Top 10 Battle Rifles of All time

This is partially a response to Tomcat's thread about the 10 tanks, but I found something similar to that on youtube...I think it was from the Discovery channel or history or something, there was no logo. Anyways, here are the top 10:

10: M-14 (USA)
9: StG-44 (Germany)
8: Springfield M1903 (USA)
7: Steyr AUG (Austria)
6: Mauser KAr-98K (Germany)
5: FN FAL (Belgium)
4: M1 Garand (USA)
3: Lee Enfield (UK)
2: M-16 (USA)
1: Ak-47 (Soviet Union)

please post your opinions on the choices...in my idea some of the choices are slightly flawed. The AK-47 I disagree with being the best choice, because just because a weapon is the most popular doesn't mean that it's the best. It is very innaccurate, heavy, has an akward layout, and kicks very hard. There are advantages in that it is cheap and reliable, but I would not say it is the best battle rifle of all time. The M-16 is a little overrated too, because of its jamming problems and needing CONSTANT care.

 

Well you could argue that many of them are classed not as rifles but assualt rifles.
Would you use a STG 44 over long range compared to a lee enfield?

K-98 was bolt action and although good during ww1 when ww2 came around and the development of automatic rifles stated to appear it was abit outclassed.

 

Not really expert on modern weapons but I always thought the important thing for your rifle is that it should work under all circumstances 100% if possible.

I like the old sand test:

"You can bury an AK in sand, dig it up, give it a wipe through the barrel, put a magazine on it and fire it," he says.

James Meek on the £470m rifle the British army hates | UK news | The Guardian

Whether or not the AK is the best it works after the sand test.

Finnish soldiers also liked the Soviet M/27 Degtjarev "Emma" in WW2 because it worked always...

FINNISH ARMY 1918 - 1945: LIGHT MACHINEGUNS PART 1

 

I believe on the military channel they had a show about this and they came p with the same as hufflepuff. My picks are the same, with the exception of the m-16 moved to 3rd and the lee enfield moved to second.

 

I'd take all of the choices and move the M-16 somewhat lower on the list and move the M-14, M1 Garand and K-98 to the beginning and immediate thereafter on this list. IMO, missing from the list is the Soviet Dragonov. That rifle is bad-ass and im going to own one someday.

 

Not sure the K-98 belongs in the top 5 , definately not in front of the Enfield anyhow. The list looks fairly reasonable but not sure why it only lists rifles of the last 100 years. I mean surely you should at least consider ground breakers like the Baker rifle and it's contemporaries as well. Or indeed the breech loaders used during the 18th century in America which were never fully adopted but did quite well.

 

It also leaves out some older ones "of all time" like the Spencer repeater or Sharps, along with such guns as the Austrian Needle gun or Martini Henry.

 

The Winchester 45 70

K98 High Turret with a Hensoldt or Zeiss scope

Big Bad Barrett

 

Oberst, I think it is leaving out dedicated sniper rifles hence the rather dubious term 'battle rifles.' True about the Winchester though, or the Spencer or Sharps (got to handle one of those once and fell in love).

 

It was a show on the Military channel called "Top Tens"

 

Well let's try it this way, I like the aforementioned K98 especially the high turret with a Hensoldt or Zeiss scope.

I also like these which haven't been mentioned

The Winchester 45 70

And the Big Bad Barrett

I see you must be a fan of Kelsey Grammer

 

Sure was....and I posted the link in the Top Ten Tank thread,too.

Military Channel :: Top Ten

 

I disagree on your comments on the AK-47.

I don't find the AK-47 to be very inaccurate, nor do I think it is heavy and it does not have a heavy kick.
The layout is opposite of the german weapons that I use the most, but it doesn't make it hard to use.

As for the M-16, which version have you tried? The later models, and the Canadian C-series are not high maintenace compared to most assault rifles.


I find it hard to select a best rifle. Most modern rifles have the wrong calibre as far as I am concerned. The 5.56mm change direction or stop before it hits it's target. Wind is an issue too. The older rifles have too poor sights.

Some of the remade AG-3 (the Norwegian adopted G-3) with optical sights come close to a top mark for an assault rifle. I don't have too many to compare it with. The M-16, HK-416, C-8, Steyr AUG are all good weapons, but I don't feel comfortable with the calibre. The other rifle I have tried is the FN-FAL and the AK-47 both excellent weapons. With proper optics (and better nightfighting capability) they would be in the top too.

The best battle rifle for me would be the SVD. Not an assault rifle, but with a semi automatic mechanism it does the job.

 

Now your cheating! The Barrett is a .50 cal ;-D

PS, not that im bragging--too much but, I have a K98 such as you mention but it had an experimental 25 round fixed magazine.

Oh and speaking of .50 cal. rifles. I inherited some of my Dad's rifles. One of them is a .50 cal. Long Tom. I fired that thing only twice.....and had bruises on my shoulders for a few weeks afterwards. When you are going to fire one of these babies, you better be standing leaninig against a tree--to keep you from being knocked on your ass.

 

Hi Everybody,

I'm a new member just signed up.
I would add the Swedish AG 42, it was a simple and reliable gun.
Used to have one but not anymore, I should have kept it.
I was told it will keep firing even if one pours sand into the breach form the top.
One of my favorite the Mauser 98 is a classic, extremely well designed.
Of course nothing beats the MG 42 if we can mention in this category.
I have used the AK 47 yes it works but not much accuracy.
Cheers

PS. Carl, I came across one of your old posting about Otto Skorzeny,
that's how I found this site.

 

Hi Berlinette, Welcome to this forum. If you wish you may introduce yourself at the new member section. This way many of us will read your post and welcome you.

 

Thanks Skipper,

I just did, but still trying to figure how this site works.

 

Ditto with the .303 Enfield--especially with the Canadian made Longbranch Enfields. Those rifles were pieces of junk. Had a straight bolt instead of a turn down and was all too easy that when fired, the bolt could come back and smash your face. I never heard that happening with any version of the Mauser.

 

Hi Berlinette, welcome to this fine site and thanks for the accolades. Also, I agree with you about Swedish made weapons. I had a mint condition 1911 Swedish Mauser (6.5 x 55) that is a dream to fire. This rifle is accurate to within 1 inch, at the range of one mile ;-))

The rifle I have is a Carl Gustafstadt manufactured Mauser. I fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it. ;-)) I should update this a bit though, I gave this rifle to my three Nephews, for a Christmas gift a few years ago.


Take care and best regards--Carl.

 

Hi Carl,

Thanks for the welcome.
Yes I used to have a 6.5X55 Carl Gustav too, you talking about the bolt action right?
Now I am just putting a scope on a 98 Mauser with a 26" Douglas premium in 25-06 Ackley improved caliber for the spring bear hunt.
Original action 1941 byf with all the markings intact.
Also acquired a mod. 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauer 65X54 and I'm looking for scope mounts.
That's a work of art, still smooth, light and with a 160gr round nose it is deadly.

By the way, very interesting reading about Skorzeny and the old guys you have talked with.
Sadly not long before thay are all gone.
My best,

Otto