Heckler & Koch · Carbine
Heckler & Koch G36C
Gas operated short stroke · 5.56x45mm NATO · introduced 2001
Also known as G36 Compact, G36 Commando
About the Heckler & Koch G36C
The G36C (G36 Compact) is the shortest member of the G36 family, introduced in 2001 to meet special operations and law enforcement demand for a sub-carbine that retained 5.56x45mm NATO firepower. With its 228 mm barrel, side-folding skeleton stock and four Picatinny rails replacing the original carry handle, the G36C is optimized for vehicle crews, close-quarters combat and entry teams.
The G36C was rushed to market in 2001 to compete with H&K's own MP5 in the close-quarters role and to capitalize on the post-9/11 surge in counter-terror procurement. Its near-pistol overall length combined with full-power 5.56 made it a favorite of European tier-one units.
Heckler & Koch G36C specifications
General
- Type
- Carbine
- Action
- Gas operated short stroke
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Trigger pull
- 4.1 kg (9.0 lb)
- Calibres
- 5.56x45mm NATO
- Magazine capacity
- 30 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 228 mm (9.0 in)
- Overall length
- 999 mm (39.3 in)
- Folded length
- 500 mm (19.7 in)
- Height
- 280 mm (11.0 in)
- Width
- 64 mm (2.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 2.81 kg (6.19 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:7 in (178 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 6
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Polymer
- Stock
- Polymer
- Finish
- polymer_matte
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 720 m/s (2362 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 1040 J (767 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 200 m
History
- Introduced
- 2001
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- DE
- Designer
- Heckler & Koch design team
Features
- Folding stock
- Picatinny rails
- Ambidextrous charging handle
- Translucent magazines
- Modular design
- Cold hammer forged barrel
Safety
- Manual safety
- Ambidextrous selector
- Trigger safety
Replaces the G36's original integral carry handle/optic with a flat-top Picatinny rail; uses a four-prong open flash hider for clearance with shorter barrel.
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