Ian's Customs: Left-Handed G3
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
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I used to say that one really common and popular rifle that I really didn't like was the H&K G3. Well, putting together this rifle for myself really changed my opinion. The roller locking system is accurate, simple, and reliable - you just have to fix all the ergonomic problems with the G3 in order to take advantage of it.
Specifically, I had this made with a reversed, left-handed charging handle (and the handle itself is from an H&K 23, for a better grip). The pistol grip frame is Magpul, the trigger was worked over by Bill Springfield, and the rifle was made with a rail welded to the receiver for easy optics mounting. Most importantly, a Spuhr stock reduced the length of pull and weight, puts the cheek rest at a proper height for optics, and dramatically improves the felt recoil.
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Ah yes, the forgotten industry of left handed firearms.
Nice one lol
It makes one wonder, why the charging mod and grip were not an original option.
The same goes for left handed AR uppers like stag s.
@@DeathMond. should be though huh?
I hate the grip every exercise (since 1994).
Remember when Ian reviewed the hunting rifle "for cripples" with the dogleg buttstock?
we're kind of lucky that Ian is left-handed. it allows us to see even more quirky/unexpected mods sometimes!
You mean wrong handed? And yes, i agree with you, it really shows us how people with physical disabilities live their lifes as well as we do.
@@perfectlynormalhuman5473 😅😂😅😂😅😂
@@perfectlynormalhuman5473 you have to make alot of rough drafts before you make a masterpiece
@@perfectlynormalhuman5473 as a wrong hander, agreed
@@perfectlynormalhuman5473 its pretty nice being ambidextrous 🐸☕
It warms my heart to see Ian be able to do an HK slap that is proper to his orientation 😌
So wholesome
What a long strange trip it's been for Ian. From building bargain basement AKs to commissioning custom Gucci H&Ks.
Escalated quickly
I'm still alive, and watch your videos almost daily!
You'll always have a place to stay here in Texas.
Miss your videos on TFB!
yours were by far the most enjoyable videos on tfbtv
What happened to the TFB channel
Glad to see you're still alive and kickin.
What is the channel you post car content on? Tell me!
It's good to see Ian doing what he does I don't know how many times I've "tuned in" and left going "I learned something new today" still have my only dropped once shirt Hope you are doing well 🤙
Swedish homeguard has bought the stock using as the AK4C together with welded picatinny rail and aimpoint. The Swedish army is using the Spuhr stock and handguard, and have brought back the ak4 (Hk g3) as the AK4D, it is used with a Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 and a bipod. It is used by platoon level sharpshooters in both the army and marines
Ian has a video about the modernized G3s of Norway and Sweden
even group level sharpshooters
I also put the Spuhr stock and top rail system on one of my G3's. I used the B&T forward handguard and have a DMR scope on it.
Looks a million dollars, much better to shoot although it's accuracy is still only average with the ammo I've tried so far.
I don't believe the Magpul fire control group will fit my rifle.
@@SonsOfLorgar its not standard issue "line infantry" just more specialised units. Psg is platoon level, Ak4 is group
@@SonsOfLorgar In the homeguard the psg90 is used with sharpshooters, but in all other branches it is used in teams where the spotter often carrys the AK4D.
Ian, your original video is the reason I sent my rifle off to them for a welded rail mount and cerakote job. They did nice work!
As a longtime HK G3 fan, I couldn't be happier that my beloved rifle has finally achieved salvation
"the redemption that came by Gun Jesus"
That full power echo through the mountains is so nice.
If I didn't know better I would tell you that's a Hollywood sci fi sound effect..
As a southpaw I find it amazingly useful to have have my favorite firearms expert be left handed as well. This specific mod of the G3 just became my favorite 7.62 battle rifle of all time
Ian: "I really hated these until I bought one, and modified it to it fit, and be comfortable for an actual human. Now it's great."
The gun community: "Yes Ian we've owned military rifles before"
It's technically the same as all those sporterized old milsurps.
Perfectly describes the G3. Owned a C308 (century arms G3 clone) for a bit and hated the controls (the ergonomics are great though) which led to me selling it. You need either freakishly huge hands or a third arm to even comfortably reload the damn thing
@@derekgray1633 yea and it doesn’t fix shit. Unless you have giant hands you aren’t grabbing a .308 mag while hitting the release with your thumb plus it does nothing to fix the fact that the safety is still WAY out of the reach of your firing hand. The design of the platform is only good on the MP5 and is dogshit scaled up to a .308 without substantial modifications. The left side charging handle is really its only benefit. The AK is more ergonomic and that’s saying something
@@Petterstrojkaits very similar to a swedish homeguard spurr G3
@@clownworld4655git gud I guess
I love the fact that he mentions how he dislikes the gun and then goes and has one made to his specs. The man is an inspiration. Great vid. And great rifle.
