In the modern context, determining which assault rifle is the best is not simple. Therefore, Thefactsofwar conducts annual rankings, as more and more rifle models appear in the international military and civilian markets. This year’s ranking is based on a combination and cross-evaluation of various criteria, including:
- Number of rifles produced since inception.
- Integrated technology.
- Effectiveness in military missions or war participation.
- Which countries are using them.
- Which military units are equipped with this rifle.
Here is our list of top 5 best assault rifles in 2025:
M16 Assault Rifle, USA
Despite dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of new assault rifle models with various improvements today, the M16 – America’s icon – remains in our ranking.
There are many reasons why the M16 assault rifle maintains this position, but here are the notable factors:
- Manufactured since 1964 and continues to this day.
- As of 2003, the US had produced 8 million M16s since its inception.
- Currently serving in the military of 80 countries worldwide. Participated in 38 military conflicts throughout its operational history.
- Participated in 38 military conflicts throughout its operational history.
The M16 rifle was born from lessons learned in the Korean War. In this war, the US military faced new tactics – massive attacks by North Korean forces. Given this situation, aviation engineer Eugene Stoner was determined to create a weapon with enough firepower to “sweep away” the opposition. And from here, a legend was born, existing through decades and possibly long into the future.
The M16 stands out with its lightweight design. Many military experts believe the secret to this weight reduction lies in how Stoner designed the gas system. Specifically, gas from the tube is pushed directly into the bolt carrier without needing a piston. However, this strength also leads to a weakness – this type of design requires high-quality gunpowder, making operating costs higher than rifle models using pistons.
The M16 deserves to stand at fifth place in the list of top 5 best assault rifles in the world in 2021. Despite facing hundreds of modern rifle models, many experts still affirm that no design has surpassed Eugene Stoner’s perfection and creativity. The M16 is not only a symbol of US military power but also a standard in the global assault rifle manufacturing industry.
IWI Tavor X95 Assault Rifle, Israel
The IWI Tavor X95, a prominent assault rifle from the renowned Tavor weapons brand, developed by Israel Weapon Industries, has earned fourth place in our ranking. This is a worthy inheritance and improvement from its predecessor, the IWI Tavor 21, delivering superior performance and higher versatility.
Notable Information
The Tavor X95 assault rifle is a modern design, developed and put into production since 2009. Currently, the X95 is the standard weapon of many Israeli military units, including the famous naval force Shayetet 13.
- Used by elite units: X95 is equipped for top military units, famous for their combat capabilities and outstanding achievements.
- Exported to 19 countries: Despite being recently launched, this rifle has quickly conquered the international market.
- Used in the US: Some US police units have implemented the X95, proving the reliability of this rifle series.
- Multinational production facilities: X95 is manufactured at three facilities outside Israel, helping expand market access.
- Popular in civilian markets: Besides military purposes, X95 is also widely sold in major civilian markets like the US and Canada.
Compared to its predecessor Tavor 21, the Tavor X95 has a more optimized design:
- The charging handle is placed near the stock, instead of near the barrel as before, making operation easier.
- Easy to modify for firing different types of ammunition, from 5.56mm to 9mm, providing high combat flexibility
The X95 allows users to customize many components:
- Three different grip styles.
- Integrated rails and options.
- Can change grips, trigger guard configurations, and other details.
The IWI Tavor X95 is an assault rifle that anyone would want to own or at least try once. Fourth place for Israel and their creative solution is completely deserved thanks to its mobility, high quality, lightweight design, and superior accuracy.
AK-103 Assault Rifle, Russia
In the field of assault rifles, the Kalashnikov series, Russia’s weapons icon, cannot be missing. With outstanding features such as being lightweight, accurate, and versatile, rifle series from the Kalashnikov family always hold an important position in the international market. Among them, the AK-103 is considered one of the most advanced versions.
Notable Information
The AK-103 was born in 2011 and continues to be produced today. With over 250,000 units sold globally, the AK-103 has proven its superior value in both military and civilian markets.
- Impressive performance: In tests, the AK-103 fired 1,400 rounds continuously without any interruption – something many modern machine guns cannot achieve.
- Global popularity: AK-103 is being used in 17 countries.
- Combat experience: AK-103 has participated in 10 conflicts worldwide and is still being used in some current wars.
- Impressive range: AK-103 nearly reaches the range of many current sniper rifles.
The AK-103 has been upgraded with significant improvements compared to previous Kalashnikov series:
- Use of plastic materials: Grip, stock, and some other components are made from high-quality plastic, making the rifle lighter and easier to use.
- Easy installation: AK-103 allows quick installation of accessories like the GP-34 grenade launcher.
