Standard Issue Rifles Around the World

[Pathfinder-X]

M16A2 U.S Standard Issue Rifle

The M16A2 5.56mm rifle is a lightweight, air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, shoulder- or hip-fired weapon designed for either automatic fire (3-round bursts) or semiautomatic fire (single shot) through the use of a selector lever. The weapon has a fully adjustable rear sight. The bottom of the trigger guard opens to provide access to the trigger while wearing winter mittens. The upper receiver/barrel assembly has a fully adjustable rear sight and a compensator which helps keep the muzzle down during firing. The steel bolt group and barrel extension are designed with locking lugs which lock the bolt group to the barrel extension allowing the rifle to have a lightweight aluminum receiver.

The M16A2 rifle is a product improvement of the M16A1 rifle. The improvements are:
-a heavier, stiffer barrel than the barrel of the M16A1;
-a redesigned handguard, using two identical halves, with a round contour which is sturdier and provides a better grip when holding the rifle;
-a new buttstock and pistol grip made of a tougher injection moldable plastic that provides much greater resistance to breakage;
-an improved rear sight which can be easily adjusted for windage and range;
-a modified upper receiver design to deflect ejected cartridges, and preclude the possibility of the ejected cartridges hitting the face of a left-handed firer;
-a burst control device, that limits the number of rounds fired in the automatic mode to three per trigger pull, which increases accuracy while reducing ammunition expenditure;
-a muzzle compensator, designed to reduce position disclosure and improve controllability and accuracy in both burst and rapid semi-automatic fire;

a heavier barrel with a 1 in 7 twist to fire NATO standard SS 109 type (M855) ammunition which is also fired from the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). This further increases the effective range and penetration of the rifle cartridge. The M16A2 will also shoot the older M193 ammunition designed for a 1 in 12 twist.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

L85A2 British Standard Issued Rifle

Caliber: 5.56 NATO (.223rem)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 780 mm (709 mm in Carbine variant)
Barrel length: 518 mm (442 mm in Carbine variant)
Weight: 4.13 kg (with SUSAT optical sight and no magazine); 5 kg with SUSAT and loaded with magazine with 30 rounds of ammunition
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Rate of fire: 650 rounds per minute
Effective range: about 500 meters (with SUSAT sights)

When NATO trials were announced in 1977 to select a new cartridge, British state-owned Enfield Small Arms Factory developed its own small-caliber, high velocity round, which was more or less representing the US .223/5.56mm case necked down to accept 4.85mm (0.19 inch) bullet. When cartridge came out, Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield developed a new weapon around it, initially designated as XL65. This weapon, being somewhat similar in outline to the much earlier British Enfield EM-2 assault rifle, was internally quite different, and, basically, was more or less the US-made Armalite AR-18 rifle, put into bullpup stock and rechambered for 4.85mm cartridge. After NATO trials, which resulted in adoption of the Belgian SS-109 version of the 5.56mm cartridge, Enfield engineers rechambered XL65 for this cartridge and continued its development under the designation of XL70. Due to Falkland war new system was actually adopted only in 1984. Original SA80 weapons (both L85 and L86) were plagued with many problems, some being very serious. In general, L85 was quite unreliable and troublesome to handle and maintain, so, finally, in the year 1997, after years of constant complaints from the troops, it had been decided to upgrade most L85 rifles then in service.
The upgrade program, committed in years 2000 - 2002, was completed by the famous Heckler&Koch, which was then owned by British Royal Ordnance company (German investors bought the HK back in the 2002). About 200 000 rifles were upgraded into the L85A2 configuration, out of total 320 000 or so original L85A1 rifles produced. While official reports about the upgraded weapons were glowing, the actual field reports from the British troops, engaged in the Afghanistan campaign of 2002, were again unsatisfactory. The future of the L85 rifle remains unclear but there's some rumor that it could be retired from British service around the year 2006, and replaced by another design (most probably, the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle).

 

[Pathfinder-X]

G36 Standard Issued Rifle for German Army

Caliber 5.56x45mm (.223 Rem)
Length (buttstock open / folded) 998 / 758 mm
Barrel length 480 mm
Weight empty 3.6 kg (3.3 kg G36E)
Magazine capacity 30 rounds standard
Rate of fire 750 rounds per minute

The G36 is a reliable rifle, much more so than the M16 series. Though hard core M16 and AR-15 aficionados will have a difficult time accepting what they might describe derisively as 'Euro-Trash,' there is no denying the fact that the G36 rarely, if ever, jams. The most desirable departure from the M16 design is the fact that the gas used to operate the action is vented in the forearm, and not blown back into the action like the 'exhaust pipe' of the M16 gas tube. The G36 jams so rarely that HK has said that they have a G36K that has been fired more than 25,000 rounds without cleaning and no failures.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

