Looking for the best assault rifle in the world? Wondering about the top modern assault rifle and its reasons for being the best? This Top 10 analysis takes into account factors such as accuracy, reliability, range, penetration, production numbers, number of users, and more to determine the rankings. Please note that this list includes only currently in-service modern assault rifles and excludes prototypes or obsolete weapons. Discover the current best assault rifles in the world below.
Nr.1 M16 (USA)
The AR-15, originally designed by Armalite, was created to fulfill the US Army’s need for a new assault rifle that could use a new intermediate cartridge. After being adopted by the US Army as the M16, it quickly became the standard issue infantry weapon. This revolutionary weapon was designed in the late 1950s to meet the Army’s demand for a lightweight firearm. To achieve this, the M16 incorporated lightweight materials such as aluminum instead of steel and fiberglass in place of wood. Its ergonomic design and innovative features made it stand out, earning it the nickname “Space Rifle” upon its introduction.
Nr.2 AK-103 (Russia)
The AK-100 series assault rifles are an evolution of the widely used AK-74M, which is employed by the Russian Army and various other nations. While these rifles maintain the technical similarities of the legendary AK-47, they incorporate improved production technologies and utilize new materials. Among the series is the AK-103, which is chambered for the original 7.62×39 mm ammunition used by the AK-47, offering enhanced penetration and stopping power compared to the AK-74M chambered for 5.45×39 mm ammo. Additionally, there is the AK-101, chambered for the standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition.
Nr.3 Heckler & Koch G36 (Germany)
The G36 assault rifle, developed by Heckler & Koch, was specifically designed to replace the G3 assault rifle used by the Bundeswehr. Since 1995, it has served as the standard issue infantry rifle for the German armed forces. This weapon’s success extends beyond Germany, as it has been exported to over 40 countries worldwide. The Heckler & Koch G36 utilizes a standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition and operates on a conventional gas system with selective fire capability. While incorporating certain elements from the previous G3 rifle design, it also shares internal similarities with the US Armalite AR-18 automatic rifle. The focus during its development was on reliability rather than complexity, resulting in a simple yet effective layout. Notably, during trials, a prototype of the HK G36 received a higher rating compared to the Austrian Steyr AUG.
Nr.4 Heckler & Koch G3 (Germany)
The G3 assault rifle, developed by Heckler & Koch in the late 1950s, found adoption by the Bundeswehr in 1959 and remained in service until the mid-1990s when it was replaced by the G36 assault rifle. However, certain variations of the G3 are still utilized by German border guards and police forces. This rifle gained significant popularity through widespread exportation, becoming the standard issue assault rifle for 75 countries at one point. Presently, it continues to be in service with over 60 countries, with some nations producing licensed variants of the weapon. The Heckler & Koch G3 is chambered for the standard NATO 7.62×51 mm ammunition and operates using a roller-delayed blowback system. Its cost-effective production is achieved through the use of stamped steel components.
Nr.5 Steyr AUG (Austria)
The Steyr AUG (universal army rifle) originated in Austria and was officially adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977. Upon its debut, it garnered attention for its revolutionary design and quickly gained popularity. This rifle is chambered for the standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition and operates using a gas system with selective fire capability. Its layout differs from conventional rifles, presenting an unconventional yet effective arrangement. Additionally, the Steyr AUG boasts a modular design, allowing for swift adaptation to various roles by simply changing the barrel. With four basic barrel options, including standard, compact, carbine, and light machine gun, this feature proves advantageous as the same weapon can be customized to meet specific mission requirements.
Nr.6 Galil (Israel)
The Galil assault rifle, named after designer Yisrael Galil, was developed in the late 1960s. While it shares its origins with the Finnish M62 assault rifle, which is a clone of the Soviet AK-47, the Galil differs in terms of chambering and various other aspects. Adopted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1972, it served as the standard-issue infantry weapon until the early 1990s, even though it has since been replaced by newer designs like the TAR-21 and X95. Nonetheless, the Galil continues to be utilized in Israel and has been exported to numerous countries, with over 30 nations still employing it today.
The Galil utilizes the same action as the Kalashnikov assault rifle and incorporates a modified gas system from the Finnish M62, resulting in reduced recoil. It is chambered for the standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition, which was the version adopted by the IDF. Additionally, there is a variant chambered for the standard NATO 7.62×51 mm ammunition.
Nr.7 Tavor TAR-21 (Israel)
The Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle, developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI) in the early 1990s, stands out for its simplicity, durability, and versatility. Israel adopted this rifle in 2006, making it the standard issue infantry weapon. With its success, the TAR-21 has been exported to over 20 countries.
Operating on a gas system, the TAR-21 is a selective fire assault rifle featuring a bullpup design. It is chambered for the standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition. The rifle’s modular design allows for easy barrel replacement, enabling swift adaptation to various roles depending on mission requirements. The TAR-21 has proven to be a reliable weapon.
Nr.8 SIG SG 550 (Switzerland)
The SIG SG 550 has been in production since 1986 and was officially adopted as the standard issue military rifle by the Swiss Army in 1990. With its reputation, this weapon has been exported to more than 20 countries and is predominantly utilized by elite and special forces units. Impressively, over 600,000 of these assault rifles have been manufactured.
Featuring a traditional design, the SIG SG 550 operates on a gas system and offers selective fire capability. It is chambered for the standard NATO 5.56×45 mm ammunition. Surprisingly, its operating system is actually based on the AK-47, solidifying its status as one of the finest 5.56 mm assault rifles ever produced.
Swiss army SG 550 assault rifles typically utilize 20-round translucent magazines, although options for 5-, 10-, and 30-round capacities are also available. To facilitate quicker reloading, standard magazines can be clamped together for convenience.
Nr.9 Heckler & Koch HK416 (Germany)
The HK416 assault rifle, developed by Heckler & Koch in the 1990s, was initially designed to fulfill the requirements of the US Army’s Delta Force. While it shares similarities with the widely used M4 carbine, the HK416 is an independently made and modified version. Currently, over 25 countries rely on the HK416, primarily for special forces and law enforcement agencies. Notably, the German armed forces have adopted a variant of this rifle as their standard-issue infantry weapon.
Visually, the HK416 closely resembles the M4, providing a familiar feel to soldiers and reducing the need for extensive retraining. It incorporates a patented gas piston system derived from the Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle. This innovative operating system significantly reduces malfunctions and prolongs the lifespan of parts, surpassing the performance of the original Colt M4 carbine. The HK416 is widely regarded for its enhanced reliability.
Nr.10 FN SCAR (Belgium)
The FN SCAR, a modular assault rifle developed by the renowned Belgian Fabrique Nationale, was created to fulfill the requirements set by the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM). In response to a request from the US Special Forces for a versatile combat rifle available in different calibers, the FN SCAR was adopted by the US SOCOM, with deliveries commencing in 2009. Currently, this rifle is utilized by 20 countries worldwide, often seen in the hands of special forces and elite law enforcement units.
Distinguished by its unique design, the FN SCAR modular assault rifle platform was developed from scratch, without being based on any previous designs. It operates on a gas system and offers selective fire capabilities. The baseline models include the SCAR-L (light), which is chambered for the 5.56×45 mm round, and the SCAR-H (heavy), designed for the more powerful 7.62×51 mm ammunition. Additionally, other chambering options are available, such as the Soviet 7.62×39 mm round.
