Battle rifle

FN FAL, a modern battle rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO

A battle rifle is a rifle designed for infantry use that fires a high-power rifle cartridge and can engage targets at ranges of approximately 1,100 yards (1,000 m). The term is subjective as it, unlike an assault rifle, is not defined in any manual or specification as to what exactly constitutes a battle rifle. The common convention is that a battle rifle is a post-World War II, select fire service rifle such as the Heckler & Koch G3, the FN FAL, the ArmaLite AR-10, or the American M-14 that is chambered for high-power cartridges such as the U.S. .30-06 Springfield, the Russian 7.62x54mmR, or the NATO 7.62x51mm. '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 (9.5 g), muzzle velocities in excess of 2,600 feet per second (790 m/s) and have a maximum effective range of at least 800 yards (730 m).

In contrast, 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 AK-47 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.

The battle rifle's power and long-range accuracy were intended to engage targets at long distances, as its length and weight make it relatively cumbersome in close-quarter combat. The recoil of a full-size cartridge makes most battle rifles difficult to control when using full-automatic fire, though a few designs have attempted to control this tendency.

During World War II both Axis and Allied researchers observed that most small-arms combat occurred at about 100 metres (or yards) or closer distances, with few occurring beyond about 300 metres/yards. Thus, at short range, the battle rifle's advantages are mostly wasted, resulting in modern armies favoring the employment of more compact, lighter, and more maneuverable rifles and carbines. This dimensional disadvantage provoked the development of the world's first true assault rifle that would become the German StG44.

Recently, however, there has been a general backlash against carbines and light rifles in many armies around the world due to their having less range, penetration and stopping power than battle rifles. Recent conflicts in desert environments have underlined the need for greater range while developments in body armor have created a need for more powerful munitions. A consequence of this was the creation of the Squad Designated Marksman program in the U.S. Army and the Squad Advanced Marksman in the U.S. Marine Corps. The role of the designated marksman is to fill the "marksmanship gap" between the rifleman (<300 metres (330 yd)) and the sniper (>600 metres (660 yd)). Instead of relying on the use of smaller, lighter weapons with a higher rate of fire to hit a target, these programs place greater emphasis on marksmanship training, allowing the DM to take advantage of the greater range and power of heavier weapons. This has marked the return of battle rifles such as the U.S. Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle and the M14, which had been phased out previously due to their limited effectiveness in the hands of beginner marksmen compared to lighter rifles and carbines like the M16 and M4.

See also

• List of firearms