cite magazine |author1=Kjellgren, G. L. M. |url=http://www.krtraining.com/KRTraining/Archive/PracticalRangeSmallArms.pdf|title=The Practical Range of Small Arms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305142959/http://www.krtraining.com/KRTraining/Archive/PracticalRangeSmallArms.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2015 |magazine=The American Rifleman |pages= 40–44|url-status=live}}</ref> The rifles were manufactured from 1965 to 1970 by both [[Bofors Carl Gustaf|Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori]] and [[Husqvarna Vapenfabriks Aktiebolag|Husqvarna Vapenfabriks]] and from 1970 until the end of production in 1985 – exclusively by [[Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori|Carl Gustaf]] in [[Eskilstuna]]. All Ak 4s are adapted to mount the [[M203 grenade launcher]]. Sweden has supplied unmodified Ak 4s 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 [[Designated marksman rifle|DMR]].

====Iran====

* '''DIO G3-A3 Bullpup''': Iranian bullpup variant of the G3.

====Pakistan====

[[File:G3pak.JPG|thumb|upright|G3s made in Pakistan under license]]

The Pakistani models are manufactured in both automatic and civilian semi automatic versions sharing the same model number.<ref name="auto2"/>

* '''G3A3''': [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]] designation for license-produced G3A3 rifles. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

* '''G3P4''': [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]] designation for license-produced G3A4 rifles. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

* '''G3S''': A version of G3P3 with a shorter barrel. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

* '''G3M-Tactical''': A light weight version of G3 rifle with polymer body and shorter barrel. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

* '''AZB (DMR)''': A high precision version of G3 rifle with extended barrel length and mill std. picatinny rail as rifle scope mount. Manufactured in two different versions; automatic or semi automatic.

====United Kingdom====

* {{anchor|MC51}}'''F.R. Ordnance MC51 Machine Carbine''': Produced by the United Kingdom firm [[Mick Ranger|F.R. Ordnance International Ltd.]]<ref name="MC51FB">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/05/29/potd-heckler-koch-mc51/|title=The SAS G3 - Heckler & Koch MC51 -|date=May 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205012017/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/05/29/potd-heckler-koch-mc51/|archive-date=December 5, 2021}}</ref> The MC51 weighs {{convert|3.1|kg|abbr=on}}, has a folded overall length of {{convert|625|mm|abbr=on|1}}, a barrel length of only {{convert|230|mm|abbr=on|1}}, which produces a muzzle velocity of approx. {{convert|690|m/s|abbr=on|1}} and a muzzle energy of 2215 [[Joule|J]].<ref name="MC51FB"/> Another UK-based company called Imperial Defence Services Ltd. absorbed FR Ordnance and continues to market the MC51 standard variant.<ref name="MC51FB"/>

===Specialized G3 types===

[[File:Fallschirmjäger des FschJgRgt26 DSCF4087 (49444483698).jpg|thumb|German designated marksman (front) with G3A3ZF in 2019]]

[[File:Flickr - DVIDSHUB - ISAF conducts patrol in Mazar-E Sharif (Image 6 of 32).jpg|thumb|German sniper with a modernized G3A3ZF with a STANAG claw mounted Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 PM II telescopic sight in Afghanistan in 2011]]

[[File:MSG 90 rifle PSG 1 rifle 2014 noBG.jpg|thumb|MSG90 (top) and PSG1]]

* '''G3TGS''': This is simply a G3 with a 40&nbsp;mm [[HK69A1|HK79]] 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 [[Telescopic sight#Bullet drop compensation|Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings]] for {{convert|100|-|600|m|yd|0}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0}} increments calibrated for 7.62×51mm NATO ball ammunition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drzero.org/cetme/pdf/g3sm.pdf|title=Fero Z24 4×24 telescopic sight for G3 rifle instruction manual|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823233055/http://www.drzero.org/cetme/pdf/g3sm.pdf|archive-date=23 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The G3A3ZF is otherwise a standard G3A3 that during factory test shooting printed a 5-shot group of {{convert|80|mm|in|1}} (0.8 [[Milliradian|mil]]/2.75 [[Minute and second of arc|MOA]]) diameter or less.

* '''G3SG/1''':{{anchor|SG1}} 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 {{convert|25|N|lb-f|1|lk=on|abbr=on}} trigger pull and {{convert|12.5|N|lb-f|1|lk=on|abbr=on}} 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 [[Telescopic sight#Bullet drop compensation|Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings]] for {{convert|10|-|600|m|yd|0}}. For the sub {{convert|100|m|yd|0}} ranges the BDC numbers are yellow. The BDC numbers for the longer ranges are white and in {{convert|100|m|yd|0}} increments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkpro.com/forum/attachments/hk-long-gun-talk/32863d1435244916-hk-sg1-zeiss-diavari-da-1-5x6-info-zeiss_diavari_da.pdf|title=Instructions for Use of the Zeiss Diavari-DA 1.5 - 6 Riflescope for the G3 Rifle|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123131614/http://www.hkpro.com/forum/attachments/hk-long-gun-talk/32863d1435244916-hk-sg1-zeiss-diavari-da-1-5x6-info-zeiss_diavari_da.pdf|archive-date=23 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://historicarmscorp.com/machine-guns/hk-g3-sg1-308/|title=H&K G3 SG/1, .308 - - Historic Arms Corporation|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326165815/http://historicarmscorp.com/machine-guns/hk-g3-sg1-308/|archive-date=26 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hkpro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97:g3sg1&catid=10:the-sniper-rifle|title=G3SG1|last=Administrator|website=www.hkpro.com|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124070620/http://www.hkpro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97:g3sg1&catid=10:the-sniper-rifle|archive-date=24 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The automatic fire mode was retained but the set-trigger mode could only be used for semi-automatic firing.<ref name="Walter2006-2">{{harvnb|Walter|2006a|p=165}}</ref>

* '''MSG3''': A variant introduced in 1988 featuring a {{convert|600|mm|in|1}} 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 [[Iron sights|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]]''': A somewhat cheaper and lighter {{convert|600|mm|in|1}} long barrel version of the PSG1 modified for military sniping/designated marksman applications. The MSG90 and PSG1 have different trigger packs.

* '''[[Heckler & Koch PSG1|PSG1]]''': A free-floating {{convert|650|mm|in|1}} 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 wholly adopted by any country.{{refn|group=Footnote|name=first|At least one example seen used by Mexican police.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230331221313/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/04/15/mythical-hk32-seen-in-the-wild/ Mythical HK32 Seen in the Wild, The Firearm Blog, April 15, 2009]</ref>}}{{sfn|Walter|2006b|p=[https://archive.org/details/riflestoryillust0000walt/page/252/mode/2up 253]}}<ref>{{cite AV media|date=February 20, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJSuSQrDd7k|title=HK-32 Prototype in 7.62x39mm|publisher=[[Forgotten Weapons]]|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=July 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717044009/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJSuSQrDd7k|archive-date=July 17, 2023|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>

===Law enforcement and civilian models===

[[File:HK41 SG1.jpg|thumb|upright|HK41.]]