"Once I replaced almost every part of the gun, I really started to not hate the G3."
When you assemble the bolt and bolt carrier, you can get stuck and not have enough purchase on the oily parts to turn the bolt head into position. The back end of the standard handle is shaped so you can insert it into the bolt head underside, and use it as a tool to turn it into position. Also, if the bolt head is stuck in the closed position, you can just insert the entire bolt backwards in the frame, and use it to unlock the bolt head.
Also, the standard sling hook fits into the notch on the flash hider, so you can get it off even when it is smoking hot, or stuck.
ya couldnt tell me this before i bought the tool?
Not sure I get how you are using which bit as a solution, but I know very well of the problem you're fixing!!!
@@azalkathegunpowderdragon9439 You could have asked, you know.
@@farmerbrown84 Look at the original trigger and grip he shows late in the video. The part which goes into the shoulder stock is flat and fits into a groove in the bottom of the bolt head. That needs to be in a certain position to unlock the rollers and allow the bolt and carrier to go into the frame. Turning the bolt head can be really annoying, if it is oiled. Just insert the back end of the grip into the groove for the disconnector in the bottom of the bolt head and turn.
@@SonsOfLorgar Last part of your post was exactly what I described. And when you're out in das vaterland in the middle of the night, you don't sit fiddling around with extra stuff. You just use the weapon itself to get it ready and able to work.
I just realised I watched this weeks ago without realising it was unlisted lol
Nice
Yeah I was confused
@@RedbudWorkshopProductions don't lose the faith.
@@Armored_Muskrat no, I saw it on here,
@@Armored_Muskrat nah I think it was in the Ian’s Customs playlist. I was binging them all.
Ian: (features his customized H&K G3)
EA/D.I.C.E. and Activision:
"We'd like to invite you as one of our game development team members."
Unfortunately that time is over for now. I miss Battlefield 1, cuz Ian helped them out with weapon information. Stuff we can read about in the game
Don't forget Ubisoft, they love the FC3 Bizon, SVD and SPAS models lol
Hahaha, now I suddenly want to grind the C58 from Cold War/Warzone
call of duty vanguard is gonna need Ian to even make sense
@@mikeakersa8566 wait wasn't vanguard released already some years ago? even the titles are generic now xd
My father and I used to shoot where y'all did that Pedersen video all the time, got a warm fuzzy when we recognized the scenery.
Everyone who works on this g3 goes out of business….. i think it might be cursed!
Sinister?
@@BerndFelsche the rifle was sinister just like Ian's handedness 😏
If someone doesn't get that, the left hand is also called the sinister hand. No joke
@@user-njyzcip Yeah, from the Latin word for left
Ahh Ian’s left arm of the free world the LFAL
Ian's Customs is easily my favorite video series on this channel! I love seeing his personal taste
Really nice that Ian found a way to make the G3 Plattform suit himself better. Because it is actually a good gun with historical importance.
And I think with Ian's initial thoughts about it, it proves what a lot of veterans told me that used it (in standard configuration) . "you either love it or you don't"
I mean the level of adoption globally demonstrated its qualities I feel.
@@murphy7801
Yes! and the G3 Plattform served as a basis for its offsprings like the Mp5 or Psg 1 or 21E.
@Vince I can understand that but also when trying keep costs down lefties get thrown under the bus.
Man I just absolutely love the sound of the echo out there in the desert - and when you add in the plink from rounds hitting the steel....? Perfection. Chef's kiss!
The stock also puts the bore axis more in line with the shoulder and will help muzzle rise.
Ian's G3 honestly looks kinda funky with that handguard and the shorter stock, it's so unconventional and yet I kinda love it
Congratulations, Ian! The G3 is a great rifle and I'm glad you got one that works for you. The modularity of that system is a huge plus.
Man I forget how good the G3 looks, even with Ian's modifications. Such a beautiful weapon
Jesus, that sounds authoritative. Planning on doing a CETME build based around Matt/Ivan’s 3D printed version, definitely going to have to incorporate some of those features.
Please expand. "Matt/Ivan 3D printed version" of what? Are we talking about a 3D model of an alternative to the wildly expen$ive Spuhr stock? [He says, hoping...]
