NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Hey, I've been RP'ing for more than a thousand posts now, and suddenly figured out that I actually have no idea what assault rifle my troops should be using. I usually RP with an M-16, but I've read that these might not be the best Assault Rifle (I think its one of those) to use.

I'm a complete amateur at this, so i'm opening it up to the II Community, as I respect the people on here. So please, people, give me your opinions on what the best Assault Rifle is, and should I eventually come up with one, I'll turn IC and buy a contract for them.

Thanks for any replies - Over to you...

For real life guns, the G-36 is a good one.

For NS guns, mine >_> <_< >_> <_<

Go on TioR...have you got any specs/pictures, etc?

I have three:

The RAR-7 Series. You can see them on my storefront link.

The RAR-9 Series. We currently use these, search "RAR-9" to find them.

The RAR-11 Series. I'm still designing this one, it'll use a 6.5mm magazine. So it might be awhile until I sell an actual good gun >_>

I use an AK74 variant, which I call the DR9. 5.45mm round, weapon has two gas pistons which are synchronized, When the first moves back, the second will move forward and neutralize (most of) the recoil. Its called balancing automatics and works perfectly, it combines a stable accurate weapon and cartridge with efficiency and simplycity..
Besides that, there is nothing special about it.
http://users.pandora.be/bdc/DR9.jpg

Well my troops use the Halo 2 assault rifle, if you want to use that?

http://www.nlgaming.com/games/220/thumbs/battle_rifle_front.jpg

Zee pic is zee dead Vermin.

Zee pic works, you are too late heh heh heh

With assault rifles, its all about what your looking for and how much you can spend. If you want short range unstoppableness go for the AK-47, and its very cheap compared to others. Something longer range would be the M4A1, which i suggest you switch to immediately as it is better in all aspects that the out-dated M16.

The HK G-36 is all well and good (used by many special forces) but i would suggest the Bofors AK5D over that. It is much more durable with a slightly better effective range, and can be easily rechambered to fit 5.52 NATO or 7.62x39mm ammunition. The XM8 is a similar weapon and better than AK5D with lots of variants and a low weight.

Ultimately, go for the SIG 551 or SIG 552. The 551 is without doubt one of the best weapons in existence, beating even the M4 in every aspect. The 552 variant has a shorter barrel, and so is used more for urban combat or special forces, hence its nickname 'Commando'.

If you dont want any of the above, i strongly suggest the AK-108 or later. Its a good all-rounder with better long to mid range stats, and it can use the two most popular calibers. It is chambered (by default) in 5.52 NATO, which is the same as the M16/M4 and would eliminate the need for you to replace endless stocks of ammunition.

If you want something non-RL, or otherwise 'unique' TG me and we could work on a new 'breed' of assault rifle.

The HK G-36 is all well and good (used by many special forces) but i would suggest the Bofors AK5D over that. It is much more durable with a slightly better effective range, and can be easily rechambered to fit 5.52 NATO or 7.62x39mm ammunition. The XM8 is a similar weapon and better than AK5D with lots of variants and a low weight.

And if you're going to use the (X)M8 call it the M8, not the XM8, why?

BECAUSE IT'S NOT AN EXPERIMENTAL RIFLE IN YOUR NATION, IT'S YOUR MAIN ASSUALT RIFLE.

In fact, don't use it at all!

but in RL it is still experimental, as is the XM29 (aka the OICW), and i was listing RL weapons. I could not list the M8 as a RL weapon, because it is not finalised or (although available) mass produced. It was under large-scale testing as-of late 2004, and with its positive results the M8 isn't far off.

Well, many thanks for the suggestions people. I think, unless anything else comes along, that I'll be going with the RAR-7A Series from Tior.

TioR: I'm going to be wanting millions of these rifles and ammunition to go with them. Do you sell production rights? I'd rather do that than bulk-buy because obviously i'm going to be need them all the time...

Well, many thanks for the suggestions people. I think, unless anything else comes along, that I'll be going with the RAR-7A Series from Tior.

