HECKLER & KOCH thinks in terms of systems; proven concepts are applied systematically
and thoroughly to small arms. In the G41, these are: the delayed roller-locked bolt
principle, the hammer-forged barrel with polygonal bore, the deep-drawn sheet steel
receiver, the rotary-aperture rear sight and the option of either fixed or collapsible butt
stocks.
Added to these basic components are important practical innovations to expand and
improve the operational scope of the G41:
- Wide-ranging inter-operability with other light infantry weapons has been achieved.
The G41 barrel is available with various rifling lenghts to fire with optimum effect the
various types of 5.56x45 caliber (.223) ammunition in use with the armed forces. In
addition to taking the HK 30-round magazine, the G41 magazine well has been designed
to accept all other magazines in compliance with STANAG size specifications.
- The trigger mechanism in integrated with the pistol grip and allows three different
types of fire. The four selector lever positions are marked with symbols representing:
Safe / Single fire / 3-round burst / Automatic fire. The ergonomic safety can be
operated from either side.
- The burst control trigger restricts the length of a burst to three rounds. Each time
the trigger is released, a new count is started, regardless of how many rounds were
fired the last time.
- A low-noise forward assist is used to positively yet quietly close the bolt.
Operating this device presses the bolt forward until the rollers are fully locked.
This can also be used to lock an excessively fouled bolt. To quietly load the weapon,
e.g., when lying in ambush, the firer does not let the cocking lever snap forward, but
instead eases it faorward slowly. The forward assist is then pressed to completely
lock the bolt.
- A bolt catch holds the breech open when the last round in the magazine has been
fired, thereby speeding the reloading operation.
- A hinged and spring-loaded dust cover seals the ejection port to inhibit chamber
fouling.
- A carrying handle is positioned at the weapons' balance point. When not in use,
it folds to the side leaving a clear sight picture.
- A robust and durable rifle, the G41 designed to last for more than 20,000 rounds.
- Its modular design provides for the use of STANAG-specific rifle grenades and
magazines, for the attachment of an optional scope mount that accepts all day and
night sighting devices, and for the attachment of a bipod.
G41-TGS
Tactical Group Support system
This individual-troop system is intended to privide a combat group with its own tactical
support, and it consists of a combination of a G41 rifle with a detachable HK 79 grenade
launcher that is chambered for 40mm projectiles. A group armed with the G41-TGS can
safely yet more effectively engage targets from behind cover at up to 350 meters. A
wide selection of 40mm grenades are available; these range from flares to barricade
breakers to high-explosive (HE) rounds. The HK 79 will attach to all versions of the G41
without the use of tools, so combat units need only to choose the desired rifle platform
when assembling a TGS system.
HK's technologically-advanced G41 automatic rifle is a product of continual reasearch
and development, and it is manufactured under some of the most sophisticated
production methods in current use. The development of this rifle was specifically
aimed at finding new and superior solutions - at pursuing those genuinely advanced
features that represent practical and important innovations.
The design of the G41 called for a rifle that was exceptionally robust, with on-target
precision, reliability, and long service life as leading features. No other automatic
rifle remains as stable or is as easy to control when firing short bursts or on automatic
fire. This attribute lends the soldier decisive advantages rather than - in the interests
of faddish compromise - a slight reduction in weight. A bit of hands-on training with
this weapon will quickly reveal its practical handling and controllability as well as its
convincing ergonomic design.
The G41 retains many of the G3's salient features that have proven totally reliable
through decades of use. For instance, the G41's recoil-operated and roller-locked
bolt fires from a positively closed position for optimum accuracy. Its sights are identical
to those of the G3 - hooded-post front sight and 4-position rotary rear sight with
diopter settings ranging from 200 to 400 meters. The 6-sided polygonal bore profile
resembles that of the superior PSG1 marksman's rifle and offers improved ballistics,
increased barrel life and reduced fouling. Precision, reliability and longevity are
hallmarks of the G41 rifle.
To date, HECKLER & KOCH has issued production liscenses in 14 different countries
for the manufacture of assault rifles, machine-guns and submachine-guns in
calibers ranging from 9mm to 7.62 NATO. HK has well-established and straightforward
procedures for transmitting production know-how to their liscensing partners. They
have planned and built complete, turn-key facilities while training personnel for the
successful and efficient operation thereof. Liscensed producers of HK small arms recieve
what they expect - modern industrial plants, technical knowledge and assistance, and
professional service.
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