Portuguese, 1973, 7.62 G3 Assault Rifle with Spare Magazine and Inert Rounds and Sling, Dated 7/73 Portuguese Colonial War, Deactivated

*Portuguese, 1973, 7.62 G3 Assault Rifle with Spare Magazine and Inert Rounds and Sling, Dated 7/73 Portuguese Colonial War, Deactivated*

Serial No 286305, 7.62 Cal, 475mm Barrel Length.

Marked: "G3 FMP 286305, 7/73" on the Magazine housing. Marked on the obverse: "Z31765"
Marked "S.E.F." on the Trigger Group (fire selector in the “E”  – single fire mode (“Einzelfeuer”), “F”– automatic fire (“Feuerstoß”), “S” – weapon is safe (“Sicher”), trigger disabled mechanically).
Numbers "576" and "136" on the body.

The Heckler & Koch G3 (Gewehr 3) is a 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle developed in the 1950s by Heckler & Koch, in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned firearms manufacturer CETME. Featuring a roller-locked, retarded blowback mechanism, it eliminates the need for gas pistons, enhancing reliability. The G3 excels in harsh environments like arctic or desert conditions and offers above-average accuracy. While not as widespread as the AK and M16, it has been utilized by over 40 countries in various conflicts.

In the early 1960s, during the Ultramar conflict, Portugal acquired a small number of assault rifles, including 2,825 Heckler & Koch G3 and 4,795 FN FAL. Following operational trials in Angola, the HK G3 was chosen as the new service rifle for the Portuguese Armed Forces. This particular rifle, dated July 1973, was manufactured under license by FMP of Portugal (Fabrica Militar de Portugal), using tooling provided by HK. It became the standard infantry weapon for Portugal's forces during the Portuguese Colonial War, a 13-year conflict fought between Portugal's military and nationalist movements in its African colonies from 1961 to 1974. This is very likely to have been used in one of Portugal’s many colonial wars as it is marked with an elongated “Z” which was used prior to the locally issued serial number. Notable features include green plastic furniture and an ergonomically molded pistol grip, classic type front end and all original black metalwork. A nice design feature are the two holes in the fixed stock - they are to store take down pins when the gun is disassembled.

*Condition*
Deactivated to the current specification with a removable magazine and the trigger moves. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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