[[File:HK SR9T Rifle.jpg|thumb|upright|SR9.]]

* '''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.

* '''[[Heckler & Koch HK41|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 stock and accessories. It is usually fitted with a collapsible stock; with a 211&nbsp;mm (8.31-inch) long barrel; it is relatively small at 589&nbsp;mm (23.17 inches) with the stock retracted and 780&nbsp;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.

* '''[[Heckler & Koch HK41#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. 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.

* '''[[Heckler & Koch SR9|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 rifle|PTR 91]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/01/29/ptr-91/|title=[SHOT 2020] New PTR-91 HK91/G3 Style .308 Rifles from PTR -|date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129142507/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/01/29/ptr-91/|archive-date=November 29, 2022}}</ref> They use tooling from the FMP arms factory in Portugal to build the rifles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/tutorial-build-a-jld-ptr-91-hk-clone/ |title=HK Tutorial: Build a JLD PTR-91 HK Clone – Arizona Response Systems |website=www.arizonaresponsesystems.com |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030173046/https://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com/tutorial-build-a-jld-ptr-91-hk-clone/ |archive-date=30 October 2020 }}</ref>

* '''[[Century International Arms]]''': Century Arms builds a clone of the [[CETME]] C (similar to a G3) under the designation C308.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tacretailer.com/gear/rifles/review-century-arms-c308 | title=Review: Century Arms C308 | date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807053818/https://www.tacretailer.com/gear/rifles/review-century-arms-c308|archive-date=August 7, 2020 }}</ref>

* '''SAR-3''': Semi-automatic copy of the HK-91 made by [[Hellenic Defence Systems]] in Greece and imported into the United States by [[Springfield Armory, Inc.|Springfield Armory]].<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://gundigest.com/article/greatest-springfield-armory-imports|title=Greatest Springfield Armory Imports|first=Elwood|last=Shelton|date=May 12, 2020|website=Gun Digest|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130044713/https://gundigest.com/article/greatest-springfield-armory-imports|archive-date=November 30, 2022}}</ref><ref name="GSAR">{{Cite web|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2014/03/15/heckler-koch-g3-battlerifle|title=Heckler and Koch G3 BattleRifles: Still the main squeeze... overseas (VIDEO)|website=Guns.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117134020/https://www.guns.com/news/2014/03/15/heckler-koch-g3-battlerifle|archive-date=January 17, 2023}}</ref>

** '''SAR-8''': Post-ban version of SAR-3, modified with a thumbhole stock and shipped with 10-round magazines to comply with import restrictions.<ref name="GSAR"/><ref name="auto1"/>

* '''Schwaben Arms''': Civilian clones for the German market called M41.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20221025155505/http://schwabenarmsgmbh.de/index_htm_files/Testbericht%20Caliber%20Ausgabe%205-2013%20SAR%20M41%20SPORTMATCH%20MF3.pdf Rock & Roll: Vergleichstest von 4 zivilen Selbstladegewehren auf HK G3-Basis in .308 Winchester]</ref>

* '''[[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (Turkey)|MKE]]''': MKEK made a clone known as the T41.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/06/09/new-rifle-mke-mpt-76-762x51-nato-mp5-clones-iwa/ | title=New rifle from MKE. MPT-76 in 7,62x51 NATO and the MP5 clones at IWA - | date=9 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128173549/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/06/09/new-rifle-mke-mpt-76-762x51-nato-mp5-clones-iwa/|archive-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref>

* '''LuxDefTec''': Luxembourgish clones of the G3 designated HSG41.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151106160834/http://www.waffen-pfandleihhaus.de/beschreibungen/1560.html Pistole Mauser Mod 1914 Kal. 7,65mm WB1560]</ref>

==Users==

<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:Verbreitung HKG3.png|thumb|G3 producer (Germany), licensees and users]]

===Active===

*{{flag|Afghanistan}}: Iranian and Turkish-made G3s<ref>{{cite book|title=Afghanistan, Arms and Conflict: Armed Groups, Disarmament and Security in a Post-War Society|first1=Michael Vinai|last1=Bhatia|first2=Mark|last2=Sedra|publisher=[[Routledge]]|editor=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-0-415-45308-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|page=65|date=May 2008|access-date=2018-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901145604/https://books.google.fr/books?id=P4N9AgAAQBAJ|archive-date=2018-09-01|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=59}}

* {{flag|Angola}}<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor1-last=Jones |editor2-first=Leland S. |editor2-last=Ness |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=January 27, 2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |___location=Coulsdon |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>

* {{flag|Argentina}}: Grupo Halcón (Buenos Aires Police [[SWAT]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mseg.gba.gov.ar/Seguridad/Halcon/conformacion.htm |title=División Especial de Seguridad Halcón |access-date=2014-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810013321/http://www.mseg.gba.gov.ar/Seguridad/Halcon/conformacion.htm |archive-date=2012-08-10 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Bahrain}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Bangladesh}}: ''G3A3'', ''G3A4'' & ''G3/SG-1'' variants are in service.<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Brazil}}: Seized rifles used in limited numbers by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2017-07-05 |title=Rio's Civil Police in Action and Pics - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/07/05/rios-civil-police-action-pics/ |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201211737/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/07/05/rios-civil-police-action-pics/|archive-date=December 1, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2017-08-22 |title=Photo report: joint Police/Armed Forces operations in Rio - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/08/22/photo-report-joint-policearmed-forces-operations-rio/ |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127045350/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/08/22/photo-report-joint-policearmed-forces-operations-rio/|archive-date=November 27, 2022}}</ref> G3A3, G3A4 and G3SG1 used by special forces. G3A4 and G3SG1 used by police forces. G3SG1 used by BOPE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELITES OF THE EXÉRCITO BRASILEIRO – Small Arms Review |date=11 March 2011 |url=https://smallarmsreview.com/elites-of-the-exercito-brasileiro/ |access-date=2022-10-19 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205145219/https://smallarmsreview.com/elites-of-the-exercito-brasileiro/|archive-date=December 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-02 |title=World Infantry Weapons: Brazil|url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |access-date=2022-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602220038/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |archive-date=2016-06-02 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Bolivia}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Botswana}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_af_botswana|title=Google Sites|website=sites.google.com|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124203850/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_af_botswana|archive-date=24 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

