Greek here. I trained with the G3 during my time in the Army. Multiple exercises. Never knew what the hell i was shooting at or if i was even close to the target. Thit is more of a criticism of our training regiments of course but i can safely say that i am NOT a good shot.....Anyway, i managed to train ONCE with the HK11A1 which is a HK21 variant with a magazine feed, and let me tell you. This thing is ACCURATE. I dont know if its the heavy barrel or some strange voodoo kraut magic, but i felt like a damn sharpshooter with it.
Really G3’s are actually really cool guns. I never actually fired a select fire G3, but my brother has a semi auto only rifle, which was built from CETME parts. Pretty much the same as a G3. That thing was mighty fun and accurate to shoot
Funfackt , in germany this was used by the goverment as the G8 , a rifle designition , not a mg , propably because it was used mostly by the borderpatrol/police ,i belive the navy used them to though
I served in the portuguese military and got to shoot both HK21 and the MG3 at the firing range. the 21 is a kicker allright. Veterans from the portuguese colonial war would prefer the MG3 over the HK21, not olny because of the recoil but also for feeding issues that would cause the gun to jam.
I have a 1978 dated H&K91 that I picked up in 2012 for under $3000 and it’s been the most rewarding and relatable rifle I’ve ever owned outside of a bolt action. I put different grain ammo in a mag from the lightest 130 grain 308 to 200 grain with different grains mixed in and never had any jams 😮 I also put an HK21 rear sight and stock on my 91 with a HK G28 DMR flash hider
@@Darth-Nihilus1 I can't remember exactly but mine with a 6% sales tax added was under $300. I should have purchased a few dozen of them as an investment but back then who knew prices were going to go the way they did.
And all of Portugal's HK tooling was later purchased by JLD industries and shipped over to South Carolina and the PTR-91 was born. This is also why PTRs are near totally compatible with parts and accessories made for the G3.
South Africa bought about 100,000 FMP G3's in the early 1970's to supplement R1 (FAL) inventory. It was designated the R2 and used mainly by the South West Africa Territorial Force (Namibia) and the SA Air Force. With the help of Choate Machine and Tool, USA, a new stock and handguard were developed to better withstand the hot SWA environment.
When I was in the army in 1995 I disassembled this gun several times but we never shot it because there was no money for ammunition I only shot the G3 and was only 10 rounds I also shot the Walther P38 when I went to the Army corporal's school and I shot 19 rounds. Crazy 🤪
I just picked up 2 of the fmp hk21 kits. Looking forward to getting them together. First personal belt feds! I'd prefer a mk48 but one of these will do for now.
I have to admit this is the first video I've ever seen about this gun; I was aware of the HK21 but until now I knew nothing about it. Thanks for filling in the gap, Sir.
The life and models of the G3 is what the U S. Army vision for the M-14 was. The idea for what the M-14 was ment to do wasn't flawed. The weapon design itself was incapable of filling the intended roles. The 7.62 cartridge wasn't the problem. The weapon system was. I know this because the FAL and G3 did most of what the US Army asked of the M-14, and they did it for decades long before NATO largely switched to 5.56 .
The g3 and fal never did all those roles tho. The basic rifles were often restricted to semi only or never really used un full auto exept to impress on the range. Most armies that used one of these rifles kept the submachineguns both in the front line squads and for the pdw role until 556 rifles became available/adopted. And most of them had the mg3 or fn mag as the gpmg. The one rifle does everything seems to me to be a bad idea, specially in full rifle caliber. Hell even the same cartridge submachineguns and pistols led to lots of busted up pistols as most armies soon adopted extra strong subgun ammo the pistols could not handle
The M14 was supposed to replace the Tommy Gun and the Grease Gun, and the M1 Carbine. As well as the Garand and BAR. I agree with previous poster…probably a bad idea for a “do it all” system.
The FAL failed heavily as a DMR due to fundamental flaws affecting long-range repeatable precision. While the G3 and M14 could be gussied up into a proper DMR (SG1/MSG90 and Mk14 EBR) or even an acceptable sniper rifle (PSG1 & M21). Accurized FALs were pretty uncommon, but it *_was_* adequate as an automatic support weapon (especially the heavy barrel variants). The M14 platform has more-or-less the opposite issue (can be made into a DMR or Sniper rifle, but makes a subpar SAW). Plus, the manufacturing and quality assurance issues on military production models caused numerous problems. Also, the M14 is the least durable in long-term use, since the receiver cracking is less a question of IF, but rather WHEN. Only the G3 could/would effectively serve all 3 roles with some notable alterations, but it's the most punishing to actually fire. Meaning it's the *_only_* platform, of the 3 mentioned, that can legitimately "do it all", but it won't necessarily be pleasant or well liked by the intended users. Plus, there aren't any production belt-fed FALs or M14s. Personally, what I'd love to see is a custom HK21 type belt-feed system combined with a PSG1 stock, trigger pack, and barrel assembly. A belt-fed precision rifle, just for the pure hell of it.
