Top 10 Assault Rifles in the World, Know Complete List

Assault Rifles

Assault Rifles are a type of firearm commonly used by military forces around the world. These rifles are designed for rapid-fire capability, versatility and accuracy in close to medium-range combat. The Assault Rifles are typically chambered for intermediate cartridges, which strike a balance between the power of a battle rifle and the controllability of a submachine gun. They are the primary weapon of infantry forces worldwide, capable of both semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 assault rifles, as modern weapons are currently an important focus in the defense sector. Understanding these rifles is not only relevant to current military affairs but will also be useful for those preparing for defense exams.

Assault Rifles: Important Features

Assault rifles are important firearms used in modern warfare, valued for their rapid-fire capability and reliability. Below are some of the features of assault rifles that will boost your knowledge.

Selective Fire: Allows switching between semi-automatic, burst, and full-automatic modes.

Intermediate Cartridge: Uses smaller, lighter cartridges, balancing range and recoil for enhanced control during sustained fire.

High Magazine Capacity: Typically holds 20-30 rounds per magazine.

Versatility: Suitable for various terrains and combat scenarios, from urban warfare to jungle operations.

Top 10 Assault Rifles

Here are the top 10 assault rifles which known for their reliability and performance that use in modern military forces worldwide:

AK-47 (Kalashnikov)

The AK-47, the world’s first functional assault rifle, has been in service for over seven decades. The AK-47 was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the Soviet Union. It is gas-operated and chambered in the 7.62×39mm cartridge. Despite being over 70 years old, it remains one of the most popular rifles worldwide, widely used by various military and armed forces. The AK-47’s popularity is due to its exceptional reliability in harsh conditions as well as its low production cost.

M16/M4

The M4 is a compact, carbine-length assault rifle designed as a successor to the M16. It is widely adopted as the primary weapon for most US military branches and units due to its versatility and lightweight design, though the M16 is still retained in limited roles.

Steyr AUG

The STEYR AUG A3 is an advanced modular weapon system developed from the iconic STEYR AUG rifle series. Its modular design allows for seamless configuration changes between variants without tools, enabling adaptability to diverse operational needs at the unit level. The “Bullpup” layout ensures a compact overall size while retaining a full-length barrel, providing excellent accuracy. Equipped with multiple Picatinny rails (Mil. Std. 1913), it supports quick attachment of accessories like lights, targeting systems, optics, and night vision devices.

FN SCAR

The FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) is a series of automatic rifles developed by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal in 2004. Designed for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), it utilizes a gas-operated short-stroke piston system and emphasizes modularity to meet the demands of the SCAR program.

Heckler & Koch G36

The Heckler & Koch G36 (Gewehr 36) is an assault rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch in the early 1990s. Chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, it replaced the heavier G3 battle rifle, which used 7.62×51mm ammunition. The G36 was officially adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1997 and has since become a popular export, serving in military and police forces in countries such as Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It is gas-operated and uses a 30-round detachable magazine or a 100-round C-Mag drum magazine.

AK-74

The AK-74, developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1974, is a Russian assault rifle introduced as an upgraded version of the AK-47. This model utilizes a smaller 5.45×39.5mm Soviet cartridge and achieves a muzzle velocity of 900 meters per second. Originally used by the Soviet Union, the AK-74 has seen widespread adoption across various nations since its introduction. The AK-74M became the standard-issue rifle for Russian infantry into the 21st century.

Galil ACE

The Galil ACE, often called the ACE, is a line of assault and battle rifles made by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It is available in three calibers: 5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62×39mm, and 7.62×51mm NATO. IWI & US has also created semi-automatic versions of the Galil ACE. In 2020, a limited run of the rifle chambered in 5.45×39mm was released.

FAMAS

The FAMAS (Fusil d’Assaut de la Manufacture d’Armes de St-Etienne), a French-designed and manufactured assault rifle, is renowned for its impressive firing speed of 1,200 rounds per minute. A selector within the trigger guard allows users to switch between three firing modes: safe (centered), single shot (right), and fully automatic (left). Additionally, automated firing can alternate between three-round bursts or continuous fire, controlled by a separate switch located beneath the housing and behind the magazine. The rifle features a curved magazine capable of holding 30 rounds, making it both efficient and versatile for various combat scenarios.

CZ Scorpion EVO 3

The Scorpion EVO 3 is a modern submachine gun designed and manufactured by Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) in the Czech Republic. Lightweight, compact, and highly reliable, it is widely used by military, law enforcement, and special forces worldwide. Although technically classified as a submachine gun, its design and versatility often bring it into comparisons with compact assault rifles

SIG SG 550

A highly accurate and reliable assault rifle used by the Swiss Army and others. The SIG SG 550 is known for its performance in harsh conditions and long-range effectiveness.

These rifles represent the pinnacle of military firearm technology, combining power, accuracy, and versatility for modern infantry operations.