The HK G41 was dropped from consideration for second line units of the German Army when the HK G11 Caseless program was cancelled for the frontline units, that in favor of the new HK G36. By Staff Writer
The HK G41 was based on the pre-existing HK G33E system but fitted with a three-round burst capability to compliment the full automatic fire mode. Nearly replacing the aging G3 in German Army service, the G41 was instead dropped from production after a few short years to which the German Army trialed and accepted the HK G36 system.
In compliance with NATO-required modifications, the G41 was designed to accept magazines from other 5.56x45mm weapons including the Colt M16 series. Sight mounts were also built into the base design and a bipod could be fitted underneath the forward under-barrel grip system for supportive fire roles. A carrying handle was draped on the left-hand side and a clearly labeled and visible selective fire control was as well. The HK G41 system was offered up in two forms - the base assault rifle mode (with fixed butt) as the G41 and the shorter carbine model with a retractable butt in the G41K.
The weapon system was to be accepted into service with second line units of the German Army on the condition that the caseless G11 series pass tests for frontline unit use. Unfortunately, the costly G11 program failed to impress and was discarded for consideration. As such, the utilization of the G41 for the second line units was re-evaluated as well and equally dropped. The German Army would go on to select the G36 assault rifle in its place.
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1987
Designation:Heckler & Koch HK G41 Classification Type:Automatic Assault Rifle Manufacturer:Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany Country of Origin: Germany
Operators: Italy; Spain; Sri Lanka; Turkey; United States; West Germany
Variants
G41 - Base Production Model; fixed stock; 178mm rifling.
G41A1 - Fixed Stock; 305mm rifling.
G41A2 - Telescopic Stock; 178mm rifling.
G41A3 - Telescopic Stock; 305mm rifling.
G41K ("Karabiner") - Shortened Variant with 15" barrel; telescopic stock.
G41TGS ("Tactical Group Support") - Accepts HK 79 under-slung grenade launcher.
LF G41 - Limited Production Run of G41, G41A1 and G41K rifles under license by Luigi Franchi of Italy.
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