@@nunyabidniz2868 3d printed G3/cetme receiver, designed by ivanthetroll
@@nunyabidniz2868 take a look on thingiverse, I made a m4 stock adapter for my ptr91 you just thread in a carbine buffer tube. If you can't find a link I'll find it.
Thank you for covering left-handed firearms Ian, here's hoping for many more videos on them. I'm blind in my right eye and so have to shoot left-handed. Means a lot (to me at least) that someone covers these interesting weapons/conversions.
This is probably the most left handed friendly rifle conversion I’ve seen yet
This is really neat! I actually was considering a G3 for my first firearm, and this video further solidified my choice. Thanks Ian!
Once you do, you will never go back to anything else.
It will drive you nuts on the range, though. Once it's properly set up, it uses the same hole in the target, over and over.
You will wonder why you hit the center dead on with the first round, then miss the target completely afterwards.
Just a heads up Ian , I did NOT unsub to your channel , youtube seemed to do that on its own , was wondering why your vids weren't up in my recommended as usual.
On a side note , that Gun is beautiful !
I like seeing you shoot and enjoy that rifle. You look comfortable.
I love it. I built a lefty AR several years ago from a stripped power and I enjoy how it works for me compared to struggling with right handed ARs. I still try to practice enough off-hand so it isn't ridiculous when I pick a right handed only piece up.
Hell Yeah to Bill Springfield! He’s worked on all my Delayed Roller Lock Triggers! Good guy
Wow Ian, that is an amazing looking rifle. I have a friend that owns a G3/H91 or whatever his would be called. Wild how different yours and his looks.
That is an amazing rifle Ian Glad to see you brought it out.
Thanks for sharing this with us Ian. I love the G3 and I have a PTR91 myself that I have tricked out and whatnot. Mine isn’t left handed because I’m a righty, but I still love to see what others do with the platform. I have mine with German wood furniture and some other surplus parts from mostly Germany but a couple CETME parts from Spain are there too.
I have a G3 built from a parts set. As a right hander and iron sight equipped rifle it is dependable and powerful. I priced one of those stocks and it is far more than my entire investment in the gun! What really got my interest is how to mod the trigger. The only complaints about this gun are the trigger and anyone within 30 feet of the ejection port getting hit by ejected cases.
Cut the stock yourself and add a foam riser with tape!
Mouth is watering being a lefty. I'd never have the resources to make this happen. Glad someone did Ian!
Ian - You are the reason I bought PTR 91. I’ve replaced the trigger as my first “fix” and my next is Spur stock and red dot. Thanks for the info.
The original g3 stock is multipurpose. It also functions as a canoe oar
Those are awesome modifications and cool to know the story behind your philosophy of use
So glad your opinion's changed on the G3. I've loved it and I find it a really cool rifle to have. I may take a few tidbits from yours though and incorporate it into my custom G3. The stock is definitely a great idea.
Man the power of that rifle. You can hear that echo and impact on the target.
Dang why is this unlisted? That thing is super neat!
Good news!
This video was probably a patreon exclusive for the first few weeks.
@@Briggattonii there’s a new Dacia Sandero
@@caprise-music6722 Gooooooooood, moving on!
Hi Ean, I love it! I'm a. big fan of your channel. This video stood out, because I had a PTR91 built during the ban 10rd mag and a plain barrel. I did some custom work added wood furniture and a bipod it came factory green. It was old school look, but uncomfortable to shoot. It hit 200yds easily. Also at 300 If used a red dot also.
I shoot lefty but am right handed my left eye is dominant. So I can relate to your opinion.
A Big thank you to you and your crew
Building a cetme C at the moment. Good vid Ian. Thanks for posting
Massive improvement. That would be very noticable at full auto. I have shot this a lot with the old stock. At full auto you need to work the rifle to avoid the climb up to the left. You could use the strap to stabilize. Because you are a left shooter you still have a slight left pull, but much of the climb is gone. what an amazing improvement.
I love things like this. There's something about getting something setup just the way you like it that is awesome and rewarding in itself I've found.
These 'custom' series are my favourite
Great modifications, glad to see you dial in a gun that well when you hated the original ergonomics.
I recently purchased a left-handed upper receiver and BCG from Stag Arms. it's going on an Aero M4E1 lower, 16" Ballistic Advantage pinned gas block barrel, VG6 Delta flash hider, ALG/ACT trigger, Magpul CTR stock, and a used BCM Keymod handguard that I got for $40.
This is just a curiosity and something always wanted to build but was never in stock.