FAMAS Standard Issued Rifle for French Army

FAMAS stands for Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de St-Etienne.
Development of this rifle began in 1967, under the leadership of the Paul
Tellie, a French arms designer. This new rifle was intended to replace in service the MAS Mle.49/56 semi-automatic rifles, MAT-49 submachine guns and some MAC Mle.1929 light machine guns.
The standard FAMAS barrel is 488 mm long and has a NATO-standard 22mm diameter flash hider, which also is used to launch rifle grenades from the muzzle. Current FAMAS barrels are rifled with 1:9 twist (1 turn in 228 mm, right hand), so both older M193 and newer 5.56mm NATO / SS109 / M855 ammunition can be fired with good results. Another interesting fact about FAMAS barrels is that it has only 3 groves (while most other rifles have 4 to 6 grooves). The "Commando" variant has the shorter barrel which cannot be used to launch grenades. Both standard and the Commando versions can be fitted with the 40mm M203 underbarrel grenade launcher, if required. Every FAMAS rifle (except for the shortest "Submachine gun" version) can be fitted with folding, non-adjustable lightweight bipods that can be folded along the gun body when not in use. On most rifles these bipods are fitted as a standard. Every FAMAS rifle is equipped with the carrying sling and with detachable bayonet.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

C7A1 Standard Issued Rifle of Canadian Army

Since the C7 rifle was based on a proven design(M16A2), its introduction into service was relatively troublefree. The C7 has a simple, direct-gas action which is prone to fouling but US experience had shown that careful, consistent maintenance was the answer. The plastic box magazines proved an unexpected source of problems including melting. Although light, these ‘Thermold’ plastic magazines had to go — they have since been replaced with more durable US-style 30-round metal magazines.
The C7’s simple rear sights were mounted in an integral carrying handle inherited from the M16 design. However, shortly after the C7 entered service, several of Canada’s European allies began to field new rifles equipped with magnifying optical sights. Diemaco, manufacturer of the C7, quickly developed their so-called C7FT (Flat Top*) to which a variety of sights can be easily attached. This modified rifle was adopted as the C7A1 by the CF who equip it with the Elcan C79 optical sight (x3.4 magnification). The Elcan sight simplifies aiming while also improving vision in low light levels. The C79 is not, however, a night-vision scope
– after dark, British Kite night-imaging sights must be substituted for the Elcan.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

Type 95 Standard Issue Rifle for PLA

Caliber: 5.8x42 mm
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 760 mm
Barrel length: 520 mm
Weigth: 3.4 kg unloaded
Magazine capacity: 30 rds


The QBZ-95 assault rifles were shown for the first time when PR China took over the Hong Kong in 1997. The PLA soldiers were armed with this bullpup assault rifle. It is chambered for new proprietary Chinese cartridge, 5.8x42mm, and QBZ-97 (export version) is chambered for standard 5.56mm NATO (.223 Rem). The QBZ acronym stands for 'Qing Buqiang Zu' or light rifle family.

Not much is known about this rifle. It is available in full-size or short (carbine) version, and may be equipped with telescopic or night sights, underbarrel grenade launcher and bayonet. The ejection port is located at the right side of the receiver so (probably) this rifle is not ambidextrous. The body (stock) of the rifle is made from polymer, as well as magazines.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

IMI Tavor TAR-21 Standard Issued Rifle for Israeli Army

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 720 mm
Barrel length: 460 mm
Weight: 2.8 kg empty, 3.63 kg with loaded 30 rounds magazine & sling
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds standard
Rate of fire: 750 - 900 rounds per minute

The development of the new assault rifle, that should eventually replace in service the ageing M16A1, CAR-15 and IMI Galil assault rifles, began in Israel in the 1991. The new rifle was developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI, now TAAS) company, in close cooperation with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This new rifle received the name of "Tavor" and the designation of TAR-21 (Tavor Assault Rifle, for 21st century). The new rifle first appeared on public in the 1998, and it had been tested by the IDF during 1999-2002. At the moment of writing (spring of 2003) there were no large purchases of the Tavor by the IDF, because of low funding, but late in the 2002 India signed an US $20M contract with IMI for undisclosed number of TAR-21 assault rifles and Galatz sniper rifles.
The Tavor TAR-21 is a gas operated, selective fire, magazine fed assault rifle of bullpup configuration. It is available in several configurations, which differ in the barrel lengths and accessories. The basic configuration is the TAR-21 assault rifle with the 460mm (18.1 in) barrel. Next are the compact assault rifle, called CTAR-21, with the barrel 380 mm (15 in) long, and the micro assault rifle, with the barrel of only 250 mm (10 in) long, called MTAR-21. The latter rifle also featured a redesigned front part of the housing, for a more comfortable hold of the short weapon.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

