Heckler & Koch G36

[Sauc3]

Fulfilling a request made a LOONG time ago.


because he can?
that being said, can someone do a hi-res thread on the HK G36? :D:D

The Heckler & Koch G36 is a 5.56x45mm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56x45mm_NATO) assault rifle, designed in the early 1990s by Heckler & Koch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch) (H&K) in Germany as a replacement for the 7.62mm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62x51mm_NATO) G3 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G3) battle rifle. It was accepted into service with the Bundeswehr in 1997, replacing the G3. The G36 is gas-operated (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas-operated_reloading) and feeds from a 30-round detachable box magazine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazine_%28firearm%29) or 100-round C-Mag (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_C-Mag) drum magazine.


Development

Work on a successor for the venerable G3 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G3) rifle had been ongoing in Germany since the second half of the 1970s. These efforts resulted in the innovative 4.73mm G11 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G11) assault rifle (developed jointly by a group of companies led by H&K), that used caseless ammunition (designed by the Dynamit Nobel company). It had been predicted that this weapon would eventually replace the G3, therefore further development of H&K's series of firearms chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56x45mm_NATO) cartridge had been halted. Heckler & Koch had no incentive to pursue a new 5.56mm weapon system, content with the export-oriented HK33 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_HK33) and G41 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G41) rifles. However, the G11 program came to an abrupt end when the Bundeswehr canceled its procurement due to defense budget cuts after the unification of East and West Germany and H&K was acquired in 1991 by British Aerospace's Royal Ordnance division (known today as BAE Systems).
Increasing interest in Germany for a modern service rifle chambered for the NATO-standard 5.56mm cartridge led H&K to offer the German armed forces the G41 rifle, which too was rejected. Design work was then initiated from the ground up on a modern 5.56mm assault rifle, designated "Project 50" or HK50.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-wo.C5.BAniak-1) The prototype was then trialled, where it was rated higher than the rival Austrian Steyr AUG system.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-wo.C5.BAniak-1)


Production

The HK50 rifle was selected for service and an initial order was placed for 33,000 rifles under the Bundeswehr designation Gewehr G36. The order also involved an option for a further 17,000 rifles. Deliveries were first made to the Bundeswehr's NATO Quick Reaction Force during the third quarter of 1997.
In July 1998, it was announced that the G36 had been selected as the standard rifle for the Spanish Armed Forces, replacing the 5.56mm CETME Model L and LC rifles.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-2) Deliveries first took place at the end of 1999. These rifles are manufactured in Spain under license by General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas at the FACOR (Fábrica de Armas de la Coruña) facility, in A Coruña (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Coru%C3%B1a), Galicia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galicia_%28Spain%29).


Design details


The G36 is a selective fire 5.56mm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.56x45mm_NATO) assault rifle, firing from a closed rotary bolt. The G36 has a conventional layout and a modular component design. Common to all variants of the G36 family are: the receiver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Receiver_%28firearms%29) and buttstock assembly, bolt carrier group with bolt and the return mechanism and guide rod. The receiver contains the barrel, carry handle with integrated sights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_%28device%29), trigger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_%28firearms%29) group with pistol grip, handguard and magazine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazine_%28firearms%29) socket.
The G36 employs a free-floating barrel (the barrel does not contact the handguard). The barrel is fastened to the receiver with a special nut, which can be removed with a wrench. The barrel is produced using a cold hammer forging process and features a chrome-lined bore with 6 right-hand grooves and a 1 in 178 mm (1:7 in) rifling twist rate. The barrel assembly consists of the gas block, a collar with a bayonet lug that is also used to launch rifle grenades and a slotted flash suppressor.
The weapon can be stripped and re-assembled without tools through a system of cross-pins similar to that used on earlier HK designs. For cleaning purposes, the G36 disassembles into the following groups: receiver housing, return mechanism, bolt carrier group and trigger group.


