The term assault rifle is generally attributed to Adolf Hitler, who used the German word Sturmgewehr (which translates to 'assault rifle') as the new name for the MP 43 ( Maschinenpistole), subsequently known as the Sturmgewehr 44. The two most successful modern assault rifles are the AK-47 and the M16 designs and their derivatives. By the end of the 20th century, assault rifles had become the standard weapon in most of the world's armies, replacing full-powered rifles and submachine guns in most roles. While immediately after World War II, NATO countries were equipped with battle rifles, the development of the M16 rifle during the Vietnam War prompted the adoption of assault rifles by the rest of NATO. The first assault rifle to see major usage was the German StG 44, a development of the earlier Mkb 42. Assault rifles were first put into mass production and accepted into widespread service during World War II. It fires the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, and is the most produced assault rifle in its caliber.Īn assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine.

The M16 was first introduced into service in 1964 with the United States Armed Forces.

Currently the most used assault rifle in the world along with its variant, the AKM, the AK-47 was first adopted in 1949 by the Soviet Army. The StG 44 was adopted by the Wehrmacht in 1944. For semi-automatic firearms restricted by some United States laws, see assault weapon. This article is about automatic firearms used by many military and law enforcement organizations.

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