TioR: I'm going to be wanting millions of these rifles and ammunition to go with them. Do you sell production rights? I'd rather do that than bulk-buy because obviously i'm going to be need them all the time...

Have them for free. I'm going to have the RAR-7 series on public access soon, as in anybody can use them for free.

But I suggest you re-wire them for 5.56mm NATO. You have my permission.

Me = Modified SA-80 with re-designed Trigger Mechanism and less plastic.

OOC: Looks like you already have your rifle picked, but i fyou were still trying to decide, I would have recommended the (X)M8. The one I'm going to be using soon will be a modified version of that particular weapon with a 5.56 mm/45 calibre variant and a 7.62/51 calibre variant.

my military use the SIG 551/552, but are preparing to switch to the (still prototyped) FN SCAR. That to comes in 2 variants for light and heavier ammunition.

Thats very kind of you TioR, I'll send a ship to pick up the schematics and have the whole series rewired and recored to acept those new rounds. Sarzonia, I may have picked TioR's weapon but I'm always open to other ideas. Whats this (X)M8, and how good is it?

allow me,
The (X)M8 is a heavily modified clone of the G-36, with everything you might possibly want to know located here (http://www.world.guns.ru/assault/as61-e.htm).

[OOC: Im designing something which I'll post later today.]

the XM-8 lightweight assualt rifle is reliable and acurrate. It lacks the the power to kill because it's 5.56mm instead of the 7.62mm

The (X)M-8 (Note that I put the X in parentheses to note that it's experimental IRL but it's not experimental in NS) has been mentioned already. It's a very good rifle for close-in fighting (5.56 mm rifles tend to be better for that than longer calibres), but not so great for a standard assault rifle. The rifle I'm going to put up when circumstances in the RP I'm in warrant it is essentially that rifle in a bullpup configuration and a 7.62 mm/51 calibre variant to serve as a standard assault rifle. That gets greater range, accuracy, and lethality than the NATO standard 5.56 mm.

*Runs around waving SA-80 banner*

Sorry..its a rubbish AR......I know...

But can anyone explain excatly what their problem with it is? Last weekend we fired around 1,000 rounds on each and only got a couple of jams.

As far as I can tell (and I've been reading quite a bit on it over the past few days) there isnt anything wrong with the SA80A2 gun. There are problems with left-hand firing, but that's endemic in all bullpup rifles. It's the most accurate 5.56mm weapon in the world, and has an excellent range. Having read what I've read about it, if I were to join the army I would be happy to get an SA80. That or a G36.

You could buy some of my automatic blunderbuses :)

I have a couple of small arms in which you might be interested:

Royal Isselmere-Nieland Ordnance Factory (RINO) Showcase

L17 Assault Rifle

The L17 is bullpup design based on the British EM-2 rifle but using the forward case/cartridge ejection system of Fabrique Nationale - Herstal's F2000 5.56 x 45mm assault rifle for improved ambidextrous firing. A folding charging lever is on the spine of the rifle underneath the picatinny rail. The picatinny rail permits the fitting of a wide variety of aiming devices, from iron sights, optronic sights (optical, thermal, infra-red, holographic, and low-light), to the RINO's computerised sight (RINOCS).

The RINOCS enables a soldier equipped with a connected helmet mounted display to look and fire around corners without exposing much of him- or herself. It may also be used to compute impact point of either direct fire (bullets) or indirect fire (rifle grenade) projectiles and, in conjunction with other aiming devices, may allow similarly equipped soldiers to designate targets for other members of the section or squad.

The operation of the rifle is as follows: gas from the propellant impinges through a cavity in the barrel to the gas tube above. This gas pressure then forces back a gas piston that acts on the bolt carrier, causing the bolt itself to rotate ejecting the case or round. The rotating bolt mechanism both reduces the number of parts and the overall complexity of the design, as well as facilitating field stripping, cleaning, and operations. Cases/rounds are then ushered out of the front of the rifle by the bolt carrier. The ejection port in the front of the rifle opens and closes with the action of the bolt carrier, closing when the bolt is forward. The forward ejection system facilitates ambidextrous firing yet protects against the ingestion of foreign materials into the rifle's mechanism.

