THE NATO 3 MANUAL

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Assault Rifles

 
Beretta AR70/90 - 5.56x45mm NATO - Italy - 625 RPM - The AR70/90 represents Beretta's second attempt in the 5.56x45mm assault rifle market. Based on the mildly successful AR70 rifle, the AR70/90 incorporates improvements based on field experience with the Italian Special Forces and the military forces of Jordan and Malaysia. The major improvements include a strengthened receiver, the addition of removable carrying handle which covers a scope mount, and a STANAG magazine well.

Tactics: Not a particularly good performer. Similar to the M16A2, except with 3rd burst and full-auto. Iron sights.

CIS SAR21 - 5.56x45mm NATO - Singapore - 550 RPM - The CIS SAR21 appears to have done what the SAR80, SR88, and SR88a could not: provide a replacement for the M16S1. Introduced to the public in September 1999, the SAR21 borrows features from the other popular bullpups including the Steyr AUG, Vektor CR21, and IMI Tavor. In addition to its fixed 1.5x optic/carrying handle, the SAR21 also has a laser aiming device incorporated into the forward handguard.

Tactics: A good bullpup rifle, small, powerful and accurate. Good in multiplayer. The scope makes it a decent backup sniping system as well. x1.5 magnifying sighting system.

Colt M16A2 - 5.56x45mm NATO - U.S. - 3rd Burst - Tried and true, the M16A2 has been greatly improved from the Vietnam-era M16E1 and M16A1. By the late 1970s, the M16A1 rifles in military stocks were becoming extremely worn, particularly those which had been used repeatedly in training exercises. Many of the rifles had been fired in excess of 50,000 rounds. In addition, the NATO rifle trials of the same period led to the adoption of the FN SS109 ball and L110 tracer loadings for the 5.56x45mm, which required a faster rifling twist than the US standard M193. 

The USMC and Colt, with assistance from the US Navy Sea System Command, drew up specifications for a Product Improved M16 (M16 PIP). Ironically, Colt had suggested most of these improvements to the US Army since the ‘60s, but had been rebuffed. Improvements included the 3rd burst mechanism, stregthened materials for the butt stock and forearm, a longer buttstock, an improved forearm made from round/symetrical halves, a tapered slip ring for retaining the forearm pieces, a heavy profile barrel with a 1 in 7” twist for the FN ammunition, and a fully adjustable rear sight. 

The US Army Army Armament Research & Development Command (AARADCOM) dragged their feet in considering the M16 PIP, and many feared that the project would either become overly complicated and/or unduly delayed. As a result, USMC Commandent General Robert H. Barrow forced the issue in 1980, by approving recommendations for the procurement of the Mk19 Mod 3 grenade launcher, improved 40x53mm grenade ammunition (M432 HEDP), the M2-HB machinegun, a 5.56x45mm SAW, a M16 PIP, and a 9x19mm service pistol.

The Joint Services Small Arms Program (JSSAP) joined in roughly a year later, and approved an joint-service rifle program with the USMC as the lead agency. Tests on the M16 PIP, renamed the M16A1E1, began in December 1981. The results were extremely favorable, and this led to type-classification as the M16A2 in September 1982. In November 1983, it was adopted as Standard ‘A’. The USMC quickly ordered 76,000 M16A2, but the US Army didn’t place a significant order until the spring of 1986. 

Tactics: Showing it's age and lacking a telescoping sight and full-auto this is probably not the best choice. Iron sights.

Colt M4A1 - 5.56x45mm NATO - USA - 825 RPM - The M4A1 (Colt Model 927) is the most recent variant of the CAR15 family. The barrel length was specially selected to provide compactness without sacrificing reliability. The barrel is also contoured to provide for the attachment of a M203 grenade launcher. In addition, improved handguards with double heat shields have been added to prevent the uncomfortable heating properties of earlier CAR15s during rapid fire.

Tactics: A great short range multiplayer and single player weapon. Better than the M4A1 SOPMOD if you don't need the scope, such as in strict CQB situations and short ranges. Iron sights.

Colt M4A1 SOPMOD - 5.56x45mm NATO - USA - 825 RPM - The M4A1 (Colt Model 927) is the most recent variant of the CAR15 family. The barrel length was specially selected to provide compactness without sacrificing reliability. The barrel is also contoured to provide for the attachment of a M203 grenade launcher. In addition, improved handguards with double heat shields have been added to prevent the uncomfortable heating properties of earlier CAR15s during rapid fire. 

