http://www.tpnn.com/2014/09/20/gregs-guns-the-top-five-combat-rifles-of-all-time/Every gun-enthusiast has an opinion on the best combat rifles. Countless forums are dedicated to never-ending arguments with one stranger trading barbs with another, offering their perspectives on rifles.
To stir the pot of our readers, TPNN has created a list of the top five combat rifles based upon highly-subjective criteria that is sure to inspire lofty debates between gun buddies. This list is short and does not include many honorable mentions. It also only lists standard-issue rifles; submachine guns and other such weapons are not included and are for another list and another day.
Number 5: The Mosin-Nagant
First beginning production in 1891, the Mosin-Nagant has earned a reputation for reliability and affordability with collectors and gun enthusiasts. However, the rifle is as battle-hardened as they come. Made from inexpensive materials, the extra-long bolt-action rifle is super reliable and holds five 7.62x54R rounds. These rounds pack quite a wallop and whether hunting elk or Nazis invading the beloved mother Russia, the Mosin-Nagant is simplicity refined to an art.
Number 4: The M1 Garand
Ah, the trusty Garand. To owners of a Garand, the familiar “ping” of a depleted en bloc clip will forever be linked to the World War II-era rifle. Shooting a hefty 30-06 round, the semi-auto Garand takes an 8-round clip and helped win the Second World War and Korea. While incredibly accurate and trustworthy, the Garand loses a point for the difficult nature of reloading that required a bit of finesse if one wanted to avoid the dreaded “Garand thumb”- the product of the bolt slamming down on the user’s thumb if he didn’t get it out of the way in time.
Z1903
Number 3: The 1903 Springfield
While technology has changed and warfare has demanded more from our soldiers than what a bolt-action can provide, the 1903 still remains the gold standard for American infantry rifles. The incredibly-reliable rifles are favorites amongst drill teams, but the real value of the 1903 is the smooth action and the incredible accuracy. In fact, when World War II broke out, they didn’t create a new, fancy sniper rifle- they just slapped a scope on the trusty 1903.
ZAK
Number 2: The AK-47
You knew this was coming, right? While many might argue that the AK-47 is the number one combat rifle ever made (and there is justifiable reasons for such a belief), the trusty AK earns the number two spot simply because it is not as accurate as many combat rifles in use today. Loved by heroes and villains alike all across the world, the AK-47 is cheap, it’s effective and it’s certainly reliable, but for those looking to reach out and touch somebody, the number one rifle is the superior choice…
ZM16
Number 1: The M16
Okay, many might argue with me. They’ll point out that a dirty M16 (or its civilian counterpart, the AR-15) won’t fire. It’s true. The tolerances of the M16/AR-15 are incredibly tight and cannot permit a massive amount of carbon, dirt, etc, to build up. However, the lesson here is not “don’t use the M16,” but instead, to simply make sure your weapon is clean. High-end sports cars require TLC to make sure they run optimally and so do M16s.
The M16 continues to evolve with features like the forward assist and improved click-sights and the user can select semi-auto, full-auto or three-round burst as their preferred method of operation. The 5.56 round has been hated on by those who favor the heftier rounds, but the smaller round is deceptively lethal, going around 3,000 feet per second and tumbling end-over-end after hitting its target, inflicting more damage than simple penetration. Add in 30-round magazines and the jaw-dropping accuracy of the standard-issue rifle and you have the greatest combat rifle that has yet to be invented.