If this machine gun adaptation of the G3 is anything like the FN FAL heavy barrelled "squad support" light machine gun, I would say that not only is the recoil unpleasant, it would be a beast to keep it firing on target. That's why the MAG or M240 was designed specifically to be used in the sustained fire role in conjunction with the FAL. All the same, it's amazing to see how such a "crudely" made gun actually got put into production. Great video as usual.
The MAG was a Swedish idea of taking a BAR and turn it in to a machinegun turning it upside down. They couldn't really get it to work so they asked FN to fix it. It was first chambered in 6,5x55. It's known in Sweden as Ksp 58.
The HK 21 was known for brutal recoil, yes. 19# and 1,200 rpm with 7.62 NATO gave it the name "jackhammer." Best compared with the M-60E3. The 21E changed to a longer receiver, also used on the PSG-1, preventing the bolt from directly striking the rear of the receiver -- greatly reducing transferred recoil impact -- and reduced the cyclic to 900 rpm (paralleling the early and late MG42). Weight increased by about a pound, but it was still lighter than the M-60, MAG-58, or even some kitted M-249!
The Bundeswehr issued a few HK21 as G8. They where used by the Kampfschwimmer, the German navy seals. By the way Ian, please make a video about the Walther P5. If I'm not wrong, this is the last pistol of the "Munich Trio", you didn't show yet.
@@samuelgarrod8327 LOL, you got triggered over calling the German equivalent to the American Navy Seals (comparable equipment and missions, and are the special operations forces of their respective nations’ navies) “the German Navy Seals”? That would be like an American getting upset over these phrase “Amerikanische U-Boote” or “Vereinigte Staaten Luftwaffe”. That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t you agree? Perhaps take a moment to stop and think before posting drivel like “tHE reSt oF THe wOrLd iS NoT AN AmeRiCaN coLonY”. Besides, in the US, Navy Seals are generally viewed with great admiration and respect, and someone calling a foreign force by that title is unlikely to be intended with any disrespect.
You're not kidding about the recoil. I've fired the Turkish license-built paratrooper version of the G3. It had a shorter barrel and a collapsing stock with a butt that is apparently designed specifically to slide downward and peel a layer of flesh off with each shot. It was simply brutal. Years later, I had an opportunity to shoot an HK91. It was less brutal but still not a lot of fun compared to an AR-10 or an FN FAL. Obviously it can be used effectively, but I don't think I'll be buying one.
A Cold War era 7.62x51 close bolt LMG that is lighter than a M60 and with a higher Rate of fire... makes me think why it didn´t get more popularity. A few years ago it still was quite common to see them in service here in Mexico mounted in Army Pick-up trucks along with it´s sibling the G3 used by the infantry.
As much as I wish someone made an HK33 version of this it pains me that even in semi auto it would cost $15k... Shot one of these, HK21E I believe, and they're great shooters but definitely heavier than they look. The recoil impulse took a while to adjust to as I had just been running and M60 and a 1919a6 just prior. Great guns and I wish there were more of them here in the states.
Hecklar & Koch made several machine gun variations on the G33: the HK 13, 23, and a couple more I can picture but don't I'm not recalling the numbers. My favorite was based on experiences with the M193 cartridge -- a 300-meter urban sniper-machinegun. It has a scope with electronic reticule for better visibility, low-light capability, and a 90-round cassette feed (something HK was developing in the 1970s). A lot of features later used on the PSG-1 to reduce noise when setting up and to improve accuracy, too. The idea was precision burst delivery for counter-terrorism; and a loaded weight between 6-7 kilograms.
Speaking of Cold War lmgs, the Aug H BAR would be a great weapon to revisit, and clear up any mistakes from the first STG77 video from several years ago: (the recoil springs are located inside the guide rods, not in the stock).
I second that! I remember when the AUG came out; 12 (14?)" SMG, 16" carbine, 18" (or was it 20?) assault rifle, 24" squad automatic, and 24" marksman. I have hardly seen anything except the standard rifle anywhere.
South African SF used them in Angola (probably left over from Portuguese colonial war) for increased firepower for small units against numerically superior forces.
Finally after what, 1 year, after I mentioned that you should talk about this one too, since you spoke about our portuguese MG contract. Thank you! Also, don't forget we had our SMGs from Lisbon, FBP (Fábrica Braço de Prata), you can check them in Lisbon, Mafra, right beside the Mosteiro of Mafra, you have the Mafra Infantry museum that you can enter by asking.
The HK21 may have been the first machine gun that is modular and had the least improvements and quite a few flaws but it's hard to deny it's a very interesting gun that followed the footsteps of the AK-47 and its variants that predatesa lot of modular guns that are interchangeable with the assault rifles the're based on like the HK21 with the G3, one of the best battle rifles in the world.
Well, since we're going down the Portuguese built weapons rabbit hole, have you ever seen an FBP or Lusa SMGs? Both are Portuguese designed and built submachine guns, the Lusa even having been produced in the US in the early 2000's after INDEP sold everything to an American arms manufacturer.
