In the Swedish army, the G3 is known as Ak 4, short for Automatkarbin 4 (automatic carbine). In Sweden, it was the standard infantry weapon from the middle of the 1960:s to the late 1980:s, and was superseded by the Ak 5, a derivative of the 5.56 mm calibre FN FNC.

The Ak 4 fires the standard 7.62x51mm round, and is by modern standards cumbersome, heavy and has a limited magazine capacity (20 rounds).

It can be fitted with a grenade launcher under the barrel, firing a 40 mm grenade. It can also fire rifle grenades with a special cartridge from the barrel.

There is also a telescopic sight for the weapon for sharpshooters.

In the Swedish army today it is used only in urban warfare units (because of its penetrative capability) and in the Swedish home guard.

Data

  • Weight (fully loaded): 5.3 kg
  • Calibre: 7.62x51 mm NATO
  • Muzzle velocity: 790 m/s (the bullet weighs 12 g)
  • Magazine capacity: 20 rounds

Kicks like a donkey and barks like a dog.