An assault riffle is a lightweight rifle developed from the sub-machine gun, which may be set to fire automatically or semi-automatically. They are light and portable yet still able to deliver a high volume of fire with reasonable accuracy at modern combat ranges of 1,000–1,600 feet (300–500 metres). The trend toward ever more-compact designs did not end with the adoption of the new round, however. Armies around the world developed new assault rifles with compact “bullpup” designs, in which the bolt, receiver, and magazine were behind the handgrip and trigger and much of the shoulder stock was occupied by the operating mechanism. This permitted a much shorter weapon than orthodox designs, in which the magazine and receiver were ahead of the trigger. World’s top ten assault rifles are listed below with some of their worth noting points.
1.M16 (USA)
M16, also called Space Rifle was designed by the United States America in 1950. The US Army demanded for a super light weapon. M16 has a number of lightweight materials in order to save weight. It uses aluminum in place of steel, fiberglass construction in place of wood. Also, it has an ergonomic design. The barrel is in one line with the buttstock which significantly reduces the recoil. It operates smoothly during fully automatic fire and is very easy to control. It can be also fitted with under barrel grenade launcher. Since its introduction this assault rifle was constantly improved. This influential weapon was built in hundreds of variants. Approximately 8 million of these assault rifles were manufactures. The M16 and its derivatives are used by more than 70 countries around the world.
2.AK103 (Russia)
AK103 is chambered for 7.62×39 mm ammunition. It is the original ammunition that is used by the legendary AK-47 assault rifle. AK-103, as well as other rifles of the AK-100 series use the same operation mechanism, developed by Kalashnikov. These weapons made their name for unsurpassed reliability. This assault rifle can withstand any misuse and abuse that soldier can throw at it. It is not very accurate, but will operate in worst conditions possible. This weapon has a remarkable advantage of simplicity. It is simple in design, is made of common materials and uses readily available machining technology. The parts can be manufactured with less precision. From an engineering standpoint it is a low-tech weapon. Production of these rifles can be established at any factory, that makes steel products. No wonder the Kalashnikov assault rifles are being produced all over the world.
3.Heckler & Koch G36 (Germany)
The G36 assault rifle has been designed by Heckler & Koch to replace the G3 assault rifle in service with the Bundeswehr. Since 1995 the G36 is a standard issue infantry rifle with the German armed forces. This weapon became an export success. It has been exported to more than 40 countries around the world. The Heckler & Koch G36 is chambered for a standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition. It is a conventional gas operated, selective fire weapon. It uses some proven elements of the previous G3 rifle design. Internally it also bears a lot of similarity with the US Armalite AR-18 automatic rifle. Sophistication was eschewed in favor of reliability. Weapon has a simple layout. During trials a prototype of the HK G36 was rated higher than the Austrian Steyr AUG
4. Heckler & Koch G3 (Germany)
Heckler & Koch G3 was adopted by the Bundeswehr in 1959 and was used until the mid-1990s, when it was replaced by the G36 assault rifle. Some variants of the G3 are still used by the German border guards and police forces. This weapon was widely exported. At some point it was used by 75 countries as their standard issue assault rifle. It is still in service with more than 60 countries. this rifle is compatible with the HK79 40 mm under barrel grenade launcher. It can also launch barrel-mounted riffle grenades. It can mount other accessories, such as a silencer, or bipod. Even though the G3 is an old design, it proved to be an accurate, rugged and reliable weapon. Also, it is simple to maintain. The German G3 is as popular as the Russian AK-47 or American M16.
5.Steyr AUG (Austria)
Austria. It has been adopted by Austrian Army back in 1977. When it first appeared, it was considered to be revolutionary in many respects. Immediately after its introduction the AUG became popular. The Steyr AUG is made of synthetic materials and advanced alloys. It is lightweight, robust robust and reliable. It has got compact dimensions due to its bullpup layout. The AUG has got no separate fire mode selector. The progressive trigger itself is used to control the mode of fire. Pulling it half the way, will result in a single shot, while the full pull will result in full-auto fire. The AUG is fully ambidextrous. There are two symmetrical ejection ports, one of which is always covered. This assault rifle made its name for reliability, good ergonomics and decent accuracy. Currently the AUG is in service with nearly 40 countries around the world.
6.Galil (Israel)
Galil was adopted by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1972 and was a standard-issue infantry weapon until the early 1990s. The Galil is still used in Israel, even though it was replaced by newer designs, such as the TAR-21 and X95. This assault has been exported to a number of countries. Today it is still used in more than 30 countries. The Galil employs the same action as Kalashnikov assault rifle, but uses a modified gas system of the Finnish M62, which reduces the recoil. It is chambered for a standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition. This version was adopted by the IDF. This assault rifle is fitted with a side-folding aluminum stock. It is a clone of the FN FAL Paratrooper stock. This assault rifle became a base for a whole family of infantry weapons.
7.Tavor TAR-21
The Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle was developed by Israel Military Industries in the early 1990s. This weapon is simple, tough and versatile. It was adopted by Israel in 2006 and became a standard issue infantry rifle. This assault rifle has been exported to more than 20 countries. Weapon has modular design with easily replaceable barrel. It can be quickly adapted for a variety of roles by simply changing the barrel. The TAR-21 proved to be reliable. The Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle is fully ambidextrous. There are spent case ejection ports on each side. Right or felt side ejection can be selected. A charging handle can be installed on either side of the weapon.
8.SIG SG 550
The SIG SG 550 is produced since 1986. It has been adopted by the Swiss Army in 1990 as a standard issue military rifle. It has been exported to more than 20 countries. It is usually used by elite and special forces units. Over 600 000 of these assault rifles were produced. This weapon proved to be accurate and reliable as a Swiss watch. The SG 550 is particularly good at long ranges. This weapon combines accuracy of the M16 and reliability of the AK-47. It handles well and is very controllable during full-auto fire. There are carbine versions of this weapon for close-quarter battles and even designated marksman rifle. This weapon proved to be accurate and reliable as a Swiss watch.
9.Heckler & Koch HK416 (Germany)
In terms of appearance the HK416 resembles the M4. Due to similarity, it has a familiar feel for soldiers, reducing the time needed for retraining. It uses a patented gas piston system, derived from the Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle. This new operating system significantly reduced malfunctions and increased life of parts, comparing with the original Colt M4 carbine. The new weapon is much more reliable. Four models with different barrel lengths are available, including full-size assault rifle, compact assault rifle, carbine and sub-compact assault rifle.
10. FN SCAR (Belgium)
The FN SCAR modular assault rifle was developed by the famous Belgian Fabrique National to meet the requirement, issued by the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM). The US Special Forces requested a new combat rifle, available in different calibres. The FN SCAR has been adopted by the US SOCOM. Deliveries commenced in 2009. Currently it is also used by 20 countries around the world. Often this weapon is found with special forces and elite law enforcement units.