Wait until you look at what H&K did to make the MP5SD's integral suppression reduce velocity of standard 115-grain ammunition to make it subsonic -- while radically improving the accuracy of bullets engineered specifically to increase dispersion!
Ouch, that thing would surely leave a mark! I was issued the G3, and never thought of firing it fully automatic, it just wouldn't make any target sense. At least the way I was able to handle it. And it regularly rewarded me with a swollen cheek after range days.
I would ascribe your sore cheek to poor hold, but it depends on how much you fire! Yes, this was known for brutal recoil requiring considerable live-fire practice to use well . . . with that nasty recoil. Where most fully-automatic weapons require in the vicinity of 1,000 rounds to gain a good level of familiarity in training, the HK21 required 2,000-2,500; usually with no more than 100 rounds per day and a padded shooting vest or jacket, or shoot 2 days, heal bruises 3 days. But it earned a reputation for brutally hammering enemy units in Central American jungles, where ranges were often under 150 meters. The high cyclic rate contributed greatly to feed problems, while the severe impact of the bolt hitting the receiver rear after every shot tended to contribute to the disintegrating-link belt kinking; extending the receiver and changing both recoil spring and bolt to prevent that impact and reduce the cyclic by 1/4 greatly reduced those problems in the HK21E.
I wish you could show us more of the EXOTIC HKs, such as the gold-plated MP5k from the Saudi Arabian sheikh or G3 "export models" with Greek or Arabic characters, which is what I would like the most...! the individual conversions by Vollmer and Co. e.g. the "HK 51b" or the little-known conversions used by the GIGN. The French have a "special tactic to confuse their opponents with extremely short-barreled fully automatic weapons that actually only have/had one purpose... to distract the opponent with extreme noise or the bayonets or rifle grenades that are "not" actually used maybe also a report on the .22 conversion kit for the G3 for small caliber shooting
Well, the G3 is a good weapon no doubt (the only "problem" it has it that it mangles brass because of the roller delay system and the barrel fluting, but a military is not reloading their own ammo anyway, so yeah they don't care!), so yeah good choice Porugal :)
Norwegian Home Guard had these in for trial back in the 80s/90s. They liked them, but we went with Turkish made MG3s instead, which were less of a success.
(12:21) I can confirm this, the HK21 was horrible to shoot... And to carry, specially with the 100 round side drum that they made us carry during training. The MG3, although heavier, was easier to carry and way easier (and fun) to shoot.
You can’t be a small person and control a HK21 comfortably, I’m 6’1” 230 lbs and I can control mine with some effort and a lot of experience. Smaller guys that have shot it get thrown around a lot. My cyclic rate is around 900 to 1000 rounds a min which is very high for 7.62.
@@craigthescott5074 I'm 5'11 and 180 lbs, I was probably lighter back then (I'm talking 20 years ago) it was during my first year in the military, not much experience with automatic weapons... Firing the HK21 (the exact same model from the video) was my first experience with machineguns, after that was the MG3 and it was like night and day, although bigger, heavier and with a higher rate of fire, it was so easy to get the bursts on target comparing to the HK21.
@@RS-lw1hz yep the HK 21 is so fast it’s puts a lot of rounds in an area quickly and if you need to be accurate it’s has semi capability. It is a very brutal recoiling weapon especially for a first time beltfed experience.
@@craigthescott5074 yeah I'm aware of its accuracy advantages over the MG3, we even had 4x SUIT prism sights for it. But we could also get a similar accuracy with a regular G3 rifle with the same sight.
Heavy barreled Automatic Rifle/LMG Version of the standard issue rifle are never a good idea. They just don't do well in the field, the RPK maybe being the exception. Canadian Infantry, I carried a C2a1 jam-O-matic . In all fairness, the mags were the big issue with the C2.
i Shot one of these in poland not that long ago ..... its heavy I'm a big dude 6'2 and build like you expect. This thing's heavy barrel and with that bipod fixed at the front it makes it real workout to use it kicks like a mule ... full auto was only recommended from prone ... I was told there is a video running around of a polish special forces chap duel wielding it ..... 😖
If you look up the ASh-12, try to find the anti-terrorism team shoot house try-out where the recruit goes through using that 12.7x55 bullpup assault rifle on full-auto all the way through the simulated hostage-rescue mission. 8-mag mag-dump . . . .
Good old H&K sense of humour: S, E, F as the multi-lingual selector markings. Safe Economy Fun A well thought-out attempt at a full-power "SAW" NOT an inherently good idea. I had quite a bit of trigger time on the Oz variant of the C2, the L2A1 This was clearly designed by a committee of people who were NEVER likely to be required to carry or use it "for real". The M-60 was the preferred option for serious infantry work L2A1s were often issued to troops like workshop types and signalers for "local defence". When some sanity prevailed, this role was taken over by the L4 A4 , the "rebirthed" Bren. This situation lasted until the early 1990s when the 5.56 weapons were starting to be issued in bulk,. About the last troops who held the L4s ere the "Recovery Mechanics", who carried them in their big 6x6 "tow-trucks". The "F-89 / "Minimi"' lacked the "punch" of the L4, and certainly lacked the "style". There may have been a tear or two shed by the big lads in the big trucks, but we may never know. The "ways" of military procurement are a great mystery in the Universe.
