View source for Engineering:MG3 machine gun

{{Infobox weapon
|name=MG 3
|image=BundeswehrMG3.jpg
|caption=MG 3 on display with a non-disintegrating DM1 belt, spare barrel and bolt
|type=[[Engineering:General-purpose machine gun|General-purpose machine gun]]
<!-- Type selection -->
|service=1959–present
|wars=Nigerian Civil War<br>Bangladesh Liberation War<ref name="mcnab2002">{{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |title=20th Century Military Uniforms |year=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3|page=31}}</ref><br>Iran–Iraq War<br />Lebanese Civil War<br />Kurdish–Turkish conflict<br>Second Sudanese Civil War<ref>{{cite journal|date=August 1998 |volume= 10|issue= 4|title=Sudan - Global trade, local impact: Arms Transfers to all Sides in the Civil War in Sudan|url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/sudan0898%20Report.pdf|page=25|journal=Human Rights Watch Report}}</ref><br>Somali Civil War<br />War in Afghanistan<br />[[Social:War in North-West Pakistan|War in North-West Pakistan]]<br />Syrian Civil War<br>Boko Haram insurgency<ref name='Tessieres' /><br>Libyan Civil War<br>Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)<ref name="Abu">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM3ElTvF52I&t=1m52s|title=What It's Really Like to Fight for the Islamic State|via=YouTube}}</ref><br>[[Social:Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)|Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)]]<ref>{{cite AV media |year=2015 |title=Dnevnik |language=Slovenian|url=http://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/dnevnik/174353873 |access-date=8 August 2015 |time=17:13 |location=Ljubljana, Slovenia |publisher=Radiotelevizija Slovenija}}</ref><!-- Production history -->
|designer=
|number=1 million+
|spec_label=
|length={{convert|1225|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br /> {{convert|1097|mm|abbr=on|1}} (without stock)
|width=
|height=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|action=[[Engineering:Recoil operation|Recoil-operated, roller locked]]
|image_size=300
|origin=West Germany
|is_ranged=yes
<!-- Service history -->
|used_by=See ''Users''
|design_date= 1959
|manufacturer=Rheinmetall<br /> License-built by: Beretta, MKEK, Ellinika Amyntika Systimata, Defense Industries Organization, Military Industry Corporation, Pakistan Ordnance Factories, [[Company:General Dynamics|General Dynamics]] Santa Bárbara Sistemas
|unit_cost=
|production_date=1960–present
|variants=See ''Variants''
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight={{convert|11.5|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref>https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/ZDv_3-14_Das_Maschinengewehr.pdf</ref><br /> {{convert|27.5|kg|abbr=on}} (mounted on tripod)
|part_length={{convert|565|mm|abbr=on|1}}
|cartridge=[[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62×51mm NATO]]
|rate=1,000–1,300&nbsp;rpm<ref name="eas">{{cite web|url=http://www.eas.gr/index.php?lang=en&sec=7&cid=117 |title=Hellenic Defense Systems |publisher=Eas.gr |date=2013-07-31 |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref>
|velocity={{convert|820|m/s|0|abbr=on}}
|range=200–1,200&nbsp;m sight adjustments
|max_range={{convert|600|m|0|abbr=on}} (bipod)<br />{{convert|1200|m|0|abbr=on}} (tripod mounted)<br />{{convert|3000|m|0|abbr=on}} (gun carriage)<br />{{convert|3750|m|0|abbr=on}} (terminal)
|feed=50-round non-disintegrating DM1 belt (can be combined in a drum); 100-round disintegrating DM6/M13 belt
|sights=Open tangent iron sights
}}

The '''MG 3''' is a German [[Engineering:General-purpose machine gun|general-purpose machine gun]] chambered for the [[Engineering:7.62×51mm NATO|7.62×51mm NATO]] cartridge. The weapon's design is derived from the [[Social:World War II|World War II]] era [[Engineering:MG 42|MG 42]] universal machine gun that fired the [[Engineering:7.92×57mm Mauser|7.92×57mm Mauser]] round.<ref name="Woźniak">Woźniak, Ryszard: ''Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 3 M-P'', page 106. Bellona, 2001.</ref>

