The debate about which machine gun is the best in the world does not subside all over the world, although most of the professional military, combat veterans and ordinary gun lovers agree on the undisputed leader. For several decades now, AK, the legendary symbol of Russia's defense capability, has confidently held the palm. Who just did not try to step on the heels of Russian gunsmiths! And although no one has yet succeeded in surpassing the brainchild of Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov, today there are quite a few samples of very worthy weapons that claim to be the "best machine gun in the world".
Speaking about the rating, top, top ten, one cannot help but focus on such a problem as terminology. But the thing is that the words "automatic" and "rifle" themselves in different languages of the world can have slightly different meanings. In a broad sense, this refers to a weapon with a rifled barrel that provides the shooter with the ability to conduct automatic fire. Therefore, those types of weapons that can rather be attributed to rifles often fall into the rating of the best machine guns. However, let's leave the digging in terminology to narrow specialists and turn our attention tothose models of weapons that are somehow recognized as the best in their class. And we will not ignore the fact that it is impossible in principle to choose the top ten, because each weapon has its own strengths and shortcomings, surpassing in some ways, and in some ways inferior to its counterparts. Therefore, when compiling the rating, we will focus on such indicators as reliability, durability, ease of use, prevalence in the world, speed of bringing into combat position, effective firing range, accuracy, ergonomics.
Kalashnikov rifle
Does it make sense to start the rating from the tenth position? After all, there is no question of any intrigue. The world leader among machine guns is the well-known "Kalash". It is this weapon that leads the world in terms of the number of units sold. This is a constant participant in wars, uprisings and revolutions around the globe. The entire huge family of Kalashnikov assault rifles is distinguished by reliability and durability, but there are leaders among the best. Many professionals deservedly give primacy to the "forty-seventh" - the AK-47 assault rifle of the 1947 model, adopted by the Soviet Army back in 1949. What distinguishes it from its "brothers" is primarily the caliber of the cartridge - 7, 62. The AK-74 is no less common. Compared to its predecessor, it is lighter in weight due to the fact that the stock and forend are made of plastic instead of wood. The caliber of the cartridge is smaller (5, 45), but the ammunition is much more common in our time.
Not to mention the new member of the family"Kalashnikov" - AK-12. Developed in 2014, this machine has already been adopted. Moreover, it is he who will accompany the Russian "soldier of the future", dressed in the famous "Warrior" equipment. And I must say that many samples of Russian weapons fought for the right to do this, each of which could well claim the title of "the best machine gun in the world." But the 12th "Kalash" confidently outperformed its competitors, taking exactly the place for which it was originally designed.
In addition to these three most common, there are many more modifications focused on the different needs of the security forces. Most Kalashnikov assault rifles (with the exception of AKSU) can be equipped with bayonet-knives and grenade launchers.
Past battles with "Kalash" in the hands of soldiers joke that this weapon can be drowned in water or a swamp, buried in sand or snow, and then taken out and continued to be used. This, of course, does not mean that weapons can and should be treated carelessly - AK, like any other machine gun, loves a careful attitude and will faithfully serve for more than a dozen years in gratitude. After all, it is not in vain that both enthusiastic admirers and envious competitors unanimously admit that it is he who is the best machine gun in the world! And this unanimity has not surprised anyone for a long time.
M-16
The second place in the ranking of "10 best slot machines in the world" also does not cause unnecessary questions. It is confidently occupied by the American M-16. The first modifications did not differ in particular reliability, however, the designers stillmanaged to "bring to mind" this weapon. Today, this weapon is confidently leading on two continents - North America and Australia.
We must pay tribute to the American gunsmiths, who do not lose hope of "surpassing" the domestic AK - the development and improvement of the M-16 continues today. Perhaps someday they will be able to surpass the best machine gun in the world.
Photos of the M-16 rifle give a visual representation of its ergonomics and concise design. By the way, her appearance may seem familiar even to those who have never held her in their hands. This weapon flashes in cinema and computer games not much less often than its main competitor.
