Heckler & Koch G36
Heckler & Koch · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1997
Also known as: G36, G36E, G36V, Gewehr 36
Overview
The Heckler & Koch G36 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH since 1997.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3630 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 999 mm (39.33") |
| Folded Length | 758 mm (29.84") |
| Barrel Length | 480 mm (18.90") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 40 N (9.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 870 m (951 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston, Folding Stock, Integrated Dual Optic, Translucent Polymer Magazine, Select Fire, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
Service history
Operators
- German Bundeswehr · adopted 1997 · as G36
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1999 · as G36E
- Latvian National Armed Forces · adopted 2004 · as G36
- Lithuanian Armed Forces · as G36
- Indonesian National Armed Forces · as G36
- Malaysian Armed Forces · as G36
- Saudi Arabian Armed Forces · as G36
- British Armed Forces · as G36C
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Kosovo War (1998-1999)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Adopted by 38+ nations. Germany alone procured approximately 178,000 units for the Bundeswehr.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
A controversy emerged in 2012 when reports surfaced that the G36's polymer receiver could deform under sustained fire in high ambient temperatures, leading to a loss of accuracy. The German government confirmed these findings in 2015, ultimately deciding to replace the G36 with the HK416 A8, designated the G95 in Bundeswehr service. Despite this controversy, the G36 remains in widespread service globally. The folding stock reduces overall length to 758mm for transport.
Background
The G36 was the first major military rifle to use a fiber-reinforced polymer receiver housing, cutting weight dramatically. A 2012 scandal revealed the polymer could deform under sustained fire in hot conditions, ultimately leading Germany to replace it with the HK416-based G95, ironically another HK product.