The L17 may easily be fitted with an underbarrel grenade launcher, such as the M203, or a non-lethal attachment, such as the FN303. It may be fitted with other aiming devices and peripheral equipment, such as a laser aiming device, a torch [flashlight], and other systems as required.

Characteristics
Calibre: 6.5 x 39mm Grendel (123-gr {7.97g} bullet, 265-gr {17.17g} cartridge)
Weight: 3.54kg (empty, with 1.5-power scope); 4.94kg (loaded with 3.5-power scope)
Length: 800mm
Barrel length: 533mm (21")
Operation: Gas (piston), rotating bolt
Cyclic rate: 750-800 rpm
Muzzle velocity: 792.5 m/s
Firing modes: Single-shot semi-automatic, two-round burst, full automatic
Magazine: 30 rounds
Price: $2,250 with 1.5-power scope, $2,450 with 3.5-power scope, $2,175 with holographic weapon sight, (HWS), $2,850 with computerised aiming system

----

L19 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

Based on the superb Mitrailleuse d'appui général (MAG) and Minimi machine guns from the Fabrique Nationale - Herstal, the L19 GPMG will serve as the new section and platoon-level machine gun in the UKIN Defence Forces (UKIN-DF).

Like the Minimi, the L19 can accept either belted ammunition or magazines from the new L17 assault rifle to fire providing flexibility of operation. Similar to both the MAG and the Minimi, the L19 has a gas regulator allowing the gunner to select the rate of fire or to compensate for adverse conditions. As with those two designs, this gas regulator is attached to the quick change barrel permitting rapid barrel changes in combat without having to resort to tools. The barrel has, however, been chromed to reduce fouling and to prolong barrel life. The barrel release is on the sturdy carrying handle.

The L19 has a push button safety.

Characteristics
Calibre: 6.5 x 39mm Grendel (123gr {7.97g} bullet, 17.17g cartridge)
Mass: Overall (empty): 8.86kg; Barrel: 2.4kg
Length: Overall: 1075mm; Barrel: 540mm
Range: 1,000m (bipod) (generally 800m)
Operation: Gas (open bolt), air-cooled, belt- or magazine-fed
Cyclic rate: 650-1,000 rpm
Firing modes: Full automatic only
Price: $4,500 (includes spare barrel and 1.5-power sight)

As far as I can tell (and I've been reading quite a bit on it over the past few days) there isnt anything wrong with the SA80A2 gun. There are problems with left-hand firing, but that's endemic in all bullpup rifles. It's the most accurate 5.56mm weapon in the world, and has an excellent range. Having read what I've read about it, if I were to join the army I would be happy to get an SA80. That or a G36.
The original L85 and L86 were terrible. As match rifles, they were great but as combat rifles (shudder). The L85A2 corrected most of the problems with the L85 (with the exception of left-handed firing) and is quite a good rifle now, albeit heavier than several 5.56mm rifles.

Hali-21 Part-Variant Assault Rifle
http://www.hkdefense.us/pages/military-le/mil-leimages/xm8s2rtmain.jpg

Statistics:
Calibre: 7.62mm NATO
Capacity: 10/20/30/60 rds
Length: 29.8 in
Width: 2.34 in
Height: 9.17 in
Weight: 6.2 lb

Description:
The Hali-21 will be based on the kinetic energy weapon that is part of the Hali-21 next-generation infantry weapon system (formerly the Objective Individual Combat Weapon) currently under development by ATK Integrated Defense. The kinetic energy weapon, which fires 7.62mm ammunition, will provide maximum commonality in components and logistics with the Hali-21 system.

The Hali-21 will provide lethality performance comparable to the currently fielded M4 carbine rifle, while weighing 20 percent less than the M4 because of advanced technologies developed for the Hali-21 program.