I mean, I get the appeal of having your army's rifle and light machine gun share many components. But if you've got the MG3 available and you use this instead, you're doing it wrong.
Good video again, Ian. I burst out laughing at 12:30 "hammering recoil". You have like 500 grams of iron jackhammering your shoulder at 800 rpm - not a pleasant experience. When shooting G3/AK4 you can hear the bolt go clunka-clunka back and fort. I wouldn't want to try this with a 200 round belt.
El Ejercito de la Republica Federal de México (the Army of the Federal Republic of Mexico) uses HK21s mounted on Chevy Cheyenne trucks, but are phasing them out with their HK G3s in favor of FN Minimis (M249 in US Army service).
Greek here. I trained with the G3 during my time in the Army. Multiple exercises. Never knew what the hell i was shooting at or if i was even close to the target. Thit is more of a criticism of our training regiments of course but i can safely say that i am NOT a good shot.....Anyway, i managed to train ONCE with the HK11A1 which is a HK21 variant with a magazine feed, and let me tell you. This thing is ACCURATE. I dont know if its the heavy barrel or some strange voodoo kraut magic, but i felt like a damn sharpshooter with it.
Really G3’s are actually really cool guns. I never actually fired a select fire G3, but my brother has a semi auto only rifle, which was built from CETME parts. Pretty much the same as a G3. That thing was mighty fun and accurate to shoot
Odd are you had a newer HK11A1 and older beat up G3s.
It is a rare closed bolt GPMG where most are open bolt.
Funfackt , in germany this was used by the goverment as the G8 , a rifle designition , not a mg , propably because it was used mostly by the borderpatrol/police ,i belive the navy used them to though
A G-3 with a heavy barrel? It sounds so close to PSG-1...
I served in the portuguese military and got to shoot both HK21 and the MG3 at the firing range. the 21 is a kicker allright. Veterans from the portuguese colonial war would prefer the MG3 over the HK21, not olny because of the recoil but also for feeding issues that would cause the gun to jam.
@@BenJamInn-q3oWell, technically any fault in a human made system is human in origin.
@@martinh2783 Think he means operator, rather than designer/manufacturer
My HK 21 only becomes unreliable after many rounds and it’s not cleaned or oiled.
my dad was one of them, i have a picture of him with it,
@@BenJamInn-q3o no they aren't
In 1974 I purchased an H&K91. Today I can take it to the range and it functions as it did in 1974. H&K makes a very solid product.
The 21 alas, beats itself to death pretty easy.😢
I have a 1978 dated H&K91 that I picked up in 2012 for under $3000 and it’s been the most rewarding and relatable rifle I’ve ever owned outside of a bolt action. I put different grain ammo in a mag from the lightest 130 grain 308 to 200 grain with different grains mixed in and never had any jams 😮 I also put an HK21 rear sight and stock on my 91 with a HK G28 DMR flash hider
@@Darth-Nihilus1 I can't remember exactly but mine with a 6% sales tax added was under $300. I should have purchased a few dozen of them as an investment but back then who knew prices were going to go the way they did.
@@papeep2694 $300 🤯 even for the time that is beyond a steal!
HK... not H&K... it hurts... 😢
RIP Paul Harrell.
this
It's a damn shame
It’s not the end, just a shatner-esque pause.
Miss him
RIP
It's a damn shame we killed off our gun industry. Thank you for keeping its history alive. Greetings from Portugal.
Winchester model 70s are made in Portugal right now
@@M8Military Really? That's awesome! Do you happen to know where's the factory at?
I would like us to eventually set up our own manufacturers, though.
FN has a factory near Viana do Castelo, if I'm not mistaken. I think they do mostly sporting shotguns, but still...
@@goncalo33 Há mais armas feitas em Portugal: Browning BAR, winchester xpr e sxr2. Passa no meu canal tenho alguns vídeos lá sobre algumas delas
@@flavio_spqr Still, it's something. I assumed that all we had was our own military stuff, so I'm glad to know that isn't the case.
And all of Portugal's HK tooling was later purchased by JLD industries and shipped over to South Carolina and the PTR-91 was born. This is also why PTRs are near totally compatible with parts and accessories made for the G3.
As a portuguese citizen living in the USA I'm glad PTR exists, love my PTR 91
As a portuguese that loves your videos, this is very cool to see. Keep the good work
@@Claro23 Também há um canal em português, já conhece?
PORTUGAL CARALHOOOOO
@@acaribouintheattic8345 e temos canal de armas em português também.
@@canal10centrado sorry, i dont speak portuguese 🤷
@@acaribouintheattic8345 no problem
I had two girls in my service. One G3 and sometimes my MG3. They both need love to work fine. But these girls never let me down!
holy moly, Portugal mentioned
Finally 🇵🇹 (no Açores flag 🤔)
🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹🐓🐓🐓🐓
Um milagre
Yeah!