* {{flag|Brunei}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Burkina Faso}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* {{flag|Burundi}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Cameroon}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Chad}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{CAF}}<ref name ='SAS 2005 11'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-11-EN.pdf|chapter=The Central African Republic: A Case Study of Small Arms and Conflict|title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|pages=309, 318|isbn=978-0-19-928085-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830004838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|archive-date=2018-08-30}}</ref>

* {{flag|Chile}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Republic of Congo}}: Used by [[Cocoye (militia)|Cocoye]] militia during [[Republic of the Congo Civil War (1997–99)|Congo Civil War]]<ref name ='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-08-EN.pdf|chapter=Making the Difference?: Weapon Collection and Small Arms Availability in the Republic of Congo|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=274|isbn=0-19-925175-4|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175229/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-date=2018-08-29}}</ref>

* {{flag|Côte d'Ivoire}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* {{flag|Cyprus}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Djibouti}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Dominican Republic}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|El Salvador}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Estonia}}: Uses the ''Ak4'' and AG-3F2 variant.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eesti Kaitsevägi – Tehnika – Automaat AK-4 |url=http://www.mil.ee/?menu=tehnika1&sisu=ak4 |language=et |access-date=2008-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530102625/http://www.mil.ee/?menu=tehnika1&sisu=ak4 |archive-date=2008-05-30 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Ethiopia}}<ref name=GANGAROSA01 />

* {{flag|Gabon}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* [[File:Hec kler & Koch G3 with Night Vision.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[Bundeswehr]] G3 fitted with a FERO-Z51 night vision optic]]{{flag|Germany}}: Used by the [[German Army]] from the 1950s until the mid-1990s as the primary service rifle.<ref name="hogg2002">Hogg, Ian (2002). ''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide''. Jane's Information Group. {{ISBN|0-00-712760-X}}.</ref> Originally to be replaced by the [[Heckler and Koch G41|HK G41]] and [[Heckler and Koch G11|HK G11]], post-reunification budget cuts forced the procurement of the [[Heckler & Koch G36|HK G36]] instead. Large numbers are still in storage, and is used in overseas deployments as a designated marksman rifle. Some variants are still in use by border guards and police forces.<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Ghana}}<ref name="jones2009" />[[File:Gas mask greek.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Hellenic Army|Greek]] soldiers in NBC gear with Greek-made G3s]]

* {{flag|Greece}}: The HK G3A3 replaced the American [[M1 Garand]] in the late 1970s and manufactured under license by [[Hellenic Defence Systems]]<ref name="armadaint">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Personal+infantry+weapons%3A+old+weapons+or+new+hardware+in+the+coming...-a09037642|title=Personal infantry weapons: old weapons or new hardware in the coming decades?|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925055138/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Personal+infantry+weapons%3A+old+weapons+or+new+hardware+in+the+coming...-a09037642|archive-date=25 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eas.gr/index.php?lang=en&sec=7&cid=115|title=eas.gr|access-date=2008-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121101352/http://www.eas.gr/index.php?lang=en&sec=7&cid=115|archive-date=2012-01-21}}</ref>

* {{flag|Guyana}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Haiti}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Iceland}}: ''AG-3'' supplied from Norway<ref>{{cite web |title="Sóttu teppi í skotmark hryðjuverkamanna", 'Fréttablaðið', october 27, 2004, p. 12. |url=http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?pageId=3737869 |language=is |access-date=October 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822010004/http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?pageId=3737869 |archive-date=August 22, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

* {{flag|Indonesia}}:<ref name=GANGAROSA01 /> '''TNI-AU''' ([[Indonesian Air Force]]) Special Forces (the [[Paskhas|Korps Pasukan Khas (Paskhas)]]) used the G3 as their standard weapon along with the [[AK-47]] since the early '60s during [[Operation Trikora]] campaign in Western New Guinea conflict. It was replaced by the [[Colt M16#M16A3|Colt M16A3]]. The G3 is currently used in reserve and training units.

* {{flag|Iran}}: Manufactured locally by [[Defense Industries Organization]] as the G3A6. A bullpup variant is called the G3-A3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx |title=AIG |access-date=2012-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120041153/http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx |archive-date=2012-01-20 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Iraq}}<ref name="jones2009" />

** {{flag|Kurdistan}}: 8,000 rifles<ref name ='SAS 2015'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-04-EN.pdf|chapter=Trade Update: After the 'Arab Spring'|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2015|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2015}}|page=110|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128065841/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-date=2018-01-28}}</ref>

* {{flag|Ireland}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Jordan}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Kenya}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Latvia}}: ''Ak4'' variant used by [[Latvian National Guard|National Guard]], Being replaced by G36 <ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Kuwait}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Soldier of Fortune|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pW0jAQAAIAAJ|access-date=3 January 2015|year=2001|publisher=Omega Group, Limited|page=46}}</ref>

* {{flag|Lebanon}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* {{flag|Libya}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Lithuania}}: ''Ak4'' variant was used by the [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/automatiniai_sautuvai/automatinis_sautuvas_ak-4.html|title=Lietuvos kariuomenė :: Ginkluotė ir karinė technika » Automatiniai šautuvai » Automatinis šautuvas AK-4|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009131921/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/automatiniai_sautuvai/automatinis_sautuvas_ak-4.html|archive-date=9 October 2014}}</ref> and [[Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces]].

* {{flag|Malawi}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Malaysia}}: 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 [[M16 rifle#XM16E1 and M16A1 (Colt Model 603)|Colt M16A1]]. The G3/SG-1 is currently used in reserve and paramilitary units<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Mauritania}}<ref name=GANGAROSA01 /> – French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* {{flag|Mauritius}}: 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.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}

* {{flag|Mexico}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Made under license by Departamento de la Industria Militar, Dirección General de Fábricas de la Defensa, slowly being replaced by the [[FX-05 Xiuhcoatl]]

* {{flag|Morocco}}<ref name="jones2009" />[[File:Raising the flag in Swat - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg|thumb|upright|Pakistani soldier carrying the G3A3 variant after successful [[War in North-West Pakistan|Swat Operation]] at the highest point in the Swat valley on May 12, 2009]]

* {{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Niger}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* {{flag|Nigeria}}: Produced under license by Defense Industries Corporation<ref>[http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-9464.html Nigeria: Arms Procurement and Defense Industries.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207111406/http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-9464.html |date=2008-12-07 }} Retrieved on October 5, 2008.</ref>

* {{flag|Norway}}: Locally produced variant designated AG-3. In service with the [[Norwegian Army]] from 1968 to 2008. Largely phased out in the [[Norwegian Home Guard|Home Guard]] (HV), only used by HVU units at this time.

