Best Assault Rifles: Expert Reviews for 2025
Explore the best assault rifles of 2025 with expert reviews on performance, modularity, reliability, and combat use. See which models dominate military service. As global armed forces adapt to modern warfare in 2025, the importance of choosing the right assault rifle remains as critical as ever. Infantry rifles must perform in urban environments, deserts, jungles, and mountainous terrain. Soldiers depend on them for reliability, quick adaptability, and effectiveness in high-stress combat.
This updated review analyzes the most trusted assault rifles currently fielded by military units worldwide. Each rifle on this list has earned its position based on combat usage, mechanical reliability, ergonomics, modular capability, and service feedback. From long-standing workhorses like the AK series to newer modular systems like the Sig MCX, this guide ranks the rifles that have defined global military operations heading into 2025.
Expert Picks: Top 10 Assault Rifles of 2025
1. M4/M16 Series
Still the core rifle platform of the U.S. military, the M4/M16 series is widely respected for its modularity, accuracy, and ease of use. It supports countless accessories and upgrades, making it adaptable for nearly any mission environment.
2. AK Series
The AK-47 and its successors, like the AKM and AK-74, remain the most widely used assault rifles in the world. Known for durability and simplicity, these rifles function reliably in mud, sand, snow, and heat with minimal maintenance.
3. HK416
Favored by elite special operations forces, the HK416 improves on the M4 design with a short-stroke gas piston system. It reduces fouling and increases reliability, especially during sustained fire or suppressor use.
4. Steyr AUG
A pioneer of the bullpup layout, the AUG combines compact size with full-length barrel performance. It features an integrated optic and is well-suited for urban combat and confined spaces without sacrificing effective range.
5. IWI Tavor X95
The X95 is a modern bullpup rifle developed for the Israeli Defense Forces. It is lightweight, compact, and highly maneuverable, especially in close-quarters combat, while still delivering solid mid-range performance.
6. IWI Galil ACE
An updated version of the classic Galil, the ACE blends AK reliability with improved ergonomics and modern materials. It is compatible with multiple calibers and widely used in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
7. FN SCAR-L / SCAR-H
The FN SCAR series offers unmatched modularity with options for quick barrel and caliber swaps. Used by U.S. special operations and other forces, it delivers solid performance across multiple operational environments.
8. Sig SG 550
The SG 550 is known for its precision, long-stroke piston system, and dependability. It has been the standard issue rifle of the Swiss military for decades and is also used by law enforcement units in other countries.
9. CZ Bren 2
The Bren 2 improves upon the original design with a lighter frame, better balance, and enhanced modularity. It is quickly gaining traction among NATO allies and special police units for its versatility and control.
10. Sig MCX Spear (XM5)
Chosen as the next-generation rifle for the U.S. Army, the Sig MCX Spear designated XM5 offers advanced features including integrated suppressor compatibility, a short-stroke piston system, and support for powerful new cartridges.
What Sets These Rifles Apart in 2025?
Combat-Proven Performance
Rifles that make this list are not here by marketing alone. They’ve survived real engagements across various theaters urban warfare, mountainous patrols, and jungle operations. Units have trusted these weapons in conflicts across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Their inclusion reflects consistent field reliability under pressure.
Modern Modularity
Modularity is a major requirement in 2025. Troops need to quickly adapt rifles for different missions. Rifles like the FN SCAR and Sig MCX are designed with this in mind, supporting multiple calibers, suppressors, optics, and accessory rails. Older designs like the AK have limited modular capability without extensive aftermarket customization.
Logistics and Serviceability
A rifle must be easy to maintain, even in remote or harsh conditions. Simpler rifles like the AK series require minimal upkeep and can be repaired in the field. The M4 platform, while more complex, benefits from standardized parts and accessories across NATO allies. Newer designs like the Tavor X95 combine ruggedness with simplified takedown for maintenance.
Global Adoption
Widespread adoption ensures a rifle’s long-term viability. It reflects a shared trust from different militaries operating under varying conditions. Rifles with international service like the AK, M16, SCAR, and Galil have demonstrated flexibility and staying power in varied climates, terrain, and military strategies.