Engraçado por estava a pensar em comprar uma. Agora esta como $1000. Na tropa em lamego era a companheira.
Qualified Manufacturing did a bunch of 21 conversions. Some of the best.
South Africa bought about 100,000 FMP G3's in the early 1970's to supplement R1 (FAL) inventory. It was designated the R2 and used mainly by the South West Africa Territorial Force (Namibia) and the SA Air Force. With the help of Choate Machine and Tool, USA, a new stock and handguard were developed to better withstand the hot SWA environment.
Yep, I have a whole video on the R2: ua-cam.com/video/DZeZdH-EBrA/v-deo.html
SWABP used G3s too.
I do miss Choate Machine & Tool, their trigger kit and furniture for the Hecklar & Koch were excellent!
Rest in peace, Paul Harrell!
I was friends with the guys that ran a range out in FL when they had a 21 i was able to get my hands on it for a min, absolute blast to run
My father was a Portuguese Marine and he used this machine gun. Thank you for this video.
When I was in the army in 1995 I disassembled this gun several times but we never shot it because there was no money for ammunition I only shot the G3 and was only 10 rounds
I also shot the Walther P38 when I went to the Army corporal's school and I shot 19 rounds. Crazy
🤪
You know when you see the Bear Arms logo in the background that you're gonna see something rad.
First time I fired an HK 91 was just down the street from where Ian’s at. 😊 grew up down there
I just picked up 2 of the fmp hk21 kits. Looking forward to getting them together. First personal belt feds! I'd prefer a mk48 but one of these will do for now.
been a huge fan of the HK21 for ages, great to see you cover it!
I have to admit this is the first video I've ever seen about this gun; I was aware of the HK21 but until now I knew nothing about it. Thanks for filling in the gap, Sir.
Portugal mentioned! ❤
Norwegian special forces had these in the 90s and early 00s. Oddly paired with Diemaco c8 and c7s.
Rio de Janeiro's BOPE still uses the HK-21 and I find that pretty neat :D
The life and models of the G3 is what the U S. Army vision for the M-14 was. The idea for what the M-14 was ment to do wasn't flawed. The weapon design itself was incapable of filling the intended roles. The 7.62 cartridge wasn't the problem. The weapon system was. I know this because the FAL and G3 did most of what the US Army asked of the M-14, and they did it for decades long before NATO largely switched to 5.56 .
The g3 and fal never did all those roles tho. The basic rifles were often restricted to semi only or never really used un full auto exept to impress on the range.
Most armies that used one of these rifles kept the submachineguns both in the front line squads and for the pdw role until 556 rifles became available/adopted. And most of them had the mg3 or fn mag as the gpmg.
The one rifle does everything seems to me to be a bad idea, specially in full rifle caliber. Hell even the same cartridge submachineguns and pistols led to lots of busted up pistols as most armies soon adopted extra strong subgun ammo the pistols could not handle
The M14 was supposed to replace the Tommy Gun and the Grease Gun, and the M1 Carbine. As well as the Garand and BAR. I agree with previous poster…probably a bad idea for a “do it all” system.
The FAL failed heavily as a DMR due to fundamental flaws affecting long-range repeatable precision. While the G3 and M14 could be gussied up into a proper DMR (SG1/MSG90 and Mk14 EBR) or even an acceptable sniper rifle (PSG1 & M21).
Accurized FALs were pretty uncommon, but it *_was_* adequate as an automatic support weapon (especially the heavy barrel variants). The M14 platform has more-or-less the opposite issue (can be made into a DMR or Sniper rifle, but makes a subpar SAW). Plus, the manufacturing and quality assurance issues on military production models caused numerous problems. Also, the M14 is the least durable in long-term use, since the receiver cracking is less a question of IF, but rather WHEN.
Only the G3 could/would effectively serve all 3 roles with some notable alterations, but it's the most punishing to actually fire. Meaning it's the *_only_* platform, of the 3 mentioned, that can legitimately "do it all", but it won't necessarily be pleasant or well liked by the intended users. Plus, there aren't any production belt-fed FALs or M14s.
Personally, what I'd love to see is a custom HK21 type belt-feed system combined with a PSG1 stock, trigger pack, and barrel assembly. A belt-fed precision rifle, just for the pure hell of it.
If this machine gun adaptation of the G3 is anything like the FN FAL heavy barrelled "squad support" light machine gun, I would say that not only is the recoil unpleasant, it would be a beast to keep it firing on target. That's why the MAG or M240 was designed specifically to be used in the sustained fire role in conjunction with the FAL. All the same, it's amazing to see how such a "crudely" made gun actually got put into production. Great video as usual.
The MAG was a Swedish idea of taking a BAR and turn it in to a machinegun turning it upside down. They couldn't really get it to work so they asked FN to fix it. It was first chambered in 6,5x55. It's known in Sweden as Ksp 58.
Is it just down to weight?
The HK 21 was known for brutal recoil, yes. 19# and 1,200 rpm with 7.62 NATO gave it the name "jackhammer." Best compared with the M-60E3.
