The Assault Riffles are highly used in close combat, insurgency and many such operations due to its characteristics like short, compact and selective fire by the special or elite forces in the world. We present 10 most powerful assault rifles around the world-
In Late 1950s, Soviet Army felt the requirement of more accurate and lighter assault rifle than AK-47. Kalashnikov improvised the AK-47 rifle with minor changes like milled steel receiver was replaced by a U-shaped steel stamping due to this modification. The weight of AKM was reduced by 1 kg as compared to AK-47. Also, enhanced the accuracy and it was adopted by Soviet army in 1959 as an AKM. Currently, the AKM is serving in more than 35 countries of the world. 7.62×39 mm Soviet intermediate cartridge is used in the AKM rifle. It is proficient in the selective fire, firing either single shots and automatic which can burst out at a cyclic rate of 600 rounds/min. This weapon is well known due to its reliability, ruggedness, low-cost maintenance and easy to operate.
The requirement of AK 74 was felt when the Soviet Union captured the American M-16 Rifle during the Vietnam War and tested by their research team against the AKM assault rifle. According to the report, the new American 5.56×45 mm caliber had a superior performance against the Soviet 7.62×39 mm round. Then the improvised version of the AKM rifle 5.45×39mm cartridge completed its development in 1973 as an AK-74 and adopted in 1974. The AK-74 is more capable than the AKM rifle in the terms of reliability, accuracy, ruggedness and the mode of operation. It won’t disappoint you in worst conditions(related to weather or climate) because of misfire or jams. But in comparison to M-16, it is less accurate. The AK-74 can penetrate 5 mm of steel sheet under the range of 350 meters and the target effective range is upto 500 meters with sighting range settings from 100-1000 meters.
Fabrique Nationale Special Operation Forces Combat Assault Rifle is famously known as FN SCAR, manufactured by FN Herstal a Belgian Company. This assault rifle is made up from the scratch as there is no previous version was available of FN SCAR. It is gas operated, self-loading rife with rotating bolt. The FN SCAR has two main versions- The SCAR-L for “LIGHT”, chambered with 5.56×45mm cartridge and FN SCAR-H for “HEAVY” chambered with 7.62×51mm cartridge. Both assault rifles are available for different variants of operations including Close Quarters Combat, Standard and Long Barrel. The most remarkable thing about the SCAR-H is the magazine of Ak-47/AKM with the Soviet 7.62×39 mm rounds can be used with the alternate barrel which enhances the capability of the forces behind the enemy line.
The Adaptive Combat Rifle or ACR which is also known as Masada, designed by Magpul Industries, Austin, Texas. It is known as Bushmaster ACR in civilian markets. This ACR assault rifle is gas operated, selective fire with a modular design including the combination of several features from the different recent designs like the Armalite AR-18, FN SCAR, Heckler & Koch G36 and XM8, and the M16/AR-15. This weapon can be operated in the enemy territory as well with the alternate barrel and lower receiver.
The AK-47, world’s first working assault rifle and probably longest serving. A gas operated chambered in 7.62×39 mm cartridge developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the Soviet Union. Almost after seven decades it still most popular and is using in the large scale of the world from the different military or armed forces because of its reliability under uncommon conditions, low production cost compared to other western weapons.
The Heckler & Koch HK416 is a gas operated, selective fire with rotating bolt rifle. It is built to play the role in various armed forces and special forces required the greater penetrative power and range of 7.62×51 mm. The internal design of HK417 is similar to HK416. The HK417 is often used by the designated marksman due to its long range and accuracy. This battle rifle supports the transparent magazine with 20 rounds which helps in checking how many numbers of rounds left.
In 1960’s Steyr AUG (Armee-Universal-Gewehr—”universal army rifle”) is made by Steyr-Daimler-Puch which is an Austrian 5.56×45 mm bullpup assault rifle. The Steyr AUG accepts different role by changing the barrels accordingly. It has four variants- the standard rifle barrel is 508 mm long. Later, include a compact 350 mm barrel, 407 mm carbine barrel, and the 621 mm light machine gun barrel. The AUG has no specific settings for changing the fire mode, on pulling the trigger half way it will act as a single shot and while on pulling the complete trigger makes it full auto fire.The Steyr AUG holds the magazine of 30 rounds and light machine gun version holds 42 rounds.
