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  4. Sneak Peek at the Brand-New HK G36 Chambered for .22 LR


Just announced in March of this year, Heckler & Koch’s new plinker version of the famed G36 chambered for .22 LR was on full display at the NRA’s Annual Meeting for 2025 in Atlanta.

Adopted by the German military (Bundeswehr) back in 1997, the battle-tested service HK G36 is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO and has been a stalwart among 21st-century military firearms. Its largely polymer design cuts weight while still hosting all the extra amenities expected on a modern battlefield rifle. 

The new .22 LR variant uses Heckler & Koch’s proven roller-delayed blowback system and is manufactured by Umarex under license from HK. This mirrors a similar arrangement made for the famed HK MP5, which also has a clone manufactured by Umarex in .22 LR as the well-liked HK MP5 .22 LR.
 

HK G36 chambered for .22 LR
The 16.5-inch barrel has 1/2x28 TPI threads for suppressors and other muzzle devices. (Photo: Samantha Mursan/Guns.com)


Sadly, genuine HK G36 rifles in .556 NATO are hard to come by in the States, even in semi-auto forms, though the HK SL8 can still be had as a near copy that also comes at a premium cost. If you can find one, the HK243 is another similar but pricey option for a G36-ish gun chambered in 5.56 NATO. 

Now, however, you can scratch that itch with the new clone and shoot for pennies with .22 LR. Just like the original, the new rimfire comes loaded with features. 
 

HK G36 chambered for .22 LR
The spring-loaded charging handle can be swapped to either side for ambidextrous function. There’s a large length of Picatinny on the carry handle, and that is topped with front and rear iron sights built into the gun. There’s also the iconic pronged flash hider, elongated magazine release, and ambi safety selector. (Photo: Samantha Mursan/Guns.com)
HK G36 chambered for .22 LR Magazine
The magazine is the standard pattern .22 LR mag used in other platforms, like the H&K 416. These can be had in 10, 20, and 30-round options, with the addition of a 50-round drum mag. (Photo: Samantha Mursan/Guns.com)
HK G36 chambered for .22 LR
The stock folds like the original as well. (Photo: Samantha Mursan/Guns.com)


MSRP starts at $679. Given the dearth of G36 alternatives here in the U.S., that price point puts it at a fraction of the cost of finding a similar alternative or building your own while keeping things HK on the inside. 

The only other plinking alternatives right now are little more than .22 rimfire rifles stuffed inside an imitation chassis, so keep that in mind as you make your choices.

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