* {{flag|Pakistan}}: Locally produced by [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]] in G3P4 designation<ref name="PkDef">{{cite web|title=Pakistan Army |url=http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513205333/http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/ |archive-date=2013-05-13 }}</ref><ref name="POFG3">{{cite web |title=POF – Automatic Rifle G3A3 & G3P4 |url=http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_autorifles.aspx | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130318092544/http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_autorifles.aspx |archive-date =2013-03-18 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}<ref name=Capie>{{cite book|last=Capie|first=David|title=Under the Gun: The Small Arms Challenge in the Pacific|date=2004|pages=63–65|publisher=Victoria University Press|___location=Wellington|isbn=978-0-86473-453-2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AvOSk6kBKwgC}}</ref>

* {{flag|Paraguay}}<ref name=GANGAROSA01 />

* {{flag|Peru}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Philippines}}<ref name=GANGAROSA01 />

*{{PRT}}: 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 G3A3/A4 with kit Spuhr and [[Aimpoint CompM4]] [[red dot sight]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2019-06-20|title=Long live the H&K G3! Portuguese NAVY approves the Spuhr upgrade kit -|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/06/20/long-live-the-hk-g3-portuguise-navy-approves-spuhr-upgrade-kit/|access-date=2021-04-17|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522080647/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/06/20/long-live-the-hk-g3-portuguise-navy-approves-spuhr-upgrade-kit/|archive-date=May 22, 2023}}</ref>

* {{flag|Qatar}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Romania}}<ref name="DSPI/DIR">{{cite web |url=http://www.presamil.ro/OM/2004/20/pag%2014.htm |title=Menirea Intervenției Rapide |language=ro |publisher=Presa Militara Romana |date=2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408033753/http://www.presamil.ro/OM/2004/20/pag%2014.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2009 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Rwanda}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* [[File:Saudi Soldier with G3.JPEG|thumb|upright|A Saudi Arabian soldier with G3A4 rifle during [[Operation Desert Shield]]]]{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Made under license by the [[Military Industries Corporation (Saudi Arabia)|Military Industries Corporation]], General Organization for Military Industries in Alkharj<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://en.mic.org.sa/our-products/light-weapon/g3-automatic-rifle-cal-7-62x51mm |title=G3 Automatic Rifle Cal 7.62X51mm |access-date=2012-11-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121225024639/http://en.mic.org.sa/our-products/light-weapon/g3-automatic-rifle-cal-7-62x51mm |archive-date=2012-12-25 }}</ref>

* {{flag|Sierra Leone}}: 8,000 received from the UK and Nigeria during the 1970s and the 1980s. Some Iranian-made G3s have also been recovered.<ref>{{cite book|title=Re-Armament in Sierra Leone: One Year After the Lome Peace Agreement|first=Eric|last=Berman|date=December 2000|series=Occasional Paper No. 1|publisher=Small Arms Survey|pages=20, 25|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP01-Sierra-Leone.pdf|access-date=2018-09-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009095813/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP01-Sierra-Leone.pdf|archive-date=2018-10-09}}</ref>

* {{flag|Somalia}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Senegal}}<ref name="jones2009" /><ref name="NMAA">{{cite web|first1=Jeremy |last1=Binnie|first2=Erwan|last2= de Cherisey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|title= New-model African armies|publisher= Jane's|date= 2017|archive-date= 22 June 2017|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf}}</ref> – French-made G3s{{sfn|Jenzen-Jones|2017|p=34}}

* {{flag|Serbia}}: Used by Special Forces<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specijalne-jedinice.com/Oprema/Jurisne-puske/HK-G3.html|title=Heckler & Koch G3: Opis|trans-title=Heckler & Koch G3: Description|language=sr|publisher=specijalne-jedinice.com|access-date=24 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202071056/http://specijalne-jedinice.com/Oprema/Jurisne-puske/HK-G3.html|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

* {{flag|South Africa}}: Used by [[South African Special Forces|Special Forces]]<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Sudan}}: Made under license by [[Military Industry Corporation]] as the Dinar<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/DINARbn.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527143045/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/DINARbn.html|title=Military Industry Corporation (MIC) Official Website<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=May 27, 2008}}</ref>

* {{flag|Sweden}}: 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'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.se/sv/Materiel-och-teknik/Vapen/Automatkarbin-4/ |title=Försvarsmakten |access-date=2008-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527164440/http://www2.mil.se/sv/Materiel-och-teknik/Vapen/Automatkarbin-4/ |archive-date=2008-05-27 }}</ref> Two sub-variants are known to exist, one equipped with a rail and [[Aimpoint AB|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|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 would receive the new adjustable stock AK4C variant before the end of 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tidningenhemvarnet.se/ak4c/|title=AK4C till alla hemvärnssoldater|date=21 December 2020|language=sv|access-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210142532/https://tidningenhemvarnet.se/ak4c/|archive-date=December 10, 2022}}</ref>

*{{SYR}} – G3A3 and G3A4s used as [[designated marksman rifle]] by [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]].<ref name="104th Brigade">{{cite news|title=La 104ème brigade de la Garde républicaine syrienne, troupe d'élite et étendard du régime de Damas|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/la-104eme-brigade-de-la-garde-republicaine-troupe-elite-regime-damas-combats-alep-ghouta-deir-ezzor-bachar-al-assad-issam-zahreddine-etat-islamique-arm%C3%A9e-syrienne-artillerie-druze-daech-forces-speciales|date=20 March 2017|language=fr|work=[[France-Soir]]|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019004114/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/la-104eme-brigade-de-la-garde-republicaine-troupe-elite-regime-damas-combats-alep-ghouta-deir-ezzor-bachar-al-assad-issam-zahreddine-etat-islamique-arm%C3%A9e-syrienne-artillerie-druze-daech-forces-speciales|archive-date=19 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{dead|date=March 2025}}

* {{flag|Tanzania}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Togo}}<ref name="jones2009" />

[[File:G3A3 and Engerek3+.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[Turkish Land Forces]] officer using G3A7 with [[Engerek thermal optics|Engerek 3+]] and [[T-40 grenade launcher]] in Northern Iraq]]

*{{flag|Turkey}}: Made under license by [[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (Turkey)|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/1097388-yerli-tufek-2014te-mehmetcikin-elinde|title=Yerli Tüfek 2014'te Mehmetçik'in elinde|date=30 September 2014|work=Haber7|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924024716/http://www.haber7.com/guncel/haber/1097388-yerli-tufek-2014te-mehmetcikin-elinde|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