Tavor is a gas operated, selective fire bullpup assault rifle is the creation of Israeli Weapon Industries, built around long stroke piston system. The main objective behind the development of Tavor is to maximize reliability, durability, simplicity of design, and maintenance free, particularly under unfavorable or battlefield conditions. Tavor has a semi-automatic mode, burst mode and full-auto mode chambered in standard 5.56×45 mm ammunition. It is considered that it is more reliable and accurate than M4 carbine. The Tavor TAR-21 holds magazines of 30 rounds.
Fusil d’Assault de la Manufacture d’Armes de St-Etienne(FAMAS) designed and manufactured in France. It mainly is known for its high rate of fire which is 1200 rounds per minute. A selector switch within the trigger guard controls the fire mode which works in three ways- safe (central position), single shot (to the right) and full auto fire (to the left). The automated fire can be operated in two modes- three shot bursts (rafale) or full automatic which can be determined by another selector switch available under the housing and behind the magazine. It’s curved magazine holds 30 rounds.
The M4A1 Carbine is one of the favorite assault rifles of US Special Operation Forces which is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle manufactured by Colt Firearms Company. It is gas operated, selective fire weapon. The M4A1 can be operated in three modes- safe/semi-automatic/full automatic. It holds the magazine of 30 rounds.
AKM
In Late 1950s, Soviet Army felt the requirement of more accurate and lighter assault rifle than AK-47. Kalashnikov improvised the AK-47 rifle with minor changes like milled steel receiver was replaced by a U-shaped steel stamping due to this modification. The weight of AKM was reduced by 1 kg as compared to AK-47. Also, enhanced the accuracy and it was adopted by Soviet army in 1959 as an AKM. Currently, the AKM is serving in more than 35 countries of the world. 7.62×39 mm Soviet intermediate cartridge is used in the AKM rifle. It is proficient in the selective fire, firing either single shots and automatic which can burst out at a cyclic rate of 600 rounds/min. This weapon is well known due to its reliability, ruggedness, low-cost maintenance and easy to operate.
| Country of origin | Soviet Union |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62 x 39 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.6 kg |
| Length | 880 mm |
| Barrel length | 415 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 660 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 300 – 400 m |
AK 74
The requirement of AK 74 was felt when the Soviet Union captured the American M-16 Rifle during the Vietnam War and tested by their research team against the AKM assault rifle. According to the report, the new American 5.56×45 mm caliber had a superior performance against the Soviet 7.62×39 mm round. Then the improvised version of the AKM rifle 5.45×39mm cartridge completed its development in 1973 as an AK-74 and adopted in 1974. The AK-74 is more capable than the AKM rifle in the terms of reliability, accuracy, ruggedness and the mode of operation. It won’t disappoint you in worst conditions(related to weather or climate) because of misfire or jams. But in comparison to M-16, it is less accurate. The AK-74 can penetrate 5 mm of steel sheet under the range of 350 meters and the target effective range is upto 500 meters with sighting range settings from 100-1000 meters.
| Country of origin | Soviet Union |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.45 x 39 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.07 kg |
| Length | 1 089 mm |
| Barrel length | 415 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 900 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 600 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30, 45 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 500 m |
FN SCAR
Fabrique Nationale Special Operation Forces Combat Assault Rifle is famously known as FN SCAR, manufactured by FN Herstal a Belgian Company. This assault rifle is made up from the scratch as there is no previous version was available of FN SCAR. It is gas operated, self-loading rife with rotating bolt. The FN SCAR has two main versions- The SCAR-L for “LIGHT”, chambered with 5.56×45mm cartridge and FN SCAR-H for “HEAVY” chambered with 7.62×51mm cartridge. Both assault rifles are available for different variants of operations including Close Quarters Combat, Standard and Long Barrel. The most remarkable thing about the SCAR-H is the magazine of Ak-47/AKM with the Soviet 7.62×39 mm rounds can be used with the alternate barrel which enhances the capability of the forces behind the enemy line.
| Country of Origin | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.5 kg |
| Length | 850 mm |
| Length (with folded stock) | 620 mm |
| Barrel length | 254 / 355 / 457 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 870 m/s (SCAR-L), 714 m/s (SCAR-H) |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 600-650 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 300 m |
ACR
The Adaptive Combat Rifle or ACR which is also known as Masada, designed by Magpul Industries, Austin, Texas. It is known as Bushmaster ACR in civilian markets. This ACR assault rifle is gas operated, selective fire with a modular design including the combination of several features from the different recent designs like the Armalite AR-18, FN SCAR, Heckler & Koch G36 and XM8, and the M16/AR-15. This weapon can be operated in the enemy territory as well with the alternate barrel and lower receiver.