SIG-550 Standard Issued Rifle of Swiss Army

The SIG SG.550 assault rifle had been developed by Swiss company SIG as a competitor for Swiss Army assault rifle contest in 1979 - 1980. SIG 550 had been derived from previous model SIG 540 and SIG 541, and was adopted as a Stgw.90 assault rifle in 1983, but due to financial reasons production began only in 1986. Currently, the Stgw.90 is a standard Swiss service rifle and also offered for export. "Carbine" version and subcompact assault rifle versions available in the form of SIG-551 and SIG-552 "Commando", respectively.
Basically, the SIG-550 is a somewhat lightened and refined SIG-540/541 rifle. SIG-550 featured AK-47 style action, gas operated, with gas piston attached to the bolt carrier, and with rotating bolt with two massive lugs. The recoil spring is located around the gas piston rod, above the barrel, and the bolt carrier attached to the gas piston rod by the mean of removable charging handle. The gas port has gas regulator with two different open and one closed position (latter for firing rifle grenades). The receiver is made from stamped steel and has two major parts, upper and lower, which are connected by pushpins. The barrel is screwed into the upper receiver. The trigger unit has a safety/fire selector switch on the left side of the receiver, with 3 settings: safe, semi-auto, full-auto. If desired, additional module could be installed in the trigger mechanism to allow 3-rounds burst mode. Rear sights are drum-type (like those found on Heckler-Koch rifles). SIG-550 has muzzle compensator/flash hider of NATO-standard diameter, so it is possible to launch rifle grenades from the muzzle. The SIG-550 has integral folding bipods under the handguard, and issued with side-folding, skeletonized polymer buttstock. Every rifle of SIG-550 family can be fitted with proprietary, quick detachable scope mount. Swiss Stgw.90 are often seen with 4X fixed power scope, export versions can be equipped with commercial telescope sights, ACOG or "red dot" sights, depending on customer preferences. SIG-550 also can be fitted with bayonet.

 

[Aussie Digger]

The current Australian and New Zealand Army Assault Rifle is the F-88A1 Steyr Rifle. This rifle is manufactured under licence at the Australian Defence Industries, small arms factory at Lithgow. (They also manufacture F-89 A1 Minimi Light Support Weapons and other weapons and equipment for the ADF and other customers).

The Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr) is one of the most futuristic-looking rifles on the battlefield today. It is a recent design (created in 1977 for the Austrian Army), and one in which the Austrian manufacturer strove to create a system in which one weapon could become another type very quickly with few changes. By simply changing the barrel or adding a bipod the AUG can change from a conventional rifle to an assault rifle, carbine, or light machine gun. The AUG is a bullpup design, in which the magazine is placed behind the trigger assembly. Another new concept released with the AUG is a clear magazine, so that a soldier could check their remaining rounds quickly and easily.
The AUG was also designed as a robust and easily maintainable rifle. The Stock and magazine are both hi-grade plastic. It can be converted from a right-handed weapon to a left-handed one by simply changing the bolt and casing ejector aperture.

Data
Data is for Steyr assault rifle
Round 5.56mm x 45mm NATO
Weight
(empty) 3.6Kg
7.93 Lb.
Length 790mm
31.10"
Type of Fire Selective: Semi/Full Automatic
Firing Rate 650 Rds/mn
Muzzle Velocity 970M/sec
3,182 ft/sec
Magazine Capacity 30 or 42-shot box.

Here's a pic of a version of the F-88A1 rifle fitted with a 3.5x "Wildcat" optical scope. The rifle is also fitted with a night aiming device on the right side of the weapon. This system basically works like a laser pointer, though it operates in the Infra-Red spectrum and is only visible through NVG's. When zero'd correctly it greatly aids in accurate night shooting and gives Australian infantrymen a tremendous advantage over other troops who aren't so well equipped.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

the elcan "wildcat" sight is very sturdy scope(weights up to almost a pound), and excellent optics. on the not so bright side, the scope have not windage adjustment and the mount allows the ingression of foreign matter, which can render the elevation adjustment inoperable. This, in my opinion, is not acceptable. Furthermore, the thumbscrews that secure the scope mount to the rail are on the left-hand side.
i don't lk this scope mounted on my gun, the accuracy is questionable due to no adjustmetn for the scope wuts so ever. if i could in the future, i would replace it wif a M68 aimpoint 3X.

 

[Aussie Digger]

The accuracy would have to be better than the standard Steyr scope. The standard scope is a 1.5x power scope that has a round reticle. It is designed to fit neatly around a target at 300ms, but doesn't work that well at anything less, given the rather imprecise circle that your aim with. Nothing's perfect I guess...