* {{flag|Uganda}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Ukraine}}: 1,000 G3A3/4s sent by Portugal as part of a military package in response to the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. The number of G3s sent was revealed in an interview with [[Commander]] Silva Pinto held during the [[military parade]] on [[Portugal Day]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Portugal envia equipamento militar: G3, coletes, capacetes e granadas |url=https://www.dn.pt/politica/portugal-envia-equipamento-militar-g3-coletes-capacetes-e-granadas-14630743.html |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=www.dn.pt |language=pt-PT|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106201104/https://www.dn.pt/politica/portugal-envia-equipamento-militar-g3-coletes-capacetes-e-granadas-14630743.html|archive-date=January 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=DESFILE MILITAR DO DIA DE PORTUGAL 2022 | date=11 June 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qjeg4Rj-iU |language=pt-PT |access-date=2023-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121101634/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qjeg4Rj-iU |archive-date=2023-01-21 |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/weapons/g3.php|title=SAS – Weapons – G3 Assault Rifle|work=eliteukforces.info|access-date=2013-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111034708/http://www.eliteukforces.info/special-air-service/weapons/g3.php|archive-date=2013-11-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

* {{flag|Yemen}}: [[Republican Guard (Yemen)|Yemeni Republican Guard]] and the Yemeni Special guard.<ref name=GANGAROSA01 />

* {{flag|Zambia}}<ref name="jones2009" />

* {{flag|Zimbabwe}}<ref name=GANGAROSA01 />

===Former===

<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

*[[Colombia]] — Replaced by the [[IMI Galil]], both from IMI and Indumil.

*[[Dominican Republic]]

[[File:DF-ST-96-00265.JPEG|thumb|upright|Danish soldiers carrying the G3A5 variant]]

*[[France]] — Formerly made by [[GIAT Industries|MAS]] under a contract from H&K.

* {{flag|Colombia}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Originally in 1975, Heckler and Koch sold to [[Indumil]] the manufacturing license for the G3, the MP5 submachine gun, and the HK21 machine gun.<ref name="Doc">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bits.de/public/articles/kw_nl/kleinwaffen-nl08-07eng.htm|title=Una Historia de la Violencia - German Small Arms in Colombia|website=www.bits.de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212041336/https://www.bits.de/public/articles/kw_nl/kleinwaffen-nl08-07eng.htm|archive-date=December 12, 2022}}</ref> Replaced in service by [[Israel Military Industries|IMI Galil]].

*[[Germany]] — Replaced by the [[Heckler & Koch G36]].

* {{flag|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.<ref name=GANGAROSA01>Gangarosa, 2001. pp. 76–77.</ref> All G3s in Danish service are being replaced by the [[Diemaco C7]] (Gv m/95), and [[Diemaco C8]] (Gv m/96).

*[[Haiti]]

* {{flag|Georgia}}: Turkish made G3s used by Special Forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=127|title=Heckler & Koch HK G3 Assault Rifle / Battle Rifle – Germany|access-date=25 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722155941/https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=127|archive-date=22 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

*[[Philippines]]

* {{flag|Lesotho}}<ref name="Beyond Blue Helmets">{{cite book|title=Beyond Blue Helmets: Promoting Weapons and Ammunition Management in Non-UN Peace Operations|first=Eric G. |last=Berman|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]/MPOME |date=March 2019|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603103636/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-MPOME-Report-WAM-Non-UN-Peace-Ops.pdf|archive-date=June 3, 2019|page=43}}</ref>

*[[Sweden]] — Made under license by [[Förenade Fabriksverken]] (FFV) as [[AK4|AK-4]] (Automatkarbin 4) or G3A2/A3s. Two subvariants are known to exist, one equipped with rail and [[Aimpoint AB|Aimpoint]] sight (AK4B) and one with a 4x magnifying optic (AK4OR). It has since been replaced by the [[AK 5|AK-5]] (Automatkarbin 5; a modified version of the [[FN FNC]]) in the regular army. It is still in use in the ''Hemvärn'' ("[[Swedish Home Guard]]").

* {{flag|Portugal}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> G3A3 and A4 versions. The G3 was the standard-issued rifle of the [[Portuguese Army]] from 1963 to 2020, manufactured under license by [[Fábrica de Braço de Prata]] before it shut down. In 2019, it was replaced by [[FN SCAR|FN SCAR L]] rifles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://observador.pt/2019/02/27/espingardas-g3-do-exercito-ja-tem-substituta-a-belga-fn-scar/|title=Espingardas G3 do Exército já têm substituta, a belga FN SCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227232011/https://observador.pt/2019/02/27/espingardas-g3-do-exercito-ja-tem-substituta-a-belga-fn-scar/|archive-date=2019-02-27|access-date=2019-03-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

*[[United Kingdom]] — The G3 is designated L100A1 by the British. These were most likely fabricated from receivers produced locally under license, along with G3A3/4s (designations unknown), at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. Now phased out.

* {{Flag|Rhodesia}}: Portuguese<ref name="PortugalToRhodesia">{{cite web |last1=Buckles |first1=Vincent |title=The African Rifles: The HK G3 and FN FAL |url=http://www.firearmsnews.com/historical/the-african-rifles-the-hk-g3-and-fn-fal/ |website=Firearms News |access-date=27 September 2018 |date=11 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928044506/http://www.firearmsnews.com/historical/the-african-rifles-the-hk-g3-and-fn-fal/ |archive-date=28 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> built G3s were used by auxiliary or reserve units of the [[Rhodesian Security Forces]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Rhodesia+Zimbabwe%3A+from+Cecil+Rhodes...-a0234316416|title=The military rifle cartridges of Rhodesia Zimbabwe: from Cecil Rhodes to Robert Mugabe.|access-date=13 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113191848/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Rhodesia+Zimbabwe%3A+from+Cecil+Rhodes...-a0234316416|archive-date=13 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ModAf">{{cite book|page=15|title=Modern African Wars (1) 1965–80|first=Peter|last=Bott|year=1986|publisher=Bloomsbury USA |isbn=0-85045-728-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Chris|first=Cocks|title=Fireforce: One Man's War in the Rhodesian Light Infantry|edition=4th|year=2006|page=139 |publisher=Covos Day|isbn=978-0-9584890-9-6|orig-date=First published 1988}}</ref>

* {{flag|South Africa|1928}}: 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]] in the 1980s<ref name=GANGAROSA01 /> The rifle's stock would soon break down in the heat and become loose, so a replacement stock 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/south-african-r2-and-its-special-furniture/|title=South African R2 and its Special Furniture|first=Ian|last=McCollum|date=June 5, 2019|website=[[Forgotten Weapons]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128135927/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/south-african-r2-and-its-special-furniture/|archive-date=January 28, 2023}}</ref>

