View source for MG 3 machine gun

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{{Redirect-distinguish|MG3|MG3 (automobile)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = MG 3
| image              = BundeswehrMG3 noBG.png
| caption            = An MG 3
| type               = [[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 />[[The Troubles]]<br />[[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)|Kurdish–Turkish conflict]]<br />[[Second Sudanese Civil War]]<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/sudan0898%20Report.pdf |title=Sudan – Global trade, local impact: Arms Transfers to all Sides in the Civil War in Sudan |date=August 1998 |volume=10 |issue=4 |page=25 |journal=Human Rights Watch Report}}</ref><br />[[Somali Civil War]]<br />[[Kargil War]]<br />[[War in Afghanistan]]<br />[[War in North-West Pakistan]]<br />[[Syrian Civil War]]<br />[[Boko Haram insurgency]]<ref name='Tessieres' /><br />[[Libyan Civil War]]<br />[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]]<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 |author=VICE News |date=April 27, 2016 |website=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/aM3ElTvF52I |archive-date=2021-12-12}}{{cbignore}}</ref><br />[[Yemeni Civil War (2015–present)]]<ref>{{cite AV media |url=http://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/dnevnik/174353873 |year=2015 |title=Dnevnik |language=sl |access-date=8 August 2015 |time=17:13 |location=Ljubljana, Slovenia |publisher=Radiotelevizija Slovenija}}</ref><br />[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]<ref name="bulgarianmilitary.com">{{Cite web |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2022/03/28/1500-of-soviet-9k32-strela-2-manpads-and-100-mg3-arrived-in-ukraine/ |title=1,500 Soviet Strela-2 MANPADS and 100 MG3 arrived in Ukraine |last=Nikolov |first=Boyko |date=March 28, 2022 |website=BulgarianMilitary.com}}</ref><br />
[[Myanmar Civil War]]
<!-- 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             = [[Recoil operation|Recoil-operated, roller locked]]
| image_size         = 300
| origin             = [[West Germany]]
| is_ranged          = yes
<!-- Service history -->| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| design_date        = 1959
| manufacturer       = [[Rheinmetall]]<br /> License-built by: [[Beretta]], [[Makina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu|MKEK]], Ellinika Amyntika Systimata, [[Defense Industries Organization]], [[Military Industry Corporation]], [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]], [[General Dynamics]] Santa Bárbara Sistemas
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1959–present
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| weight             = {{convert|11.5|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/ZDv_3-14_Das_Maschinengewehr.pdf |title=Dv 3-14 Das Maschinengewehr |date=26 June 1979 |language=de |author=[[Bundesministerium der Verteidigung]] |via=Wikimedia Commons}}</ref><br /> {{convert|27.5|kg|abbr=on}} (mounted on tripod)
| part_length        = {{convert|565|mm|abbr=on|1}}
| cartridge          = [[7.62×51mm NATO]]
| rate               = 800–950 rounds/min or <br /> 1,000–1,200 rounds/min
| 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|-|1600|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 sight]]s or optical sights
}}

The '''MG 3''' is a German [[general-purpose machine gun]] chambered for the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] cartridge. The weapon's design is derived from the [[World War II]] era [[MG 42]] that fired the [[7.92×57mm Mauser]] round.<ref name="Woźniak">{{cite book |last=Woźniak |first=Ryszard |date=2001 |title=Encyklopedia najnowszej broni palnej—tom 3 M-P |language=pl |location=Warsaw |publisher=[[Bellona Publishing House|Bellona]] |page=106}}</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 40 countries. Production rights to the machine gun were purchased by [[Italy]] ({{ill|MG 42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}}), [[Spain]], [[Pakistan]] (MG 1A3), [[Greece]], [[Iran]], [[Sudan]] and [[Turkey]].<ref name="mkek">{{cite web |url=http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/foUrunDetaylari.aspx?iKodUrun=90&iKodUrunKategorisi=122 |title=7.62 mm MG3 Machine Gun |website=MKEK |access-date=2014-04-04 |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}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:West German Mechanized Infantry.jpg|thumb|left|Soldiers of the [[West Germany|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 [[Heckler & Koch G3|G3]] [[battle rifle]]. In the rear stands a [[Schützenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz|SPz 11-2]].]]
[[File:MG42 zu MG3 umgelabelt.jpg|thumb|left|Markings on an original MG 42 retrofitted to a MG 3.]]