FN SCAR
This relatively young weapon has two modifications - 16 and 17. It was developed by special order of the United States Department of Defense and was put into service in 2007. During this short service life, the machine managed to establish itself as an effective and reliable means of defeating enemy manpower. It is impossible not to note the rather strange appearance of this weapon, claiming third place in the ranking "The best machine gun in the world: top 10". His photos help to get an idea about the design features.
The difference between MK-16 and M-17 is small. Version "16" was designed for cartridge 5.56, and its "seventeenth" colleague - under 7.62x51. It consists mainly in the type of ammunition. 70% available partsidentical.
Tavor Assault Rifle-21
This Israeli concept automatic rifle is conceived as the weapon of the future. Even the index in the title speaks about the focus on the 21st century. The use of the bullpup system made it possible to significantly optimize the ergonomic performance of the weapon.
The TAR-21 submachine gun has relatively small dimensions and light weight. It is equipped with a standard Picatinny rail, which allows you to install the most advanced optics. Experts attribute the disadvantages, first of all, to the rather high cost of production - one unit of weapons costs the state $ 1,000. However, this does not prevent the Israeli machine gun from claiming the title of "the best machine gun in the world." The rating of this weapon grows as it spreads around the world.
Beretta ARX-160
The Italian assault automatic rifle was first released in 2008 under the new Soldier of the Future program in three variations: "commander", "submachine gunner", "grenade launcher". In addition to the standard magazine for 30 rounds, it can be equipped with a special magazine for 100 rounds. In addition, it is possible to mount an underbarrel grenade launcher.
This weapon weighs 3.5 kg thanks to the use of impact-resistant polymers.
NK 416 and NK 417
The German development was based on the M-16 and G-36. These machines are easy to operate, undemanding to the conditions of use,and their performance characteristics are quite high. In terms of ergonomics and the location of the main parts, they are almost identical to the M-16. Like the weapons of the SCAR family, they are made according to the principle of modularity. That is, in the event of a failure, usually only the replacement of the failed module is required. A feature of the weapon is the possibility of equipping it with barrels of different lengths. This greatly increases the versatility and allows you to adapt the weapon to specific combat missions. Four Picatinny rails allow you to equip the weapon with a variety of additional devices. Possibility of installation of bipods is provided. The butt can be put in one of five positions, adapting it to the anatomical features of the shooter.
This weapon has a considerable weight, rather strong recoil and impressive dimensions. But it has a relatively high damaging ability.
NK G36
The NK G36 automatic rifle began to be massively supplied to the German army in 1995. Quite a few years have passed and soldiers from Spain, the United States and a number of other countries have received the opportunity to work with her. This weapon managed to participate in real armed conflicts.
For shooting, a cartridge of caliber 5, 56 (NATO) is used. There are several options for completing weapons, which greatly increases the ability of the machine to solve various tactical tasks.
Barrett REC7
The weapon was designed for a new type of cartridge, which has already proven itself. famousthanks to large-caliber rifles, the Barrett company began developing assault rifles relatively recently, but this did not prevent the first mass-produced model from taking its rightful place in the ranking of "The Best Machine Guns in the World: Top 10".
Distinctive features of the assault rifle are high reliability, accuracy of fire, rate of fire.
Steyr AUG
Quite an unusual weapon Steyr AUG takes its rightful place in the top. Mainly getting into the list of the best this machine is obliged to a special device. Of course, this sample can hardly claim the title of "The best assault rifle in the world", however, it occupies a fairly strong position among weapons with a bullpup system.
Specialists note excellent ergonomics, high rate of fire and reliability of the system.
Fusil Automatique Leger
The light rifle Fabrique Nationale de Herstal, developed in Belgium, closes the rating. It has become widely used in the world due to the simplicity and reliability of operation.
In addition to the standard diopter rear sight, which makes it possible to conduct aimed fire at distances from 200 to 600 meters, it can be equipped with any optical sight. It is in service in more than a dozen countries around the world.