*{{flag|United States}} Used by the [[US Army Rangers]] in the mid-1970s and by the [[US Navy Seals]] from 1980. NSN 1005-12-140-9436 <ref name="SmallArmsToday88us">{{cite book| last = Ezell| first = Edward| author-link = Edward C. Ezell| title = Small Arms Today| publisher = Stackpole Books| volume = 2nd| edition = | date = 1988

| page = 407| language = English | isbn = 0-8117-2280-5| jfm =}}</ref>

* {{flag|Zaire}}<ref name=GANGAROSA01 />

==== Non-state users ====

* {{flagicon image|Flagge FDLR.svg}} [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda]] (in Democratic Republic of Congo)<ref name='FDLR'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-07-EN.pdf|chapter=Waning Cohesion: The Rise and Fall of the FDLR–FOCA|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2015|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2015}}|page=202|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128065841/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|archive-date=2018-01-28}}</ref>

* [[File:Provisional Irish Republican Army Badge.svg|20px]] [[Provisional IRA]]: 100 stolen from Norwegian Reserve base near Oslo, 1984<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/inside/weapons.html |title=uncovering the Irish republican army |publisher=PBS Frontline |date=2016-10-19 |access-date=2016-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212114312/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ira/inside/weapons.html |archive-date=2016-12-12 |url-status=live }}</ref>

* {{Flag|ISIL}}<ref>{{cite web|title=How ISIL seized most of its weapons from Iraq military|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/isil-seized-weapons-iraq-military-151208134838942.html|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=November 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229214608/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/12/isil-seized-weapons-iraq-military-151208134838942.html/|archive-date=December 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

* {{flagicon image|Flag red yellow 5x3.svg}} [[Lord Resistance Army]]<ref name='SAS 2006 11'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2006/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2006-Chapter-11-EN.pdf|chapter=Fuelling Fear: The Lord's Resistance Army and Small Arms|title=Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2006|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=283|isbn=978-0-19-929848-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830005010/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2006.html|archive-date=2018-08-30}}</ref>

* [[People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad]]<ref name='SAS 2005'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-06-EN.pdf|chapter=Sourcing the Tools of War: Small Arms Supplies to Conflict Zones|title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=166|isbn=978-0-19-928085-8|access-date=2018-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830004838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|archive-date=2018-08-30}}</ref>

* [[Revolutionary United Front]]<ref>{{cite book|first=Christina|last=Wille|editor1-first=Nicolas|editor1-last=Florquin|editor2-first=Eric G.|editor2-last=Berman|date=May 2005|chapter=Children Associated with Fighting Forces and Small Arms in the Mano River Union|title=Armed and Aimless: Armed Groups, Guns, and Human Security in the ECOWAS Region|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-01-Armed-and-Aimless/SAS-Armed-Aimless-Part-1-Chapter-06.pdf|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/de/publications/by-type/book-series/armed-and-aimless.html|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=2-8288-0063-6|page=197|access-date=2019-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131040219/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/de/publications/by-type/book-series/armed-and-aimless.html|archive-date=2019-01-31}}</ref>

* [[Revolutionary Organization 17 November]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tanea.gr/2002/07/12/greece/bary-to-oplostasio-tis-17-noembri/|title=November 17's Heavy Arsenal|date=12 July 2002 |via=Tanea|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103191025/https://www.tanea.gr/2002/07/12/greece/bary-to-oplostasio-tis-17-noembri/|archive-date=November 3, 2019}}</ref>

* [[Mexican drug war|Mexican cartels]]

==Conflicts==

<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

===1960s===

* [[Internal conflict in Myanmar]] (1948–present){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=43}}

* [[First Sudanese Civil War]] (1955–1972)

* [[Congo Crisis]] (1960–1965)

* [[Portuguese Colonial War]] (1961–1974){{sfn|Thompson|2019|pp=30-31}}

* [[Papua conflict]] (1962–present){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=44}}

* [[The Troubles]] (Late 1960s–1998){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=29}}

* [[Colombian conflict]] (1964–present){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=29}}

* [[Rhodesian Bush War]] (1964–1979){{sfn|McNab|2002|p=197}}{{sfn|Thompson|2019|pp=32-34}}

* [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965|Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]] (1965)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Blog - The G3 Battle Rifle - Osprey Publishing |url=https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/the_G3_battle_rifle/?___store=osprey_usa |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=ospreypublishing.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021202645/https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/the_G3_battle_rifle/?___store=osprey_usa|archive-date=October 21, 2022}}</ref>

* [[South African Border War]] (1966–1990){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=29}}

* [[Nigerian Civil War]] (1967–1970){{sfn|McNab|2002|p=185}}

* [[Football War]] (1969)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Infantry Weapons of the Salvadoran Forces – Small Arms Review |date=May 2000 |url=https://smallarmsreview.com/infantry-weapons-of-the-salvadoran-forces/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129114648/https://smallarmsreview.com/infantry-weapons-of-the-salvadoran-forces/|archive-date=November 29, 2022}}</ref>

===1970s===

* [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] (1971)<ref>{{cite news|date=29 December 2017 |title=Arms for freedom|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/bangladesh-liberation-war-1971-muktijuddho-guerrilla-fighter-arms-freedom-1511812|access-date=2019-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104082712/https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/bangladesh-liberation-war-1971-muktijuddho-guerrilla-fighter-arms-freedom-1511812|archive-date=January 4, 2018}}</ref>

* [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1971|Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]] (1971)<ref name=":1" />

* [[Ethiopian Civil War]] (1974–1991)

* [[Lebanese Civil War]] (1975–1990){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=56}}

* [[Uganda–Tanzania War]] (1978–1979)

* [[Nicaraguan Revolution]] (1978–1990){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=35}}

* [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict]] (1978–present)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2007/10/24/turkey-says-kurd-attack-imminent-without-action/28585769007/|title=Turkey says Kurd attack imminent without action|last=Torchia|first=Christopher|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527043346/https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2007/10/24/turkey-says-kurd-attack-imminent-without-action/28585769007/|archive-date=May 27, 2023}}</ref>

* [[Salvadoran Civil War]] (1979–1992){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=35}}{{sfn|McNab|2002|p=62}}

===1980s===

* [[Iran–Iraq War]] (1980–1988){{sfn|McNab|2002|p=137}}{{sfn|Thompson|2019|pp=38-41}}

* [[1981 Seychelles coup attempt|Seychelles coup d'état attempt]] (1981){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=32}}

* [[Second Sudanese Civil War]] (1983–2005)<ref>{{cite journal|date=August 1998 |volume= 10|issue= 4|title=Sudan – Global trade, local impact: Arms Transfers to all Sides in the Civil War in Sudan|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/sudan0898%20Report.pdf|pages=24–25|journal=Human Rights Watch Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430230145/https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/sudan0898%20Report.pdf|archive-date=April 30, 2023}}</ref>