The Special Operations Particular Modification to the M4 Carbine Accessory Kit (SOPMOD M4) was developed by the Crane Division, Naval Surface Weapons Center. The SOPMOD M4 kit allows the end-user to configure his/her weapon to individual preferences and mission requirements. It is composed of mostly non-developmental and commercial off-the-shelf accessories packaged together to support four M4/M4A1 carbines. 

The kit includes four: Knight Armament Company's Rail Interface System (RIS) forearm along with an optional vertical foregrip, the Trijicon Model TA01NSN 4x32mm Advanced Combat Optic Sight (ACOG) as the Day Optical Scope, KAC's backup iron sights in case of scope failure, and an improved combat sling which allows for secure cross body / patrol carry. 

Only two of following are included per kit: the Insight Technologies AN/PEQ2 Infrared Target Pointer/Illuminator for use with night vision goggles, Insight Technologies Visible Light Illuminator (mil-speak for flashlight), Trijicon's ACOG Model RX01M4A1 Reflex Sight, KAC's Quick Attach sound suppressor which provides a 28db reduction in sound signature even with M855 service ammunition, and an enhanced sliding buttstock which is contoured for user comfort and even has compartments for storing spare batteries for the other accessories. 

Only one of the following is included per kit: KAC's Quick Attach M203 Grenade Launcher Mount, a quick attach sight for use with the M203, a M203 with a 9" barrel, a Insight Technologies AN/PEQ5 visible laser, a 2.25x Miniature Night Vision Sight (MNVS), and a carrying/storage case for kit accessories. If more of the accessories are needed it is not uncommon for units to cannibalize the kits of inactive teams. The documentation for the kit does not require a rewrite if improved replacements for any of the current items can be found. As a result, this content list may have and probably will change in the future.

Tactics: Another great multiplayer weapon. A good choice for rifle caliber weapons that can tackle both short and medium ranges. With the advantage of the scope which allows for some accurate long range shots. x4 magnifying ACOG scope.

Colt M4A1-SD - Suppressed/Subsonic - .300 Whisper - USA - 825 RPM - While subsonic loadings for pistol/SMG cartridges are fairly common, loading a rifle cartridge to subsonic velocities is typically an exercise in futility. The cases are typically too large allowing the powder charge to move around leading to inconsistent ignition, velocities, and accuracy. If these problem can be licked, there generally isn't enough gas pressure to function a gas-operated repeater. 

J.D. Jones, the intrepid owner of SSK Industries, took a different approach for his Whisper series. He decided to use shorter cartridge cases that still fit the breechfaces of common automatic weapons. For the .300 Whisper, the parent case is the .221 Remington Fireball, a shortened relative of the 5.56x45mm NATO. The reduction in case length allows the use of long ogive bullets like the .308" 240gr Sierra MatchKing for the supersonic loadings. With the high ballistic coefficient, the projectile loses very little of its already low velocity. It also result in rather nasty terminal effects as the long projectile is prone to tumble upon impact with flesh. 

However, that's not all: The cartridge fits and feeds from standard AR15/M16 magazines with only minor modification, and J.D. can provide upper receiver units that will fit onto standard AR15/M16 lower receivers. These will even function in full-automatic fire with or without a suppressor attached. Thus the user can switch back and forth between his issue M4A1 upper receiver and the SSK .300 Whisper upper receiver depending upon the mission requirements.

Tactics: An excellent single player/coop. multiplayer "silenced" weapon that still has a lot of power. The lower power round gives it good recoil so don't be afraid to use the full-auto mode. It is a bit bulkier than most suppresed SMGs though. Iron sights.

Colt M4A1-SP - Suppressed - 5.56x45mm NATO - USA - 825 RPM - The M4A1 (Colt Model 927) is the most recent variant of the CAR15 family. The barrel length was specially selected to provide compactness without sacrificing reliability. The barrel is also contoured to provide for the attachment of a M203 grenade launcher. It also has improved handguards to prevent the uncomfortable heating properties of earlier CAR15s during rapid fire. Many companies are now offering quick attach suppressors for the M4A1 which only require the use of a modified flash hider. Designs like the Knight Armament Company suppressor can provide 28db of sound reduction even with supersonic service ammunition like the M855.