The MG 3 was standardized in the late 1950s and adopted into service with the newly formed ''Bundeswehr'', where it continues to serve to this day as a squad support weapon and a vehicle-mounted machine gun. The weapon and its derivatives have also been acquired by the armed forces of over 30 countries. Production rights to the machine gun were purchased by Italy (MG 42/59), {{wipe|Spain}}, {{wipe|Pakistan}} (MG 1A3), Greece, [[Religion:Iran|Iran]], Sudan and [[Place:Turkey|Turkey]].<ref name="mkek">{{cite web |url=http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=90&iKodUrunKategorisi=122 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915211807/http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=90&iKodUrunKategorisi=122 |archive-date=2009-09-15 |url-status=dead |title=MKEK – PRODUCT DETAILS |accessdate=2014-04-04 }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:West German Mechanized Infantry.jpg|thumb|left|Soldiers of the West German ''Bundeswehr'' on exercise in 1960. Pictured is the predecessor to the MG 3—the MG 1A3 variant. The soldier on the right is carrying a G3 battle rifle. In the rear stands a SPz 11-2.]]
[[File:MG42 zu MG3 umgelabelt.jpg|thumb|left|Markings on an original MG 42 retrofitted to a MG 3 in 1959]]

At the end of [[Social:World War II|World War II]] the original technical drawings and data for the 7.92×57mm Mauser chambered MG 42 were captured by the Soviets. These would eventually find their way to Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia. Rheinmetall had to reverse engineer the first postwar machine guns from an original MG 42 machine gun.<ref name="Rheinmetall Machinengewehr 3">[http://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/156145896479/rheinmetall-machinengewehr-3-west-germany Rheinmetall Machinengewehr 3]</ref>

Production of the first postwar variant of the [[Engineering:MG 42|MG 42]] chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition (designated the '''MG 1''') was launched in 1958 at the Rheinmetall arms factory as requested by the Bundeswehr. Shortly thereafter, the machine gun was modified, receiving a [[Engineering:Chrome plating|chrome]]-lined barrel and sights properly calibrated for the new round; this model would be named the '''MG 1A1''' (known also as the '''MG 42/58''').

A further development of the MG 1A1 was the '''MG 1A2''' ('''MG 42/59'''), which had a heavier bolt ({{convert|950|g|oz|2|abbr=on}}, compared to {{convert|550|g|oz|2|abbr=on}}), a new friction ring buffer and was adapted to use both the standard German non-disintegrating ''Patronengurt DM1'' ammunition belt and the American [[Engineering:M13 link|M13]] disintegrating belt. Further improvements to the weapon's muzzle device, [[Engineering:Bipod|bipod]] and bolt resulted in the '''MG 1A3'''.

Simultaneously, wartime 7.92×57mm Mauser chambered MG 42 machine guns that remained in service were converted to the standard 7.62×51mm NATO chambering and designated '''MG 2'''.

In 1968, the MG 3 was introduced and entered production. Compared to the MG 1A3, the MG 3 features an improved feeding mechanism with a belt retaining pawl to hold the belt up to the gun when the top cover plate is lifted, an added anti-aircraft sight and a new ammunition box. MG 3s were produced for Germany and for export customers by Rheinmetall until 1979. The preceding non-MG 3 variant machine guns in the ''Bundeswehr'' inventory were gradually converted to the MG 3 standard. Some additional production of the MG 3 in Germany was carried out by Heckler & Koch.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shepherd |first=Christian |url=http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/machine-gun-42/ |title=Machine Gun 42 |publisher=Tactical Life |date= |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref> The MG 3 and its variants all share a high level of parts interchangeability with the original MG 42.

MG 3s continue to be produced in Turkey and Pakistan.<ref>[https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/bang-meet-5-best-machine-guns-planet-75816 Bang: Meet the 5 Best Machine Guns on the Planet]</ref> In 2019 there were plans in Germany to produce several thousand new MG 3 receivers to keep using vehicle mounted MG 3s in the low level anti-aircraft (designated MG 3A0A1) and turret mounted (designated MG 3A1A1) roles in the near future.<ref>[https://esut.de/2019/03/fachbeitraege/ruestung/11002/harmonisierung-bei-den-handwaffen-der-bundeswehr/ Harmonisiering bei den Handwaffen der Bundeswehr, 6 March 2019 {{in lang|de}}]</ref>

==Operation==
The German military instructs sustained fire must be avoided at all costs. In the bipod mounted light machine gun role MG 3 users are trained to fire short bursts of 3 to 5 rounds and strive to optimize their aim between bursts fired in succession. In the tripod mounted medium machine gun role MG 3 users are trained to fire short bursts and bursts of 20 to 30 rounds and strive to optimize their aim between bursts fired in succession.<ref name="stevespages.com">[http://stevespages.com/pdf/german_zdv312_schiessen_mit_handwaffen.pdf ZDv 3/12. Schießen mit Handwaffen {{in lang|de}}]{{Dead link|date=March 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>  After around 150 rounds of rapid fire, the gun operator will open a side hatch (leading to the barrel) and replace the hot barrel with a new cool(er) one. Non-observance of this technical limitation renders the barrel prematurely unusable. The machine gun crew member responsible for a hot barrel change is issued protective asbestos gloves or a cloth to prevent burns to the hands.