The Hali-21 Lightweight Assault Rifle will reduce the 21st century soldier's load and increase his mobility. The progress made to reduce weight and improve performance on the Hali-21 program is key to the decision on accelerating the development of the Hali-21, which is integrated with the Army's efforts to transform to a more lethal and rapidly deployed fighting force as part of its Objective Force.

Internally, the Hali-21 uses a rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like those used in the M-16 rifle and M-4 carbine, according to the Hali-21 manufacturer’s — Heckler & Koch — Website. The bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system with a user-removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M-4 and M-16 direct gas system with gas tube, the Hali-21 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and carbon back into the weapon’s receiver during firing.

This improved reliability can be credited to differences in the Hali-21s operating system from the one in the M16. For instance, a thin gas tube runs almost the entire length of the barrel in all of the M16 variants. When the weapon is fired, the gases travel back down the tube into the chamber and push the bolt back to eject the shell casing and chamber a new round. The Hali-21s gas system instead is connected to a mechanical operating rod, which pushes back the bolt to eject the casing and chamber the new round each time the weapon is fired. So there‘s no carbon residue constantly being blown back into the chamber, reducing the need to clean the weapon as often. You don‘t get gases blowing back into the chamber that have contaminates in them. The Hali-21 also has a much tighter seal between the bolt and the ejection port, which should cut down on the amount of debris that can blow into the weapon when the ejection port‘s dust cover is open.

Beginning life as the 7.62mm KE (kinetic energy) component of the 20mm air-bursting Hali-21 Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), the Hali-21 Lightweight Modular Carbine System represents the state-of-the-art in 7.62 NATO assault rifles.

This modularity includes the exchange of interchangeable assembly groups such as the barrel, handguard, lower receiver, buttstock modules and sighting system with removable carrying handle. In addition and in parallel, the new Hali-21 quick detachable single-shot 40mm grenade launcher with side-opening breech and LSS lightweight 12 gauge shotgun module can be easily added to the Hali-21 by the user in the field without tools. The unique buttstock system allows the operator exchange buttstocks without tools from the standard collapsible multi-position version, to an optional buttcap for maximum portability or an optional folding or sniper buttstock with adjustable cheekpiece for special applications. Internally the Hali-21 employs a combat-proven robust rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like that used in the current M16 rifle and M4 carbine. However this bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system that employs a user removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M4/M16 direct gas system with gas tube, the Hali-21 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and the associated carbon fouling back into the weapon’s receiver during firing. This greatly increases the reliability of the Hali-21 while at same time reducing operator cleaning time by as much as 70%. This system also allows the weapon to fire more than 15,000 rounds without lubrication or cleaning in even the worst operational environments. A cold hammer forged barrel will guarantee a minimum of 20,000 rounds service life and ultimate operator safety in the event of an obstructed bore occurrence.

The Hali-21 has fully ambidextrous operating controls to include a centrally located charging handle that doubles as an ambidextrous forward assist when required, ambidextrous magazine release, bolt catch, safety/selector lever with semi and full automatic modes of fire and release lever for the multiple position collapsible buttstock. The operating controls allow the operator to keep the firing hand on the pistol grip and the weapon in the firing position at all times while the non-firing hand actuates the charging handle and magazine during loading and clearing. Major components of the weapon are produced from high-strength fiber reinforced polymer materials that can be molded in almost any color to include OD green, desert tan, arctic white, urban blue, brown and basic black. Surfaces on the Hali-21 that interface with the operator are fitted with non-slip materials to increase comfort and operator retention. The Hali-21 uses 10 or 30-round semi-transparent box magazines and high-reliability 60-round drum magazines for sustained fire applications.

Beyond the 2-round burst capability, the Hali-21 is a relatively conventional battle rifle. The 94 is capable of mounting a bayonet (though in this case it is mounted to the right of the muzzle rather than below, so as to allow for the use of an under barrel grenade launcher, and horizontally, to enable the user to male side to side slashing attacks while holding the rifle.) and it comes standard with a universal scope mounting rail on the left hand side of the receiver. The Hali-21 accepts standard. The sights feature a conventional shrouded front sight, which is adjustable for zeroing, and a 5-position rotating aperture rear sight (similar to the German G3) for range.

