Heckler & Koch · Sniper Rifle
Heckler & Koch G3SG/1
Roller delayed blowback · 7.62x51mm NATO · introduced 1972
Also known as G3 SG/1, G3 Scharfschutzengewehr, HK G3 Sniper
About the Heckler & Koch G3SG/1
The Heckler & Koch G3SG/1 is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle derived from the standard G3 battle rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Developed in the early 1970s for the German Bundeswehr and Federal Police, the G3SG/1 is individually selected from the G3 production line for exceptional accuracy, then fitted with a set trigger group, adjustable cheek piece, bipod, and a 1.5-6x variable power scope. The roller-delayed blowback operating system inherited from the G3 provides reliable cycling without a gas system, though it produces a characteristic violent extraction that marks spent brass. Despite being superseded by purpose-built precision rifles in many roles, the G3SG/1 remains in service with numerous military and police forces worldwide, valued for its robustness, parts commonality with standard G3 rifles, and proven combat reliability in harsh conditions.
The G3SG/1 was born from tragedy. After the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre exposed critical shortcomings in German police marksmanship capabilities, Heckler & Koch developed both the G3SG/1 for general service and the PSG1 as a dedicated precision platform. The G3SG/1's selection process means each rifle is essentially a hand-picked specimen, giving it accuracy far beyond a standard-issue G3.
Heckler & Koch G3SG/1 specifications
General
- Type
- Sniper Rifle
- Action
- Roller delayed blowback
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Set trigger
- Trigger pull
- 1.5 kg (3.4 lb)
- Calibres
- 7.62x51mm NATO
- Magazine capacity
- 20 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 450 mm (17.7 in)
- Overall length
- 1026 mm (40.4 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 5.54 kg (12.21 lb)
- Weight (loaded)
- 6.10 kg (13.45 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling twist
- 1:12 in (305 mm)
- Rifling
- Right hand
- Grooves
- 4
Materials
- Barrel
- Cold hammer forged steel
- Receiver / frame
- Stamped steel
- Stock
- Polymer
- Finish
- matte_black
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 800 m/s (2625 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 3040 J (2242 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 600 m
History
- Introduced
- 1972
- Production status
- In production
- Country of origin
- DE
Features
- Match grade barrel
- Adjustable cheek piece
- Bipod
- Scope mount claw type
- Set trigger
- Picatinny rail
Safety
- Manual safety
- Firing pin safety
The G3SG/1 designation stands for Scharfschutzengewehr (sharpshooter rifle). Each rifle is hand-selected from the production line and must meet a specific accuracy standard before receiving the SG/1 designation. The set trigger mechanism reduces trigger pull to approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), significantly improving precision over the standard G3 trigger. While often paired with a Hensoldt 1.5-6x Fero Z24 scope, some German police units equipped their G3SG/1 rifles with Schmidt & Bender optics. The PSG1 was developed as a dedicated precision rifle following the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, using the same roller-delayed blowback system but with extensive modifications for accuracy.
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