The 21E changed to a longer receiver, also used on the PSG-1, preventing the bolt from directly striking the rear of the receiver -- greatly reducing transferred recoil impact -- and reduced the cyclic to 900 rpm (paralleling the early and late MG42). Weight increased by about a pound, but it was still lighter than the M-60, MAG-58, or even some kitted M-249!
The Bundeswehr issued a few HK21 as G8. They where used by the Kampfschwimmer, the German navy seals.
By the way Ian, please make a video about the Walther P5. If I'm not wrong, this is the last pistol of the "Munich Trio", you didn't show yet.
The G8 is still in use with the riot police in several german states.
The G8 was also used as a remote controlled mounted machine gun on the roof of BGS (German border police) armoured cars
Germany doesn't have navy seals, America does. The rest of the world is not an American colony, thank God.
The Kampfschwimmer predate the Navy Seals ;)
@@samuelgarrod8327 LOL, you got triggered over calling the German equivalent to the American Navy Seals (comparable equipment and missions, and are the special operations forces of their respective nations’ navies) “the German Navy Seals”?
That would be like an American getting upset over these phrase “Amerikanische U-Boote” or “Vereinigte Staaten Luftwaffe”. That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t you agree? Perhaps take a moment to stop and think before posting drivel like “tHE reSt oF THe wOrLd iS NoT AN AmeRiCaN coLonY”.
Besides, in the US, Navy Seals are generally viewed with great admiration and respect, and someone calling a foreign force by that title is unlikely to be intended with any disrespect.
this one has always been one of my favourites
That’s perfectly alright, Ian. Thanks for posting!
im portuguese and i love your videos, please keep up the good work and dont get into career-ending drama🙏🙏🙏
He does have two separate hosts for subscribers, paying for the subscription means that you get to ask questions for the Question and Answer videos.
RIP Paul Harrell
I first learned about this gun from its inclusion Metal Gear Solid 3, cool to see it on the channel.
You're not kidding about the recoil. I've fired the Turkish license-built paratrooper version of the G3. It had a shorter barrel and a collapsing stock with a butt that is apparently designed specifically to slide downward and peel a layer of flesh off with each shot. It was simply brutal. Years later, I had an opportunity to shoot an HK91. It was less brutal but still not a lot of fun compared to an AR-10 or an FN FAL. Obviously it can be used effectively, but I don't think I'll be buying one.
A Cold War era 7.62x51 close bolt LMG that is lighter than a M60 and with a higher Rate of fire... makes me think why it didn´t get more popularity.
A few years ago it still was quite common to see them in service here in Mexico mounted in Army Pick-up trucks along with it´s sibling the G3 used by the infantry.
I had a G-3 1972 as primary weapon
As much as I wish someone made an HK33 version of this it pains me that even in semi auto it would cost $15k... Shot one of these, HK21E I believe, and they're great shooters but definitely heavier than they look. The recoil impulse took a while to adjust to as I had just been running and M60 and a 1919a6 just prior. Great guns and I wish there were more of them here in the states.
Hecklar & Koch made several machine gun variations on the G33: the HK 13, 23, and a couple more I can picture but don't I'm not recalling the numbers.
My favorite was based on experiences with the M193 cartridge -- a 300-meter urban sniper-machinegun. It has a scope with electronic reticule for better visibility, low-light capability, and a 90-round cassette feed (something HK was developing in the 1970s). A lot of features later used on the PSG-1 to reduce noise when setting up and to improve accuracy, too. The idea was precision burst delivery for counter-terrorism; and a loaded weight between 6-7 kilograms.
@@davidgoodnow269 i meant something available on the us market rt now
> smaller countries
> Nigeria
population equal to that of both Germanies back then, 2.5 times larger today
News from Down Under: someone broke into the Lithgow Small Arms museum and nicked $200,000 worth of historic firearms.
So , a mk1 Bren with all matching numbers that still works?
I have a Volmers conversion and love I.
It
:
Speaking of Cold War lmgs, the Aug H BAR would be a great weapon to revisit, and clear up any mistakes from the first STG77 video from several years ago: (the recoil springs are located inside the guide rods, not in the stock).
I second that!
I remember when the AUG came out; 12 (14?)" SMG, 16" carbine, 18" (or was it 20?) assault rifle, 24" squad automatic, and 24" marksman. I have hardly seen anything except the standard rifle anywhere.
The legacy of Herr Vorgrimmler et al, at CETME.
Evige Mauser
South African SF used them in Angola (probably left over from Portuguese colonial war) for increased firepower for small units against numerically superior forces.
thank you Ethan, thank you very very much, now i only hope i could see a video of yours about the portuguese FBP
when i saw this video my heart almost stoped of how much hapiness i had
Used this baby back in zombies mode in Black ops. Got me through quite a few rounds!
Been looking for this comment I been using this thing in customs just this morning
Well I believe that this was a comfortable gun issue in my opinion and actually I would say that this is the history's world's greatest gun
Finally after what, 1 year, after I mentioned that you should talk about this one too, since you spoke about our portuguese MG contract. Thank you!
