page_title: MG3 machine gun
section_title: Variants
hierarchical_section_title: MG3 machine gun / Variants
caption_attribution_description: Italiano: Campo d'Arma del Comando Brigata Granatieri di Sardegna Monte Romano, Giugno 2013
context_page_description: The MG 3 is a German general-purpose machine gun chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. The weapon's design is derived from the World War II era MG 42 universal machine gun that fired the 7.92×57mm Mauser round.
  The MG 3 was standardized in the late 1950s and adopted into service with the newly formed Bundeswehr, where it continues to serve to this day as a squad support weapon and a vehicle-mounted machine gun. The weapon and its derivatives have also been acquired by the armed forces of over 30 countries. Production rights to the machine gun were purchased by Italy, Spain, Pakistan, Greece, Iran, Sudan and Turkey.
context_section_description: MG 1: Rheinmetall variant of the MG 42, most notably rechambered to fire 7.62×51mm NATO.
  MG 1A1 (MG 42/58): As MG 1, but with sights properly calibrated for the new round. Sights refitted to existing MG 1s.
  MG 1A2 (MG 42/59): MG 1A1 variant; product improved with longer ejection port, heavy bolt and friction ring buffer.
  MG 1A3: MG 1A2 variant; product improvement of all major components.
  MG 1A4: MG 1 variant; for fixed mount armor use.
  MG 1A5: MG 1A3 variant; MG1A3s converted to MG1A4 standard.
  MG 2: Designation for all wartime MG 42s rechambered to 7.62×51mm NATO.
  MG 3: MG 1A3 variant; product improved with AA rear sight.
  MG 3E: MG 3 variant; reduced weight model (roughly 1.3 kg lighter), entered into late 1970s NATO small arms trials.
  MG 3A1: MG 3 variant; for fixed mount armor use.
  MG 3KWS: MG 3 variant; developed by Rheinmetall and Tactics Group as a stand in until the HK121 replaces it.
  MG 42/59: Italian variant produced by Beretta, Whitehead Motofides and Franchi, since 1959, Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The bolt weight was increased to 1,200 g (42.33 oz)) for a reduced 800 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire. Used mainly mounted on vehicles and has largely been phased out by the M249 SAW.
  Ksp m/94: Swedish variant chambered with the 7.62×51mm NATO round. Mainly used as secondary armament in Stridsvagn 122.
caption: Italian soldier with MG 42/59 produced by Beretta
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