Rare! The GR Series of Automatic Rifles and Machine Guns
|Cal. 5.56mm x 45 NATO

 

Apparently operational GR2 in black.  
Update: 6/2001  When I originally published this page, I had never seen a GR series firearm that was apparently a production model.  I was recently emailed a photo of this firearm from an anonymous source in Europe.  He wishes to remain so, and informed me that the only markings anywhere on this gun are "178" and "1N" on the barrel.  (178 means 1/7" twist rate and the 1N is a proof mark.)  It clearly has the old style markings on an ambidextrous burst group, that being S-E-3F-F rather than the more common pictogram markings.  The most fascinating things about this gun are the permanently mounted scope, by an unidentified presumably German scope manufacturer and the missing front sight, no longer necessary because of the scope.  25 round magazine is in place, as is the old style "convex" A3 buttstock.  The forearm is clearly an MP5 forearm. (Notice the gap between the front of the magazine well and the rear of the forearm?)  This gap is covered by an HK53 forearm.

The scope has different windage and elevation adjustments than those in the GR series brochure.  This gun really does not have a name, but since the GR2C and GR2S below are short for "German Rifle 2 Colored" and "German Rifle 2 Sand" for the woodland and desert camo paint schemes respectively, this one I will call simply the GR2.  

As a side note, there are some versions of this optical mount on 9mm MP5s in service.  The photograph below is from the HK in Action I page:

I have no idea what these variants are called.  Anyone with reliable information, especially in Germany, where they all seem to be located, is encouraged to email with details!  hkpro@hkpro.com  

Thanks to the HKPRO visitor who graciously submitted this fascinating photo, more evidence that you the visitors and members across the world help make HKPRO the site it has become.  ----------

The GR Series of HK rifle and Machine Gun variants are quite rare.  So rare in fact, that I don't believe that they are in production in any significant quantity.  They are variants of other existing guns like the HK23E, as well as variants of the HK33 and 53 series.  These guns are all chambered in 5.56 NATO caliber.  According to the only reference available on these guns, a short description in the comprehensive 50th anniversary HK book by Kersten and Schmid, GR stands for "German Rifle."  The C and S suffixes stand for "Colored" and "Sand" respectively.  This denotes either the woodland or desert camouflage paint schemes.  They are most distinguishable as having a permanent optical sight, and no open sight capability.  These examples are also done exclusively in HK's woodland or desert camouflage paints.  The guns are beautiful.   You saw them first at HKPRO.

 

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The GR9S Belt Fed Machine Gun--  5.56 x 45 NATO

 

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The GR9C -- 5.56 x 45 NATO

 

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The GR9C on shock absorbing tripod

 

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HK23E in woodland camo with removable 4X scope.

 

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This is the GR6S.  It is essentially an HK13E (HK23E with box mag adaptor installed.) 

This is the GR6C.  Same as above, only in woodland camouflage.

 

From top to bottom:   The GR3E A2S automatic rifle, essentially an HK33E with optical sight and desert camo.  A2 refers to the fixed stock.  Middle:  HK33ESA3.  Conventional HK33E with retractable stock and desert camo.  Bottom:  GR3KS, essentially an HK33K with integral sight and desert paint.

 

The GR2C is an HK53 variant in Woodland Camouflage with a permanently mounted optical sight and no provision for open sights.   These rare guns are perhaps prototypes and not actually in production.  I have never seen these offered for sale in the United States.
GR2S in Desert Camouflage.  This paint scheme is sometimes informally referred to as "baby poop camo."  Any idea why?