Also, don't forget we had our SMGs from Lisbon, FBP (Fábrica Braço de Prata), you can check them in Lisbon, Mafra, right beside the Mosteiro of Mafra, you have the Mafra Infantry museum that you can enter by asking.
Interesting! Thank you for making mention of this museum!
I've always wanted a G3, one with wooden furniture. Absolute classic!
I really like the couple of videos you did looking at firearms in movies, would love to see more
Yeah G3 full auto can be a bit of a ride. I trained a bit with swedish G3's doing full auto off hand shooting.
The HK21 may have been the first machine gun that is modular and had the least improvements and quite a few flaws but it's hard to deny it's a very interesting gun that followed the footsteps of the AK-47 and its variants that predatesa lot of modular guns that are interchangeable with the assault rifles the're based on like the HK21 with the G3, one of the best battle rifles in the world.
If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were.
Having an HK91A2, I know I need to add this weapon for my life to be complete.
I've been waiting for you to do this early version, awesome!
I want this recreationally
This is how it should be.
Thanks! I did indeed enjoy this one a lot, I love bits on the HK roller-delayed family specifically.
Well, since we're going down the Portuguese built weapons rabbit hole, have you ever seen an FBP or Lusa SMGs? Both are Portuguese designed and built submachine guns, the Lusa even having been produced in the US in the early 2000's after INDEP sold everything to an American arms manufacturer.
Really hope he can get his hands on one of those for a video
to me this is the best looking LMG of all time. FG42 is up there as well
I strongly dislike that it never clicked for me until now that an MP5 is literally just a submachine gun version of a G3
Wait until you look at what H&K did to make the MP5SD's integral suppression reduce velocity of standard 115-grain ammunition to make it subsonic -- while radically improving the accuracy of bullets engineered specifically to increase dispersion!
as a portuguese silly billy i thank you for presenting this
@@Hymenaei tenho uma entrevista com o ian no meu canal
Still one of my favorite LMG's it has ao many awesome qualities for a light support weapon
Ouch, that thing would surely leave a mark! I was issued the G3, and never thought of firing it fully automatic, it just wouldn't make any target sense. At least the way I was able to handle it. And it regularly rewarded me with a swollen cheek after range days.
I would ascribe your sore cheek to poor hold, but it depends on how much you fire!
Yes, this was known for brutal recoil requiring considerable live-fire practice to use well . . . with that nasty recoil. Where most fully-automatic weapons require in the vicinity of 1,000 rounds to gain a good level of familiarity in training, the HK21 required 2,000-2,500; usually with no more than 100 rounds per day and a padded shooting vest or jacket, or shoot 2 days, heal bruises 3 days.
But it earned a reputation for brutally hammering enemy units in Central American jungles, where ranges were often under 150 meters.
The high cyclic rate contributed greatly to feed problems, while the severe impact of the bolt hitting the receiver rear after every shot tended to contribute to the disintegrating-link belt kinking; extending the receiver and changing both recoil spring and bolt to prevent that impact and reduce the cyclic by 1/4 greatly reduced those problems in the HK21E.
I read and heard Delta Force use some of these in the units early years.
I wish you could show us more of the EXOTIC HKs, such as the gold-plated MP5k from the Saudi Arabian sheikh or G3 "export models" with Greek or Arabic characters, which is what I would like the most...! the individual conversions by Vollmer and Co. e.g. the "HK 51b" or the little-known conversions used by the GIGN.
The French have a "special tactic to confuse their opponents with extremely short-barreled fully automatic weapons that actually only have/had one purpose... to distract the opponent with extreme noise
or the bayonets or rifle grenades that are "not" actually used
maybe also a report on the .22 conversion kit for the G3 for small caliber shooting
Germany used some here named G8 in SOF service like Kampfschwimmer and KSK
As always, Thanks for the education, Ian!!!
Top 5 great videos for me ! Appreciate it....
The 21 looks huge with that large not-really magazine well and handguard/barrel casing. Pretty cool even if it's probably a bit unwieldy.
2:35 - "OLÉ!"
XP
Yes
I have a G3, and the back 1/3 looks just like mine. The rest?!? Hooo boy!
Well, the G3 is a good weapon no doubt (the only "problem" it has it that it mangles brass because of the roller delay system and the barrel fluting, but a military is not reloading their own ammo anyway, so yeah they don't care!), so yeah good choice Porugal :)
Dang!!! I knew those existed, i never got to see one...
Cada vez gosto mais do canal...
Ok now I need to see the HK21E.
ua-cam.com/video/kZWtGiESQ4s/v-deo.htmlsi=aEBUkCJYofbyz4sg
He has a video on it. It's kinda interesting he did a video on the 21E before the 21, but I imagine there are more 21Es than 21s.
Thank you for more on thsi fascinating and underloved system.
Couldn't tell you for sure why, but I've always felt that the HK21, like the Beretta 92, has a strange beauty to it.