Special integral flush mounted attachment points are located on the handguard and receiver to allow the quick attachment of targeting devices. Unlike MIL-STD-1913 rails, the Hali-21 attachment points do not add additional weight, bulk and cost to the host weapon, and will accept MIL-STD-1913 adapters to allow for the use of current in-service accessories. The attachment points for the standard multi-function integrated red-dot sight allow multiple mounting positions and insure 100% zero retention even after the sight is removed and remounted. The battery powered Hali-21 sight includes the latest technology in a red dot close combat optic, IR laser aimer and laser illuminator with back-up etched reticle with capability exceeding that of the current M68-CCO, AN/PEQ-2 and AN/PAQ-4. This sight will be factory zeroed on the weapon when it is delivered and does not require constant rezeroing in the field like current rail-mounted targeting devices.

Variations:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/images/xm8-poster.jpg



Range: 700 Meters

Cost Per Unit: 3,000 USD


------------------------------------

Hali-37 Assault Rifle
http://www.exchange3d.com/test_albums/3d-model-weapons-assault-rifle-gun-AK-47/aak.thumb.jpg
[It's us actually little like this, I just wanted a picture.]

During the latter days of the Civil War, soldiers on all sides used the cheap, abundant, and effective, Ak-74s, bought off foreign markets across the globe. However, in the quest of a more modern, more competent, and much more effective, killing machine the Macabee armed forces has released their first assault rifle, the Hali-37 Assault Rifle. The design is supposed to completely take the place of the older Ak-74s and M-16s.

The Hali-37 uses the widely distributed 5.56 x 45mm NATO round, fitted in a standard thirty round magazine. The Hali-37 has two different rates of fire; 1,800 rounds per minute, in two shot bursts, or six hundred rounds per minute in fully automatic. Moreover, the Hali-37 uses Nikonov's AN-94 process of speeding up loading time.

n a conventional semi-automatic rifle, to load the next round the bolt must unlock, extract the spent cartridge case, move rearward over the next round to be fed in the magazine, and eject the case. At this point the bolt (driven by the recoil or return spring) is pushed forward, where it strips the next round from the magazine, chambers it, locks in place, and is ready to fire. In the Hali-37 this process is sped up through the use of a cable and pulley operated "rammer" which pre-positions the next round in the chamber, eliminating unnecessary reward bolt travel. The rammer functions as follows: as the bolt recoils to the rear the cable (passing through the pulley, pulls the rammer forward, stripping the next round from the magazine and partially chambering it. As the bolt returns forward the rammer resets and the bolt pushes the round completely into the chamber and locks.

In the Hali-37 recoil, in burst mode, is handled in essentially a dual recoiling system. When the first round is fired the entire barrel/bolt assembly begins sliding to the rear, compressing a main recoil spring. In addition the bolt itself is compressing an individual secondary spring, which drives the bolt back forward, whereupon the hammer automatically fires the second round of the burst (all while the barrel is still recoiling reward on the main spring.) Once the second round is fired the bolt locks to the rear until the barrel has recoiled completely and gone back into battery. As soon as the barrel is back in battery the bolt is released and another round is chambered. This arrangement allows for two shots to be fired before any recoiling forces are transferred to the shooter. When fired in the full auto mode the Hali-37 first fires a 2 round burst and then goes into fully automatic fire (in which the bolt is held to the rear until the barrel completes its recoiling cycle).

Beyond the 2-round burst capability, the Hali-37 is a relatively conventional battle rifle. The Hali-37 is capable of mounting a bayonet (though in this case it is mounted to the right of the muzzle rather than below, so as to allow for the use of an under barrel grenade launcher, and horizontally, to enable the user to male side to side slashing attacks while holding the rifle.) and it comes standard with a universal scope mounting rail on the left hand side of the receiver. The Hali-37 accepts standard M-16 20 and 30 round magazines, as well as the new 60 round four-stack magazines. The sights feature a conventional shrouded front sight, which is adjustable for zeroing, and a 5-position rotating aperture rear sight (similar to the German G3) for range.