Another great custom video, love these! And as a fellow lefty I can appreciate this video even more. Wonderful job as always Ian, keep up the amazing work and wealth of knowledge you provide to us all.
I loved the G3 in my military times, my rifle was way older than me and it never let me down, but i never shot any other assault rifle as comparison. It looks very strange, but cool, when it is modded like this one.
@@SonsOfLorgar Thanks for all those details, the only modding i got, was the foldable stock, when i took it with me to sarajevo, because it would have been much to bulky with the heavy body armor (i think it was called SK4) we had these times, while sitting in a truck. Yes, fully auto could be possibly used to supress enemy fire, but you dont really have control after the first shot, even short bursts weren´t really worth it, but i can imagine, that it is possible to compensate that by a lot with good modding.
@@SonsOfLorgar lol, mine too, but we had to go outside to build up the relay for it quite often. It was called Autoko90 and had a foldable 25 meter antenna, that effed up my back in the end, which was luckily the most terrible thing that happened to me in the army.
A lefty-friendly G3, something I never knew I needed.
It’s kind of funny how aside from the left handed aspect, Ian got pretty close to Hop at TFBtv’s build.
Hop was pissed about the cost of the spuhr and tried almost everything else though lol
Thats a lovely looking custom. Thanks for sharing.
As a lefty. I hadnt thought about this. Even though ive always wanted a G3. Thank you gun jesus for your infinite wisdom
Everyone's talking about the gun, but that shirt is amazing
Ian's ready to dance in the big ice tent.
Guns were made to be left handed.
Samuel Colt was left-handed, that's why the Single Action has the loading gate on the right side.
So was Benjamin Franklin, and Henry Ford (that's why the driver's side is located on the left).
From one Southpaw to another, nice work Ian!
Why would you put the drivers seat on the left side if you're left-handed? Wouldn't that force you to shift with your non-dominant hand?
@@davidresetarits5616 that question is the same as: Should one not place their dominant hand on the fore grip of a rifle? Everyone's different but there needs to be more ambo controls, like paddle shifters.
Also, the Model T had a toggle/column shifter ;)
Bill Springfield is still in business.
Another item he makes is an upgraded recoil buffer that makes use of more length.
Looks like a sweet shooter..Nice G3 Ian.
i LOVE THIS. THANKS FOR POSTING IT. I WISH THAT HK AND/OR PTR WOULD PAY ATTENTION AND MAKE A VERSION LIKE THIS, OR AT LEAST OFFER TO DO THIS WORK IN THEIR CUSTOM SHOP.
I have a Springfield trigger on my 91 and its match grade. What a surprise when I got it back from modification.
Awesome. Way to go Ian. I'm a firm believer in "If you can't find what you want then make it what you want"... if possible of course.
11:25 ohhhh Ian Doing the ASMR for the HK slap. That's a very pleasent sound
As a "south-paw", all you might want to add is one of the nifty HK case deflectors, either the early "clip-on" version, (rail permitting), or the newer "weld-on" type, to redirect the brass flashing past your nose while firing.
I like the look and "mechanics" of that Spuhr furniture, though
I'll be honest, long time fan of the G3 from a look and historic point of view, and this is basically the setup I want to get on mine. Though right-handed. 100% going to get a PTR91 in the next year and then it is going to be a project gun getting it modified from stock to something far more comfortable.
That is one of the coolest hk91s I have ever seen
Beautiful rifle, well done on the redesign and video. 👍🏻
The acoustics made this gun sound like a monster
Another awesome example from the McCollum collection.
Always was interested in a G3, had a Century Arms L1a1(imported FN FAL W/ Imbel reciever) regret the sale. But maybe one day I can experience H&K's legendary full size battle rifle
Seeing Ian's custom builds reminds me of that armsdealer gentleman from the johnwick movies, using practical and tasteful upgrades
How has no one seen this
It’s unlisted
I listen video
@@Maso777 ?
@@Cat-fp7jw i meant unlisted video* sorry typo
Pic-rail all the way back and front sight replaced with a short rail at the same height would put backup irons back on the gun and with a plethora of options..
I always wondered why you didn't like the G3, but yes, I can see that for a lefty there would be problems. I don't see a problem with the length of pull though, I was a Norwegian soldier and as such was issued the AG3, the Norwegian built version which has a longer stock than the original. Glad you've got yourself one set up the way you want, they really are fabulous rifles.
Adapt one to roller locking and short stroke gas piston operated like a type 95.
Of course have Ian's stock, hand guard and pic rail setup.
