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Despite drastic changes in battlefield tactics and absurd advancements in weapon technologies, a rifle still remains a soldier’s best and closest companion. It all started in the 15th century and continues to survive with ever more firepower to this day. Today, we take a look at the 10 best combat rifles of all time.
No 10. M14 – USA
| Type | Semi or Fully Automatic Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 51 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,799 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 700-750 rounds per minute |
At the end of World War II, the US army decided to make a weapon that could serve with multiple kinds of ammos. The M14 was first fielded in 1957 and it was used heavily in the Vietnam War. It was eventually phased out in favor of the M16, which was lighter in weight compared to the M14.
No 9. STURMGEWEHR 44 – Germany
| Type | Semi or Fully Automatic Assault Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.92 x 33 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,133 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 500 rounds per minute |
During the 2nd World War, in response to the Russian automatic weapons, the Germans came up with the revolutionary STURMGEWEHR 44. Its shorter 7.92 mm rounds allowed for enough automatic fire but it couldn’t play any significant role in the war due to its late introduction.
No 8. 1903 SPRINGFIELD - USA
| Type | Bolt-Action Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 63 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,700 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 10 rounds per minute |
Produced from the German 7mm Mauser, the 1903 Springfield boasted phenomenal accuracy. The rifle continued in service through World War II and Korea and was also used as a sniper rifle in Vietnam.
No 7. STEYR AUG – Austria
| Type | Semi or Fully Automatic Bull-Pup Assault Rifle |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 3,084 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rounds per minute |
With a “bull-pup” configuration, the Steyr AUG was light and easy to handle weapon. The Steyr also features an interchangeable barrel system, a transparent magazine, and optional left or right shell ejection capability.
No 6. MAUSER K98k CARBINE – Germany
| Type | Bolt-Action Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.92 x 57 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,822 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 10-15 rounds per minute |
A perfect combination of a number of innovations, the MauserK98k Carbine is still one legendary rifle of the modern age. It had smokeless powder, clips that could be fed into magazines and most of all, its superb bolt action.
No 5. FN FAL – Belgium
| Type | Semi or Fully Automatic Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 51 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,700 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 650-700 rounds per minute |
Inspired by the Sturmgewehr 44, the FN FAL is a classic weapon of war used by almost 50 countries. It was heavily used in the Vietnam war.
No 4. M1 GARAND – USA
| Type | Semiautomatic |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 63 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,838 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 30 rounds per minute |
The M1 Grand entered the battlefield in 1941 and instantly proved to be the one of the toughest in the field. At the end of the 2nd World War, General Patton remarked that the M1 may have been the greatest battle implement ever devised. The M1 Grand was phased out in the 1960s.
No 3. LEE-ENFIELD SMLE – UK
| Type | Bolt-Action Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.7 x 56 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 2,438 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 15-20 rounds per minute |
The Lee-Enfield SMLE was the standard infantry weapon of British troops from World War I to the 1956 Suez crisis. The rifle was reliable, accurate and had a phenomenal rate of fire.
Here is a video comparing the Lee-Enfield SMLE with Mauser K98k:
No 2. M16 - USA
| Type | Semi or Fully Automatic Assault Rifle |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approximately 3,281 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 700-950 rounds per minute |
The M16 has proven to be an outstanding rifle with superb accuracy, service length, handling and combat effectiveness. It was built from a lighter metal alloy and also had a plastic construction.
No 1. AK-47 – Soviet Union
| Type | Semi or Fully Automatic Assault Rifle |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 39 mm |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,329 feet per second |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rounds per minute |
Built on the German Sturmgewehr, the Ak-47 is probably responsible for more deaths than any other weapon in the world. Its resistance to harshest of conditions, combined with its low cost, make it an ideal choice for combat.