==Design details==

===Operating mechanism===
[[File:Kinematik, MG42 rollenübersetzter Verschluss mit kurz zurückgleitendem Lauf CC BY-SA 4.0 Autor Grasyl.png|thumb|MG 3 roller-locked boosted short recoil action digram]]
[[File:MG3.jpg|thumb|right|MG 3 of the German Army]]
[[File:Bundeswehr 1982 (4060040603).jpg|thumb|Parts of a German MG 3]]

The MG 3 is an automatic, air-cooled, belt-fed [[Engineering:Recoil operation|short recoil]]-operated firearm. It features a roller locked bolt mechanism that consists of the bolt head, a pair of rollers, the striker sleeve, bolt body and return spring. The bolt is locked securely by a wedge-shaped striker sleeve, which forces two cylindrical rollers contained in the bolt head outward, and into corresponding recesses in the extension of the breech of the barrel. On firing, both the barrel and barrel extension recoil to the rear. The resulting impact (much like a [[Physics:Newton's cradle|Newton's cradle]]) moves the carrier to the rear withdrawing the wedge and both rollers as they are cammed inward and out of their sockets by fixed cams, unlocking the bolt head. The bolt carrier and bolt then continue to the rear together guided by fixed guides while the barrel and barrel extension return to battery. Upon return of the bolt forward, the impact of the rollers against the camming surfaces on the breech carry the rollers from their seats, and, together with the surfaces on the striker sleeve, force the rollers outward, locking the bolt head into the barrel extension and ensuring a complete lock. The bolt also houses a spring-loaded casing extractor and ejector. Ejection is carried out when the ejector strikes the buffer head, sending a push forward through the ejector bar, which hits the ejector pin. This pin pushes the top of the base of the cartridge, which is still held by the extractor at the base, causing the empty casing to rotate and eject downward through the ejection chute.

===Features===
The machine gun has an automatic-only trigger mechanism and a cross-bolt safety in the form of a button that is operated by the shooting hand (in its "safe" position the bolt release is disabled). The weapon fires from an [[Engineering:Open bolt|open bolt]]. The cyclic rate can be altered by installing different bolts and recoil springs. A heavier bolt uses more recoil energy to overcome inertia, thus slowing the action. On MG 3 machine guns, two types of bolts are available, with standard weight (about {{convert|650|g|oz|2|abbr=on}}) for the standard 1,000–1,300 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire and with extra weight (about {{convert|900|g|oz|2|abbr=on}}) for a slower 800–950 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire. Those bolts also are used along with different [[Physics:Hooke's law|return springs]].<ref name="Rheinmetall Machinengewehr 3"/>

The MG 3 feeds from the left side through a feed block using metal, 50-round continuous-link ''Patronengurt DM1'' ammunition belts (which can be combined by cartridge) or disintegrating-link M13 or DM6 belts. In the [[Engineering:Light machine gun|light machine gun]] role, the MG 3 is deployed with a 100-round (or 120-round in case of disintegrating belts) belt fitted inside a synthetic ammunition drum developed by Heckler & Koch that is latched on to the left side of the receiver. The rear wall of the drum is transparent and serves as a visual indicator for the amount of ammunition available. The feed system operates through a feed arm that is housed in the feed cover. Two feed pawls are linked to the front end of the arm by an intermediate link and move in opposite directions, moving the belt in two stages as the bolt moves back and forward during firing.

For the light machine gun role the MG3 is equipped with a synthetic [[Chemistry:Polymer|polymer]] stock and a folding bipod.

===Barrel===
The MG 3 has a quick-change, chrome-lined barrel with four right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 1 in 305&nbsp;mm (1:12 in) and weighs {{convert|1.7|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}. Alternatively, MG 3 barrels can also have [[Engineering:Polygonal rifling|polygonal rifling]]. The barrel is integrated with the barrel breech. During sustained firing, there is a need for the barrel to be changed and this is how they are swapped: The gun is cocked and the barrel catch on the right of the barrel shroud is swung forward. Then, the breech end of the hot barrel swings out and can be removed by elevating or twisting the gun. A fresh barrel would be inserted through the barrel catch and the muzzle bearing. When the catch is rotated back, the barrel is locked and the machine gun can resume firing. Both the receiver housing and ventilated barrel casing are made from pressed sheet steel. The machine gun crew member responsible for a hot barrel change was issued protective asbestos gloves to prevent getting burned. A muzzle device is mounted at the end of the barrel and it acts as a [[Engineering:Flash suppressor|flash suppressor]], [[Engineering:Muzzle brake|muzzle brake]] and recoil booster.

