FN FAL vs HK G3

1953–Present

1958–Present

7,000,000+ units

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

1,090 mm (42.9 in) stock extended; 1,020 mm (40.2 in) stock folded (para)

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

533 mm (21.0 in) standard; 458 mm (18.0 in) para variant

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

4.25 kg (9.37 lb) empty

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

20 rounds standard; 5, 10, 30 round options available

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

Short-stroke gas piston, tilting breechblock, selective fire

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

Two-stage military trigger

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

Aperture rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation, hooded front post

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