Tactics: When you want to be a little quieter but don't want to give up any of the 5.56x45mm's power this is your choice. Good for single player/coop. missions where you would normally take a full-sized assault rifle, but instead want to concentrate on stealth. Iron sights.

Diemaco C7A1 - 5.56x45mm NATO - U.S./Canada - 800 RPM - A license produced variant of the Colt M16A2, the Diemaco C7A1 differs in several points. First, the Canadian military still trusts their troopers with full-auto capability versus the US with the 3rd burst. The C7A1 also has a flat-top receiver allowing for the attachment of optical devices. Canadian forces use the sturdy 3.5x ELCAN, which has dramatically improved qualification scores. However, there are legitimate complaints that this relatively low magnification is far too high for CQB and MOUT use. While Colt offers a similar product as the M16A3, Diemaco has pulled off some marketing coups by winning military export contracts to the Netherlands, Denmark, and New Zealand.

Tactics: Basically a M16 with full-auto and a magnifying scope, which is a very good thing. A great multiplayer or single weapon for either assault or as an alternative to a sniper rifle. x3.5 magnifying ELCAN sight.

Enfield L85A1 - 5.56x45mm NATO - United Kingdom - 725 RPM - In development since the early 1970s, the L85A1 is considered to be one of the worst bullpup rifles in military service. Based broadly on the Armalite AR18 design, the L85 is extremely heavy in spite of its extremely thin receiver stampings. There is no prevision for left handed users unlike the FAMAS and Steyr AUG, and the 4x magnification SUSAT optics tend to be too powerful for MOUT use.

Tactics: The Enfields poor design doesn't really show in Rogue Spear, so don't be too afraid of it. Similar in performance to the Diemaco C7A1 but with a slightly more powerful scope. x4 magnifying SUSAT scope.

FA MAS G2 - 5.56x45mm NATO - France - 1100 RPM - Another purpose built bullpup rifle, the FAMAS offers a high rate of fire and superior control. The latest version is the G2 which has a redesigned trigger guard and more importantly, a STANAG magazine well which allows it to use M16-style magazines. The French Foreign Legion and the GIGN are particularly satisfied operators.

Tactics: Another good multiplayer weapon but lacks a magnifying scope. Iron sights.

HK G11K3 - 4.92x34mm caseless - Germany - 600 RPM - The G11 is an amazing high-tech weapon that was to be the Bundeswehr’s new standard rifle. HK engineers Tilo Moller, Gunter Kastner, Dieter Ketterer, and Ernst Wossner began work on the rifle in 1969. Moller, HK’s Director of Research & Development, had three primary goals: 1) The rifle must have practical rates of fire that would maximize hit probability; 2) The rifle should be lightweight in order to allow the carriage of large amounts of ammunition; and 3) The rifle must be extremely durable. 

For the first goal, a 3rd burst mode with a cyclic rate of 2000rpm was envisioned. This would provide a built in dispersion of shots which would minimize the effect of sighting errors. However, for full-automatic fire, the cyclic rate would be minimized to 600rpm for maximum control of long bursts. The second and third goals were enhanced by the choice of a caseless cartridge. The brass case itself contributes a far amount of weight to the average assault rifle cartridge. Moreover, the caseless cartridge would be shorter, allowing for a more compact mechanism. (A good rule of thumb is that for every fraction of length that a cartridge is shortened, the rifle itself can be shortened by double that amount.) In addition, the caseless cartridge eliminated the need for a ejection port. Thus, the internal mechanism could be effectively sealed within the blocky sheet metal (later molded plastic) exterior from battlefield dirt and debris. 

Once the decision was made to use a caseless cartridge, a firing mechansim had to be developed which could replace the gas seal (obturation) provided by the conventional cartridge case. After failed experiments involving conventionally arranged bolts, Moller’s team happened upon a rotating breech bolt in 1973. This rotates about an axis at right angles to the bore. The design quickly settled upon the cartridge dropping into the chamber from above, then the breech would rotate 90 degrees to line up with the barrel, in order to fire. 

By the 1977 NATO rifle trials, HK had already completed five generations of G11 prototypes. However, the main holdback was the technology of the caseless cartridge. Dynamit Nobel AG was responsible for the design of the caseless cartridge, then known as the 4.7x21mm. (And yes, that company was started by the same Nobel responsible for the ‘Peace Prizes’.) The problem was that without a conventional case to serve as a heat sink, the chamber temperature rose quickly. And soon after the temperature hit 178C (within seven or eight shots), the cartridges would begin to spontaneously ignite. The rifle was withdrawn from the trials for safety reasons, and this caused the West German government to withdraw its substantial financial support for the project. 

