Heckler & Koch G36C
Heckler & Koch · Carbine · In Production · 2001
Also known as: G36 Compact, G36 Commando
Overview
The G36C (G36 Compact) is the shortest member of the G36 family, introduced in 2001 to meet special operations and law enforcement demand for a sub-carbine that retained 5.56x45mm NATO firepower. With its 228 mm barrel, side-folding skeleton stock and four Picatinny rails replacing the original carry handle, the G36C is optimized for vehicle crews, close-quarters combat and entry teams.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2810 g (99.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 999 mm (39.33") |
| Folded Length | 500 mm (19.69") |
| Barrel Length | 228 mm (8.98") |
| Height | 280 mm (11.02") |
| Width | 64 mm (2.52") |
| 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 | 720 m/s (2362 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1040 J (767 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Polymer Matte |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, SS109
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, C Mag Drum
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Ambidextrous Selector, Trigger Safety
- Features: Folding Stock, Picatinny Rails, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Translucent Magazines, Modular Design, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Bundeswehr Kommando Spezialkrafte · adopted 2001 · as G36C
- Federal Police of Brazil
- RAID
- GIGN
- NOCS
- Saudi Arabian Special Forces
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- War on Terror (2001-present)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 2001-present
Part of broader G36 family with over 260,000 units produced since 1996; G36C numbers not separately published.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch design team
Notes
Replaces the G36's original integral carry handle/optic with a flat-top Picatinny rail; uses a four-prong open flash hider for clearance with shorter barrel.
Background
The G36C was rushed to market in 2001 to compete with H&K's own MP5 in the close-quarters role and to capitalize on the post-9/11 surge in counter-terror procurement. Its near-pistol overall length combined with full-power 5.56 made it a favorite of European tier-one units.