AG-3
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The AG-3 (Norwegian> Automatgevær 3, "Automatic Rifle #3") is a Norwegian version of the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle.
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[edit] Overview
It has been standard issue for all branches of the Norwegian military since its formal approbation in 1966. The other weapons on the selection list were:
A total of 253,497 weapons (including receivers) were delivered from Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk to the Norwegian Armed Forces in 5 batches from February 1967 to November 1974. All stampings were made in Germany, i.e. the receiver, trigger housing, part of the butt stock and probably the magazines.
[edit] Versions
The Norwegian armed forces have used two versions of the rifle; a standard ("plain") G3A3-based version, and the AG-3F1, with a retractable stock, which is based on the G3KA4. The AG-3F1 version was produced in 110,000 examples. Both versions also have the ability to attach a 40mm HK79 grenade launcher, as well as various telescopic sights, mounted onto a picatinny rail.
[edit] Difference
The Norwegian AG-3 differs from the original Heckler & Koch G3 in some ways:
- The buttstock is 2 cm longer
- The bolt carrier has a serrated thumb groove to aid in silent bolt closing.
- It also has an all-metal cocking handle, and a different bayonet mount.
[edit] Replacement
There has been a lot of talk concerning the replacement of the weapon since the early 90's. It was a part of the Soldat-2000 (Soldier-2000) programme. This programme was intended to upgrade just about all the equipment used by the soldiers such as clothing and protective gear, as well as new communication systems, such as the MRR (Multi-role radio). As the programme was delayed by funding cuts, some of the aims of the programme was dropped, including weapon replacements. The new goal is to purchase weapons chambered for the 5.56x45 mm NATO in addition to the AG-3 by the year 2006.
Three candidates are under consideration for purchase:
- The SIG 551, manufactured by Swiss Arms
- The Heckler & Koch G36 of Germany, already in use by the Norwegian Coastal Ranger Command. (Kystjegerkommandoen)
- The C7/C8 from Colt Canada Corporation (formerly known as Diemaco, this rifle is already in use by Hærens Jegerkommando and Marinejegerkommandoen)
Furthermore, the Austrian Steyr AUG and the Belgian FN F2000 has also been considered.
[edit] External links
| Norwegian service rifles |
| Kammerlader, Remington M1867, Krag-Petersson, Jarmann M1884, Krag-Jørgensen, Lee-Enfield No. 4 (used during World War II), Pattern 14 Rifle (used during World War II), Karabiner 98k (spoils of war), Selvladegevær M1 (Garand), M1917 Enfield rifle (replaced the Lee-Enfields), AG-3, Våpensmia NM149 |
Norwegian service rifles |
