Top 5 Military-Issued Firearms Still Used in Combat Today
I've spent enough time downrange and around the armory to know that some weapons just refuse to fade into history. They may have been born in the Cold War or made their debut in a conflict long past, but their rugged design and battlefield effectiveness keep them in soldiers' hands today. These aren't museum pieces they're workhorses. Here's my take on the top five military-issued firearms that are still seeing serious combat use around the world.
1. M16/M4 Platform (United States)
If you've ever humped gear through desert heat or jungle rot, chances are you've handled either an M16 or an M4. This platform has been in service since the 1960s and remains the backbone of the U.S. military's infantry firepower. I carried an M4 for most of my deployments, and its lightweight frame, modular rails, and 5.56 NATO punch made it a favorite. It’s evolved over the years with improvements to barrel design, optics, and fire control, but the soul of Eugene Stoner’s original design still lives on.
2. AK-47/AKM (Soviet Union/Russia)
Love it or hate it, the AK is probably the most recognizable rifle in the world. I’ve seen it in the hands of friendlies, militias, and enemies alike. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947, this 7.62x39mm beast is known for its absurd durability and ease of use. Sand, mud, snow it doesn’t matter. Pull the trigger, and it goes bang. The AKM variant, with its stamped receiver, made mass production even easier, cementing its role in countless conflicts.
3. FN MAG (Belgium)
This one’s a belt-fed bruiser. Known to many as the M240 in U.S. service, the FN MAG has been around since the 1950s and remains the go-to general-purpose machine gun for dozens of nations. I remember laying prone with one during a joint op, watching brass and links fly while laying down suppressive fire. Chambered in 7.62 NATO, it’s accurate, reliable, and delivers sustained firepower that turns the tide of small-unit fights.
4. Browning M2 "Ma Deuce" (United States)
Now this old girl has been killing it literally and figuratively since World War II. Chambered in .50 BMG, the M2 is the godfather of heavy machine guns. Mount it on a vehicle, tripod, or aircraft, and it becomes a battlefield legend. I've seen the enemy scatter at the sound of that slow, thudding bark. She's big, heavy, and not exactly graceful, but when you need to reach out and send a message, Ma Deuce speaks volumes.
5. Glock 17 (Austria)
Not every fight is won with rifles. The Glock 17, introduced in the 1980s, is now the standard-issue sidearm for numerous militaries around the globe. I carried one as a backup, and while I hoped I’d never need it, I trusted it. It’s lightweight, carries 17+1 rounds of 9mm, and is dead simple to operate. Its polymer frame was once revolutionary but now feels like the standard everyone else tries to match.
Some gear becomes obsolete. Some sticks around. These five firearms have earned their keep in blood, sweat, and fire. Whether you're in a forward operating base or watching footage from across the world, chances are you'll see at least one of these legends still in action. And from where I stand, they’ve earned their place.
What Did I Miss?
These are my top five, but every veteran, enthusiast, and historian has their own list of go-to legends. Got another military-issued firearm you think deserves a spot on this list? Maybe something you've personally carried or seen in action? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. I'd love to hear what makes your list.