Comparing 5.56 caliber assult rifles?
- Thread starter frolovi
- Start date
Frolovi, Welcome to DefenceTalk.
We usually lock threads that call for "what is best" and do not go into details about why certain weapon system is "better" than the other.
So, I would like to ask you:
Why did you pick G36? What is the main reason that you decided that G36 is the "best" assault rifle when compared to others?
What advantages and/or disadvantages does it offer to the warfighter in battlefield that other assault rifles do not?
Ask such questions when opening a "what is best" or comparison threads. It adds substance to your post and stimulates discussions better when other reply back.
Also, asking and answering such questions ahead of time keeps admins and mods from posting this type of replies to your "what is best" threads.
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Thanks for understanding and enjoy!
We usually lock threads that call for "what is best" and do not go into details about why certain weapon system is "better" than the other.
So, I would like to ask you:
Why did you pick G36? What is the main reason that you decided that G36 is the "best" assault rifle when compared to others?
What advantages and/or disadvantages does it offer to the warfighter in battlefield that other assault rifles do not?
Ask such questions when opening a "what is best" or comparison threads. It adds substance to your post and stimulates discussions better when other reply back.
Also, asking and answering such questions ahead of time keeps admins and mods from posting this type of replies to your "what is best" threads.
In case you've missed:
http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/rules.php
Thanks for understanding and enjoy!
Actually, i vote none of the above.
If i would be the one to decide on a new weapon, i´d want a bullpup-configuration. Faster target aquisition is the main reason for this. I would want a weapon wich accepts the new H&K 30-round Heavy-duty magazines, I want a bolt hold-open device, at least two pictanny-rails, one on top with the new Aimpoint-sight the swedes have on their AK4B (modified H&K G3). And i want a vertical frontgrip on it, with an integrated monopod.
Not one off-the-shelve weapon has this. But closest would be the Steyr AUG A2 with the bolt hold-open device from the AUG Heavy barrel-version. Tavor-21 could be interesting too.
If i would be the one to decide on a new weapon, i´d want a bullpup-configuration. Faster target aquisition is the main reason for this. I would want a weapon wich accepts the new H&K 30-round Heavy-duty magazines, I want a bolt hold-open device, at least two pictanny-rails, one on top with the new Aimpoint-sight the swedes have on their AK4B (modified H&K G3). And i want a vertical frontgrip on it, with an integrated monopod.
Not one off-the-shelve weapon has this. But closest would be the Steyr AUG A2 with the bolt hold-open device from the AUG Heavy barrel-version. Tavor-21 could be interesting too.
My only experience is one the heaviest 5.56 assault rifle in the world, the swedish Ak5 (CGA5/FNC 80). It has 8 parts which are very easy to clean. I've used it in heavy rain, ice and snow, crawled in sand with it, banged it hard against walls, stones and trees, dropped it several times and it only jammed one time! During a live firing in wet snow when the 7th bullet(!) clicked. It's very reliable in tough conditions. Divers can use it, the only thing you have to do is shake a little and then you can fire.
On the other hand, it's unbalanced and has 250m/400m sights.
The H&k 416 seems very promising with it's design and the promise of being the least likely rifle to jam in the world.
On the other hand, it's unbalanced and has 250m/400m sights.
The H&k 416 seems very promising with it's design and the promise of being the least likely rifle to jam in the world.
The Steyr AUG A3 does have all that, more or less. I'm not sure why you say the regular AUG doesn't have a bolt hold-open device? I use it all the time and I can assure you that when you fire the last round in a magazine the working parts lock to the rear. At least, the F88 version does.
The A3 also has multiple picatinnies, can be fitted with any picatinny-compliant sight including Aimpoint, ACOG or Elcan, and its magazines aren't H&K, of course, but they are an incredibly tough waffle-board plastic construction.
In my opinion the only downside to the AUG is that you can't fire it from the opposite hand unless you want to wear a brass cartridge case in the face.
I have never fired the F88, only the Irish version some years ago, wich AFAIK are the same as the austrian. And that one didnt have such a device. I did know that such a device exists on the austrian Heavy-barrel versions.
I agree totally with you about the problem when firing from the weaker shoulder, but if that is the price to pay for quicker target aquisition then i am willing to pay it. After all, target aquisition you do every time, firing from the weaker shoulder you do quite less.
I agree totally with you about the problem when firing from the weaker shoulder, but if that is the price to pay for quicker target aquisition then i am willing to pay it. After all, target aquisition you do every time, firing from the weaker shoulder you do quite less.
Well the F88 definitely does have it, guess the Irish version must be slightly different. It actually really changes the recoil characteristics on the last round, so you definitely notice it.
The wrong shoulder problem can be partly overcome by firing position. If you turn the rifle over to the left and twist your head sideways, you can fire round a 'wrong shoulder wall' and you actually expose less of the body than if you fired the conventional way from the correct shoulder. It's not comfortable to do, but it's accurate enough at close range and certainly better than getting hit!
But the real solution would be a bullpup like the Tavor that ejects downwards, or one that ejects forwards. Combine that with the other properties you mentioned and you've pretty much got the perfect assault rifle, in my opinion.
The wrong shoulder problem can be partly overcome by firing position. If you turn the rifle over to the left and twist your head sideways, you can fire round a 'wrong shoulder wall' and you actually expose less of the body than if you fired the conventional way from the correct shoulder. It's not comfortable to do, but it's accurate enough at close range and certainly better than getting hit!
But the real solution would be a bullpup like the Tavor that ejects downwards, or one that ejects forwards. Combine that with the other properties you mentioned and you've pretty much got the perfect assault rifle, in my opinion.