===Feeding===
[[File:Strēlniekiem 100 (20258195621).jpg|thumb|Non-disintegrating metal DM1 belt]]
[[File:MG3 Zerfallgurt.jpg|thumb|Disintegrating metal M13 link belt (designated DM60 by Germany)]]

MG 3 machine guns are belt-fed from the left to the right side, using non-disintegrating metal DM1 [[Engineering:Belt (firearms)|belts]], which have links that wrap around the cartridge case and are linked by a coiling wire on each side. DM1 belts are preloaded at ammunition factories in 50-round connectable belt lengths and can be linked to any length necessary. Spent cartridge cases are ejected downwards, and the emptied links are transported to the right. DM1 belts are intended for reuse.
Alternatively the MG3 can also be fed by disintegrating metal [[Engineering:M13 link|M13 link]] belts (designated DM60 by Germany) used by many NATO member states. M13 links are also used on the [[Engineering:Minigun|Dillon M134D Minigun]], [[Engineering:M60 machine gun|M60]], [[Engineering:FN MAG|FN MAG]], HK21 and MG5 machine guns among others. The disintegrating metal belt is fed from the left side. Ejection of empty M13 links is to the right side, and spent cartridge cases are ejected downwards.The inexpensive M13 links are considered disposable.
Both belt types are of push-through type and use a metal lip that is arrested in the rim of the cartridges to correctly position and fix the cartridges in place.
For field use there are several ammunition containers available. The ''Gurttrommel'' (belt drum) contains a 50-round DM1 or DM60 belt. The ''Gurttrommel'' is not a true magazine but holds a curled 50-round belt preventing it from snagging, twisting and getting stuck during mobile assaults. The steel DM2 ammunition box contains a 250-round DM1 belt and the smaller plastic DM40004 ammunition box contains a 100-round DM1 belt or a 120-round DM60 belt.
The German military tends to use non-disintegrating DM1 belts for general use and disintegrating DM60/M13 belts in vehicle or aircraft fixed MG3 mountings that allow for collecting the ejected link pieces for reuse.

===Sights===
The open-type iron sighting line has a relatively short {{convert|430|mm|in|1|sp=us}} radius and consists of a "∧-type" height adjustable front sight on a folding post and a leaf rear sight with an open V-notch sliding on a ramp, graduated from {{convert|200|to|1,200|m|yds|0|sp=us}} in {{convert|100|m|yds|0|sp=us}} increments. A flip-up anti-aircraft sight is attached to the receiver top just in front of the normal rear sight element.

===Tripod===
[[File:ILÜ 2012 - MG3.jpg|right|thumb|The MG 3 seen here in the stationary, heavy machine gun role, mounted on a stabilized ''Feldlafette'' tripod and fitted with an optical ''Zielfernrohr 4 × 24'' periscope sight.]]

In a stationary, heavy machine gun role the MG 3 is mounted on a buffered ''Feldlafette'' ("field tripod") that also features storage containers for accessories like the ''Zielfernrohr 4 × 24'' periscope-style telescopic sight. The direct fire only ''Zielfernrohr 4 × 24'' sight like the MG 3 is mounted on the ''Feldlafette'' and is graduated from {{convert|0|to|1,600|m|yds|0|sp=us}} in {{convert|100|m|yds|0|sp=us}} increments. The ''Zielfernrohr 4 × 24'' reticle can be illuminated by an external unit. It can also be used with the FERO-Z 51 night sight.<ref name="stevespages.com"/>

A unique feature of the German World War II ''Feldlafette'' types that was not carried over to the MG3 ''Feldlafette'' was the ''Tiefenfeuerautomat'' ("in-depth automatic fire"). If selected, this feature walked the fire in wave like motions up and down the range between predefined ranges. This sweeping of a given range (''Tiefenfeuer'' - "in-depth fire") continued as long as the gun was fired.