Also re-barrrel so there an no chamber flutes & use the HK33 as the base Firearm instead of the G3. That's my gun smithing dream for this rifle. 👨🏭
As a lefty and a lover of H&K rifles, this is right up my alley!
It's certainly an adventure to shoot G3 (more precisely AK4) left handed. In addition to things mentioned in the video I would add few more details. First, getting a sight picture is even more complicated by some field helmets having release buckles on the left side, just between your cheek and stock. In order to aim one has to turn head even more over the stock, right in the way of the recoiling "bump". I have scratches on my glasses made by the rear sight. Also, if you're not holding your right hand far enough forward (again, kind of difficult with the original long stock), ejecting brass will come right onto your thumb knuckle, with enough force to chew through a glove in a surprisingly short time.
After I saw Ian's initial video, I purchased that stock and, my god, it was expensive. BUT...it really, really delivered in terms of handling, recoil management, etc. Worth it. Just wish someone would make a front sight tower with pic rail for the platform.
Very cool!! I love seeing your LH mods!
Sweet G3 model you made. I like the G3 and it's family of rifles
Nice build! I wish I had this left-handed version during my military service 18yrs ago. As left-handed this rifle was really bit of a pain. :)
Just be happy you weren't in the British Army lol they'll force you to shoot right handed anyway
Nice work on modernizing your LeftyG.
The G3 is easily one of my favorite firearms
Yes, bill springfield still does trigger packs.he worked mine down to a 5.5 lb pull.
I had a feeling that Ian was going to do the "H&K Slap" very neat rifle.
I've recently put a few pieces of heat shrink tubing over the factory charging handle. It's not any bigger, but it's an improvement.
Thanks for sharing Ian!, hope to see more of your personal favorites in the future!.
Wow I love exactly every way this rifle is set up. If I could afford it I would get it done exactly to a T like Ian has his done except I would have to keep the charging handle on the left side.
I am left handed, but I easily shoot either way. I’m glad that you found a version of the G-3 that you like. The only disagreement with you that I have is the optics mounting. The HK mounting system is excellent and well respected. The fact is that I can remove and replace my optics collection for my HK-91 and I don’t loose zero. It is very fast and accurate. And I can still use the excellent iron sights when my scope is on my rifle. What’s not to like about that? I like the trigger, but I’m sure others don’t. But HK also sold sniper triggers for the rifle and it is excellent and easily changeable. The recoil of the rifle is unlike any others. It is kind of a push instead of a sharp hit. My Israeli heavy barrel FAL is a little more accurate, but it requires adjustments to the gas system depending upon the type of ammo you use. Also, it doesn’t have a very good scope mounting system. All of my friends and relatives want my HK-91 when I die. So I think I’ll have it put in my coffin!🤣
Hop, are you watching this?
Nice nod to Bill Springfield. He’s still taking work as of six months ago.
Excellent work on 91/mp5 pattern triggers.
I have to shoot rifles left hand do to an injury to my right eye, so most rifles are right operation. ARs expel oil and carbon at my face, and shooting off hand standing with a right hand bolt rifle is a awkward to cycle, so this an interesting solution Ian came up with for G3. I still shoot handguns right hand, but because of shooting rifles left hand I can effectively shoot handguns left hand, as it feels natural now. Stag Arms is the only AR company that offers dedicated left hand ARs, but all the left hand parts are twice the cost of right hand parts.
This is my favorite series on fw
The length of pull was the main reason I didn't like the basic G3 (or AG3 in my country 😊) when I was in the military . While I'm 6'3" and maybe shouldn't have any problems with it, I would have liked the stock to be shorter. When I transferred to the cavalry, I got the AG-3F1 with a collapsible stock (which has a shorter length of pull even when fully extended), and I liked it better. I unfortunately didn't get to shoot it that much, so I can't say too much about cheek weld and accuracy.
What I CAN say about all versions in 7.62 NATO is that they "kick like a mule, so if you don't jam the buttstock into your shoulder when shooting, you are going to feel sore 😇
I think ian has a talent at this
I expect more from you
I love the G3, its know as the AK4 in sweden as you know. Just a classic and yours is an awesome version of it!
Bill Springfield is still doing work, he did my friends ptr-32 and it's great
Now I want a custom G3, too. Great Video!
Well look at that, a rifle i know something about. I am currently issued a G3 and the spuhr is indeed a big improvment over the standard ones. Yours is very similarly set up to our duty ones. Same lack of irons and welded on rail + red dot sight. Never been bothered by the trigger though!