AK-47 vs HK G3

1949–Present

1958–Present

Approximately 100,000,000+ units (including all variants and licensed copies)

Approximately 10,000,000 units (including licensed production)

870 mm (34.3 in) with stock extended, 640 mm (25.2 in) with stock folded (rifle with folding stock)

985 mm (38.8 in) with stock extended; 820 mm (32.3 in) with stock folded (G3A4)

415 mm (16.3 in) standard, 375 mm (14.8 in) for AKM shortened models

450 mm (17.7 in) standard; 508 mm (20.0 in) G3A4; 406 mm (16.0 in) G3A3 carbine

3.47 kg (7.7 lb) empty, 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) loaded with 30‑round magazine

3.05 kg (6.73 lb) empty, 3.75 kg (8.27 lb) loaded with 20‑round magazine

30 rounds standard detachable box, 10‑round magazine for civilian use, 40‑round drum, 75‑round drum (rare)

20 rounds standard steel box; 30‑round steel box; 10‑round magazine for restricted markets; 50‑round drum (rare)

Gas‑operated, long‑stroke piston, rotating bolt, closed bolt

Roller‑delayed blowback, closed bolt; bolt carrier with dual rollers and a locking piece; gas‑free operation

Single‑stage military trigger with selector lever for safe, semi‑auto, and full‑auto

Single‑stage, two‑position safety (fire selector) with semi‑automatic, three‑round burst, and full‑auto modes

Adjustable rear notch (range 100–1000 m) and hooded front post; some models equipped with side‑mounted night sights

Standard: rotary drum rear aperture (adjustable 100–500 m) and hooded front post; optional: telescopic (e.g., 4×24) and night sights