==Variants==
[[File:Northern Light 99, NATO German Marines.JPEG|thumb|right|German naval security troops deployed in a training scenario with an MG 3 (1990s).]]
[[File:Poligono Mg.jpg|thumb|Italian soldier with MG 42/59 produced by Beretta]]
[[Image:Austrian forces at Combined Resolve II (14236022975).jpg|thumb|right|Austrian Army soldiers with MG 74 and Steyr AUG during a maneuver]]

* '''MG 1''': Rheinmetall variant of the MG 42, most notably rechambered to fire 7.62×51mm NATO.
* '''MG 1A1 (MG 42/58)''': As MG 1, but with sights properly calibrated for the new round. Sights refitted to existing MG 1s.
* '''MG 1A2 (MG 42/59)''': MG 1A1 variant; product improved with longer ejection port, heavy bolt and friction ring buffer.
* '''MG 1A3''': MG 1A2 variant; product improvement of all major components.
* '''MG 1A4''': MG 1 variant; for fixed mount armor use.
* '''MG 1A5''': MG 1A3 variant; MG1A3s converted to MG1A4 standard.
* '''MG 2''': Designation for all wartime MG 42s rechambered to 7.62×51mm NATO.
* '''MG 3''': MG 1A3 variant; product improved with AA rear sight.
* '''MG 3E''': MG 3 variant; reduced weight model (roughly 1.3&nbsp;kg lighter), entered into late 1970s NATO small arms trials.
* '''MG 3A1''': MG 3 variant; for fixed mount armor use.
* '''MG 3KWS''': MG 3 variant; developed by Rheinmetall and Tactics Group as a stand in until the HK121 replaces it.<ref>{{cite web|last=Steve|first=Johnson|title=Bundeswehr MG3KWS Upgrade Program|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/01/06/bundeswehr-mg3kws-upgrade-program/|publisher=The Firearm Blog|accessdate=2014-01-19}}</ref>
* '''MG 42/59''': Italian variant produced by Beretta, Whitehead Motofides and Franchi, since 1959, Chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The bolt weight was increased to {{convert|1200|g|oz|2|abbr=on}}) for a reduced 800 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire. Used mainly mounted on vehicles and has largely been phased out by the M249 SAW.
* '''Ksp m/94''': Swedish variant chambered with the 7.62×51mm NATO round. Mainly used as secondary armament in Stridsvagn 122.

===Multiple barrel variants===
A mounted variant with three rotating barrels (to reduce barrel erosion and overheating) is under development as the [[Engineering:Rheinmetall RMG 7.62|Rheinmetall RMG 7.62]] as a vehicle weapon.

The MG14z is a double barrel variant of the MG 3 machine gun. The MG14z enhances the firepower of military units that still issue the MG 3 or other MG 42 derivatives. It has been developed by the Tactics Group GmbH company "a low-cost alternative to Miniguns".<ref name="all4shooters">{{cite web|url=http://www.all4shooters.com/en/specials/Trade-shows-2014/IWA-2014-new-products/enforcetac/Tactics-Group-MG14Z/|title=Tactics Group MG-14z - Trade Shows 2014 - IWA 2014 - all4shooters.com|publisher=all4shooters.com|accessdate=2014-06-28}}</ref>

==Deployment==
The MG 3 is still used as the standard secondary weapon of most modern German [[Engineering:Armoured fighting vehicle|armoured fighting vehicle]] designs (e.g. Leopard 2, PzH 2000, [[Engineering:Marder (IFV)|Marder]]), as a primary weapon on light/non-armored vehicles (e.g. LKW 2to, [[Engineering:MAN KAT1|MAN gl-trucks]], [[Engineering:ATF Dingo|ATF Dingo]]) and as an infantry weapon on light bipods as well as different tripods. The German Armed Forces have supplemented the MG 3 since 2015 with the Heckler & Koch MG5 in service.

