Since that time The G3 was the standard rifle of the German army for several decades. Total of more than 50 countries during the last 40 years issued it to its forces, could be seen in every main conflict of the worldwide, Today, G3 and a wide variety of derivative firearms are still in service or manufactured in many countries, with different purposes and calibers, such like 9mm MP-5 submachine guns, 5.56 mm HK 33 assault rifles, 5.56mm and 7.62 mm HK23 and HK 21 machine guns, PSG-1 sniper rifles etc.
Until 1995 that 5.56x45mm NATO caliber G36 rifle replaced the general firearm of Bundeswehr (Germany), the G3 in various modifications served as a general issue firearm and become an icon of 20-century 7.62mm caliber firearm, not only for German Armed forces but also for many other countries.