At the end of [[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 later be taken 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">{{Cite web |url=https://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/156145896479/rheinmetall-machinengewehr-3-west-germany |title=Rheinmetall Machinengewehr 3 West Germany |last=Moss |first=Matthew |website=Historical Firearms}}</ref>

Production of the first postwar variant of the [[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 [[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''' (known also as the '''MG 42/59'''), which had a heavier bolt ({{convert|950|g|oz|2|abbr=on}} for a slower 700–900 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire, compared to {{convert|550|g|oz|2|abbr=on}}), and a new friction ring buffer made suitable for using the heavier bolt. The MG 1A2 added new bolt-bounce preventing bolt catches to the action to resolve the ammunition ignition timing sensitivity of the preceding variants and was adapted to use both the standard German non-disintegrating ''Patronengurt DM1'' ammunition belt and the American [[M13 link|M13]] disintegrating belt. Further improvements to the weapon's muzzle device, [[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 |url=http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/machine-gun-42/ |title=Machine Gun 42 |last=Shepherd |first=Christian |date=17 January 2009 |website=Tactical Life |access-date=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>{{Cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/bang-meet-5-best-machine-guns-planet-75816 |title=Bang: Meet the 5 Best Machine Guns on the Planet |first=Charlie |last=Gao |date=August 24, 2019 |website=The National Interest}}</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>{{Cite web |url=https://esut.de/2019/03/fachbeitraege/ruestung/11002/harmonisierung-bei-den-handwaffen-der-bundeswehr/ |title=Harmonisierung bei den Handwaffen der Bundeswehr |date=March 6, 2019 |website=Europäische Sicherheit & Technik |language=de}}</ref>

==Operation==
The German military instructs that 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 both short bursts and longer bursts of 20 to 30 rounds and strive to optimize their aim between successive bursts.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=https://www.reservistenverband.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Zentralrichtlinie-Schie%C3%9Fen-mit-Handwaffen.pdf |title=A2-222/0-0-4750 Schießen mit Handwaffen (Shooting with handguns) |publisher=Bundeswehr - Ministry of Defence Germany |year=2015 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817101158/https://www.reservistenverband.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Zentralrichtlinie-Schie%C3%9Fen-mit-Handwaffen.pdf |archive-date=2022-08-17}} [https://ia804708.us.archive.org/27/items/zentralrichtlinie-schiessen-mit-handwaffen-a-2-222-0-0-4750/Zentralrichtlinie-Schie%C3%9Fen-mit-Handwaffen%20A2-222_0-0-4750.pdf Alt URL]</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/gunmanual_German_Zdv314_Das_Machinengewehr |title=ZDv 3/14 Das Maschinengewehr |publisher=Bundeswehr (Ministry of Defence) |year=2003 |location=Germany |language=de |archive-url=https://ia800703.us.archive.org/19/items/gunmanual_German_Zdv314_Das_Machinengewehr/German%20Zdv314%20Das%20Machinengewehr.pdf |archive-date=2022-12-22}}</ref> The [[Bundeswehr]] trains soldiers to replace the barrel of the MG3 after 150 live rounds (or 100 blank rounds) after sustained heavy fire, with a new, cooler one; only once the barrel is hand-warm (able to be held with the bare hand for 30 seconds) can a barrel be reused. Beneficially however, replacing the barrel is an exceptionally simple procedure on the MG3. Non-observance of this technical limitation renders the barrel prematurely unusable. Care must be taken when replacing the barrel as after extended cyclical fire, the barrel can be dangerously hot, potentially approaching white hot. 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.<ref name=":2" /> The [[Rate of fire#Effective rate|effective rate of fire]] is about 250 rounds per minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/mg3.htm |title=Rheinmetall MG-3 |website=Military Today.com |access-date=2022-11-28}}</ref>