* [[Lord's Resistance Army insurgency]] (1987–present)<ref name='SAS 2006 11' />

* [[First Liberian Civil War]] (1989–1997)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/forces-under-pressure-from-ghanaian-ecomog-forces-defend-news-photo/542381900|title=AFL forces under pressure from Ghanaian ECOMOG forces defend the Schieffelin front, 15 kilometers from Monrovia, during the Liberian Civil War. The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) is the national army under the Samuel Doe regime.|date=November 9, 1992|publisher=[[Getty Images]]|last=Robert|first=Patrick}}</ref>

===1990s===

* [[Tuareg rebellion (1990–1995)|Tuareg rebellion]] (1990–1995)<ref name='SAS 2005' />

* [[Gulf War]] (1990–1991); saw limited combat use{{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=57}}

* [[Yugoslav Wars]] (1991–2001)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alamy.com/two-united-nations-peacekeepers-stand-amidst-the-war-damaged-buildings-one-soldier-is-armed-with-a-g3-a3-rifle-subject-operationseries-provide-promise-base-sarajevo-country-bosnia-andi-herzegovina-bih-image504444841.html|title=Two United Nations peacekeepers stand amidst the war-damaged buildings. One soldier is armed with a G3 A3 rifle. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH Stock Photo - Alamy|first=Alamy|last=Limited|website=www.alamy.com}}</ref>

* [[Republic of the Congo Civil War (1997–1999)|Republic of the Congo Civil War]] (1997–1999)<ref name='SAS 2003' />

* [[Kargil War]] (1999){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=46}}

===2000s===

* [[War in Afghanistan]] (2001–2021){{sfn|Thompson|2019|pp=59-61}}

* [[Iraq War]] (2003–2011){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=57}}

* [[Kivu conflict]] (2004–present)<ref name='FDLR' />

* [[Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]] (2004–present)

* [[Somali Civil War (2009–present)|Somali Civil War]] (2009–present){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=65}}

===2010s===

* [[Armed conflict for control of the favelas|Militias-Comando Vermelho Conflict]] (2010–present)<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-21 |title=Weapons of Rio's crime war - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/weapons-rios-crime-war/ |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306193654/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/weapons-rios-crime-war/|archive-date=March 6, 2023}}</ref>

* [[Libyan crisis (2011–present)|Libyan conflict]] (2011–present)<ref>{{cite book |title=Jane's infantry weapons, 2009-2010 2009/2010 |date=5 January 2009 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5 |edition=35th}}</ref>

* [[Syrian civil war|Syrian Civil War]] (2011–present){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=56}}

* [[South Sudanese Civil War]] (2013–2020)<ref>{{Cite web |title=UN reports that despite peace agreement, South Sudan experiencing extreme levels of localized violence |url=https://www.jurist.org/news/2021/02/un-reports-that-despite-peace-agreement-south-sudan-experiencing-extreme-levels-of-localized-violence/ |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=www.jurist.org |date=21 February 2021 |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120145223/https://www.jurist.org/news/2021/02/un-reports-that-despite-peace-agreement-south-sudan-experiencing-extreme-levels-of-localized-violence/|archive-date=November 20, 2022}}</ref>

* [[Yemeni civil war (2014–present)|Yemeni Civil War]] (2014–present){{sfn|Thompson|2019|p=56}}

===Current2020s===

* [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|Myanmar civil war]] (2021–present)<ref>{{Cite news |title=NLD ထောက်ခံသူတို့၏ ပိုင်ဆိုင်မှုများ ကန့်ဘလူ ပျူစောထီး ရောင်းစား |url=https://burma.irrawaddy.com/news/2022/09/12/254476.html |quote=မင်းကုန်း(ခ)ကျေးရွာ ပျုစောထီးအဖွဲ့သည် လုံခြုံရေးအကြောင်းပြချက်ဖြင့် ကျေးရွာ အဝင်အထွက်တွင်လည်း ဂိတ်များ ဖွင့်ထားပြီး ယင်းပျုစောထီးအဖွဲ့ကို စစ်ကောင်စီက ဘီအေ ၆၃ မောင်းပြန်ရိုင်ဖယ်(G3) အလက်၂၀ လက်၊ တထောင့်ထိုး သေနတ် ၁၀ လက်၊ ခဲယမ်း အပြည်အစုံ တပ်ဆင်ပေးထားကြောင်း သိရသည်။ |trans-quote=The Junta backed Pyusawhti militia set an checkpoint at the village entrance points. They are armed with around 20 BA 63 Battle Rifles (G3), 10 single shot muskets and quite sufficient ammunition}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BA-63 |url=https://www.myanmarwitness.org/arms/ba-63 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Myanmar Witness |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BA-64 |url=https://my.myanmarwitness.org/arms/ba-64 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Myanmar Witness |language=my}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BA-72 |url=https://www.myanmarwitness.org/arms/ba-72 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=Myanmar Witness |language=en}}</ref>

[[NATO]]:

* [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] (2022–present)<ref name="auto"/>

*[[Denmark]] — G3A5, as the Gevär Model-1975 (Gv m/75). Another variant, apparently license produced by Rheinmetall, was capable of semi-automatic operation only, but could be converted to full-auto by the use of a [[Allen key|special tool]]. These rifles were apparently given the designation Gevär Model-1966 (Gv m/66). All G3s in Danish service are being replaced by the [[Diemaco C7]], designated Gv m/95.

*[[Estonia]]- Uses Swedish-made copies named Ak-4

*[[Greece]] — Made under license by ''Ellinika Amyntika Systimata'' (English = "Hellenic Defense Systems"), formerly under ''Elliniki Biomihania Oplon'' (English = "Hellenic Arms Industry"). It replaced the American [[M1 Garand]] in the late 1970's.

*[[Latvia]]

*[[Lithuania]]

*[[Norway]] — A modified G3A5, as the [[AG-3|AG-3 (Automatgevær 3)]], made by [[Kongsberg Gruppen|Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk]]

*[[Portugal]] — Made under license by the [[Fábrica Militar de Braço de Prata]] (Military Factory of Braço de Prata) and transferred currently to [[Indústrias de Defensa de Portugal|INDEP]] as the M/61 rifle. Now being replaced by a new rifle series, brand and model still unknown but the list of contenders includes [[Heckler & Koch G36]] and the [[Sig SG-540]].

*[[Turkey]] — Made under license by [[Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation]] as the G3A7.

*[[United States]] — Mainly with [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEAL]] teams, a former Portuguese assembly line was sold to an American gunsmith who currently produces both civilian semi-automatic ([[HK91]] based) and military versions for law and enforcement.

==References==

Non-NATO:

;Notes

*[[Albania]] — Used by the Albanian Special Police force [[RENEA]] and Albanian peacekeepers in [[Afghanistan]].

{{Reflist|30em}}

*[[Bangladesh]] — Under recent manufacture by the [[Bangladesh Ordnance Factory]].