By the time that HK had reached its 10th generation G11 prototype, Dynamit Nobel had switched propellants to a less temperature sensitive compound. Moreover, HK had tweaked the design to provide better cooling for the breech mechanism. The improved performance then led the West German government to resume financial support for the G11 project. However, work was not complete. By 1981, the 13th generation prototype was ready, and Dynamit Nobel had further simplified the cartridge. Originally, the 4.7x21mm had an rectangular cross section and the molded propellant barely retained the 4.92mm projectile. The new style 4.7x33mm cartridge had a completely square cross-section (roughly 9mm across) and completely enclosed the projectile. This was to prevent loading mistakes, improve durability of loose cartridges, and maximize the available powder charge. Now there was effectively no wasted space in the G11 magazine. 

The G11 began extended trials with the Bundeswehr in the early ‘80s, but an early adoption was not in the cards. The West German government didn’t want to spend the money to entirely reequip its forces, and frankly, there were some factions in the Bundeswehr who were not ready to accept the wounding ability of the relatively puny 4.7x33mm over the powerful 7.62x51mm NATO. So HK and Dynamit Nobel continued to ‘polish the cannonball’, so to speak. The US Army flirted with the G11 on and off during the ‘80s and even included the G11 in the Advanced Combat Rifle trials; however, nothing was to come of this. (The cartridge designation for the G11 ACR was 4.92x34mm; however, the cartridge was the same as the standard 4.7x33mm. The US designation included the true caliber of the projectile and the chamber length, versus the European conventions of land diameter and case length.) 

Finally in the early 1990s, the West German government approved the adoption of the G11K3 for issue starting in 1992. However, no one then could imagine the impending collapse of East Germany and certainly not the reunification of the two parts. With the unification of Germany, there were effectively two armies to equip. Moreover, the justification for any new military equipment had essentially disappeared. The funds that would have gone to buy G11 rifles quickly disappeared to help rebuild the former East German economy. The lack of buyers after more than two decades worth of R&D and financial investments effectively bankrupted HK, which led to their purchase by British Aerospace’s subsidiary Royal Ordnance. BAe/RO quickly tabled the G11 project, and it is for all intents and purposes dead. Even Dynamit Nobel has reportedly ceased production of the ammunition. A few G11 reportedly made their way into the hands of Bundeswehr KSK and Fernspaher units, but these have no doubt been replaced by G36 variants. 

Tactics: One of the most accurate assault rifles but with the handling of a shorter carbine and a large capacity magazine to boot. A very nice weapon for medium and medium-short ranges. x3.5 power scope.

HK G36/7 - 7.62x51mm NATO - Germany - 750 RPM - Part and parcel of the original "Project 50" specifications was the creation of a 7.62x51mm GPMG to replace the HK 21. The 7.62x51mm G36 is an offshoot of this requirement, creating an affordable successor to the venerable G3. The issue G36 has not one, but TWO, optical devices in the carrying handle. One is a reflex sight for high speed, close range engagements, while the second is a 3.5x magnification scope for aimed, long range fire.

Tactics: The modern G3. If you want a powerful assault rifle, this is your weapon. x3.5 power scope.

HK G36K - 5.56x45mm NATO - Germany - 750 RPM - Closely guarded until its recent introduction, the G36K originated from the German Bundeswehr's "Project 50". The goal was to maintain HK's classic modular design features while allowing for a cheaper cost of manufacture. The G36K is the carbine variation of the standard issue G36 rifle. A unit armorer can create a G36K by substituting a shorter barrel and handguards. The G36K has not one, but TWO, optical devices in the carrying handle. One is a reflex sight for high speed, close range engagements, while the second is a 3.5x magnification scope for aimed, long range fire.

Tactics: The modern H&K carbine. Good for short-medium distances. x3.5 power scope.

