G-41

The Heckler & Koch G41 is a German 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle introduced in 1981. Produced in limited quantities by Heckler & Koch, it was designed to replace the 7.62×51mm NATO G3 and the HK33, offering a more modern weapon compatible with STANAG 4172 NATO standards. The G41 could use the newer SS109, SS110 and SS111 ammunition, as well as older .223 Remington/5.56×45mm M193 ammunition. It was the last Heckler & Koch service rifle designed around the roller-delayed blowback mechanism. The G41 was not commercially successful, failing to win major military production contracts and being rejected in various trial programmes. Heckler & Koch discontinued its assembly, with production rights later acquired by Luigi Franchi.

The G41 employs a selective fire automatic roller-delayed blowback operating system derived from the StG 45(M), G3, and HK33 designs. It feeds from 30-round NATO STANAG magazines, released by a control above the magazine well. Features include a manual forward assist, a side-folding carrying handle, a hold-open bolt catch with a release button, and a dust cover. The barrel is cold hammer-forged with a hexagonal polygonal bore and fitted with a flash suppressor capable of launching rifle grenades. The rifle is equipped with low iron sights and the receiver features a STANAG 2324 optics mount. Accessories include a barrel bipod, G3 bayonet, optic mounts, a winter trigger, and the HK79 grenade launcher for the G41TGS configuration. Despite some weight reductions, the G41 was relatively heavy.

Several variants were produced:

• G41: Standard model with a fixed stock and 1:178 mm rifling.

• G41A1: Features a fixed stock and 1:305 mm rifling.

• G41A2: Has a telescoping stock and 1:178 mm rifling.

• G41A3: Features a telescopic stock and 1:305 mm rifling.

• G41K: A carbine variant of the G41A2 with a shortened 380 mm barrel, 1:178 mm rifling, and a telescopic stock, unable to accept the HK79 or fire rifle grenades.

• G41TGS: The G41 equipped with an HK79 grenade launcher.

Luigi Franchi produced sample runs designated LF G41 (similar to G41, G41A2, G41K) and LF Mod. 641, with the LF G41 having a polygonal chromed bore. The LF G41 was modified for Italian Army trials but was not selected over the Beretta AR70/90, although it saw limited use with Italian COMSUBIN.

The G41 did not enter widespread service, seeing limited adoption by specific military and police special units after failing to secure major production contracts during military trial programmes.

Users of the G41 include Argentina, where small quantities were adopted by the Grupo de Operaciones Especiales of the Air Force; Denmark, where small quantities were adopted by the Frogman Corps and Jaeger Corps; Italy, whose COMSUBIN of the Navy adopted small quantities of the LF G41 variant; Spain, which utilizes small quantities with the Special Intervention Unit (UEI) and the Spanish National Police GEO counter-terrorist unit, including the G41TGS variant; and Turkey, which used the rifle with the Gendarmerie Special Operations during the 1990s, with very few being used by Gendarmerie General Command conscripts.