Heckler & Koch G28 E3

About the Heckler & Koch G28 E3

The Heckler & Koch G28 E3, also known as the G28 Patrol, is a lighter and more compact variant of the standard G28 designated marksman rifle used by the German Bundeswehr. Introduced around 2019, the E3 configuration replaces the heavier full-length forend and high-magnification optics of the G28 E2 (Standard) with a shorter, lighter handguard and a Schmidt & Bender 1-8x24 PM II variable power scope optimized for rapid target acquisition at closer ranges while retaining precision capability. The G28 E3 maintains the core G28 architecture including the steel upper receiver, short-stroke gas piston operating system, and cold hammer-forged barrel with polygonal rifling that delivers factory-warranted accuracy of 45mm dispersion at 100 meters (approximately 1.5 MOA) with match-grade OTM ammunition. The telescoping buttstock provides an overall length range from 965mm collapsed to 1,082mm extended, and the unloaded weight of 5.8kg without optics or magazine makes it significantly more portable than the full G28 E2 package.

The G28 E3 was born from the reality that modern infantry patrols need precision capability without the burden of a full sniper package. German soldiers on patrol can now carry a G28 that weighs and handles closer to their standard G36 rifles while still delivering accurate 7.62mm fire out to 600 meters. The 1-8x variable optic means the same rifle that makes a 600-meter precision shot can be used at 1x magnification for building clearing moments later.

Heckler & Koch G28 E3 specifications

The G28 E3 (Patrol) configuration represents HK's recognition that designated marksmen often need a lighter, more maneuverable weapon for patrol operations where the full sniper-configured G28 E2 with its heavy Schmidt & Bender 3-20x50 PM II scope is excessive. The 1-8x24 variable optic provides true 1x for close-quarters engagement while reaching out to 8x for precision shots, making the E3 a more versatile package. The steel upper receiver (rather than aluminum) is a distinctive feature of the G28 family that provides enhanced durability and rigidity. NATO STANAG 4694 accessory rails are backward-compatible with older Picatinny/MIL-STD-1913 accessories.