Heckler & Koch HK41

The Heckler & Koch HK41 is a semi automatic version of the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle. It was produced by Heckler & Koch for civilian sales and Bundeswehr reservist market for a rifle that could be privately owned in Germany but which would duplicate the handling of the G3 for reservists to practice with. The field manual for shooting training (ZDv 3/12) authorised the use of HK41 by reservists in place of a G3 during special reservist range firings (mostly on the weekend). But not for use in any other military activity. Usually it was called “Reservistengewehr” (reservist rifle). The HK40 series was designed for sale to conscripts so they could be familiar with their service rifle before entering military service, a common practice in Germany and Switzerland. According to H&K's numbering nomenclature, the "4" indicates that the weapon is a paramilitary rifle, and the "1" indicates that the caliber is 7.62 mm. It is not to be confused with the similarly titled Heckler & Koch G41. The HK41 (and the civilian version HK91) was distinctive in its class because it didn't have a gas operated mechanism. It instead had a roller delayed blowback system based on two roller cams that delayed cycling action without mechanical tilting or rotation. Another unique feature of the HK41 was a fluted chamber which had longitudinal grooves machined into it that gave ejected brass the appearance of having been slugged through a barrel with no twist rifling. The fluting reduced friction between the cartridge and chamber as the roller block mechanism began cycling.

It is estimated that fewer than 400 HK41s were produced and even fewer imported into the U. S. for civilian consumption. Today, HK41s can sell for anywhere between $6,900 and $12,000 depending on the condition and the economy at the time. An original 1966 model with the push pin hole in the receiver can sell for around $37,000. These are very scarce because most of them were used as hosts for full auto conversions prior to the May 1986 machine gun ban. A full automatic converted HK41/HKG3 can sell for over $20,000.

(1962): There are 3 different date stamps from this year in the United States, all with differences. By far the most desirable, and also the rarest, are the 3/62. These models are identical to the G3 Automatic Rifle except for having a swing down semi auto "SE" grip assembly. It was able to be converted to a full auto G3 by changing the trigger group and bolt, no need to change the location of the push pin or any of the other features. They were all marked G3. This is why it is the most desirable of all semi automatic G3s, and they are also incredibly rare with less than 3 known to exist in the United States (known as Santa Fe "swing downs") still in semi automatic form. Most were registered as full auto hosts. Their value as full auto hosts is no more or less than any other G3, it is their value as a semi automatic which is extremely high in comparison to other G3s, having sold on Gunbroker. com for over $20,000 on two occasions, matching the prices of full automatic G3s. It might be one of the only examples of a fully automatic transferable that is valued the same whether or not it is in the registry. 7/62 is the second most common date from 1962, and like the March labeled guns was marked G3. However, the push pin hole was moved so that a full automatic trigger pack could NOT be installed without major machine work. They were stamped G3. The most common of 1962s are the 11/62, which is identical to the 7/62 except that part of the batch were labeled HK41s. They had the altered location of the push pin hole, therefore requiring substantial work to turn into a fully automatic G3. There is a mix of G3 and HK41 markings among these date stamps. H&K changed their name to "HK41" in an attempt to stay ahead of West German Laws which prohibited civilian ownership of the G3 Automatic Rifle. (Early 1966): Unlike the 1962 Semi Auto G3s, these 1966 models had the "push pin" hole in the correct place and thus could be quickly converted to an automatic by replacing the grip assembly with a full auto "SEF" trigger group. These had a magnesium phosphate parkerized finish, matching hardwood furniture (stock and forearm grip) and were date stamped "6/66". Even though these versions have the push pin hole in the receiver, they were grandfathered in as approved firearms after the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968. (1966–1973): These models have strips of metal welded into the receiver and matching cuts made in the "SE" trigger group to only allow the insertion of an "SE" trigger group. These versions still had the a functional "flapper" magazine release and the push pin hole. These rifles had a matte black finish with a matching black stock and forearm grip, and were date stamped "11/66". Very few of the 1966 models got into the U. S. However, between 1967 and 1974, none of these models were imported into the U. S, in part due to the Gun Control Act of 1968. (1974): These models had the locking pin tabs eliminated on the front end of the grip assembly, and the corresponding locking pin hole ("push pin" hole) and bushing at the base of the receiver had a U shaped piece of metal inserted to prevent the attachment of a full auto "SEF" trigger group. This makes the "flapper" magazine release paddle between the trigger guard and magazine well inoperative, making the redundant release button on the right hand side of the receiver the only way to eject the magazine. It also had the cocking lever endcap altered to prohibit the mounting of most models of the HK G3 bayonet and had the snap rings on the barrel removed so that it couldn't fire rifle grenades. These were painted black with a semi gloss finish and were date stamped "1/74".