Put it all together and it adds up to a rifle with 200 meters more range than the AK-74, better accuracy for rapid "burst" firing, and an innovative recoil and reload system, all at a fraction more weight than the standard AK-74.

Caliber: 5.56 x 45mm
Action: Gas Operated
Overall length: 943mm (728mm with folded butt stock)
Barrel length: 405mm
Weight, empty / loaded w. 30 rounds: 3850g
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Rate of fire, cyclic: 1,800 - 2 burst ; 600 fully automatic
Maximum effective range: 650 to 700 meters

Cost: 2,000 USD


--------------------------
\We present to you the AK-47/B

http://www.exchange3d.com/test_albums/3d-model-weapons-soviet-russian-military-assault-rifle-ak-47-machine-gun-kalashnikov-01/aac.thumb.jpg

Abstract:
In the search for something cheap but reliable, and much more inexpensive than the modern Hali-37, the main assault rifle for the Macabee forces, the imperial engineers devised the second model to the reknown Ak-47/B. With a bit of an incentive from a direct request by Armandian Cheese Macabee engineers were able to design, and then mass produce, a rifle that would cost about five hundred dollars a piece, instead of the two thousand that the Hali-37 cost. In that respect, the Ak-47/B was to become a new center piece in the collection of many armies that rather have a "cheap and reliable" assault rifle.

Statistics:
Caliber (mm): 7.62
Cartridge: 7.62x39
Sighting radius (mm): 378
Length, overal (mm): 870
Barrel Length(mm): 415
Magazine capacity (rds): 30
Sighting range (m): 800
Weight w/empty magazine, g 4300
Weight w/loaded magazine, g 4876
Rate of fire (rds/min): 600
Muzzle velocity (m/s): 700
Killing range (m): 1500
Rifling Grooves 4
Rifled Bore(mm): 378

Charactiristics Shared with the Ak-47:
The AK-47/B is inexpensive to manufacture and very simple to clean and repair in the field. Its ruggedness and reliability are legendary, and it can fire even after being submerged in water (if the water is poured out first), or when it is covered in dirt. The standard flip-up iron sight is calibrated with each numeral indicating in hundreds of metres. It is released by squeezing the two buttons on the back end. The standard calibration of the flipped-down sight is 50 metres, the normal minimal distance for aimed fire. Distances below this range are usually aimed instinctively. For night fighting, Macabee models have a flip-up luminous dot, also calibrated to 50 m.

Ballistics:
The standard AK-47/B fires a 7.62 × 39 mm round with a muzzle velocity of 710 m/s. Muzzle energy is 1,990 joules. Cartridge case length is 38.6 mm, weight is 18.21 g. Projectile weight is normally 8 g, though some Russian ammunition made for export to the US uses a soft-nose hunting type bullet of 10 g mass.

The AK-47/B, with the 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge, had an effective range of around 300 metres and usually had the sights zeroed at 200 metres.

The rate of fire is between 300 and 600 rounds per minute. Later models have modifications to the trigger assembly and bolt to fire more slowly. This helps make the weapon more controllable and waste less ammunition. This can help reduce logistic requirements. The rate-reducing devices may also be intended to reduce the wear and tear on moving parts.

Improvements over the Original Ak-47:
In the Ak-47/B recoil, in burst mode, is handled in essentially a dual recoiling system. When the first round is fired the entire barrel/bolt assembly begins sliding to the rear, compressing a main recoil spring. In addition the bolt itself is compressing an individual secondary spring, which drives the bolt back forward, whereupon the hammer automatically fires the second round of the burst (all while the barrel is still recoiling reward on the main spring.) Once the second round is fired the bolt locks to the rear until the barrel has recoiled completely and gone back into battery. As soon as the barrel is back in battery the bolt is released and another round is chambered. This arrangement allows for two shots to be fired before any recoiling forces are transferred to the shooter. When fired in the full auto mode the Hali-37 first fires a 2 round burst and then goes into fully automatic fire (in which the bolt is held to the rear until the barrel completes its recoiling cycle).