Sights

The standard German Army versions of the G36 are equipped with a ZF 3x4° dual optical sight that combines a 3x magnified telescopic sight (with the main reticule designed for firing at 200 m and bullet drop compensation markings for: 200, 400, 600 and 800 m crosshairs and a range-finding scale) and an unmagnified reflex red-dot sight (calibrated for firing at 200 m) mounted on top of the telescopic sight.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-wo.C5.BAniak-1) The red dot sight is activated by ambient light during the day and requires battery power in a zero light environment.
The export versions have a single optical sight with a 1.5x magnification and an aiming reticule fixed at 300 m. All rifles are adapted to use the Hensoldt NSA 80 third-generation night sight, which clamps into the G36 carry handle adapter in front of the optical sight housing and mates with the rifle's standard optical sight.[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-3) The sighting bridge also functions as a carrying handle and features auxiliary open sights molded on top of the handle that consist of a forward blade and rear notch, but these can only be used with the red dot sight removed, as in the G36V. The optical sight system is produced by Hensoldt AG (a subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG).

[Sauc3]

Accessories

The rifle can be fitted with a 40 mm AG36 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_AG36) (AG – Anbau-Granatwerfer) under-barrel grenade launcher, which is a breech-loaded break-action weapon with a side-tilting barrel.
Standard equipment supplied with the G36 includes: spare magazines, a cleaning and maintenance kit, sling, speed-loading device and an AK-74 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-74) blade bayonet (many of which are left over in Germany from stocks of the former National People's Army (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_People%27s_Army)).
Variants




G36E/V: Previously known as the G36E, it is the export version of the standard G36. The G36V has all of the characteristics of the standard rifle with the exception of the sight setup and bayonet mount. It is fitted with a 1.5x sight and lacks the integrated reflex sight; the bayonet mount is a standard NATO type. This version was produced for Spain and Latvia.
MG36: (MG—Maschingewehr or "machine gun") light machine gun version of the G36 equipped with a heavy barrel for increased heat and cook-off resistance.[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-wo.C5.BAniak-1) The MG36 and MG36E are no longer offered by H&K.
G36K: (K—kurz or "short") carbine variant with a shorter barrel (fitted with an open-type flash suppressor) and a shorter forend, which includes a bottom rail that can be used to attach tactical accessories, such as a UTL flashlight from the USP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_USP) pistol. The carbine's barrel lacks the ability to launch rifle grenades and it will not support a bayonet. The weapon retained the ability to be used with the AG36 grenade launcher. G36Ks in service with German special forces are issued with a 100-round C-Mag drum. There are two variants of the G36K. The first and most commonly known has x3 scope/carry handle attached to the top. The second and highly preferred variant of the G36K is the one with the iron sights and rail (no scope included). It allows for more customization of optics and is more portable than the other variant.[citation needed]
G36C: This subcarbine (C—compact) model is a further development of the G36K. It has a shorter barrel (than the G36K), and a four-prong open-type flash hider. The extremely short barrel forced designers to move the gas block closer to the muzzle end and reduce the length of the gas piston operating rod. The handguard and stock were also shortened and the fixed carry handle (with optics) was replaced with a carrying handle with an integrated MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. The dual optical sight found on the standard G36 and G36K models was replaced with a set of rail-mounted detachable iron sights that consist of a semi-shrouded front post and a flip-up rear sight with two apertures of different diameter. The short handguard has four accessory attachment points, one of which could be used for a vertical grip.
G36A2: This is an ordnance designation allocated to an upgraded variant of the G36 used by the German Army. The G36A2 is equipped with a quick-detachable Zeiss RSA reflex red dot sight[7] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-6) mounted on a Picatinny rail that replaces the original red dot sight of the dual combat sighting system. The G36A2 upgrade kit also consists of a new handguard with three Picatinny rails and a handgrip with an integrated switch for operating an Oerlikon Contraves LLM01 laser light module.[8] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_G36#cite_note-7)

Heckler & Koch G36 #2

[clutch-monkey]

<3
the dutchman delivers!

[LHamilton_w]

I only know this gun b/c I used in CoD4 lol. Too bad it wasn't in MW2.

[Kitdy]

I only know this gun b/c I used in CoD4 lol. Too bad it wasn't in MW2.

I'd say most young Western males know of guns because of video games.

[NicFromLA]

Dare I say that this is 458 Italia of assault rifles/carbines?

[Cobrafan427]

it dommed in CoD MW, it'd prolly dom harder in MW2 b/c it seems like every AR in that game kills you in 2 hits

[Commodore GS/E]

Those come as standard if you buy a Countach replica.