*[[Bolivia]]

*[[Brazil]]

*[[Chile]] — In use only in the artillery troops, reserve and training.

*[[Cyprus]]

*[[El Salvador]]

*[[Islamic Republic of Iran]] — Made by [[Defence Industries Organization]]

*[[Indonesia]] — [[Indonesian Air Force]] [[Special Forces]] (the [[Korphaskhas]]) use G3 as their standard weapon since early 60's during the campaign against the Dutch in West Irian. The gun is currently held in reserve and training.

*[[Kenya]]

*[[Mexico]] — Made under license by DIM ([[Departamento de la Industriá Militar]]) and DGDF ([[Direccion General de Fabricas de la Defensa]]), slowly being replaced by [[Heckler & Koch G36]].

*[[Myanmar]]

*[[Nigeria]]

*[[Pakistan]] — All variants in use by the Pakistani military are locally produced by the [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]].

*[[Peru]]

*[[Saudi-Arabia]] — Made under license by [[Al-Khardj Arsenal]].

*[[Sudan]]

;Bibliography

== See also ==

{{refbegin}}

*[[Heckler & Koch MP5]]

* Smith, W.H.B, ''Small arms of the world : the basic manual of military small arms'', Harrisburg, Pa. : Stackpole Books, 1955. {{OCLC|3773343}}

*[[AG-3]]

* Clinton Ezell, Edward; Small arms of the world, Eleventh Edition, Arms & Armour Press, London, 1977

*[[Ak 4]]

* {{in lang|fr}} ''Les fusils d'assaut français'' "The french assault rifles" by Jean Huon, published by Editions Barnett in 1998, {{ISBN|2-9508308-6-2}}.

* {{cite book|last=Senich|first= Peter R. |date=1987|title=German Assault Rifle: 1935–1945|publisher= Paladin Press|isbn=0-87364-400-X}}.

* {{in lang|de}} Günter Wollert; Reiner Lidschun; Wilfried Kopenhagen, ''Illustrierte Enzyklopädie der Schützenwaffen aus aller Welt : Schützenwaffen heute (1945–1985)'', Berlin : Militärverlag der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, 1988. {{OCLC|19630248}}

* Gotz, Hans Dieter, ''German Military Rifles and Machine Pistols, 1871–1945'', Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. West Chester, Pennsylvania, 1990. {{OCLC|24416255}}

* 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.

* {{cite book| last = Gangarosa| first = Gene Jr.| year = 2001| title = Heckler & Koch—Armorers of the Free World| publisher = Stoeger Publishing| ___location = Maryland| isbn = 0-88317-229-1}}

* {{cite book| last = Woźniak| first = Ryszard| year = 2001| title = Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 2 G-Ł| publisher = Bellona| ___location = Warsaw, Poland| isbn = 83-11-09310-5|language=pl}}

* {{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |title=20th Century Military Uniforms |year=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |___location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3}}

* {{cite book| last = Walter| first = John| year = 2006a| title = Rifles of the World |edition=3rd | publisher = Krause Publications | ___location = Oxford| isbn = 978-0-89689-241-5}}

* {{cite book|last=Walter|first=John|title=The Rifle Story: An Illustrated History from 1756 to the Present Day|url=https://archive.org/details/riflestoryillust0000walt/|year=2006b|publisher=MBI Publishing Company|isbn=978-1-85367-690-1|access-date=2016-10-15}}

* {{cite book|title=Global Development and Production of Self-loading Service Rifles: 1896 to the Present|jstor=resrep10728|first= N.R.|last= Jenzen-Jones |date=January 2017|isbn=978-2-940548-34-7 |publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-WP25-Self-loading-rifles.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629213337/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-WP25-Self-loading-rifles.pdf|archive-date=June 29, 2017|series= Working Paper 25}}

* {{cite book|title=The G3 Battle Rifle|series=Weapon 68|first=Leroy |last=Thompson|date= 30 May 2019|isbn=978-1-4728-2862-0|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]}}

{{refend}}

== Video Links Footnotes==

{{Reflist|group=Footnote}}

*[http://www.nazarian.no/wep.asp?id=142&group_id=5&country_id=81&lang=0&p=7 Nazarian`s Gun`s Recognition Guide (FILM) G3 presentation (.swf)]

*[http://www.nazarian.no/wep.asp?id=142&group_id=5&country_id=81&lang=0&p=8 Nazarian`s Gun`s Recognition Guide (FILM) H&K AG3 (Norwegian) Presentation (.MPEG)]

==External links==

== Books, Manuals, and Other Publications ==

{{Commons and category|Heckler & Koch G3|HK G3}}

*[http://www.nazarian.no/images/wep/142_G3ArmorerManual.pdf Nazarian`s Gun`s Recognition Guide (MANUAL) HK G3 Armorer`s Manual (.pdf)]

*Afonso, Aniceto and Gomes, Carlos de Matos, ''Guerra Colonial'', 2000

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200220174007/http://www.drzero.org/cetme/pdf/g3.pdf HK G3 RIFLE - OWNER'S MANUAL]

== External links ==

*[https://web.archive.org/web/2022103019271/http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/hk_g3.pdf G3 Armorer's Manual Instructions for Maintenance and Repair Cal. 7.62 mm × 51]

*[http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/Heckler_Koch/ Buddy Hinton Collection / HK]

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20201129220618/https://thekalashconnection.com/pdf/TM-8370-50117-G3-Oper-Man.pdf U.S. Marine Corps G3 Manual]

*[http://www.sturmgewehr.com/bhinton/HK_Plant_Mauser_Museum/ HK Museum]

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20230516182336/http://www.abendpost.net/internet/ZDV-3-13_Gewehr-G3.pdf Zentrale Dienstvorschrift Das Gewehr G3 ZDV 3/13 13 December 1978 {{in lang|de}}]

*[http://www.hk94.com/g3-rifle.php G3 Rifle Variations]

*[http://world.guns.ru/assault/as12-e.htm Modern Firearms]

*[http://www.bimbel.de/artikel/artikel-12.html Heckler and Koch G3 disassembled]

*[http://www.nazarian.no/wep.asp?id=142&group_id=5&country_id=81&lang=0 Nazarian`s Gun`s Recognition Guide]

{{Delayed Blowback Firearms}}

[[Category:Battle rifles]]

{{HK firearms}}

[[Category:Heckler & Koch]]

{{Sturmgewehr 45 derivatives}}

{{Current German infantry weapons}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Heckler and Koch G3}}

[[ar:G3]]

[[Category:7.62×51mm NATO battle rifles]]

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[[Category:Roller-delayed blowback firearms]]

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[[Category:Designated marksman rifles]]

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[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1958]]