HK G3A3 - 7.62x51mm NATO - Germany - 550 RPM - When Fabrique Nationale refused to allow West German production of the FAL (G1) rifle, the Bundeswehr began to test other rifles such as the SIG StG57 (G2), the Armalite AR10 (G4), and the Spanish CETME rifle (G3). The CETME rifle was designed by former Mauser engineer Ludwig Vorgrimmler, and the West German company Heckler and Koch (also former Mauser employees) had previously assisted CETME in preparing the Spanish production line for the rifle. Thus, when the Bundeswehr adopted the G3 as it service rifle, HK was well prepared to bring the CETME design back to West Germany. Ironically, it became a major competitor to the FN FAL and was adopted by nearly 50 countries, including a few which had dropped the FAL!

Tactics: A great rifle in its time, but that was long ago. High power, but not as accurate than the H&K G36/7 and a little heavier. It's accuracy is lost due to it's lack of decent optics. Diopter iron sights.

HK G3KA4 - 7.62x51mm NATO - Germany - 600 RPM - The G3K is the carbine version of the basic G3 rifle, intended for armored vehicle crews and other troopers requiring a compact rifle. Utilizing a retractable stock and possessing a shortened barrel, the G3K still maintains the same sight radius as the full-size G3.

Tactics: High power in a small package. It's the best handling and lightest of the 7.62x51mm NATO weapons. However, the power is a little TOO high for the package and it's recoil is huge. Keep it on semi-auto or your teammates will trying to figure out which team you are on. The lack of a full stock or optics hurts it's accuracy too. Diopter iron sights.

IMI Tavor - 5.56x45mm NATO - Israel - 900 RPM - Following the example of the Steyr AUG and more specifically the Vektor CR21, the Tavor is yet another entry in the growing field of highly ergonomic bullpup rifles. Controls are easily swapped from one side to the other to suit the needs of the 'south-paw' population. Instead of an etched reticule reflex sight, IMI has made the decision to use a battery operated red dot sight. However, this is easily exchanged for any optical sight of the user's choice. Another surprising choice was the use of M16/AR15 magazines. Clearly, 'Uncle Sugar' has dumped so much foreign aid upon the IDF that they are beginning to forgo domestic designs in favor of US-made equipment. In the end, this very same dynamic will probably kill any chances for the Tavor's adoption in favor of the Colt M16A2 and M4A1.

Tactics: The best handling assault rifle. It's light weight does mean that it has a higher recoil than most, so be careful when using it on full auto. Not very good for backup sniping however. x1 non-magnifying red dot scope.

KAC SR25K-SP Widow Maker - Suppressed - 7.62x51mm NATO - 700 RPM - The SR25K is the carbine version of the popular SR25 Match rifle. It retains almost all of the accuracy of its larger sibling, yet it is roughly the size of a CAR15. The addition of a suppressor gives the powerful SR25K a reputation as a "Widowmaker", at least for its targets.

Tactics: High power and suppressed. Good for stealthy medium range engagements when high power is needed. It is not intended as a sniper rifle and doesn't do very well at long range. x1 non-magnifying red dot scope.

KAC SR25K-SD Widow Maker - Suppressed/Subsonic - .338 Whisper - USA - 700 RPM - While subsonic loadings for pistol/SMG cartridges are fairly common, loading a rifle cartridge to subsonic velocities is typically an exercise in futility. The cases are typically too large allowing the powder charge to move around leading to inconsistent ignition, velocities, and accuracy. If these problem can be licked, there generally isn't enough gas pressure to function a gas-operated repeater. 

J.D. Jones, the intrepid owner of SSK Industries, took a different approach for his Whisper series. He decided to use shorter cartridge cases that still fit the breechfaces of common automatic weapons. For the .338 Whisper, the parent case is the 7mm Remington Benchrest, which shares the same case head diameter as the 7.62x51mm NATO. The reduction in case length allows the use of long ogive bullets like the .338" 300gr Sierra MatchKing for the subsonic loadings. With the high ballistic coefficient, the projectile loses very little of its already low velocity. It also results in rather nasty terminal effects as the long projectile is prone to tumble upon impact with flesh. 

However, that's not all: The cartridge fits and feeds from standard 7.62x51mm NATO magazines with only minor modification, and J.D. can provide upper receiver units that will fit onto AR10/SR25 lower receivers. These will even function in full-automatic fire with or without a suppressor attached. Thus the user can switch back and forth between his SR25K upper receiver and the SSK .338 Whisper upper receiver depending upon the mission requirements.

