HK G3A3ZF
Heckler & Koch · Sniper Rifle · Discontinued · 1959
Also known as: G3A3ZF, G3 ZF, G3A3 Zielfernrohr
Overview
The HK G3A3ZF is the designated marksman / scoped configuration of the Heckler & Koch G3A3 battle rifle, where 'ZF' stands for Zielfernrohr ('telescopic sight'). It is mechanically identical to the fixed-stock G3A3 but is issued with a STANAG claw-and-rail scope bracket carrying a Hensoldt Fero Z24 4x24 telescopic sight, whose elevation knob carries bullet-drop-compensation settings calibrated for 7.62x51mm NATO ball ammunition from 100 to 600 metres. Built around the same roller-delayed blowback action, stamped-steel receiver and 450mm barrel as the standard G3, the G3A3ZF served as a squad-level marksman rifle for Bundeswehr and allied forces, bridging the gap between the iron-sighted infantry rifle and the dedicated G3SG/1 sniper variant. Factory test-fired rifles were selected to print a 5-shot group of 80mm or less.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4700 g (165.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1025 mm (40.35") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3042 J (2244 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 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 | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Half Cock Notch
- Features: Select Fire, Fixed Stock, Stamped Steel Construction, Stanag Claw Scope Mount, Fero Z24 Telescopic Sight, Bullet Drop Compensator, Designated Marksman Configuration
Base model
Service history
Operators
- German Bundeswehr · adopted 1959 · as G3A3ZF
- Turkish Armed Forces · as G3A3ZF
Conflicts
- Cold War (1959-1991)
Production
Production years: 1959-2001
Issued as a scoped subset of overall G3 production; no separately published ZF-specific totals.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: CETME / Heckler & Koch
Discontinued: 2001
Notes
The G3A3ZF is a standard G3A3 fitted with a claw-mounted Hensoldt Fero Z24 4x24 optic; it is not a heavily accurized rifle like the G3SG/1 (which adds a set trigger, cheekpiece and bipod). The roller-delayed blowback system is derived from the wartime MG42 / StG 45(M) lineage via CETME. Production of the G3 family ceased around 2000-2001.
Background
The 'ZF' in G3A3ZF simply means Zielfernrohr, German for 'telescopic sight' - the designation that turned an ordinary issue battle rifle into a squad marksman's weapon by bolting a Hensoldt 4x optic onto a claw mount.