==Design details==
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2015}}

===Operating mechanism===
The MG 3 is an automatic, air-cooled, [[belt (firearm)|belt-fed]] [[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 [[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.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Kinematik, MG42 rollenübersetzter Verschluss mit kurz zurückgleitendem Lauf CC BY-SA 4.0 Autor Grasyl.png|MG 3 roller-locked boosted short recoil action diagram
File:MG3.jpg|MG 3 of the [[German Army]]
File:Bundeswehr 1982 (4060040603).jpg|Parts of a German MG 3
</gallery>

===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 [[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 1,000–1,200 rounds per minute cyclic rate of fire<ref>{{Cite book |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons |publisher=Jane's Information Group |year=2002 |page=2169}}</ref> 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 [[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 [[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 [[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 [[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 is issued protective asbestos gloves to prevent getting burned. A muzzle device is mounted at the end of the barrel and it acts as a [[flash suppressor]], [[muzzle brake]] and recoil booster.

===Feeding===
[[File:Method of joining metallic-link ammunition belts.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Method of joining German non-disintegrating metallic-link ammunition machine gun belts.]]
[[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 [[Belt (firearms)#Non-Disintegrating Belt|non-disintegrating metallic-link DM1 belts]], which have links that wrap around the cartridge case and are linked by a coiling wire on each side. DM1 belts are intended for multiple reuse and in terms of design are based on and derived from the last version of the ''Gurt 34/41''-belt family used in World War II in MG 34 and MG 42 machine guns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1897 |title=Feeding the Tiger: Ammunition Belts for German MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns |last=Legendre |first=Jean-François |date=March 2005 |website=Small Arms Review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522211121/https://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1897 |archive-date=2016-05-22}}</ref> 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.<br />
Alternatively the MG3 can also be fed by disintegrating metal [[M13 link]] belts (designated DM60 by Germany) used by many NATO member states. M13 links are also used on the [[Minigun|Dillon M134D Minigun]], [[M60 machine gun|M60]], [[FN MAG]], [[HK21]] and [[Heckler & Koch MG5|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.<br />
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. The feeding system is based on the direct push-through of the cartridge out of the belt link into the gun's chamber. Feed is performed in two steps by a pawl-type feeding mechanism that continues to move the belt during both the rearward and forward cycles of the reciprocating bolt, producing a smooth belt flow.<br />
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/M13 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 sight]]ing 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.

==== Danish C79 LMG Optic ====
As an  iron sighting line alternative, the Danish military uses a 3.4×28 optical sight mounted on top of the receiver which can be set from {{convert|300|to|800|m|yds|0|sp=us}} in {{convert|100|m|yds|0|sp=us}} increments on their MG 3 (designated as M/62) and later [[M60 machine gun#M60E6|M/60E6]]. What sets the Danish C79 LMG Optic designated as M/98 apart from the standard [[C79 optical sight]] is its unique reticle of a chevron  with a height of 12,5 TS and two TS line left and right with a length of 7,5 TS beginning 2,5 TS away from the tip of the chevron. The sight designated as M/99 is also available in a night vision configuration.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hjemmeværnet |title=HRN-111-007 |url=https://www.yumpu.com/da/document/read/17634649/hrn-111-007-762-mm-maskingevaer-m-62-hjemmevaernet |journal=Hæren |pages=H-11}}</ref>

===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=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

A feature of the German World War II [[MG 42#Lafette 42 tripod|''Lafette 42'']] tripod 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.

===Reliability===
In 1974 the US Army tested German made MG3s alongside eight other contemporary GPMG designs to replace the then-in-service [[M73 machine gun|M219 Tank Machine Gun]], which was considered unacceptably unreliable by the US Army. The MG3 had a lower Mean Rounds Between Failure than five of the candidates including the M219 and a lower Mean Rounds Between Stoppages than five of the potential replacements, notably including the [[M60 machine gun]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA018625.pdf |title=Attribute analysis of the armor machine gun candidates |date=July 1975 |publisher=US Army Armaments Command |access-date=14 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914174830/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA018625.pdf |archive-date=September 14, 2021}}</ref>

==Variants==
* '''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 |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/01/06/bundeswehr-mg3kws-upgrade-program/ |title=Bundeswehr MG3KWS Upgrade Program |last=Johnson |first=Steve |date=6 January 2014 |website=The Firearm Blog |access-date=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 [[FN Minimi]].
* '''Ksp m/94''': Swedish variant chambered with the 7.62×51mm NATO round. Mainly used as secondary armament in [[Stridsvagn 122]].

