Heckler & Koch G41
Heckler & Koch · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1987
Also known as: G41, HK G41
Overview
The Heckler & Koch G41 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Heckler & Koch GmbH since 1987. The stamped steel frame provides a solid, premium feel with the durability to withstand decades of regular use and thousands of rounds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4100 g (144.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 997 mm (39.25") |
| Barrel Length | 450 mm (17.72") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| 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, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Stanag Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Roller Delayed Blowback, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Three Round Burst, Select Fire, Bolt Catch, Dust Cover, Last Round Bolt Hold Open, Rotary Diopter Rear Sight, Hooded Front Post Sight, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
- G41A1 — Fixed Stock
- G41A2 — Retractable Stock
- G41A3 — Retractable Stock Variant
- G41K — Carbine
- G41TGS — Grenade Launcher
Service history
Operators
- German Bundeswehr · as G41 (evaluation only)
- Italian Armed Forces · as G41 (evaluation only)
- Turkish Armed Forces · as G41 (limited procurement)
Conflicts
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
Production
Production years: 1984-1996
Limited production run. Exact numbers unknown but considerably fewer than the HK33 it was meant to succeed. Lost the Bundeswehr competition to the G36.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Discontinued: 1996
Notes
The G41 was designed as HK's answer to the NATO standardization requirements of the 1980s, particularly STANAG magazine compatibility which the earlier HK33 lacked. Despite being technically sophisticated, the G41 was considered too heavy at 4.1 kg compared to competitors like the FN FNC (3.8 kg) and the emerging polymer-framed designs. It lost the German Bundeswehr rifle competition to HK's own G36 in the 1990s. Production ran from 1984 to 1996 in limited quantities, with the rifle seeing some use in Lebanon and evaluation by several NATO nations. The roller-delayed blowback system, while proven in 7.62mm, was considered over-engineered for the lower-pressure 5.56mm cartridge.
Background
The G41 is often called HK's 'forgotten rifle' - a technically competent design that arrived at the wrong time. It was the last military rifle to use the roller-delayed blowback system that had defined HK's identity since the G3 in 1959. Ironically, HK's own revolutionary G36 with its gas-operated system made the G41 obsolete before it could gain traction.