Battle rifle
A Battle Rifle or Main Battle Rifle is a full-size rifle designed for military use that fires a high-power rifle cartridge such as the U.S. .30-06, the Russian 7.62x54R, or the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. 'High power', in this instance, refers to a combination of velocity and bullet weight; these cartridges commonly employ bullet weights of at least 147 grains (9.53 g) and velocities in excess of 2,600 feet per second (792 mps). While the term battle rifle is usually given to post-World War II selective-fire infantry service rifles such as the H&K G3, the FN FAL, the ArmaLite AR-10, or the U.S. M14, it can also include older military bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles such as the Mosin Nagant or the M1 Garand.[1][2]
In contrast, so-called 'Assault' rifles fire smaller, intermediate-size cartridges and bullets, such as the 5.56x45mm NATO round used in the M16, or the Russian moderate-velocity 7.62x39mm cartridge of the AK47 and AKM series of rifles. However, some overlapping of rifle design and cartridge application occurs; for example, a few relatively compact selective-fire rifles in 7.62x51mm NATO caliber have been produced.[3][4]
The battle rifle's power and long-range accuracy were intended to engage targets at long distances; its length and weight make it relatively cumbersome in close quarter combat. Its full-power cartridge makes most battle rifles difficult to control when used in automatic fire.[5][6]
During World War II, both Axis and Allied researchers observed that most small-arms combat occurred at 100-yard or closer distances, with few occurring beyond 300 yards.[7] Thus, at short range, the battle rifle's advantages are mostly wasted, favoring the employment of more compact, lighter, and more maneuverable rifles. This dimensional disadvantage provoked development of the world's first, true assault rifle, which would become the German StG 44.[8]
[edit] References
- ↑ Pomeroy, Ashley, Battle Rifle http://everything2.com/e2node/Battle%20rifle
- ↑ Hogg, Ian, and Weeks, John Military Small Arms of the 20th Century 5th ed. DBI Books (1985)
- ↑ Pomeroy, Ashley, Battle Rifle http://everything2.com/e2node/Battle%20rifle
- ↑ Hogg, Ian, and Weeks, John Military Small Arms of the 20th Century 5th ed. DBI Books (1985)
- ↑ Pomeroy, Ashley, Battle Rifle http://everything2.com/e2node/Battle%20rifle
- ↑ Hogg, Ian, and Weeks, John Military Small Arms of the 20th Century 5th ed. DBI Books (1985)
- ↑ Markham, George, Guns of the Reich: Firearms of the German Forces 1939-1945, Arms and Armour Press (1989), pp.110-113
- ↑ Markham, George, Guns of the Reich: Firearms of the German Forces 1939-1945, Arms and Armour Press (1989), pp.115-116
[edit] See also
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