Iranian Heckler & Koch G3s

[Timthinker]

During the Shah's regime, Iran adopted the Heckler & Koch G3 for its armed forces. This rifle continued in service after the Iranian Revolution and also served in the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). But what is the current status of this rifle? I know Iran has adopted the AK for its military also, so is the G3 being phased out slowly?

So that I do not mislead anyone, I realize the G3 was produced in Iran under a licensing agreement with H&K. But given the internal political problems in Iran, I wonder how these difficulties have effected their rifle procurement process. This is probably a tough issue to address, but I believe some of our members probably have an answer. Thanks in advance.


Timthinker

 

[Spiggy]

not sure, but they do have a shiny new khybar rifle based off the chinese QBZ bullpup rifles

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I can't answer the main question too well, but a few fun tidbits:

The Iranian G3 is the rifle most commonly used as a prop by Shia mullahs when preaching, according to my Iranian Studies prof and in agreement with the photos I've seen. It's not used as a symbol of warfare, but is held as a symbol of earthly authority, not unlike a scepter.


There are simply tons of Iranian G3s, complete with Pahlavi lion and rising sun symbol, floating around Iraq. Most are pretty beat, and many don't look like they were terribly well-made in the first place. Our armorer checked out over a dozen for possible re-issue to allied Iraqi forces, and only found one that he considered safe to fire. Of the cherry-picked ones, the one I tried out worked great on single and full-auto:

 

[Onmilo]

During the ouster of the Shah and subsequent war with Iraq production of the Iranian G3 rifles were severely curtailed.
At points they were making no more than five hundred a month.
These rifles are licensed production from H&K designated G3A6 #220436.

 

[Timthinker]

Guys, thanks for the input so far. The topic of Iranian rifle procurement seems like an interesting and appropriate subject these days. It would not surprise me to learn that some of our senior contributors have some insights into this matter. I have observed them discussing U.S. small arms procurement policies and I believe their understanding of this subject could shed some light on the Iranian situation.


Timthinker

 

[HorseSoldier]

Like a lot of 3rd World nations, Iran has a hodge podge of kit. They don't have the resources to really replace one weapon with another, per se, just supplement the G3 with AKs and the other assorted stuff they build locally (including Uzi and MP5 clones, if I'm not mistaken) or buy internationally.

 

[MD_Willington]

I work with an Iranian, he was taught to use and maintain a G3 rifle, pretty interesting conversations with him. He was in the military as part of his education requirements, kind of like an ROTC setup.

 

[Timthinker]

HorseSoldier, I knew that a "hodge podge" situation existed in the early years of the Iranian Revolution, but I am uncertain about the extent of small arms standardization today. One way to guage this process is to examine what rifles are currently produced by their domestic industries and in what quantity. This seems like an intuitive approach to the problem, and I am sure there are other means to answer this question. By the way, I like your use of the term hodge podge. This was an expression my late father, a career army veteran, used a lot.

MD also brought up an interesting point. Some third world nations, particularly those who have undergone a revolution with expansionistic goals, train their populace for mobilization. This is certainly true of Iran. Indeed, the growing military might of the Iranian military led me initiate this thread.


Timthinker

 

[Evil Monkey]

but they do have a shiny new khybar rifle based off the chinese QBZ bullpup rifles

No, they are based off of the M16. It's basically an M16 in a bullpup shell. Horrible design, in my opinion.

 

[Timthinker]

Evil Monkey is correct that both the Chinese bullpup and the Khaybar resemble the M-16 internally, but certainly not externally. So, both Spiggly and Evil Monkey make a valid point. But the development of the Khaybar supports HorseSoldier's contention that Iran continues to suffer from a hodge podge of infantry rifles.

Ironically, the Khaybar is chambered for the 5.56mm round, the one used by "the Great Satan". I wonder if this decision reflects an attempt to finally start the process of standardization. Only time will tell.


Timthinker

 

[Timthinker]

Incidentally, do any of our members think that it is ironic Iran chambered their Khaybar rifle for our 5.56mm round? I realize there are good economic reasons for such a decision, but he sheer irony of this move has grabbed my attention.


Timthinker

 

[HorseSoldier]

Incidentally, do any of our members think that it is ironic Iran chambered their Khaybar rifle for our 5.56mm round? I realize there are good economic reasons for such a decision, but he sheer irony of this move has grabbed my attention.

It is ironic, yes. But they also copy a number of weapons the Israelis designed, so I'd guess either they don't see the contradiction or it doesn't bother them for whatever reason.

They could have used 5.45x39 or the new Chinese round with equally good results as far as arming their national military, but my guess would be that 5.56mm gives them better odds on export to groups or other 3rd World nations. Probably also more convenient for stuff they just give to Jihad-minded Muslims in other nations, too.

 

[Mk VII]

I remember seeing M1s during the revolution.