Beyond the 2-round burst capability, the Ak-47/B is a relatively conventional battle rifle. The Ak-47/B is capable of mounting a bayonet (though in this case it is mounted to the right of the muzzle rather than below, so as to allow for the use of an under barrel grenade launcher, and horizontally, to enable the user to male side to side slashing attacks while holding the rifle.) and it comes standard with a universal scope mounting rail on the left hand side of the receiver. The Ak-47/B accepts standard Russia/Soviet 20 and 30 round magazines.. The sights feature a conventional shrouded front sight, which is adjustable for zeroing, and a 5-position rotating aperture rear sight (similar to the German G3) for range.

Price per Unit: 500 USD

OOC: Hey, I've been RP'ing for more than a thousand posts now, and suddenly figured out that I actually have no idea what assault rifle my troops should be using. I usually RP with an M-16, but I've read that these might not be the best Assault Rifle (I think its one of those) to use.

I'm a complete amateur at this, so i'm opening it up to the II Community, as I respect the people on here. So please, people, give me your opinions on what the best Assault Rifle is, and should I eventually come up with one, I'll turn IC and buy a contract for them.

Thanks for any replies - Over to you...

[ooc] IRL, there are so many good rifle designs (better than the Stoner's pistonless jamming machine) that you can almost open any Google with the words "Assault Rifles" and get flooded with options.

You have to decide what you want it to do for your troops. The AK-derived rifles like the Galil ARM, Valmet, etc. are super-duper reliable. (As is the AK-47 and AKM), simple, and easy to maintain.
The Steyr AUG series rifles are bullpup-configured and very accurate.
The French "Le Clarion" FAMAS rifle has one of the highest rate-of-fire in full-auto mode out there. Some folks think this is a good thing.
The South Korean K-2 rifle incorporates a lot of the virtues of the AK series, along with some of the virtues of the AR-15 derived rifles (the stoner jammin' machines).
The AR-18 is a Gene Stoner design, it's got a rep for reliability too-but hasn't enjoyed much in the way of RL success. It's basically a piston-driven, stamped-reciever version of the M-16 (yes, there's more to it than that, but going into specifics would take PAGES.)
The AR-18 formed the basis for the British L-85 and the HK G-36, both current-service issue weapons with wildly different layouts (the L-85 is a bullpup design, placing the magazine and action to the rear of the trigger group for a shorter rifle) and wildly different reputations. (hint: if you issue the L-85, you probably better hand out toolboxes to keep it working.)

For simplicity's sake (avoiding complications), I'd suggest either an AK-variant like the Valmet or Galil, or the German-designed AR-18 Variant G-36, most people on the boards will know what you're talking about, and you don't have to keep a stat-sheet handy.

You also avoid debates on the whole Battle-Rifle vs. Assault-Rifle subject, and the excruciating arguments pro-and-con over the AR-15/M-16/M-4's poor reputation for reliability.

My own nation uses a reduced-size M-14 variant in the 6.8mm SPC as their standard assault-rifle in the 2001-present setting, and a 6.5mm version of the M-14 in Cold-War era scenarios. Why? well... I like range. I like having 100+ meters longer effective range than the 5.56mm Nato round, and 150 to 200 M. longer effective range than the 7.62x39 soviet round.

Damage and combat in NS are abstract, though, so almost anything reasonable will work about the same. Picking rifle and calibre is more about adding colour and detail to your fictional armies, than about real-world effectiveness. Ilek-Vaad issues a battle-rifle in .30-06, for instance, while there are a few players who issue the G-11 Caseless rifle or even more exotic designs.
(G-11 is a real-world weapon developed in West Germany prior to Unification.)

5.56mm can kill quite effectively. It just requires better placement

I've got a nice 40 caliber battle-rifle. Offers more punch, but it is heavier and not the best idea for conscripted armies. However, it is designed with the armored infantry in mind (meaning its designed to still kill a man in kevlar/ceramic armor) so it can be a plus esp when the enemy doesn't have that on them.