<gallery widths="200" heights="135">
File:2019-06-15 152818 Tag der Bundeswehr.jpg|Vehicle-mounted MG 3 (2019)
File:MG3 Tripod.JPEG|MG 3 in the heavy machine gun setup on a ''Feldlafette'' tripod with mounted optical sight
File:Poligono Mg.jpg|Italian soldier with {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} produced by Beretta
File:Austrian forces at Combined Resolve II (14236022975).jpg|[[Austrian Armed Forces|Austrian Army]] soldiers with {{ill|MG 74|es|Steyr MG 74|vertical-align=sup}} and [[Steyr AUG]] during a maneuver
</gallery>

===Multiple barrel variants===
A mounted variant with three rotating barrels (to reduce barrel erosion and overheating) is under development as the [[Rheinmetall RMG 7.62]] as a vehicle weapon. Only one barrel is active at a time: after one barrel overheats, it is rotated out for a cool one.

The [[MG14z]] is a double barrel variant of the MG 3 machine gun with two MG 3 receivers paired together. 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 as "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 |date=2014-03-08 |website=All4shooters.com |access-date=2014-06-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103092914/http://www.all4shooters.com/en/specials/Trade-shows-2014/IWA-2014/enforcetac/Tactics-Group-MG14Z/ |archive-date=2014-11-03}}</ref>

==Deployment==
The MG 3 is still used as the standard secondary weapon of most modern German [[armoured fighting vehicle]] designs (e.g. [[Leopard 2]], [[PzH 2000]], [[Marder (IFV)|Marder]]), as a primary weapon on light/non-armored vehicles (e.g. LKW 2to, [[MAN KAT1|MAN gl-trucks]], [[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==
[[File:MG 3 Users.png|thumb|Map with MG 3 users in blue]]<!--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 [[B1 Centauro]] wheeled armoured vehicle.
 | image3 = MG-3 Infantería de Marina.JPG
 | caption3 = [[Spanish Navy Marines|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.
 | image5 = A SMG produced at POF WAH.jpg
 | caption5 = MG3 manufactured under license by [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]].
}}
[[File:UA marines with MG3 and Mastiff 1.jpg|thumb|[[Ukrainian Naval Infantry]] with a MG 3 during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].]]

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Pakistani soldiers with the MG1A3.png|thumb|Pakistani soldiers with the MG1A3 during [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965|war of 1965]].]] -->