Tactics: This weapon is Rainbow's nasty little secret. A special combination of components put together by Rainbow's own armorer resulting in a very quiet, yet very powerful assault rifle. It's only drawback is it's weight and handling. The ammo is heavy, add in the suppressor and you've got the heaviest of the assault rifles. However, it's weight and the .338 Whisper round, which is much lower in power than the 7.62x51mm that the weapon was designed for, means that it's recoil is superb. Once the dot is on the target you are in business. x1 non-magnifying red dot scope.

Kalashnikov AK-47- 7.62x39mm Soviet - Russia/CIS - 775 RPM - The Kalashnikov rifle is more common than water in certain parts of the world. Between the former Soviet Union and its Com Bloc allies, this weapon has been supplied to any terrorist and revolutionary group willing to accept them. One wonders how the world would have changed had Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov not been severely wounded in battle at Brausk in 1941.

Already something of an inventor, Kalashnikov used his convalescent leave to study small arms design. He first designed a SMG, but this was beaten out by A.I. Sudayev’s improved PPS42, which was adopted as the PPS43. However, his design showed enough promise that he was allowed to remain a designer, instead of being returned to the front. Around the same time, the designers N.M. Elizarov and B.V. Semin had developed the 7.62x39mm M43 intermediate cartridge, and thus, new weapons were needed for the cartridge. S.G. Simonov was the first to produce a successful platform for the cartridge: the SKS45; however, the military really did not want a carbine as much as an Avtomat (Assault Rifle), like the German Stg 44.

After an unsuccessful prototype in 1944, Kalashnikov unveiled his latest attempt in early 1946. To his surprise, it was adopted a year later as the Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947 (AK47 for short). The earliest versions displayed the design’s classic reliability; however, the technology for building the pressed sheet-metal receivers was not as advanced, at least in the Soviet Union. The stampings of first model AK47s would reportedly deform or pull apart with heavy use. Thus, the receiver was redesigned in 1951 to be machined from a block of steel instead. In 1953 another slight modification was made to create the third model AK47. This is the most common AK47 encountered, and was copied by numerous Soviet allies. Soviet production continued until the introduction of the improved stamped receiver AKM in 1959. 

What the AK47 lacks in accuracy is more than made up for in simplicity and reliability. In the end, these are extremely important virtues for the trooper in the mud or brush, far from logistical support.

Tactics: You too can look like a tango. The AK-47's chief advantages, reliability and price, are moot in Rogue Spear. This weapon is usually best left in the rack. Iron sights.

Kalashnikov AKM - 7.62x39mm Soviet - Russia/CIS - 775 RPM - The AKM is modification of the basic AK47 design. The addition of a simple flash hider, and the substitution of a lighter stamped receiver are the major visual differences. The classic reliability was not compromised by these changes.

Tactics: The modern AK-47, it is still not up to the performance of it's western cousins. Iron sights.

Kalashnikov AKS-74 - 5.45x39mm Soviet - Russia/CIS - 650 RPM - In the mid '60s, the Soviet Union began efforts to develop a small bore assault rifle cartridge along the lines of the US 5.56x45mm. Starting with the .220 Russian target cartridge, the diameter of the case was reduced to nearly the same diameter as the 5.56x45mm. The projectile was designed with an air pocket between the front of the core and the nose of the jacket, creating a relatively long bullet for its weight. This design would have a high ballistic coefficient, giving a relatively flat trajectory, but it also meant that the bullet would destabilize quickly upon striking flesh, earlier than even the then US issue M193 projectile. However, the 5.45x39mm projectile typically remains intact in flesh, and thus does not exhibit the severe wounds caused by the fragmentation of 5.56x45mm projectiles. Essentially an AKM rechambered for the new caliber, the AK74 also introduced a new muzzle brake and metal reinforced fiberglass magazines, distinctive by their red color.

Tactics: A decent weapon, but there are much better choices. Iron sights.

M14 - 7.62x51mm NATO - USA - 750 RPM - The final product of the US Army's Springfield Armory, the M14 is the evolutionary heir to the M1 Garand of World War II. Due to institutional bias, it beat out the FN FAL for adoption as the US service rifle. However, early production problems and a lack of control in full-auto fire allowed the Colt M16 to displace it. The M14 still serves onboard US Navy vessels, and in modified form, the M21, as a sniper rifle.

Tactics: None. One of the most accurate of the assault rifles, but with no magnification it's useless. Iron sights.