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = vertical
 | width = 250
 | image1 = MG3 Training.JPEG
 | caption1 = German soldier and U.S. Marine training with the MG 3.
 | image2 = IVECO - OTO Melara Centauro B1 close up.JPEG
 | caption2 = Italy employs the MG 42/59 version primarily on vehicles and rotary-wing aircraft. Seen here mounted on the [[Engineering:B1 Centauro|B1 Centauro]] wheeled armoured vehicle.
 | image3 = MG-3 Infantería de Marina.JPG
 | caption3 = Spanish Marine with the MG 3. Spanish guns are manufactured by General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas.
 | image4 = Norwegian soldier - Battle Griffin 2005.jpg
 | caption4 = A pintle-mounted MG 3A1 on a Norwegian Leopard 1 armoured recovery vehicle.
}}
* {{flag|Albania}}: Used by the Albanian Army.<ref>http://www.armyrecognition.com/almex_2011_daily_news_albania_defence_exhibition/the_45_albanian_army_special_forces_face-to-face_with_the_taliban_s_in_kandahar_afghanistan.html</ref>
* {{flag|Australia}}: The MG 3 was used between 1976 and 2007 as an anti-aircraft weapon on the Australian Army's Leopard AS1 [[Engineering:Main battle tank|MBT]].<ref name="hobbyvista">{{cite web|url=http://anzacsteel.hobbyvista.com/Armoured%20Vehicles/leopardph_1.htm|title=Leopard AS1 Main Battle Tank Part One by Paul D. Handel|accessdate=2014-01-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Austria}}: Uses the '''MG 74''' which is a MG 42/59 variant licensed from Beretta and manufactured by Steyr Mannlicher. The MG 74's cyclic rate of fire is 850 rounds per minute.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffen/waf_mg74.shtml |title=Österreichs Bundesheer – Waffen und Gerät – Maschinengewehr MG 74 |publisher=Bmlv.gv.at |date= |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref>
* {{flag|Bangladesh}}: Used by the Border Guards Bangladesh<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.bdmilitary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=196&Itemid=96 |title=Bangladesh Military Forces &#124; The internet's authority on Bangladesh Defence and Bangladesh Armed Forces |publisher=Bdmilitary.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref>
* {{flag|Brazil}}: MG3 and MG3A1 are used by the Brazilian Army at the [[Engineering:Leopard 1|Leopard 1]]A5 BR.<ref>[http://www.exercito.gov.br/NE/2010/05/10664/10664.pdf ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601094804/http://www.exercito.gov.br/NE/2010/05/10664/10664.pdf |date=June 1, 2010 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Canada}}: Only used on 20 Leopard 2A6M CAN tanks acquired from Germany.<ref name="forces">{{cite web|url=http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/netpub/server.np?find&catalog=photos&template=detail_eng.np&field=itemid&op=matches&value=9381&site=combatcamera |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110150410/http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/netpub/server.np?find&catalog=photos&template=detail_eng.np&field=itemid&op=matches&value=9381&site=combatcamera |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-01-10 |title=An error has occurred in Portfolio NetPublish |publisher=combatcamera.forces.gc.ca |accessdate=2014-04-04 }}</ref> Leopard 2s acquired from other sources will continue to use the [[Engineering:FN MAG|FN MAG]].
* {{flag|Cape Verde}}<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |editor1-first=Richard D. |editor1-last=Jones |editor2-first=Leland S. |editor2-last=Ness |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |date=January 27, 2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
* {{flag|Chile}}<ref name="g3defencemag">{{cite web |url=http://en.calameo.com/read/000127853fed679f5ecec |title=G3 Defence Magazine August 2010 |publisher=En.calameo.com |date=2010-08-04 |accessdate=2014-02-09 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/66QZGFwrw?url=http://en.calameo.com/read/000127853fed679f5ecec |archivedate=2012-03-25 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Cyprus}}:
* {{flag|Czech Republic}}: Used on Dingo 2.<ref>http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/tanky/-obrnene-vozidlo-dingo-2-cz-89947/</ref>
* {{flag|Denmark}}: MG 42/59 designated '''M/62''' in Danish service.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/udrustning/vaaben/gevaerer/Pages/Gevaerer2.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515110644/http://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/udrustning/vaaben/gevaerer/Pages/Gevaerer2.aspx |archive-date=2017-05-15 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Estonia}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mil.ee/?menu=tehnika1&sisu=mg3 |title=Uudised – Kaitsevägi |publisher=Mil.ee |date= |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref> Designated as '''MG 3'''. MG 1A3 version with the anti-aircraft sight.
* {{flag|Finland }}: As the '''7.62 KK MG 3'''. Used with the Leopard 2 tanks and NH90 helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/index.dsp?level=63&equipment=217 |title=Puolustusvoimat |language=fi |publisher=Mil.fi |date= |accessdate=2014-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423014838/http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/index.dsp?level=63&equipment=217 |archive-date=2008-04-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Germany}}: Used by the Bundeswehr.<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Greece}}: License production by Hellenic Defense Systems or EAS (formerly Hellenic Arms Industry; ''Elliniki Biomihania Oplon'' – EBO).<ref name="eas"/><ref name="g3defencemag"/>
* {{flag|Iceland}}: Used by the Icelandic Coast Guard.<ref name="Ruv">{{cite web|url=http://ruv.is/frett/hatt-i-400-hridskotabyssur-i-landinu|title=Hátt í 400 hríðskotabyssur í landinu.|publisher=RÚV|accessdate=2014-10-27}}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: License production.possibly installed on Leopard 2RI<ref name ='SAS 26'/>
* {{flag|Iran}}: License production by Defense Industries Organization as the '''MGA3'''.<ref name="g3defencemag"/><ref>[http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=mga3 ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030031846/http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=mga3 |date=October 30, 2008 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq}}: Peshmerga of [[Place:Iraqi Kurdistan|Iraqi Kurdistan]] autonomous region, 40 MG3s supplied by Germany and 100 MG-42/59 by Italy<ref name ='SAS 2015'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Chapter-04-EN.pdf|chapter=Trade Update: After the ‘Arab Spring’|title=Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world|publisher={{wipe|Cambridge University Press}}|year=2015|author=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2015}}|page=110}}</ref>
* {{flag|ISIL}}<ref name="Abu"/>