Norwegian Home Guard had these in for trial back in the 80s/90s. They liked them, but we went with Turkish made MG3s instead, which were less of a success.
9:05 it is possible to fire a 20mm Rh202 w/o locking the barrel. Yes, the unlocked barrel does fly out of the gun.
1:06 Alberto Barbosa enters the chat
(12:21) I can confirm this, the HK21 was horrible to shoot... And to carry, specially with the 100 round side drum that they made us carry during training. The MG3, although heavier, was easier to carry and way easier (and fun) to shoot.
You can’t be a small person and control a HK21 comfortably, I’m 6’1” 230 lbs and I can control mine with some effort and a lot of experience. Smaller guys that have shot it get thrown around a lot. My cyclic rate is around 900 to 1000 rounds a min which is very high for 7.62.
@@craigthescott5074 I'm 5'11 and 180 lbs, I was probably lighter back then (I'm talking 20 years ago) it was during my first year in the military, not much experience with automatic weapons...
Firing the HK21 (the exact same model from the video) was my first experience with machineguns, after that was the MG3 and it was like night and day, although bigger, heavier and with a higher rate of fire, it was so easy to get the bursts on target comparing to the HK21.
@@RS-lw1hz yep the HK 21 is so fast it’s puts a lot of rounds in an area quickly and if you need to be accurate it’s has semi capability. It is a very brutal recoiling weapon especially for a first time beltfed experience.
@@craigthescott5074 yeah I'm aware of its accuracy advantages over the MG3, we even had 4x SUIT prism sights for it. But we could also get a similar accuracy with a regular G3 rifle with the same sight.
Surprised your doing a Portuguese weapon.
Mexico purchased many of these.
Heavy barreled Automatic Rifle/LMG Version of the standard issue rifle are never a good idea. They just don't do well in the field, the RPK maybe being the exception.
Canadian Infantry, I carried a C2a1 jam-O-matic .
In all fairness, the mags were the big issue with the C2.
I would like to see a modernization of the gun like Ian did with his Spuhr G3.
I’ll bet that thing is a party to clean.
i Shot one of these in poland not that long ago ..... its heavy I'm a big dude 6'2 and build like you expect. This thing's heavy barrel and with that bipod fixed at the front it makes it real workout to use it kicks like a mule ... full auto was only recommended from prone ...
I was told there is a video running around of a polish special forces chap duel wielding it ..... 😖
Well, they get selected at birth and fed a steady diet of Bigos and Pierogi to make them really strong ;)
If you look up the ASh-12, try to find the anti-terrorism team shoot house try-out where the recruit goes through using that 12.7x55 bullpup assault rifle on full-auto all the way through the simulated hostage-rescue mission. 8-mag mag-dump . . . .
Good old H&K sense of humour:
S, E, F as the multi-lingual selector markings.
Safe
Economy
Fun
A well thought-out attempt at a full-power "SAW"
NOT an inherently good idea. I had quite a bit of trigger time on the Oz variant of the C2, the L2A1 This was clearly designed by a committee of people who were NEVER likely to be required to carry or use it "for real". The M-60 was the preferred option for serious infantry work
L2A1s were often issued to troops like workshop types and signalers for "local defence".
When some sanity prevailed, this role was taken over by the L4 A4 , the "rebirthed" Bren.
This situation lasted until the early 1990s when the 5.56 weapons were starting to be issued in bulk,. About the last troops who held the L4s ere the "Recovery Mechanics", who carried them in their big 6x6 "tow-trucks". The "F-89 / "Minimi"' lacked the "punch" of the L4, and certainly lacked the "style". There may have been a tear or two shed by the big lads in the big trucks, but we may never know.
The "ways" of military procurement are a great mystery in the Universe.
It's beautiful
Would love to see the latest edition in a comparison video.
G3 a handsome design 😊
I mean, I get the appeal of having your army's rifle and light machine gun share many components. But if you've got the MG3 available and you use this instead, you're doing it wrong.
I remember the hk21 from playing MGS4. Dont remember it in any other titles, but im sure its out there.
Good video again, Ian. I burst out laughing at 12:30 "hammering recoil". You have like 500 grams of iron jackhammering your shoulder at 800 rpm - not a pleasant experience. When shooting G3/AK4 you can hear the bolt go clunka-clunka back and fort. I wouldn't want to try this with a 200 round belt.
Ian has probably forgotten more about weapons than I will ever learn.
Oh boy, Ian's favorite weapon system, the G3 😭
Ian has my dream job!!!!!!
god i loved using that gun in cod bo1
very cool
Dzięki Ian za ciekawy kolejny film. W tych portugalskich koloniach w Afryce było dużo niemiaszków , sprowadzonych po II wojnie. 👽🖖
El Ejercito de la Republica Federal de México (the Army of the Federal Republic of Mexico) uses HK21s mounted on Chevy Cheyenne trucks, but are phasing them out with their HK G3s in favor of FN Minimis (M249 in US Army service).
Paul Harrell passed. Just got the news.
A baby of a MG42 and STG45.