* {{flag|Afghanistan}}: Used by the [[Mujahideen]] and [[Taliban]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |title=MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2012 |page=72}}</ref>
* {{flag|Albania}}: Used by the [[Albanian Army]].<ref>{{cite web |url=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 |title=The 45 Albanian Army Special forces face-to-face with the Taliban's in Kandahar, Afghanistan |date=October 29, 2011 |website=Armyrecognition.com |access-date=2022-03-10}}</ref>
* {{flag|Argentina}}: Used by the [[Argentine Army]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |title=MG 34 and MG 42 Machine Guns |publisher=Osprey Publishing |year=2012 |page=70}}</ref>
* {{flag|Australia}}: The MG 3 was used between 1976 and 2007 as an anti-aircraft weapon on the [[Australian Army]]'s [[Leopard AS1]] [[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 |last=Handel |first=Paul D. |date=2001 |website=Anzac Steel |access-date=2014-01-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Austria}}: Uses the '''{{ill|MG 74|es|Steyr MG 74|vertical-align=sup}}''' which is a {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} variant licensed from Beretta and manufactured by [[Steyr Mannlicher]]. The {{ill|MG 74|es|Steyr MG 74|vertical-align=sup}}'s cyclic rate of fire is 850 rounds per minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffen/waf_mg74.shtml |title=Waffen und Gerät – Maschinengewehr MG 74 |website=Österreichs Bundesheer |language=de |access-date=2014-02-09}}</ref>
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}}: The Military of Azerbaijan acquired a small quantity of MKEK MG 3s from Turkey.{{Citation needed|date=May 2020}}
* {{flag|Bangladesh}} <ref>{{cite web| url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/023/bangladesh.std.en.pdf| title=SALW Guide Global distribution and visual identification Bangladesh Country report| publisher=Bonn International Center for Conversion| access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref>
* {{flag|Brazil}}: MG3 and MG3A1 are used by the [[Brazilian Army]] at the [[Leopard 1]]A5 BR.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.exercito.gov.br/NE/2010/05/10664/10664.pdf |title=Recebimento das metralhadoras para as viaturas Leopard 1A5 BR |magazine=Noticiário do Exército |date=May 21, 2010 |number=10,664 |location=Brasília |publisher=Centro de Comunicação Social do Exército |language=pt-BR |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601094804/http://www.exercito.gov.br/NE/2010/05/10664/10664.pdf |archive-date=June 1, 2010}}</ref>
* {{flag|Canada}}: Only used on 20 [[Leopard 2|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 |title=Soldiers from C Squadron, Lord Strathcona's Horse (LdSH), wait for start time on their Leopard 2 tank |last=Duchesne |first=Simon |date=February 14, 2008 |website=Canadian Forces Combat Camera |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729013642/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-date=29 July 2012}}</ref> Leopard 2s acquired from other sources will continue to use the [[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 |date=2010-08-04 |website=Calameo.com |access-date=2014-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709233048/http://en.calameo.com/read/000127853fed679f5ecec |archive-date=2012-07-09}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Cyprus}} <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.alphanews.live/cyprus/iereis-se-stratiotiki-askisi-erixan-boles-kai-prokalesan-antidraseis-binteo |title=Ιερείς σε στρατιωτική άσκηση: Έριξαν βολές και προκάλεσαν αντιδράσεις (ΒΙΝΤΕΟ) |date=9 February 2022 |website=Alphanews.live |language=el |access-date=2023-01-15}}</ref>
* {{flag|Czech Republic}}: Used on [[Dingo 2]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/tanky/-obrnene-vozidlo-dingo-2-cz-89947/ |title=Obrněné vozidlo Dingo 2 CZ |website=Armády České republiky |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321223245/http://www.acr.army.cz/technika-a-vyzbroj/tanky/-obrnene-vozidlo-dingo-2-cz-89947/ |archive-date=2014-03-21}}</ref>
* {{flag|Denmark}}: {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} designated '''M/62''' in Danish service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/udrustning/vaaben/Pages/Maskingev%C3%A6rer.aspx |title=Maskingeværer |website=Forsvaret |access-date=2015-07-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170515135657/http://www2.forsvaret.dk/viden-om/materiel/udrustning/vaaben/Pages/Maskingev%C3%A6rer.aspx |archive-date=2017-05-15}}</ref>
* {{flag|Estonia}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mil.ee/kaitsevagi/tehnika/relvad/#t-762-mm-kuulipilduja-mg-3 |title=Relvad – Kaitsevägi |website=Mil.ee |access-date=2022-07-14 }}</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 |website=Mil.fi |access-date=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|Ghana}}{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}
* {{flag|Greece}}: License production by [[Hellenic Defence Systems]] {{aka}} EAS<ref name="Rheinmetall Machinengewehr 3"/><ref name=":0" />
* {{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 |date=27 October 2014 |website=RÚV |access-date=2014-10-27}}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: License production<ref name ='SAS 26'/>