* {{flag|Italy}}: License production of the MG 42/59 by Beretta with parts made by Whitehead Motofides and Luigi Franchi; while largely replaced in squad support weapon role by the Belgian FN Minimi, it still sees widespread mounted use on ground-based vehicles and helicopters.<ref name="g3defencemag"/><ref>[http://www.esercito.difesa.it/root/equipaggiamenti/armi_legg.asp#individuali]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520181849/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/root/equipaggiamenti/armi_legg.asp#individuali |date=May 20, 2011 }}</ref> Prior to the procurement of the Minimi, the ''Stabilimento Militare Armi Leggere'' (SMAL) at Terni has developed a kit to adapt the Italian Army's existing MG 42/59 machine guns to accommodate [[Engineering:5.56×45mm NATO|5.56×45mm NATO]] ammunition. The kit comprises a new barrel, bolt head, feed opening and cover, recoil-enhancing element and a lighter bolt. The weight of the modified 5.56&nbsp;mm MG 42/59 machine gun remains unchanged from the original version.
* {{flag|Latvia}}: Latvian Land Forces
* {{flag|Libya}}<ref name ='SAS 26'/>
* {{flag|Lithuania}}: Lithuanian Armed Forces.<ref>{{in lang|lt}} [http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/kulkosvaidziai/kulkosvaidis_mg-3.html Lietuvos kariuomenė :: Ginkluotė ir karinė technika » Kulkosvaidžiai » Kulkosvaidis MG-3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102060234/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/kulkosvaidziai/kulkosvaidis_mg-3.html |date=2015-11-02 }}. Kariuomene.kam.lt (2009-04-17). Retrieved on 2010-10-18.</ref>
* {{flag|Mexico}}: License produced by SEDENA in Mexico.<ref name="armyrecognition">{{cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/mexico_mexican_army_land_ground_forces_uk/mexico_mexican_army_land_ground_forces_military_equipment_armoured_vehicle_pictures_information_desc.html|title=Mexico Mexican army land ground forces military equipment armoured vehicle pictures information desc&nbsp;-&nbsp;Army Recognition|accessdate=2014-01-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name="jones2009"/> Clones made in Myanmar as the MA 15.<ref>http://www.twoeggz.com/news/6578454.html</ref>
* {{flag|Niger}}<ref name ='Tessieres'>{{Cite report|language=en|title=At the Crossroads of Sahelian Conflicts: Insecurity, Terrorism, and Arms Trafficking in Niger|author= Savannah de Tessières|isbn = 978-2-940548-48-4|publisher= [[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|url = http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-SANA-Report-Niger.pdf|date = January 2018|page = 58}}</ref>
* {{flag|Nigeria}}<ref name="auto">{{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip|title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967-70|year=2016|publisher=Osprey Publishing Press|location=Oxford|isbn=978-1472816092|page=20}}</ref>
* {{flag|Norway}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Pakistan}}: Used by the Pakistan Army.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pakistan Army |url=http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/ |publisher=Defence.pk |accessdate=2014-02-09 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513205333/http://www.defence.pk/pakistan-army/ |archivedate=2013-05-13 }}</ref> Manufactured under license by Pakistan Ordnance Factories from 1960s in Wah Cantt.<ref>{{cite web|title=POF – Machine Gun MG3 (MG1A3)|url=http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_MG3.aspx|publisher=Pof.gov.pk|accessdate=2014-02-09|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205451/http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_MG3.aspx|archivedate=2013-10-29}}</ref>
* {{flag|Philippines}}: Used by the Philippine National Police.<ref>[https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/06/pnp-boosts-capability-after-acquiring-p1-871-b-new-equipment/]</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: On Leopard 2 tanks and support vehicles. Intended to be replaced by [[Engineering:UKM-2000|UKM-2000]] and WKM-B.<ref>[https://archive.is/20130615214035/http://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/narodowe-sily-rezerwowe/narodowe-sily-rezerwowe-aktualnosci/16521,pierwsze-strzelanie-zolnierzy-nsr-z-karabinu-maszynowego-mg-3.html ]</ref>
* {{flag|Portugal}}<ref name="g3defencemag"/>
* {{flag|Sao Tome and Principe}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Spain}}: Made under license.<ref name="g3defencemag"/>
* {{flag|Sri Lanka}} Used by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in limited numbers. 
* {{flag|Sudan}}: Made by Military Industry Corporation as the '''Karar'''.<ref>[http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/KARARrsh.html ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310194442/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/KARARrsh.html |date=March 10, 2008 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Sweden}}: As the '''KSP m/94'''. Used with the Leopard 2 tanks.<ref>{{cite web|author=Henrik Svensk |url=http://www.soldf.com/strv122.html |title=Strv122 Stridsvagn 122 Leopard 2 |publisher=Soldf.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}: Used on [[Engineering:Cadillac Gage Commando|Commando V-150]] APC.
* {{flag|Togo}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Tunisia}}<ref name ='SAS 26'>{{cite book|title=Web Trafficking: Analysing the Online Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Libya|first1=N.R.|last1= Jenzen-Jones |first2=Ian |last2=McCollum|date=April 2017|series= Working Paper No. 26|editor=[[Organization:Small Arms Survey|Small Arms Survey]]|page=85|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf|ref=harv}}</ref>
* {{flag|Turkey}}: Made by MKEK in Kırıkkale under license since 1974<ref>[http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=90&iKodUrunKategorisi=107 ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210131831/http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=90&iKodUrunKategorisi=107 |date=February 10, 2012 }}</ref> for the Turkish Armed Forces and Turkish Gendarmerie.<ref>[http://www.jandarma.tsk.mil.tr/silahlar/silahlaric.htm]  {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414160114/http://www.jandarma.tsk.mil.tr/silahlar/silahlaric.htm |date=April 14, 2009 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Yemen}}: pro-Saudi forces and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula<ref name="Yemen inquiry">{{cite news|title=Yemen: inquiry finds Saudis diverting arms to factions loyal to their cause|first=Rod |last=Austin|date= 28 Nov 2018|newspaper={{wipe|The Guardian}}|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/nov/28/arms-yemen-militia-were-supplied-by-west-find-analysts}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Engineering:General-purpose machine gun|General-purpose machine gun]]
* [[Engineering:FN MAG|FN MAG]] 7.62mm (NATO) Belgian general-purpose machine gun.
* Heckler & Koch MG5 7.62mm (NATO) general-purpose machine gun MG3 replacement in the ''Bundeswehr''.
* MG51 7.5×55mm Swiss general-purpose machine gun.
* SIG 710-3, Swiss derivative of MG 42.

