Description
The HK G36 22 LR Rifle is the officially licensed rimfire version of the G36, the 5.56mm service rifle adopted by the German Bundeswehr in the 1990s. Built under license by Walther for Heckler & Koch, it copies the look, controls and folding skeleton stock of the original while firing inexpensive .22 Long Rifle ammunition.
HK G36 22 LR Rifle Overview
5 pounds without magazine. 1 inch barrel, but HK’s own specification is 18 1/8 inches. 22 LR with a 1:16 twist, a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle and polymer flip-up front and rear sights. Controls follow the G36 layout, with an ambidextrous charging handle under the carry handle area and an ambidextrous safety selector. It ships with one 20-round polymer magazine, and HK also offers 10 and 30-round magazines. HK states the stock is compatible with the original G36.
Ammunition: Use High-Velocity Loads
Rimfire blowback actions depend on enough energy to cycle the bolt. HK specifies .22 LR HV, so use high-velocity ammunition of roughly 36 to 40 grains at around 1,200 to 1,300 feet per second. Standard velocity and subsonic match loads may fail to cycle, especially when the rifle is new. Buy a few brands in bulk and see what your rifle prefers. Rimfire ammunition is cheap compared with centerfire, which makes the G36 an inexpensive way to practice manipulation and shooting fundamentals.
Handling and Ergonomics
The folding skeleton stock makes the rifle compact for storage and transport, and with the stock extended it shoulders like the full-size original. The G36 profile is tall, so iron sights sit high above the bore and you will need to learn a little holdover at close range. The trigger is a typical rimfire replica trigger, adequate for plinking and training rather than precision benchwork.
Training and Fun
The appeal here is clear: a rifle that looks and handles like a European service rifle for a fraction of the ammunition cost. It is ideal for steel-plate plinking, teaching new shooters, and running drills in your backyard range where centerfire would be loud or expensive. It is also a collectible for fans of HK designs who will never find a transferable G36.
Suppressors and Accessories
The threaded muzzle accepts .22 rimfire suppressors, a popular pairing. Suppressors are NFA items requiring an approved ATF Form 4 and state legality, and rimfire cans need regular cleaning because .22 LR is very dirty. Magazines are proprietary to this platform, so stock up on genuine HK spares rather than generic rimfire magazines.
Care and Maintenance
Rimfire blowback guns accumulate carbon and lead fouling quickly. Clean the bolt face, chamber and magazine feed lips every few hundred rounds to keep reliability high. The polymer furniture is durable and needs nothing more than a wipe-down.
State Laws and Ownership
Even in .22 LR, some states treat semi-automatic rifles with folding or telescoping stocks, pistol grips or threaded barrels as restricted, and several limit magazine capacity to 10 or 15 rounds; HK offers a 10-round magazine and a 10-round model for those markets. Confirm your local rules before ordering, since your receiving dealer can refuse a transfer that does not comply.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch (built under license)
- Model: G36 .22 LR, model number 81000994
- UPC: 642230267862
- Caliber: .22 LR high velocity
- Action: semi-automatic blowback
- Barrel: 18 1/8 inch (factory spec)
- Twist: 1:16
- Muzzle: threaded 1/2×28
- Overall length: 28.2 inch folded, 38 inch extended
- Height: 11.2 inch
- Weight: about 5.5 lb without magazine
- Sights: polymer flip-up front and rear
- Stock: folding skeleton stock
- Magazine: one 20-round polymer
- Finish: matte black
Before You Buy
Federal law requires rifle buyers to be at least 18 and to pass a background check through a licensed dealer. Check your state rules on folding stocks, threaded barrels and magazine capacity, and plan to feed it high-velocity .22 LR ammunition.
Who It Is For
The HK G36 22 LR Rifle is a great fit for HK fans, collectors and trainers who want G36 looks and ergonomics with cheap .22 LR ammunition for plinking and practice.
Buy the HK G36 22 LR Rifle at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the HK G36 22 LR Rifle online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more rifles. For factory details, visit Heckler & Koch.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.