| Country of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56×45 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3 kg |
| Length | 947 mm |
| Length (with folded stock) | 716 mm |
| Barrel length | 368 / 406 / 457 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 790-990 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 650 – 800 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 500 m |
AK 47
The AK-47, world’s first working assault rifle and probably longest serving. A gas operated chambered in 7.62×39 mm cartridge developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the Soviet Union. Almost after seven decades it still most popular and is using in the large scale of the world from the different military or armed forces because of its reliability under uncommon conditions, low production cost compared to other western weapons.
| Country of origin | Soviet Union |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62×39 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.47 kg |
| Length | 875 mm |
| Length (with folded stock) | 645 mm |
| Barrel length | 369 / 415 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 600 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 350 m |
HK417
The Heckler & Koch HK416 is a gas operated, selective fire with rotating bolt rifle. It is built to play the role in various armed forces and special forces required the greater penetrative power and range of 7.62×51 mm. The internal design of HK417 is similar to HK416. The HK417 is often used by the designated marksman due to its long range and accuracy. This battle rifle supports the transparent magazine with 20 rounds which helps in checking how many numbers of rounds left.
| Country of origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62×51 mm |
| Weight | 4.23 kg |
| Length | 1005 – 1085 mm |
| Barrel length | 508 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 789 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 600 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 20 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 600 m |
Steyr AUG
In 1960’s Steyr AUG (Armee-Universal-Gewehr—”universal army rifle”) is made by Steyr-Daimler-Puch which is an Austrian 5.56×45 mm bullpup assault rifle. The Steyr AUG accepts different role by changing the barrels accordingly. It has four variants- the standard rifle barrel is 508 mm long. Later, include a compact 350 mm barrel, 407 mm carbine barrel, and the 621 mm light machine gun barrel. The AUG has no specific settings for changing the fire mode, on pulling the trigger half way it will act as a single shot and while on pulling the complete trigger makes it full auto fire.The Steyr AUG holds the magazine of 30 rounds and light machine gun version holds 42 rounds.
| Country of origin | Austria |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.8 kg |
| Length | 805 mm |
| Barrel length | 508 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 950 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 650 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30, 42 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 450 – 500 m |
Tavor
Tavor is a gas operated, selective fire bullpup assault rifle is the creation of Israeli Weapon Industries, built around long stroke piston system. The main objective behind the development of Tavor is to maximize reliability, durability, simplicity of design, and maintenance free, particularly under unfavorable or battlefield conditions. Tavor has a semi-automatic mode, burst mode and full-auto mode chambered in standard 5.56×45 mm ammunition. It is considered that it is more reliable and accurate than M4 carbine. The Tavor TAR-21 holds magazines of 30 rounds.
| Country of origin | Israel |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56×45 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.27 kg |
| Length | 720 mm |
| Barrel length | 460 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 910 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 750 – 900 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 550 m |
FAMAS
Fusil d’Assault de la Manufacture d’Armes de St-Etienne(FAMAS) designed and manufactured in France. It mainly is known for its high rate of fire which is 1200 rounds per minute. A selector switch within the trigger guard controls the fire mode which works in three ways- safe (central position), single shot (to the right) and full auto fire (to the left). The automated fire can be operated in two modes- three shot bursts (rafale) or full automatic which can be determined by another selector switch available under the housing and behind the magazine. It’s curved magazine holds 30 rounds.
| Country of origin | France |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm |
| Weight (empty) | 3.61 kg |
| Length | 757 mm |
| Barrel length | 488 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 960 m/s |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 900 – 1000 rpm |
| Magazine capacity | 25 / 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 300 m |
M4A1 Carbine
The M4A1 Carbine is one of the favorite assault rifles of US Special Operation Forces which is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle manufactured by Colt Firearms Company. It is gas operated, selective fire weapon. The M4A1 can be operated in three modes- safe/semi-automatic/full automatic. It holds the magazine of 30 rounds.
| Country of Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 5.56mm x 45mm |
| Weight | 2.67 Kg (empty) |
| Length | 33 inches (stock extended) |
| Barrel length | 14.5 inches |
| Cyclic rate of fire | 700-950 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 910 m/s |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds |
| Range of effective fire | 500 m |
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