page_title: Heckler & Koch G3
section_title: Specialized G3 types
hierarchical_section_title: Heckler & Koch G3 / Variants / Specialized G3 types
caption_attribution_description: A soldier assigned to the International Security Assistance Force patrols the streets of Mazar-e Sharif. Soldiers assigned to ISAF, Regional Command North, are currently deployed in support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, operating to reduce insurgency, support growth of the Afghan National Security Forces, and facilitate governance and socio-economic development. ISAF Regional Command North Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Chandler Date Taken:07.04.2011 Location:MAZAR-E-SHARIF, AF Related Photos: dvidshub.net/r/uegnz9
context_page_description: The G3 is a 7.62×51mm NATO, select-fire battle rifle developed in the 1950s by the German armament manufacturer Heckler & Koch in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned design and development agency CETME.
context_section_description: G3TGS: This is simply a G3 with a 40 mm 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 Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings for 100–600 metres (109–656 yd) in 100 metres (109 yd) increments calibrated for 7.62×51mm NATO ball ammunition. The G3A3ZF is otherwise a standard G3A3 that during factory test shooting printed a 5-shot group of 80 millimetres (3.1 in) (0.8 mil/2.75 MOA) diameter or less.
  G3SG/1: A modified/accurized rifle for sharpshooter/sniper use introduced in 1972. The "SG" stands for Scharfschützengewehr ("Sharpshooting Rifle"). The rifles were individually selected from the G3 production line for outstanding accuracy during test-firing and then modified. G3SG/1 rifles got a heavy, dual-stage buffer, fixed mounted, Zeiss Diavari-DA 1.5-6×36 power telescopic sight and STANAG claw mount assembly mounted. The standard trigger was exchanged for an adjustable set-trigger pack assembly with a 25 N (5.6 lbf) trigger pull and 12.5 N (2.8 lbf) in the set operation mode, the buttstock has a slightly adjustable auxiliary cheek riser, and the lengthened handguard has an integrated bipod. The Zeiss Diavari-DA 1.5-6×36 was windage adjustable and had an elevation knob featuring Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) settings for 10–600 metres (11–656 yd). For the sub 100 metres (109 yd) ranges the BDC numbers are yellow. The BDC numbers for the longer ranges are white and in 100 metres (109 yd) increments. The automatic fire mode was retained but the set-trigger mode could only be used for semi-automatic firing.
  MSG3: A variant introduced in 1988 featuring a 600 millimetres (23.6 in) long barrel, a newer telescopic sight mount that is found on only a few of the Heckler & Koch rifles, as compared to the more conventional claw mounts, though the claw mounting points remain on the receiver. This newer telescopic sight mount does not allow the use of the open sights with the mount in place, as is the case with the more conventional claw mount. The receiver is not strengthened. In addition to the G3SG/1 the buttstock has an auxiliary cheek riser and its length is adjustable and features the PSG1 semi-automatic only trigger pack. MSG stands for Militärisches Scharfschützen Gewehr ("Military Sniper Rifle").
  MSG90: A somewhat cheaper and lighter 600 millimetres (23.6 in) long barrel version of the PSG1 modified for military sniping/designated marksman applications. The MSG90 and PSG1 have different trigger packs.
  PSG1: A free-floating 650 millimetres (25.6 in) long barrel semi-automatic only version of the G3 introduced in 1985 with a strengthened receiver with rails welded over the channels where a retractable buttstock would slide and numerous other upgrades and such to meet the necessities of police sniper units. This rifle is famous for its accuracy and comfort, but infamous for its price and inability to be deployed by military units because some upgrades made the rifle too fragile. PSG stands for Präzisionsscharfschützengewehr ("Precision Sniper Rifle").
  HK32: An experimental variant of the rifle chambered for the Soviet 7.62×39mm M43 cartridge. It was never adopted by any country.
caption: German sniper with a modernized G3SG with a STANAG claw mounted Schmidt & Bender  3-12x50 PM II telescopic sight in Afghanistan in 2011
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