[clutch-monkey]

Dare I say that this is 458 Italia of assault rifles/carbines?

but it doesn't burst into flames?

[pimento]

but it doesn't burst into flames?

It might do if you shoot one of those red barrels..

[whiteballz]

but it doesn't burst into flames?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNAohtjG14c

[pimento]

That guy would be so eaten in the zombie apolalypse.

[Kitdy]

That guy would be so eaten in the zombie apolalypse.

It's actually pronounced "zombocalypse."

[pimento]

Or if you add a lilting steel pan rythmn track it's the zombocalypso.

[Kitdy]

Or if you add a lilting steel pan rythmn track it's the zombocalypso.

I like the way you think.

If there are any steel pan players on UCP, I request a composition called Zombocalypso.

[roosterjuicer]

Jeeze, at first I thought someone here owned one!!!

The one thing i really like about the G36 is the integrated optical scope. I wish my AR had one. I dont like iron sights because they strain my eyes which have been weakened severely over the last few years of law school reading and legal work. But i dont like scopes or red dot sights because it is too easy to knock them off alignment and then your rifle is not sighted in perfectly and you sacrifice your carrying handle.

[wwgkd]

The integrated scopes can be knocked out of alignment, too. The first military to ever adopt a rifle with an integrated scope were the australians with the Steyr AUG and they did have some issues with that. Plus it limits your optics options severely, and with the wide variety being adopted by militaries these days (including combo night vision and such) you're really better off with just a simple rail on top to attach whatever you want.

[RacingManiac]

Hey if you are doing a firearm thread, why not do one about the Colt 1911....next year will be its centennial....

[clutch-monkey]

The integrated scopes can be knocked out of alignment, too. The first military to ever adopt a rifle with an integrated scope were the australians with the Steyr AUG and they did have some issues with that. Plus it limits your optics options severely, and with the wide variety being adopted by militaries these days (including combo night vision and such) you're really better off with just a simple rail on top to attach whatever you want.

a lot of our front line steyrs now simply have picattiny rails with elcan (lke what the canucks use on their C8's) scopes on them iirc, as mass produced scopes like that can be a bit shitty.
hence the term 'steyr eye' for new recruits because they put their eyes too close to the scope trying to get the full field of view lol

[Kitdy]

(lke what the canucks use on their C8's)

Wooo Canada! How is the C8?

[clutch-monkey]

Wooo Canada! How is the C8?

wouldn't have a clue, i assume it's just like an M16 only more...canadian. maybe it shoots maple syrup tracer rounds or something.

edit: i do recall canadian ammo is better and that canadian troops are advised to only use american ammo when they've run out of their own issued stuff. same with the french iirc, unless i've confused the two.

[wwgkd]

wouldn't have a clue, i assume it's just like an M16 only more...canadian. maybe it shoots maple syrup tracer rounds or something.

edit: i do recall canadian ammo is better and that canadian troops are advised to only use american ammo when they've run out of their own issued stuff. same with the french iirc, unless i've confused the two.

Canadian ammo almost always runs at a lower pressure. It can be more accurate, but the lack in power has some of the snipers using American sniper ammo (not the ball, of course.) In fact the record that was just set by a Canadian (they stole our record!) in Afganistan for the longest aimed shot on a human was using American ammo at the time of the shot, which meant a difference in drop of several feet.

Also, scope eye happens.

[clutch-monkey]

it might be the french 5.56 i'm thinking of, as they have a slightly tighter rifling twist rate in the famas iirc.

[MRR]

wouldn't have a clue, i assume it's just like an M16 only more...canadian. maybe it shoots maple syrup tracer rounds or something.

edit: i do recall canadian ammo is better and that canadian troops are advised to only use american ammo when they've run out of their own issued stuff. same with the french iirc, unless i've confused the two.

Probably has something to do with the higher twist of some countries rifles versus others. The original m16 had a twist of like 1/12 or something whereas modern ARs all have 1/9-1/7 twists (1/7 for the US military) to accommodate heavier grain rounds. This is why I bought my AR with a NATO 1/7 twist barrel so it can shoot just about any 5.56/.223 round you want to put through it accurately and without key-holing.