Assault Rifle is a category of military firearms that combine automatic or semi-automatic fire with the use of an intermediate rifle cartridge. These are universal weapons designed for the standard infantryman, effective at both short and medium distances, suitable for combat in buildings, urban areas, and open terrain. The assault rifle is the most important and most universal infantry weapon of modern armies. In airsoft, the choice of a suitable replica is influenced mainly by the type of gearbox, parts compatibility, and the player’s style. For both beginners and advanced players, the most reliable platforms are V2 (M4) and V3 (AK), while unconventional weapons require more maintenance and higher service costs.

How is an assault rifle defined?

• Use of an intermediate cartridge: typically 5.45×39, 5.56×45 NATO, or 7.62×39.
  
  
• Ability to fire bursts and semi-auto: automatic + semi-automatic.
  
  
• Detachable magazine: usually 20–30 rounds.
  
  
• Effective range approx. 300–500 m: “intermediate” ballistics between SMG and DMR.
  
  
• Versatility: the main weapon of regular infantry.

Typical assault rifle calibres

• 5.56×45 NATO – M4, HK416, FN SCAR-L (MK16), BREN 2, FAMAS, L85
  
  
• 5.45×39 – AK-74, AK-105, AK-12
  
  
• 7.62×39 – AKM, AK-103, Vz.58

Famous assault rifle models and their use in modern armies

• M4 / M4A1 – standard of the US Army, USMC, and many allied forces.
  
  
• AK-74 / AK-74M – Russian military and widespread use in Eastern armies.
  
  
• BREN 2 – used by the Czech Army and foreign units (e.g., France’s GIGN).
  
  
• L85A2/A3 – British Armed Forces, bullpup system.
  
  
• MK16 SCAR-L – US Special Forces (USSOCOM), France, Belgium.
  
  
• FAMAS – former French service rifle, replaced by HK416.
  
  
• IWI TAVOR / X95 – Israeli military and many special units.

How does an assault rifle differ from other categories?

• Assault Rifle:
  Intermediate calibre, primary infantry weapon, universal use.
  
  
• DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle):
  More precise variant for longer ranges (500–700 m). Often more powerful calibres (.308 Win / 7.62 NATO).
  
  
• Sniper Rifle:
  Large-calibre or highly precise rifles for long distances (800–1500+ m), e.g., .300 WinMag, .338 LM.
  
  
• LMG (Light Machine Gun):
  Designed for suppressive fire, larger magazines/belts, heavier construction.
  
  
• SMG (Submachine Gun):
  Short weapon using pistol calibres (9×19), ideal for CQB and special units.

Assault rifles in airsoft

Most airsoft assault rifles are replicas of the M4/AR-15 or AK platforms, and the key factor when choosing one is the gearbox type, barrel length, and parts compatibility.

• Gearbox V2: used in M4/AR-15 — wide compatibility, easy upgrades, many spare parts.
  
  
• Gearbox V3: AK platforms, G36, AUG — very reliable and strong, ideal for long-term use.
  
  
• Unconventional gearboxes:
  
  – ASG BREN – specific parts, limited compatibility.
  – TAVOR (ICS / ARES) – unique internal sets.
  – FAMAS – older construction with weak compatibility.
  These replicas can perform well, but maintenance and upgrades are more difficult.
  
  
• Barrel length:
  
  – longer barrel → better stability and accuracy (DMR style).
  – short barrel → ideal for CQB (carbines, PDW).
  In airsoft, performance does not depend on barrel length as much as in real firearms.
  
  
• Weight:
  A replica heavier than 3 kg may be tiring during longer games. Lighter models are better for dynamic play but may be less durable.

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