- Special coating: Protects metal and plastic parts from environmental impacts, ensuring superior durability.
- Diverse variants: AK-103 has up to 10 different versions, providing flexible customization with many supporting accessories.
The AK-103 not only inherits the superior advantages of the legendary AK-47 series but also improves to suit modern battlefields. With its lightweight design, high performance, and impressive durability, the AK-103 deserves to stand at third place in the ranking of best assault rifles. This is evidence of the power and flexibility of the Russian weapons industry.
HK416 Assault Rifle, Germany
Ranked second in the ranking, the HK416 is one of the most prominent assault rifles in the world today. The product from renowned weapons company Heckler & Koch is not only a symbol of German military technology but is also trusted by the world’s top special forces.
Widely used:
- HK416 has 5 military variants and 7 civilian versions.
- Equipped in 27 countries and is the main weapon of nearly 12 special forces units, counter-terrorism teams, and elite forces.
Superior combat performance:
- Participated in 3 major wars and is still being used in current military campaigns.
- Depending on the version, HK416 has an effective range from 300 to 800 meters.
- Operates well in harsh conditions, can fire up to 60,000 rounds in dusty environments without issues.
Practical certification: Used by US Navy SEAL Team Six in the operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden – proof of HK416’s reliability in special missions.
The HK416 was born in 2004 and quickly became a symbol of modern assault rifle technology thanks to outstanding features:
- Versatile stock: The rifle is equipped with a telescopic stock with 6 adjustment stages, optimized for each combat situation.
- Advanced gas system:
- HK416 uses a patented short-stroke piston system, pulling the bolt carrier back without letting combustion gases enter the rifle.
- Thanks to this mechanism, the rifle reduces heat and limits dirt, helping maintain high accuracy over long periods.
- During development, the prototype fired 10,000 rounds continuously without any issues.
- Low recoil: Final versions are designed with short recoil, providing comfort and efficiency for users.
The HK416 is not just a powerful assault rifle but also a symbol of German innovation and engineering. With superior performance, adaptability in all battlefield conditions, and trust from special forces, the HK416 deserves second place in the ranking of the world’s best assault rifles.
FN SCAR Assault Rifle, Belgium/USA
The FN SCAR is not just a rifle, but is considered a breakthrough in future weapons technology. With superior capabilities, it is designed specifically for special forces and currently serves in 32 countries worldwide.
The name Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (FN SCAR) speaks to the special purpose of this rifle – a weapon created to meet the demanding needs of special combat forces.
Superior versatility:
- FN SCAR can operate in various roles on the battlefield, from assault rifle, main combat rifle, sniper rifle, personal defense weapon, to automatic weapon for formations.
Smart and flexible design:
- Weight can vary depending on configuration and function, ranging from 3 kg to nearly 5 kg.
- Suitable for various types of missions thanks to the ability to switch between 5.56 × 45 mm ammunition (light type) and 7.62 × 51 mm (heavy type according to NATO standards).
Combat effectiveness:
- Used in 5 major military conflicts.
- Has 10 military versions and 4 civilian versions, providing exceptional flexibility.
Global popularity:
- Currently, FN SCAR is being used in 32 countries, mainly by special forces. Half of these also use the rifle for police forces.
Operating Mechanism
- Operating mechanism: FN SCAR is an automatic rifle with rotating bolt, using a “tappet” type closed gas system similar to the M1 Carbine.
- Two main parts:
- Upper receiver: Made from solid aluminum, with integrated continuous Picatinny rail on top, along with removable rails on both sides and bottom. These rails support installation of accessories following MIL-STD-1913 standards.
- Lower receiver: Made from polymer, compatible with M16 grip, along with expanded magazine well and raised area around magazine release buttons.
- Supporting features:
- Front sight can be folded, creating space for optical accessories installation.
- Expanded magazine well helps faster and easier magazine changes.
- Barrel design and gas extraction mechanism are optimized, inspired by famous rifle models like the Stoner 63 or Heckler & Koch G36.
The FN SCAR is not just an assault rifle, but a symbol of technology and innovation in the weapons industry. With its versatility, high accuracy, and advanced design, FN SCAR has proven itself worthy of leading the ranking of the world’s best assault rifles. This is the perfect choice for any modern combat mission.
Conclusion
Through this article, we have explored the list of the world’s most excellent assault rifles, from icons like the American M16, Russian AK-103, to modern designs like the FN SCAR and HK416. These rifle series not only stand out with accuracy, performance, and flexibility but also demonstrate creativity in weapons technology through different periods.
Thefactsofwar hopes that this article has given you an overview of the top assault rifles and their roles in modern battlefields. Continue to accompany us to discover more interesting information about weapons and world war history!