I rather would prefer downwards, as forwards could under certain circumstances be a give-away for the enemy. Same goes for badly designed flashsuppressors.
So, has simon9 and I come up with the prefect assault rifle in just a couple of posts? Should we start a joint venture company and sell arms to every nation on the planet?
I find it hard to belive, more input people!
So, has simon9 and I come up with the prefect assault rifle in just a couple of posts? Should we start a joint venture company and sell arms to every nation on the planet?
I find it hard to belive, more input people!
is it heavier than the SA80A2 as that has a fearsome reputation for being a jolly heavy and being heavy with the underslung GLMy only experience is one the heaviest 5.56 assault rifle in the world, the swedish Ak5 (CGA5/FNC 80). It has 8 parts which are very easy to clean. I've used it in heavy rain, ice and snow, crawled in sand with it, banged it hard against walls, stones and trees, dropped it several times and it only jammed one time! During a live firing in wet snow when the 7th bullet(!) clicked. It's very reliable in tough conditions. Divers can use it, the only thing you have to do is shake a little and then you can fire.
On the other hand, it's unbalanced and has 250m/400m sights.
The H&k 416 seems very promising with it's design and the promise of being the least likely rifle to jam in the world.
Standard Ak 5(loaded, 30 rounds) weight: 4,5 kg
Although the Ak 5 is almost 0,5 kg lighter than the SA80. The SA80 has it's weight further back and the SA80 is also 22 cm shorter than the Ak 5.
Not sure in regards to INSAS, but I note that India's Special Forces have opted for Israel's excellent Tavor.
As for the SA-80/L85 Individual Weapon. I vividly remember my very first reaction to it too was just how heavy the thing was. Not only that, I found it a bulky and uncomfortable weapon to carry around. The sling - once you figured out how to fit it correctly(!) didn't help matters much IMO. Yet, if you kept it clean and well maintained, it was a magnificently accurate weapon - not only with SUSAT but even with the iron-sights. Personally, the best thing about the SA-80 was the bayonet, or more precisely, the scabbard - it had a very efficient bottle opener!
Personally, the best weapon I ever got to fire was the Steyr AUG. It felt comfortable to fire and operate with, for me it was a lot more balanced a weapon than the SA-80. Also once had the opportunity to briefly get hold of a FAMAS, the rate of fire on that thing was frightning!
As for the SA-80/L85 Individual Weapon. I vividly remember my very first reaction to it too was just how heavy the thing was. Not only that, I found it a bulky and uncomfortable weapon to carry around. The sling - once you figured out how to fit it correctly(!) didn't help matters much IMO. Yet, if you kept it clean and well maintained, it was a magnificently accurate weapon - not only with SUSAT but even with the iron-sights. Personally, the best thing about the SA-80 was the bayonet, or more precisely, the scabbard - it had a very efficient bottle opener!
Personally, the best weapon I ever got to fire was the Steyr AUG. It felt comfortable to fire and operate with, for me it was a lot more balanced a weapon than the SA-80. Also once had the opportunity to briefly get hold of a FAMAS, the rate of fire on that thing was frightning!
DefConGuru
New Member
albeit a bit smaller, the ak-74 (and newer 100 variants) with its 5.45 x 39 round has been touted as superior in terms of range and damage.
SaudiArabian
New Member
its hard to find an answer for such question , most answers you'll get will be no more than opinions , only someone who have used all these types of weapons is capable of answering your question.
F-15 Eagle
New Member
I say the M16A4 and M4A1 is the best 5.56mm assault rifle in my opinion.
sempertalis
New Member
I shot a lot of conventional rifles in almost every caliber and all the european bullpups, even the F2000. It´s very difficult to say which rifle is the best ´cause every piece has its + and -. For example: a heavy jamming in an conventional rifle is rather easy to solve(takes about 10 sec ). To solve this problem with an F2000 you have to break your weapon(takes about :unknown ). So what´s better? Firing the F2000 on full auto or short bursts, no problem for my grandma. Ever tried it with an G3, FNC, M16, AK? It´s fun, but not efficient. So what´s better? What´s better in cqb? What´s better for accuracy? Can anyone give me the the perfect answer or rifle for all these questions? I can´t!!!:unknown
). To solve this problem with an F2000 you have to break your weapon(takes about :unknown ). So what´s better? Firing the F2000 on full auto or short bursts, no problem for my grandma. Ever tried it with an G3, FNC, M16, AK? It´s fun, but not efficient. So what´s better? What´s better in cqb? What´s better for accuracy? Can anyone give me the the perfect answer or rifle for all these questions? I can´t!!!:unknownsempertalis
New Member
Of course I want the best weapon money can buy, but which weapon is the best? Is it a 5.56 bullpup or a conventional? A 5.56, 6.5, 6.8, 7.62? In my eyes it is very difficult to compare and say this is better than that. It´s all in the mission!!! Why do all the specforces have those incredible weaponshops? They pick the rifle they need for the mission they have. The regular army doesn´t have this luxery, I know. Bad luck! The thing is that right now there is no perfect weapon or the best weapon in the world! But there are weapons that are better suited for some missions than others, so ... .
If I had the choice, I would take the F88 Steyr A3, but I would modify it so have the ejection port on the top and slanted forward )so as to not land on your back) and able to be slightly rotated to the preferred side by the shooter with a lock off mechanism for it, so it can be used by everyone as well as put the rounds clear forward of the shooter.
(I am left handed every time someone says hey want to shoot my gun, I either get burnt, a face full of ducted gas or cop a breakopen shotgun shell in my pants! VERY HOT)
(I am left handed every time someone says hey want to shoot my gun, I either get burnt, a face full of ducted gas or cop a breakopen shotgun shell in my pants! VERY HOT)