SIG 551-SWAT - 5.56x45mm NATO - Switzerland - 700RPM - SIG's SG550/551/552 family is considered to be the Mercedes Benz of assault rifles. The SG551 SWAT is designed for the demanding tactical situations that police and special units commonly encounter. In addition to the reduction of over-all length from the parent SG550, the SG551 SWAT is equipped with a highly tested and accurate sighting system, allowing for the clear identification of hostile targets and the precise placement of shots in a hostage scenario. The translucent polymer magazines are equipped with a tongue and groove system allowing multiple magazines to be attached side by side for rapid reloading. Rainbow troopers typically join together only 2 magazines, lest the balance of the weapon be adversely effected.

Tactics: Another good carbine like the M4A1 and the G36K. It's chief advantage is it's scope. x4 magnifying scope.

Steyr ACR - 5.56mm Discarding Sabot Flechette - Austria - 3rd burst - The Steyr ACR was a candidate in the US Army's Advanced Combat Rifle trials. While the outside appearance is very similar to the AUG, the internal mechanism of the ACR is very radical. The use of a completely cylindrical cartridge corresponded with what engineers called a 'raising chamber'. Upon firing, the chamber would slide down and a separate piston would strip a new cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. As the new cartridge enters the chamber, it displaces the fired case forward to eject it. The light flechette projectile allowed the high cyclic rate to remain controllable; however, Steyr limited the design to three-round bursts. Unfortunately, the design was plagued by excessive chamber pressures in the 70,000 psi range. Reportedly, one of the prototypes even exploded during testing. Once the US Army announced that there were no winners, the Steyr ACR has not been heard of again.

Tactics: The most accurate of the assault rifles. It's flechette round does lack power, but the weapon has a very low recoil. Be sure to double-tap or use the three round burst feature. Be careful, that 24 round magazine runs out fast. A good sniper rifle too, just make sure you get a head shot. x3.5 magnifying scope.

Steyr AUG A2 - 5.56x45mm NATO - Austria - 650 RPM - A purpose built bullpup design, the Steyr AUG is the best of the breed. The extensive use of plastics keep the weight of the AUG to a minimum, while the 1.5x integral scope speeds target engagement. Adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977, it also serves the military forces of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, Indonesia, and the US Customs service.

Tactics: Probably the best all-around assault rifle. Quick handling, light but with a nice fore grip to control recoil, a long barrel in a bull-pup configuration. x1.5 magnifying scope.

Steyr AUG A2-SP - Suppressed - 5.56x45mm NATO - Austria - 650 RPM - A purpose built bullpup design, the Steyr AUG is the best of the breed. The extensive use of plastics keep the weight of the AUG to a minimum, while the 1.5x integral scope speeds target engagement. Adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977, it also serves the military forces of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, Indonesia, and the US Customs service. Unlike conventional designs, adding a suppressor to an AUG rifle will not make the overall length too unwieldy or cumbersome. It is a perfect choice when compactness and silence is a must.

Tactics: Quieting the AUG does take away from it's compactness enough to make it more comparable to other assault rifles, but you gain more control over the recoil and a much quieter operation. x1.5 magnifying scope.

Vektor CR21 - 5.56x45mm NATO - South Africa - 700 RPM - Truly futuristic in appearance, most observers will be surprised that the CR21 is merely a bullpup conversion of a Kalashnikov. Vektor is refurbishing older R5 (licensed Galil) rifles by placing the barreled receivers and internal components into a two piece polymer shell. It is topped off with large, non-magnifying reflex scope for the rapid engagement of targets.

Tactics: The best thing to ever happen to a Kalashnikov. Comparable to the other bull-pup assault rifles like the FA MAS G2, and the Enfield L85A1. x1 non-magnifying reflex sight.

Z-M LR300 SR - 5.56x45mm NATO - USA - Semi-Automatic - The LR300 SR is the 'Sporting Rifle' version of the LR300 M/L. A conversion of the M16/AR15 family, Allan Zitta's design has an entirely new upper receiver which uses an Armalite AR18 style gas piston and relocates the recoil spring over the barrel. The latter feature allows the elimination of the M16/AR15 buffer tube, and provides the base for a folding stock. The resulting product is more compact and reliable than the civilian legal Colt CAR15.

Tactics: A really good carbine, but it's lack of full-auto makes it less attractive than the others. Good for multiplayer semi-auto only games. x1 non-magnifying red dot sight.