Heckler & Koch MG36
Overview
H&K MG36
Heckler & Koch MG36 with C-mag, bipod and dual sight unit.
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German for "machinegun 36"
Description
Introduction
The MG36 is a light machine gun of German origin. It was developed in the 1990's to complement the G36 assault rifle. Unlike the other variants of the G36 family of firearms, the MG36 wasn't very successful. It was never formally adopted.
Design
The MG36 is a derivative of the full size G36 assault rifle. Both weapons look very similar. The major difference is that MG36 has a thicker barrel between chamber and gas port. Furthermore, the optional bipod of the G36 is standard on the MG36. The MG36 remains magazine fed. A G36 specific variant of the Beta C-mag was developed to increase ammunition load. This holds 100 rounds and due to its design can still be used in the prone position.
Firepower
The MG36 fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from 100 round C-mag double drum magazines. Regular 30 round G36 magazines can also be used. The MG36 has a cyclic rate of fire of 750 rpm. Even though the MG36 has a thicker barrel, its ability to provide fire support is rather limited.
Users
The MG36 was to enter German military service. A total of a 4.700 was ordered in 1995, but subsequently cancelled in 1997. The MG36 was produced in limited numbers. It was not officially adopted by any nation.
Details
Related articles
Heckler & Koch G36
The MG36 was derived from the G36 assault rifle. There is no obvious external difference between G36 and MG36.