DIO Mosalsal MGD
Defense Industries Organization · Machine Gun · In Production · 1980
Also known as: MGD, MGA3, Mosalsal MGD, Iranian MG3
Overview
The DIO Mosalsal MGD is an Iranian general-purpose machine gun produced by the Defense Industries Organization. It is a license-built and locally manufactured copy of the German Rheinmetall MG3, retaining the roller-locked, short-recoil action and belt feed of the original. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and fed from non-disintegrating or disintegrating metal-link belts, it delivers a high cyclic rate of roughly 1,000 to 1,300 rounds per minute and features a quick-change barrel to manage sustained fire. Mounted on a bipod, tripod or vehicle pintle, it serves as the standard squad and vehicle support machine gun of the Iranian armed forces.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 10500 g (370.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1225 mm (48.23") |
| Barrel Length | 565 mm (22.24") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 820 m/s (2690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3441 J (2538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3750 m (4101 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1200 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Belt, Non Disintegrating Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Roller Locked Bolt, Belt Fed, Bipod, Tripod Capable, Vehicle Mountable
Service history
Operators
- Islamic Republic of Iran Army · as MGD
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Conflicts
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 1980s-present
Produced under license in Iran by the Defense Industries Organization; exact production totals are not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Iran
Designer: Rheinmetall (original MG3 design)
Notes
"Mosalsal" (مسلسل) is the Persian word for machine gun. The weapon is also referred to in some sources as the MGA3, reflecting its MG3 lineage. Iran first acquired MG3s in the early 1970s to complement its HK G3 battle rifles before undertaking domestic license production.
Background
Iran fielded MG3-pattern machine guns in large numbers during the Iran-Iraq War, where their high rate of fire made them a signature support weapon of Iranian infantry. Local production under the Defense Industries Organization kept the design in service long after the original German imports.