Heckler & Koch G3SG/1
Overview
H&K G3SG/1
Left side view of Heckler & Koch G3SG/1 sniper rifle. Note the bipod, claw mount for the scope and pre-set button behind the trigger.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Sniper rifle
German for "sniper rifle model 1"
Italy
Malaysia
Description
Introduction
The G3SG/1 is a marksman rifle of German origin. Designed by Heckler & Koch in the . It is a derivative of the G3 battle rifle for use as a sniper rifle.
Design
The G3SG/1 starts out as a regular G3A3 battle rifle that has been handpicked for accuracy. A special trigger group, bipod, cheekpiece and 1.5-6x scope with claw mount are fitted to transform it into a G3SG/1. The intricate G3SG/1 trigger group has a button to set the trigger just behind the trigger itself. When set, the trigger pull is very light and crisp. The trigger group retains the ability for automatic fire.
H&K G3SG/1
Heckler & Koch G3SG/1 sniper rifle resting on its bipod.
Source: Heckler & Koch -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Firepower
The G3SG/1 fires the 7.62x51mm NATO round from a 20 round magazine. It is mostly used as a semi-automatic marksman rifle. The ability for full automatic fire is retained, with the cylcic rate of fire being 500 to 600 rpm. The 1.5 to 6x scope allows for effective fire out to 600 meters or more. The level of accuracy is much debated. The service records indicates it is sufficiently accurate to serve as a sniper rifle at shorter distances and it reportedly functions well as a marksman rifle at ranges beyond 500 m.
Users
The G3SG/1 was adopted by several nations as a designated marksman rifle for military use. The similarity with the regular G3 makes it easier to train soldiers that have experience with the regular G3.
The G3SG/1 was also acquired by various nations to serve as a sniper rifle for counter terrorist units. Providing ample accuracy out to 200 meters and allowing for rapid follow-up shots compared to bolt-action sniper rifles.
In the 80's and 90's many G3SG/1 were replaced by the PSG-1 and MSG90. Nowadays the many designs based AR-10 platform are the main choice as a designated marksman rifle.
Details
Related articles
Heckler & Koch G3
The G3SG/1 is a derivative of the G3 battle rifle. The G3SG/1 starts out as a G3 rifle hand picked for accuracy.
Heckler & Koch PSG-1
The PSG-1 is a futher development of the G3 design to serve as a very precise rifle for law enforcement service. It is a heavier, more accurate and more ergonomic firearm than the G3SG/1.
Heckler & Koch MSG90
The MSG90 is a militarized version of the PSG-1. It is a more rugged design that is better suited to military and special forces use than the PSG-1.