The G36 is an assault rifle developed by Heckler & Koch, which has been used by the Bundeswehr as a standard weapon since 1997. The predecessor of the G36, which is mainly made of plastics, was the G3, also developed by Heckler & Koch, which served as the standard weapon of the Bundeswehr from 1950 to 1997. The G3 is still used as a sniper rifle in some cases because it is particularly precise for an assault rifle. In contrast, the G36 has come under criticism because it loses the desired degree of precision at high temperatures and after prolonged firing.

On September 15, 2020, it was announced that a successor to the G36 would be introduced, but not by Heckler & Koch, rather by Haenel. 

History and Development

Origin: The development of the G36 began in the early 1990s when the Bundeswehr was looking for a replacement for the G3 rifle. The goal was to develop a lighter and more modern rifle that meets the demands of the modern battlefield.

Introduction: In 1997, the G36 was officially introduced as the standard infantry rifle of the Bundeswehr. Since then, it has been used in numerous conflicts and peace missions.

Technical Details and Features

• Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm NATO
• Length: 998 mm (with extended stock), 758 mm (with folded stock)
• Weight: Approximately 3.6 kg (unloaded)
• Rate of Fire: Approximately 750 rounds/min
• Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds (standard magazine), drum magazines with 100 rounds are also available.
• Operation: Gas-operated with rotating bolt
• Special Features: The G36 features an integrated optics system that includes both a reflex sight and a telescopic sight with 3x magnification.

Variants

There are several variants of the G36 developed for different operational requirements:

• G36C (Compact): Compact version for special forces and situations requiring high maneuverability.
• G36K (Short): A shorter version of the standard G36, often used by paratroopers or other specialized troops.
• G36V (Predecessor): Older version with different sighting systems.

Criticism and Controversies

Heat Issues: There have been reports, particularly from Afghanistan, that the G36 loses precision when heated due to intense use. Tests and investigations have yielded mixed results, but the criticism has led to discussions about the reliability of the weapon in combat situations.

Future in the Bundeswehr: Due to the aforementioned issues and other factors, the Bundeswehr has decided to replace the G36 with another rifle in the long term.

Conclusion

The G36 from Heckler & Koch is a modern and technologically advanced assault rifle that has been used in many countries around the world since its introduction. Despite its many advantages and widespread use, it has also faced criticism, particularly regarding its performance under extreme conditions. However, it remains an important piece of military equipment and a milestone in the history of small arms.

The G36 is a military weapon and is not intended for the civilian market. As a civilian version of the G36, Heckler & Koch offers the SL8 .