Rifles: Complete Guide

Designed by Peter Paul Mauser, the Gewehr 98 became the definitive bolt-action military rifle and the foundation for nearly every modern bolt-action design. Its controlled-round feed system, dual-lug locking bolt, and 5-round internal magazine set the standard that persists to this day.

The entire rifle consisted of just 44 parts, with the bolt assembly containing only nine. This simplicity made it extraordinarily reliable in the field. Mauser's design was so successful that the U.S. government paid Mauser royalties when developing the Springfield 1903.

After the Spanish-American War proved the superiority of the Mauser design, the U.S. developed the Springfield 1903 -- built under license from Mauser at Springfield Armory and Rock Island Arsenal. Chambered in the legendary .30-06 Springfield, it served as the primary U.S. military rifle through World War I and into World War II.

Its excellent sights and crisp trigger made it exceptionally accurate. The 1903 helped transition American shooters from lever-actions to bolt-actions, and its .30-06 cartridge remains one of the most popular hunting calibers more than a century later.

The British Lee-Enfield featured a rear-locking bolt and detachable 10-round magazine -double the capacity of its contemporaries. Its smooth, fast bolt throw allowed trained soldiers to fire 20-30 aimed rounds per minute, leading to the legendary "Mad Minute" drill.

The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) served from the Boer War through World War II and beyond. Variants remain in service in some countries today, and the .303 British cartridge it chambers is still manufactured.

Today's bolt-action rifles build on the Mauser legacy with modern materials and manufacturing. The Remington 700 (introduced 1962) became the most popular bolt-action sporting rifle in history and the basis for the U.S. military's M24 Sniper Weapon System. The Ruger American and Savage Axis brought sub-MOA accuracy to budget-friendly price points.

Mikhail Kalashnikov designed the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947) after his experiences as a wounded Soviet tank commander in WWII. The design was accepted by the Soviet military in 1949, chambered in the intermediate 7.62x39mm cartridge.

The original Type 1 AK-47 used a stamped-steel receiver, but manufacturing difficulties led to the milled Type 2 and Type 3. In 1959, the AKM (Modernized) returned to a stamped receiver with improved stamping technology, dramatically reducing weight and production costs. The AKM is what most people picture when they think "AK-47."

The AK-74 switched to the smaller, faster 5.45x39mm cartridge -the Soviet response to the American 5.56 NATO. It featured a distinctive muzzle brake and reduced recoil. The AK-100 series (AK-101 through AK-105) modernized the platform with polymer furniture, side-folding stocks, and multiple caliber options including 5.56 NATO.

An estimated 75-100 million AK-pattern rifles have been produced worldwide, making it the most manufactured firearm in history. They are produced in dozens of countries and serve in military forces across the globe.

Introduced in 1973, the Mini-14 fires 5.56 NATO from a traditional wooden or synthetic stock that looks more like a ranch rifle than a tactical weapon. Based loosely on the M14 action, it uses a short-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt.

The Mini-30 variant chambers 7.62x39mm. Both are popular with shooters who want 5.56/7.62x39 capability in a traditional rifle profile. Less aftermarket support than the AR-15 but simpler to operate for many beginners.

The M1 Garand (adopted 1936) was the first semi-automatic rifle issued as standard infantry equipment. General Patton called it "the greatest battle implement ever devised." Chambered in .30-06, it feeds from 8-round en-bloc clips with the iconic "ping" on the last round.

The M14 (1959) modernized the Garand with a 20-round detachable box magazine in 7.62 NATO. Springfield Armory (the commercial company) produces the M1A -a semi-auto civilian version. Accurate, powerful, and steeped in American military history.

Bullpup designs place the action and magazine behind the trigger, resulting in a full-length barrel in a much shorter overall package. An 18" barrel bullpup can be shorter than a 16" AR-15 with a collapsed stock.

A unique folding carbine that hinges at the barrel/receiver junction, folding in half to just 16" for storage in a backpack or bag. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W with compatibility for Glock, S&W, and Beretta magazines.

The Gen3 (2024) added a redesigned rotating forend for easier folding, improved trigger, and M-LOK slots. Extremely lightweight at just 4 lbs. FST has one in the training armory.

Ruger's take-down PCC that separates into two halves for compact transport. Dead-blow action reduces felt recoil. Ships with interchangeable magazine wells for Glock and Ruger Security-9 magazines.

Available in 9mm with a 16.12" barrel. Threaded barrel for suppressor use. The take-down design and Ruger's reputation make it a top choice for practical use.

Originally designed as a submachine gun for Czech military and police, the civilian carbine version features a 16.2" barrel and faux suppressor shroud. Blowback operated in 9mm with a non-reciprocating charging handle.

Excellent ergonomics, fully ambidextrous controls, and a massive aftermarket for triggers, grips, and handguards. Also available in pistol configuration for those considering an SBR build.