AR-15 vs HK G3

1964–Present

1958–Present

12,000,000+ units (combined military, law‑enforcement, and civilian production)

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

840 mm (33.1 in) with stock extended (16 in barrel), 730 mm (28.7 in) with stock collapsed (14.5 in barrel)

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

406 mm (16 in) standard, 368 mm (14.5 in) carbine, 508 mm (20 in) designated marksman, 254 mm (10 in) pistol‑length

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

3.2 kg (7.1 lb) empty (16 in barrel, without optics)

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

30 rounds standard, 10/20/40/60 round options, drum magazines up to 100 rounds

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

Direct‑impingement gas system (original) or short‑stroke gas piston (aftermarket/variant), rotating bolt, semi‑automatic or select‑fire

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

Single‑stage semi‑automatic trigger; military select‑fire models use a two‑stage fire selector with safe, semi, burst, and automatic modes

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

Standard: detachable flip‑up rear iron sight and fixed front post; many models equipped with Picatinny rail for optical, holographic, or night sights

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