Skinny click here and view my uber rifle family of d00m!!11! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=425790)

The Holy Womble can offer the following design:

A-91 assault rifle/grenade launcher combo (http://world.guns.ru/assault/a91_2.jpg)

The A-91 assault rifle is the standard issue weapon of the Holy Womble armed forces. Based on the heavily modified AK47 action, it features a bullpup design and a polymer housing. However, unlike most bullpup designs, the A91 uses a forward ejection system, making it completely ambidextrous. Another unique feature is an integral single shot 40mm grenade launcher, incorporated into the design so that it does not upset the weapon’s balance. The launcher also serves as a forearm. In addition, the system has 2 opposite moving gas pistons instead of one, which greatly reduces muzzle jump and increases the weapon’s accuracy.
A-91 is avaliable in two calibers: 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39 Russian, and uses standard M16 and AK47 magazines respectively.

Caliber: 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 660 mm
Weight: 3.97 kg empty (with integral grenade launcher)
Rate of fire: 600-800 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds

Price per unit: $400

FAMAS G2 is rather versatile, and that's what I use.

World.guns.ru (english) has the most extensive discriptions, they have all different types, along with pictures and weapon info. hope this helps

OOC: Wow, what a long thread, and thanks for all the help people. I liekd yours Prae, and Iselmeres looks great as well. However, the XM8 looks like the best weapon there, so I think I'll be going with that, with TioR's weapons as a safety weapon in case of problems.

Ah well you've made your decision and that cool, i emans i don't need to trya nd persade you to think about using riflse designed to use "optimum" or "intermediate" rifle rounds such as 6.25x43mm british or .280british and the newer 6.8mm SPC/6.5mm grendel rounds.

Now if you were wanting soemthign really fancy you coudl contact Crookfur (ie my main antion) and ask about the 6.6x30mm CFC round (crookfur caseless, my much delayed attempt at a viable caseless design).

OOC: Novikov, if you're looking to upgrade from that FAMAS, you're welecome, as an ally, to look into our DR-1 family.
It's a much more advanced variant, and I highly reccomend it.

IC:
I present to you, the DR-1 Assault Rifle Family.
The DR-1 uses a 5.56mm caseless ammunition designed to give a much superior punch then any other 5.56mm weapon. The pattented bolt design allows for fast firing with minimal recoil. Working much like a revolver by rotating the round into place and firing. Without the need to eject cartridges, the process is highly efficient, and fast. The 5.56mm Caseless ammunition is currently only avalible from us, however we we allow mass production outside of our nation for a minimal fee.

The DR-1 series rifle has the ability to welecome many upgrades, including a 20mm shotgun/grenade launcher combination which is attached under the barrell.
The following is just a short list of all avalible acessories.
DR-1 Series Assault Rifle:
- AGL-20 20mm/12 Gauge Shotgun/Grenade Launcher combonation.
- IL-3 Integrated Day/Night Digital Optics Sight
- ILS-2X Red Beam Laser Sight
- Ambidestrous Foregrip
- Folding Bipod
- Halogen Bulb/IR MilSpec Light
- Short Carbine Barrell
- IL-2 Integrated Optics Sight

Specifications
Caliber: 5.56mm caseless AP
Action: Delayed blowback
Overall length: 75.7cm
Barrel length: 48.8cm
Weight: 3.8 kg with empty magazine
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Muzzle velocity: 925 m/s
Rate of fire: 1000-1100 rounds per minute
Effective range: 450 meters

Basic DR-1A Rifle:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/DR-1A.jpg

DR-1A Fitted with shotgun/grenade launcher
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/DR-1AGL.jpg

DR-1 Digitized Combat Prototype
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/DR-1B.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/DR-1B2.jpg

DR-1C Commando Variant, showing accessories
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/DR-1C2.jpg

Current Republican Gaurd Woodland Uniform, showcasing the now in service, Digitized DR-1 Combat Weapon
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Dostanuot/RepublicanGaurd.jpg