Heckler & Koch HK32
The HK32 is a prototype assault rifle designed and manufactured by Heckler & Koch between the 1960s and late 1970s to further develop and modernize the HK G3 rifle. Few examples were made, and it never entered service before Germany adopted the G36 in the late 1990s.
Because of increasing demand for HK rifles to enter the US civilian market, modernized versions of the G3 rifle and variations are manufactured through the PTR series of weapons, which included a version of the HK32 known as the PTR-32.
Design
Many of the components found within the HK32 are similar or identical to the ones from inside of the G3 rifle, such as its roller-delayed blowback system, and framework. Unlike other variants of the G3, the HK32 is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge, and uses magazines similar or identical to those of the AK-47. The weapon was also intended to be exported to many countries whose standard caliber was 7.62x39mm.The prototype was eventually discontinued when Heckler & Koch began to focus on NATO caliber ammunition such as the 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×51mm NATO. As a result of the new shift in design, later versions of the G3 such as the HK33, and HK53 would be created to meet NATO standards. In 1997, the G36 succeeded the G3 in German service, becoming the standard infantry rifle.
Variants
Similar guns
Few similar models were made:- HK32K
- HK32A2, fixed stock
- HK32A3, retractable stock
- HK32KA1 with a shortened barrel and fixed or retractable stock