#1 CZ Bren 807 – closest to the ideal
Advantages:
Allows the use of 5.56x45 NATO, 7.62x39 and 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Win.) cartridges.
Truly modular system in 3 calibers and multiple barrel, stock, other options to suit every scenario.
Amazing accuracy in all calibres.
Serial production in accordance with the stringent eastern and western standards.
Immensely durable and reliable.
By far the lightest rifle with piston mechanism.
Unique pattented design of non reciprocating charging handle.
Disadvantages:
At the moment it is supplied only to selected armed forces, an ordinary mortal does not have a chance to shoot it.
#2 HK 416/417 – A Great Couple from Oberndorf
Advantages:
High quality weapons in 5.56x45 NATO and 7.62x51 NATO calibres.
Reliable piston mechanism and AR-15 ergonomics.
High reliability, superior accuracy.
IAR model (Infantry Automatic Rifle) for longer burst fire.
Model HK 416 used to kill Osama bin Laden
Disadvantages:
Expensive and manufactured solely in Germany.
Much heavier in comparison with CZ Bren 2.
Does not have a folding stock.
Difficult to maintain.
#3 SIG SG 550/551/552/553 – The Swiss Trio
Advantages:
High quality corresponds with the high price.
Years of proven and commercial success.
Piston mechanism, very good ergonomics.
Disadvantages:
Does not meet all the requirements of today.
Does not have an option to change the cocking handle or to release the magazine by a finger of the shooting hand.
Heavy.
Decrease in quality after moving production from Switzerland to the USA.
#4 M16/M4 & Co. – Power and Ergonomics
Advantages:
Excellent ergonomics.
Extraordinary shooting comfort due to the use of non-piston mechanism.
High quality weapons proven in combat which have not found an equal rival so far.
Disadvantages:
Lower reliability, especially in dusty environments.
High demands on maintenance.
Does not have a folding stock.
#5 LMT Rifles
A modern variation on the M16/M4.
Produced in 5.56x45 NATO and 7.62x51 NATO calibres.
First successes on the service weapons market.
Otherwise similar strengths and weaknesses as the M16 & Co.
#6 Steyr AUG
Advantages:
Good weapon from the 1970s in futuristic design.
According to many, not very effective original bullpup concept.
Disadvantages:
Barrels have a shorter lifetime, older weapons do not meet the required accuracy.
Quite unusual controls.
#7 FN SCAR – The Belgian comet
Advantages:
A modular and partly multi-calibre set.
Great expectations, much more modest results.
The MK 16 model in 5.56 mm calibre failed to convincingly surpass the M4.
Limited success with the MK 17 in 7.62x51 NATO calibre.
Relatively many users but only in small numbers.
Disadvantages:
Variable quality of serial production.
Problems with mud.
Tendency to jam in long burst fire.
A separate sniper version created due to lower accuracy.
Dangerous in hot areas, weapon is cooking off after few magazines.
FN fails in further developement and is not customer friendly.
#8 AK – Like a Tank
Advantages:
Designed in the second half of 1940’s.
Simple and totally reliable.
One of the most widespread weapons in the world.
Disadvantages:
Low accuracy.
Too heavy.
No mounting interface.
Poor ergonomics.
#9 The Multi-calibre Beretta ARX 160/200
Advantages:
Modern multi-calibre weapons.
Elegant design.
Disadvantages:
Excessive use of plastics, including many internal components.
Too complicated for a soldier, difficult to maintain and not very reliable.
#10 MKEK MPT-76 – The Turkish compromise
Advantages:
Modern rifle design from Turkey.
Disadvantages:
Too heavy at the expense of lower accuracy and reliability.
Barrels not sufficiently durable tends to cook off.
Quality of production varies greatly.
Does not have a folding stock.
Does not work in mud.
