Heckler & Koch G36K
Heckler & Koch · Carbine · In Production · 1997
Also known as: G36 Kurz, G36K Carbine
Overview
The G36K (Kurz, German for 'short') is the carbine variant of the G36 assault rifle, introduced in 1997 alongside the standard G36 to give airborne, mechanized and special forces units a more compact alternative without sacrificing intermediate-cartridge ballistics. Its 318 mm barrel, side-folding stock and AG36 grenade launcher compatibility have made it the most widely fielded G36 variant after the standard rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3000 g (105.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 858 mm (33.78") |
| Folded Length | 615 mm (24.21") |
| Barrel Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| 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 | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1450 J (1069 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2860 m (3128 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, Carry Handle With Optic, Ag36 Grenade Launcher Compatible, Translucent Magazines, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Modular Design
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Bundeswehr · adopted 1997 · as G36K
- Spanish Armed Forces · adopted 1999
- Latvian National Armed Forces · adopted 2006
- Polish Special Forces (BOA, JW Formoza) · adopted 2006
- Lithuanian Armed Forces · adopted 2017 · as G36KA4M1
- Estonian Special Operations Force
Conflicts
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
- Mali Conflict (2012-present)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Spain alone procured roughly 75,000 G36 family rifles between 1999 and 2005; broader G36 family exceeds 260,000 units.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch design team
Notes
G36KA4 modernization replaced the integrated optic with a flat-top Picatinny rail; many late-production G36K rifles share this configuration.
Background
The G36K became infamous in the 2010s when allegations surfaced that Bundeswehr G36 rifles lost zero in sustained firing and high heat, prompting a nationwide procurement controversy. Investigations ultimately led Germany to choose the H&K HK416-derived G95 to replace it.