* {{flag|Iran}}: License production by [[Defense Industries Organization]] as the '''MGA3'''. Used by [[Iranian Army]]. Installed on [[Zulfiqar (tank)|Zulfiqar]] MBT.<ref name="g3defencemag"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=mga3 |title=AIG: 7.62 mm Machin Gun |website=Diomil.ir |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030031846/http://www.diomil.ir/en/aig.aspx?search_id=mga3 |archive-date=October 30, 2008}}</ref>
* {{KUR}}: [[Peshmerga]] of [[Iraqi Kurdistan]] autonomous region, 40 MG3s supplied by Germany and 100 {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} 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=[[Cambridge University Press]] |year=2015 |author=Small Arms Survey |author-link=Small Arms Survey |ref={{harvid|Small Arms Survey 2015}} |page=110 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701142546/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2015/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2015-Highlights-EN.pdf |archive-date=July 1, 2015}}</ref>
* {{flag|ISIL}}<ref name="Abu"/>
* {{flag|Italy}}: License production of the {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} by [[Beretta]] with parts made by Whitehead Motofides and [[Luigi Franchi S.p.A.|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>{{cite web |url=http://www.esercito.difesa.it/root/equipaggiamenti/armi_legg.asp#individuali |title=Armi Leggere |website=Esercito Italiano: Il Portale delle Armi dei Materiali e dei Mezzi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520181849/http://www.esercito.difesa.it/root/equipaggiamenti/armi_legg.asp#individuali |archive-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 {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} machine guns to accommodate [[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 {{ill|MG-42/59|it|Beretta MG 42/59|vertical-align=sup}} machine gun remains unchanged from the original version.
* {{flag|Latvia}}: [[Latvian Land Forces]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
* {{flag|Libya}}<ref name ='SAS 26'/>
* {{flag|Lithuania}}: [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/kulkosvaidziai/kulkosvaidis_mg-3.html |title=Kulkosvaidis MG-3 |website=Lietuvos kariuomenė |date=2009-04-17 |language=lt |access-date=2010-10-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102060234/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/kulkosvaidziai/kulkosvaidis_mg-3.html |archive-date=2015-11-02}}</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=Mexican Army military equipment |website=Army Recognition |access-date=2014-01-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name="jones2009"/> Clones made in Myanmar as the MA 15.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.twoeggz.com/news/6578454.html |title=活跃在缅甸内战中的德国MG3机枪 |trans-title=German MG3 machine guns active in the Burmese Civil War |language=zh |date=2018-01-22 |website=Twoeggz.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803104154/http://www.twoeggz.com/news/6578454.html |archive-date=2018-08-03}}</ref>
* {{flag|Niger}}<ref name ='Tessieres'>{{Cite report |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-SANA-Report-Niger.pdf |title=At the Crossroads of Sahelian Conflicts: Insecurity, Terrorism, and Arms Trafficking in Niger |last=de Tessières |first=Savannah |date=January 2018 |page=58 |publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]] |language=en |isbn=978-2-940548-48-4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184751/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/U-Reports/SAS-SANA-Report-Niger.pdf |archive-date=June 12, 2018}}</ref>
* {{flag|Nigeria}}<ref name="auto">{{cite book |title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967–70 |last=Jowett |first=Philip |year=2016 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |location=Oxford |isbn=978-1-472816092 |page=20}}</ref>
* {{flag|Norway}}<ref name="jones2009"/> In use by the Home Guard and Navy. Replaced in Army service by the FN Minimi and FN MAG in 2019.
* {{flag|Pakistan}}: Used by the [[Pakistan Army]]. Manufactured under license by [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]] from 1960s in [[Wah Cantt]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_MG3.aspx |title=Machine Gun MG3 (MG1A3) |website=Pakistan Ordnance Factories |access-date=2014-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205451/http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_MG3.aspx |archive-date=2013-10-29}}</ref>
* {{flag|Philippines}}: Used by the [[Philippine National Police]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2019/05/06/pnp-boosts-capability-after-acquiring-p1-871-b-new-equipment/ |title=PNP boosts capability after acquiring P1.871-B new equipment |date=6 May 2019 |website=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: On Leopard 2 tanks and support vehicles. Intended to be replaced by [[UKM-2000]] and [[NSV machine gun|WKM-B]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/narodowe-sily-rezerwowe/narodowe-sily-rezerwowe-aktualnosci/16521,pierwsze-strzelanie-zolnierzy-nsr-z-karabinu-maszynowego-mg-3.html |title=Pierwsze strzelanie żołnierzy NSR z karabinu maszynowego MG-3 |last=Gaszak |first=Agnieszka |date=2011-02-21 |website=Wojsko Polskie |access-date=2021-05-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615214035/http://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/narodowe-sily-rezerwowe/narodowe-sily-rezerwowe-aktualnosci/16521,pierwsze-strzelanie-zolnierzy-nsr-z-karabinu-maszynowego-mg-3.html |archive-date=2013-06-15}}</ref>
