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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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MG3

The MG3 is a German general-purpose machine gun chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The MG3 is a German general-purpose machine gun chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It is a postwar development of the World War II MG 42 and has been used by the Bundeswehr and other armed forces. The MG3 was introduced into Bundeswehr service in 1969.

Design

The MG3 is a modernization of the MG 42 adapted for NATO-standard 7.62×51mm ammunition. It retains the general-purpose machine-gun role and is used from bipod, tripod, and vehicle mounts.

Service history

Germany adopted the MG3 as a standard machine gun for the Bundeswehr in the postwar period. It remained in service for many years and has also been used by other armed forces.

Specifications

Commonly listed specifications include a calibre of 7.62×51mm NATO, a barrel length of 565 mm, and a weapon weight of about 11.5 kg. Official and secondary sources also describe a high cyclic rate of fire.

Variants and use

The MG3 has appeared in several configurations for infantry and mounted roles. Sources note versions such as vehicle-mounted or dual-mounted variants used by military forces.

Key facts

  • The MG3 is a postwar German machine gun based on the MG 42.
  • It fires the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.
  • Rheinmetall manufactured the MG3 for the Bundeswehr.
  • The MG3 was introduced into Bundeswehr service in 1969.
  • The weapon is known for its high rate of fire.
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Canadian context

The MG3 is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a widely known NATO-standard machine gun in military history and small-arms comparisons, though it is not a standard Canadian service weapon.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MG3?
The MG3 is a German general-purpose machine gun derived from the MG 42 and chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.
Who makes the MG3?
Rheinmetall is identified as the manufacturer of the MG3.
When was the MG3 introduced?
Sources identify 1969 as the year it was introduced into Bundeswehr service.
What cartridge does the MG3 use?
It uses the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.
Is the MG3 still in use?
Yes. Sources indicate it remains in service with the Bundeswehr and other countries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_3_machine_gun
    Supports: Identifies the MG3 as a German general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO and derived from the MG 42.
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG3
    Supports: States that the MG3 was introduced in 1969 as the Bundeswehr's standard machine gun and is a development of the MG 42.
  3. Bundeswehr — https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/mg3
    Supports: Provides official Bundeswehr specifications including calibre, maximum combat distance, rate of fire, weight, and barrel length.
  4. WeaponSystems.net — https://weaponsystems.net/system/1043-Rheinmetall+MG3
    Supports: Describes the MG3 as a German Cold War machine gun and a conversion of the MG 42 to 7.62×51mm NATO.
  5. Estonian Defence Forces — https://mil.ee/en/mg-3-machine-gun/
    Supports: Lists technical specifications such as weight, length, barrel length, muzzle velocity, and firing rate.