The G3-K is the carbine version of the full size G3. K stands for Kurz, German for short. All G3-K are fitted with a retractable stock, resulting in the designation G3-KA4, although in theory a fixed stock could be fitted as well. Since the G3-K is a somewhat newer development virtually all G3-K are fitted with the wide ‘tropical’ handguard.

The G3 is the original full size rifle of the G3 family. The G3A3 has a fixed stock while the G3A4 has a retractable stock. The very earliest models had wooden stocks and handguards. These soon changed to a light green plastic stock and slimline handguard, which are available in light brown as well. Later on the wider ‘tropical’ handguard was fitted, which was available in green and black. All G3’s can be fitted with the HK 79 under barrel grenade launcher. This setup is called the TGS which is short for Tragbares Granat System, German for portable grenade system.

The G3ZF or G3A3ZF is designated marksman rifle based on the G3. ZF stands for Zielfernrohr, German for scope. The G3ZF is simply standard G3A3 model that has been handpicked for accuracy and fitted with a 4x scope. Sometimes a cheeckpiece and bipod are fitted as well.

The G3SG/1 is a sniper rifle based on the G3. It consists of a full size G3 that has been handpicked for accuracy. A special trigger group, bipod, chiekpiece and 1.5-6x scope have been fitted. The intricate G3SG/1 trigger group has a button to set the trigger just behind the trigger itself. It is one of the best designed trigger groups to this day and still allows for automatic fire.