Everything We Know About the HK G36 .22 LR
On March 21, 2025 HK announced their latest commercial offering - an HK G36 chambered in .22 LR. By a stroke of luck, we were at PSA’s annual range day known as “The Gathering” on this same day where HK had brought a G36 to make its public debut.
This new offering from HK will be made under license by Umarex - the parent company of Walther, among others. This isn’t HK and Umarex’s first collaboration, with Umarex previously making the .22 LR versions of both the HK416 and the MP5.
Details & Specs
HK G36 .22 LR at a glance| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Magazine Capacity | Standard: 20 rounds; also available in 10 and 30-round |
| Operating System | Direct blowback (vs. short-stroke piston in 5.56 NATO) |
| Furniture | Folding stock, ambidextrous fire control unit, charging handle, and carry handle with built-in backup iron sights |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 5.5 lbs |
| Overall Length | 38 inches (stock unfolded) |
| Barrel Length | 18-⅛” |
The G36 will come with a 20 round magazine, although 10-round and 30-round magazines are also available. These magazines are the same as those used on the HK416 chambered in .22 LR.
While the 5.56 NATO G36 famously uses a short-stroke piston that paved the way for the HK416’s operating system, this smaller caliber allows for the use of a direct blowback operating system, no doubt helping to keep this gun at an affordable price point.
The furniture is much the same as the original G36 and largely interchangeable. You’ll find a folding stock, an ambidextrous fire control unit and charging handle, as well as the iconic carry handle with its built-in back-up iron sights. Holding it in your hands, you’d be hard pressed to find any differences indicating it’s not an original military G36.
Unloaded, this gun weighs in at 5.5lbs and measures 38 inches in overall length with the stock unfolded - the barrel specifically measuring 18-⅛” according to HK’s website.
History of the G36 Rifle
The G36 was borne out of the German Army’s rejection of the G41 as a potential service rifle. In the mid-90’s Germany was looking for a new rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO. After turning away the aforementioned G41, HK began work on what became known as “Project 50” - eventually culminating in the G36C.
As we all know now, the G36C was then selected by the German Army as its standard-issue rifle. Many other nations subsequently adopted the G36 in varying capacities - perhaps most notably by the Spanish Army.
The G36 has since been replaced after some concerns about accuracy at range when subject to high thermal loads, but it has certainly left an indelible mark on gun history with its eye-catching silhouette and extensive use of polymer.
Reaction Online and First Impressions Shooting the G36
Perhaps it’s because of this iconic status that the announcement of the G36 garnered so much controversy online when it was first announced. People love the G36. They want the G36. It’s just that most want it in 5.56 NATO and would prefer it to be made by HK directly.
However, I can tell you from my hands-on experience with this gun that it’s hardly as much of a betrayal as some online would have you believe. Would I prefer a 5.56 G36? Of course. Was I disappointed when I saw the HK rep loading the magazine with .22 LR? Again, yes.
Was it still a lot of fun to shoot? Without a doubt.