Rheinmetall AG · Machine-Gun · In Production · 1968
| Weight (empty) | 10500 g (370.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1225 mm (48.23") |
| Barrel Length | 565 mm (22.24") |
| Action Type | Roller Delayed Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 820 m/s (2690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3194 J (2356 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
Primary Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
The MG3 (Maschinengewehr 3) is a German general-purpose machine gun manufactured by Rheinmetall AG. It is a post-war evolution of the legendary MG42, rechambered from the original 7.92x57mm Mauser to the standard 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. The MG3 entered production in 1968 as the definitive standardized variant following a series of earlier NATO conversions (MG1, MG1A1, MG1A2, MG1A3). Like its predecessor, the MG3 employs a short-recoil operated, roller-locked mechanism that fires from an open b...
Country of Origin: Germany
Designer: Werner Gruner