Heckler & Koch · Carbine
Heckler & Koch G36K
Gas operated short stroke · 5.56x45mm NATO · introduced 1997
Also known as G36 Kurz, G36K Carbine
About the Heckler & Koch G36K
The G36K (Kurz, German for 'short') is the carbine variant of the G36 assault rifle, introduced in 1997 alongside the standard G36 to give airborne, mechanized and special forces units a more compact alternative without sacrificing intermediate-cartridge ballistics. Its 318 mm barrel, side-folding stock and AG36 grenade launcher compatibility have made it the most widely fielded G36 variant after the standard rifle.
The G36K became infamous in the 2010s when allegations surfaced that Bundeswehr G36 rifles lost zero in sustained firing and high heat, prompting a nationwide procurement controversy. Investigations ultimately led Germany to choose the H&K HK416-derived G95 to replace it.
Heckler & Koch G36K 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
- 318 mm (12.5 in)
- Overall length
- 858 mm (33.8 in)
- Folded length
- 615 mm (24.2 in)
- Height
- 280 mm (11.0 in)
- Width
- 64 mm (2.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.00 kg (6.61 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)
- 850 m/s (2789 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 1450 J (1069 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 300 m
History
- Introduced
- 1997
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- DE
- Designer
- Heckler & Koch design team
Features
- Folding stock
- Carry handle with optic
- Ag36 grenade launcher compatible
- Translucent magazines
- Cold hammer forged barrel
- Modular design
Safety
- Manual safety
- Ambidextrous selector
- Trigger safety
G36KA4 modernization replaced the integrated optic with a flat-top Picatinny rail; many late-production G36K rifles share this configuration.
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