Heckler & Koch G3SG/1
Heckler & Koch · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 1972
Also known as: G3 SG/1, G3 Scharfschutzengewehr, HK G3 Sniper
Overview
The Heckler & Koch G3SG/1 is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle derived from the standard G3 battle rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Developed in the early 1970s for the German Bundeswehr and Federal Police, the G3SG/1 is individually selected from the G3 production line for exceptional accuracy, then fitted with a set trigger group, adjustable cheek piece, bipod, and a 1.5-6x variable power scope. The roller-delayed blowback operating system inherited from the G3 provides reliable cycling without a gas system, though it produces a characteristic violent extraction that marks spent brass. Despite being superseded by purpose-built precision rifles in many roles, the G3SG/1 remains in service with numerous military and police forces worldwide, valued for its robustness, parts commonality with standard G3 rifles, and proven combat reliability in harsh conditions.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5540 g (195.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 6100 g (215.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1026 mm (40.39") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s (2625 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3040 J (2242 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3700 m (4046 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 550 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Cold Hammer Forged Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Match Grade Barrel, Adjustable Cheek Piece, Bipod, Scope Mount Claw Type, Set Trigger, Picatinny Rail
Variants
Service history
Operators
- German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) · adopted 1972 · as G3SG/1
- German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) · adopted 1972 · as G3SG/1
- GSG 9 · adopted 1973 · as G3SG/1
- Turkish Armed Forces
- Pakistani Armed Forces
- Iranian Armed Forces
- Norwegian Armed Forces
- Portuguese Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Troubles in Northern Ireland (1968-1998)
- Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988)
- Turkish-Kurdish Conflict (1984-present)
Production
Production years: 1972-present
Produced alongside G3 production; exact G3SG/1 numbers unknown but a small fraction of the 7+ million G3 rifles manufactured.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Notes
The G3SG/1 designation stands for Scharfschutzengewehr (sharpshooter rifle). Each rifle is hand-selected from the production line and must meet a specific accuracy standard before receiving the SG/1 designation. The set trigger mechanism reduces trigger pull to approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), significantly improving precision over the standard G3 trigger. While often paired with a Hensoldt 1.5-6x Fero Z24 scope, some German police units equipped their G3SG/1 rifles with Schmidt & Bender optics. The PSG1 was developed as a dedicated precision rifle following the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, using the same roller-delayed blowback system but with extensive modifications for accuracy.
Background
The G3SG/1 was born from tragedy. After the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre exposed critical shortcomings in German police marksmanship capabilities, Heckler & Koch developed both the G3SG/1 for general service and the PSG1 as a dedicated precision platform. The G3SG/1's selection process means each rifle is essentially a hand-picked specimen, giving it accuracy far beyond a standard-issue G3.