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* {{Cite book| last = Ezell| first = Edward C.| year = 1988| title = Small Arms Today 2nd Edition| publisher = Stackpole Books| location = Harrisburg, PA}}
* {{cite book| last = Woźniak| first = Ryszard| year = 2001| chapter =| title = Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 3 M-P| publisher = Bellona| location = Warsaw, Poland| isbn = 83-11-09311-3|language=pl}}

==External links==
{{Commons|MG3}}
* [http://www.bimbel.de/artikel/artikel-14.html Bimbel.de—MG3 disassembled]
* [http://www.bimbel.de/artikel/artikel-26.html Bimbel.de—MG3 on mount]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAxkvctd5Ps MG 3 video]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205451/http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_MG3.aspx Machine Gun MG3 (MG1A3)]
* [http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=90&iKodUrunKategorisi=122 7.62&nbsp;mm MG3 MACHINE GUN]
* [[:File:ZDv 3-14 Das Maschinengewehr.pdf|ZDv 3-14 Das Maschinengewehr.pdf]] ZDv 3/14 Das Maschienengewehr (German)


{{DEFAULTSORT:Rheinmetall Mg3}}
[[Category:General-purpose machine guns]]
[[Category:Medium machine guns]]

{{Sourceattribution|MG3 machine gun|1}}