AK4: Sweden's Beefed-Up Take on the G3 (Ad-free)
Added 2025-05-19 12:00:06 +0000 UTCOrder your copy of Small Arms of the Cold War: Battle Rifles of NATO today:
https://www.headstamppublishing.com/cold-war-battle
Or if you are in Europe, please order through our European site:
https://www.headstampbook.com/cold-war-battle
When Sweden decided to replace its bolt action Mausers and Ljungman semiautomatic in the 1960s, it had four main choices to pick from. One was the domestic GRAM-63, a modernized version of the Ljungman, the FAL and the G3. They ended up choosing the G3, but not without a number of changes.
Mechanically, the Swedes insisted on a longer service lifespan of the rifle than H&K rated it for. To this end, the Swedish model got a heavier recoil buffer, extending its like to 15,000 rounds. There were also changes to the stock, sights, bayonet attachment, and bolt carrier as well as the use of a clip-on rubber case deflector.
The initial batch of Swedish AK4 rifles was purchased directly from H&K, while domestic licensed production was set up at (eventually) both the star-owned Carl Gustaf factory and also the Husqvarna company.
Thanks to the Supply Battalion of the Estonian Defense Forces Support Command for giving me access to film this surprisingly hard-to-find rifle!
Comments
U unfortunately, Varusteleka doesn't do gun parts.
Forgotten Weapons
2025-05-20 00:40:19 +0000 UTCIan, see if Varustuleka has a hook-up for the AK4 bolt buffer; the ones in the CETME C are a painful joke and I'm sure there's a lot of G3 owners [PTR-91, etc] stateside who would like to upgrade their rifles to extend their lifespan [and reduce recoil. Win-win!]
Bruce Brodnax
2025-05-19 23:19:05 +0000 UTCsounds better. my issued g3 was from... 61? 66? but in 1991. totally worn out. longer stock is without a doubt an upgrade! the standard is too short. all better but the sights. low/no light scenarios MAYBE indoors (with a g3... uhoh) I'd have kept the V notch.
Guido Schriewer
2025-05-19 19:16:41 +0000 UTC
