A Battle Rifle is the name used for a select-fire rifle that fires a full caliber cartridge. They were important weapons during World War II and continued to be so in modern conflict zones.
This video looks at five of the more important battle rifles of the world.
FN FAL
The FN FAL, or Fusil Automatique Léger (Light Automatic Rifle) is produced by the Belgian arms maker Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN). It is a semi-automatic rifle.
It is used by more than 90 countries, notably by the European members of NATO. The United States, however, does not use the FN FAL.
SIG 510
The Sturmgewehr 57 or SIG 510 is a Swiss rifle produced by Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft. It shares features with the G3.
It is used by Switzerland, Monaco, Bolivia, the Ukraine and Chile.
H&K G3
The H&K G3 was developed by the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH and Spanish agency CETME in the 1950s.
It is a 7.62 × 51mm battle rifle used by NATO.
SCAR-H Mk17
The SCAR-H Mk17 or Specials Operation Forces Combat Assault Rifle is another NATO weapon of Belgian design. It is gas-operated and self-loading with a rotating bolt. It can fire 625 rounds a minute.
It was developed by FN Herstal for the use of the United States Special Operations Command. There are two main types. The light SCAR-L rifle uses a 5.56×45mm cartridge. The heavy SCAR-H uses a 7.62×51mm.
Both types are made in Long Barrel and Close Quarters Combat versions.
M14
The M14 is the official rifle of the United States armed forces, replacing the M1 Garand in 1961 (the Marines kept it until 1965). It is a 7.62 mm selective-fire, fully automatic weapon. It fires 7.62 × 51mm ammunition.
In 1970 it was replaced by the M14. It is a popular battle rifle, used by the military forces of 24 nations throughout the world.