I'm sure this isn't the first poll-- best battle rifle

[Eugene V. Debs]

I'm gonna frame the question this way-- what is the best rifle for an individual solider to be equipped with? Assume the following:

1. Soldier is a moderately-skilled shooter

2. Ammo of any type is plentiful

3. Soldier is in an infantry squad where all other soldiers are equipped with the same rifle

4. Soldier could find himself in any battle environment at a moment's notice

5. Although ammo is plentiful, replacement parts are not

6. Manufacturing costs are not an issue

7. Broader strategy/battlefield doctrine of military force is unknown, as is nation of origin or operation

Please state the reasons for your choice

[RoyJackson]

AK 47 would be my choice

[MarcS]

that particular set of circumstances leans towards the AK.

[DaveM55]

I have an Ak47, AR15 and an FAL.

I voted for the FAL. Specifically a DS Arms FAL.

[1911shooter]

you would have to vote AK if yours breaks just pick up one of the umpteen millions that are laying around and keep fighting, when the world does end the 2 things that will be left are cock roaches and AK's

[Hawk]

Sorry, I'll stick with the M16A2/A4. "Any battle environment" means if I want to, I can reach out further and more accurately (than the AK) to touch someone, and have more accurate follow up shots.

FYI, typically the M16 is not categorized as a "Battle Rifle" because it uses an intermediate size round.

Hawk,

[Shawn.L]

1. Soldier is a moderately-skilled shooter

I am pretty new at shooting the AR and I was hitting "the gong" (a dinner plate sized target) at 200 yards. With my AK I couldnt get the damn thing on paper at 200, let alone hit a target. I was hardly confident in man-sized targets off hand at 100.
The resiliancy of the AK is legendary, but legends have a way of outgrowing reality. Yes, I swear, I have seen FTF and stovepipes and such in an AK, it can happen. on the other side the unrealiability of the AR has been grossly overstated as most of this lore comes from the vietnam era when (if my understanding is correct) ammo was mostly to blame.

Now, if the soldier was UNSKILLED and had only moments to learn how to use and take care of their weapon the AK would and does rule supreme.

I have never shot or had any experiance with the 5.56 models of the AK.

[nijwnfi]

You left out a biggie. My vote is a write in, the M14. I wanna reach out and do a little more than touch someone.

[fullauto223]

I voted then realized the M14 was not on the list .

this was just a preliminary vote right????

[Hawk]

You left out a biggie. My vote is a write in, the M14. I wanna reach out and do a little more than touch someone.

Sorry, M14 not on the list so you can't choose it I might have changed my mind if it was included too!


Hawk,