* {{flag|Portugal}}<ref name="g3defencemag"/>
* {{flagdeco|Ireland}} [[Provisional IRA]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Arms trial hears of 'dreaded weapon' |date=5 February 1994 |newspaper=Irish Independent}}</ref> 
* {{flag|Sao Tome and Principe}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{Flag|Slovakia}}: Mounted on [[Leopard 2]]A4<ref>{{Citation |title=Ostré streľby z tankov Leopard 2A4 {{!}} Pozemné sily {{!}} Ozbrojené sily SR | date=14 August 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEmlpssyWvI |access-date=2023-08-31 |language=en}}</ref>
* {{flag|Spain}}: Made under license.<ref name="g3defencemag"/>
* {{flag|Sri Lanka}} Used by the [[Sri Lankan Armed Forces]] in limited numbers.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
* {{flag|Sudan}}: Made by [[Military Industry Corporation]] as the '''Karar'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/KARARrsh.html |title=KARAR 7.62x51mm |website=Military Industry Corporation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310194442/http://mic.sd/images/products/wepons/en/KARARrsh.html |archive-date=March 10, 2008}}</ref>
* {{flag|Sweden}}: As the '''KSP m/94'''. Used with the [[Leopard 2]] tanks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soldf.com/strv122.html |title=Strv122 Stridsvagn 122 / Leopard 2 |last=Svensk |first=Henrik |website=SoldF.com |access-date=2014-02-09}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}: Used on [[Cadillac Gage Commando|Commando V-150]] APC.{{Citation needed|date=May 2021}}
* {{flag|Togo}}<ref name="jones2009"/>
* {{flag|Tunisia}}<ref name ='SAS 26'>{{cite book |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf |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 |publisher=Small Arms Survey |page=85 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516085143/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|Turkey}}: Made by MKEK in [[Kırıkkale Province|Kırıkkale]] under license since 1974<ref name="mkek"/> for the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] and [[Turkish Gendarmerie]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jandarma.tsk.mil.tr/silahlar/silahlaric.htm |title=Si̇lahlar |website=[[Gendarmerie General Command]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414160114/http://www.jandarma.tsk.mil.tr/silahlar/silahlaric.htm |archive-date=April 14, 2009}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ukraine}}: Ukrainian armed forces have been given MG3 to aid them in the Russian invasion of 2022.<ref name="bulgarianmilitary.com"/> At least 130 MG3 have been provided by Germany.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/krieg-in-der-ukraine/lieferungen-ukraine-2054514 |title=Militärische Unterstützungsleistungen für die Ukraine |language=de |website=Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref>
* {{flag|Uruguay}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3125084/ejercito-uruguay-recibe-millar-ametralladoras-mg-3-adquiridas-espana |title=El Ejército de Uruguay recibe un millar de ametralladoras MG-3 adquiridas a España |last=Porfilio |first=Gabriel |date=September 25, 2020 |website=InfoDefensa |access-date=20 April 2022 |language=es}}</ref>
* {{flag|Yemen}}: pro-Saudi forces and [[Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]]<ref name="Yemen inquiry">{{cite news |last=Austin |first=Rod |date=28 November 2018 |title=Yemen: inquiry finds Saudis diverting arms to factions loyal to their cause |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/nov/28/arms-yemen-militia-were-supplied-by-west-find-analysts}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[MG51]]—7.5×55mm Swiss general-purpose machine gun
* [[SIG 710-3]]—Swiss derivative of MG 42

==References==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

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

==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]
* {{YouTube|TfL_jlGyKCE|Video simulation of how a MG 3 works}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205451/http://www.pof.gov.pk/IW_MG3.aspx Machine Gun MG3 (MG1A3)]
* [[:File:ZDv 3-14 Das Maschinengewehr.pdf|ZDv 3–14 Das Maschinengewehr]]
* [https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/mg3 Das Maschinengewehr MG3]

{{Rheinmetall}}
{{General Purpose Machine Guns}}
{{Current German infantry weapons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rheinmetall Mg3}}
[[Category:7.62×51mm NATO machine guns]]
[[Category:Cold War weapons of Germany]]
[[Category:General-purpose machine guns]]
[[Category:Infantry weapons of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Machine guns of Germany]]
[[Category:Medium machine guns]]
[[Category:MG 42 derivatives]]
[[Category:Rheinmetall|MG3]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1950]]