Top-Ranked Assault Rifle Brands for Tactical Excellence

Assault rifles are a topic often discussed among firearms enthusiasts and experts, with various brands standing out for their quality and performance. Some of the renowned names in this category include Colt, Heckler & Koch, Kalashnikov Concern, and FN Herstal, each offering unique features that appeal to different preferences and requirements. These brands are known for their innovation, reliability, and durability in various conditions. To explore the specifics of what makes each brand exceptional and see why these particular rifles have gained such popularity, read on below.

Illustration of assault rifle

Best brands of assault rifle in 2025

Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch is a renowned manufacturer of small firearms, particularly esteemed for its assault rifles, with the G36 being a notable example designed in the early 1990s and adopted by the German Bundeswehr in 1997. The G36 has seen widespread use in several countries, including Spain and the UK, and is chambered in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. Heckler & Koch's product portfolio includes rifles, pistols, machine guns, and other firearms, with rifles accounting for 38% of their net sales. The company has a significant global presence, with 36.7% of its net sales coming from the United States and 23% from Germany. Their innovative designs and production quality have made them a key player in the defense and security sectors.

FN Herstal

FN Herstal is a leading manufacturer of assault rifles, renowned for its innovative and reliable firearms. The company's FN SCAR family, developed in 2004, includes the SCAR-L and SCAR-H, which are highly regarded for their modularity and performance, with the SCAR-L firing 5.56x45mm NATO rounds and the SCAR-H firing 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges. FN Herstal's products, such as the FN EVOLYS™ Ultralight Machine Gun, combine the firing capabilities of a belt-fed machine gun with the ergonomics of an assault rifle, catering to both military and law enforcement needs. The company's rifles, like the FN SCAR, have been adopted by special operations forces and have a significant market share, with the automatic rifle segment contributing over 42% of the market share in 2023. FN Herstal continues to innovate, investing $33 million in a new facility to meet increasing demand for its products. For more information, visit their official website.

Colt's Manufacturing Company

Colt's Manufacturing Company is a renowned leader in the production of assault rifles, particularly with its iconic AR-15 and M16 models, which have been staples in both military and civilian markets. Since its founding in 1855 by Samuel Colt, the company has innovated and dominated the firearms industry, with significant contributions during the American Civil War and subsequent conflicts. The AR-15, a semi-automatic version of the military's M16, has seen over 15-20 million units produced, making it one of the most produced firearms in its class. Despite temporarily suspending civilian production of the AR-15 in 2019 to focus on military and law enforcement contracts, Colt remains a major player in the industry. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a top producer of assault rifles. For more information, visit Colt's Manufacturing Company.

Kalashnikov Concern

Kalashnikov Concern is the largest firearm manufacturer in Russia, producing about 95% of all small arms in the country and supplying to over 27 countries worldwide. The company is renowned for its iconic AK series assault rifles, which are celebrated for their reliability, low production costs, and ease of use. Notable products include the AK-47, AK-12, and AK-15, with the AK-12 accounting for more than half of the company's weapons production. In 2022, Kalashnikov Concern achieved a 40% record yearly increase in weapons production, and by 2024, the company reported a 50% increase in the production of military and civilian goods during the first half of the year. The company has also expanded into drone production, with a 60% increase in drone production since 2022. For more detailed information, visit the Kalashnikov Concern Wikipedia page.

Steyr Mannlicher

Steyr Mannlicher is renowned as one of the premier producers of assault rifles, particularly with the iconic STEYR AUG, which was adopted by the Austrian Federal Army in 1977 and is still widely used today. The AUG, also known as the StG 77, has been a favorite globally due to its innovative bullpup design and high precision. Steyr Mannlicher has a rich history, dating back to the late 19th century, and has produced over 500,000 rifles annually since 1891. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its recent products, such as the MONOBLOC hunting rifle introduced in 2018. Steyr Mannlicher was renamed to Steyr Arms in 2019 to reflect its international orientation. For more details on their history, visit their company history page.

IWI

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) is renowned as one of the world's leading manufacturers of military arms, particularly known for its innovative and highly effective assault rifles. Founded in 1933, IWI gained international prominence with the creation of the Uzi submachine gun, with over 10 million units produced. The company's portfolio includes the Galil assault rifle, Tavor series, and the recently designed ARAD assault rifle, which is modular and chambered in various calibers such as 5.56x45mm NATO and .300 AAC Blackout. IWI's products are used by armies and law enforcement agencies globally, and the company has expanded its manufacturing to include facilities in India and the USA. IWI's commitment to quality and innovation has solidified its position as a major player in the global automatic weapons market. For more information about their wide array of products, you can visit their official page on IWI's Wikipedia page.

SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer is a renowned brand in the firearms industry, particularly noted for its innovative and reliable assault rifles. The company's SIG Sauer MCX, introduced in 2015, is a compact and lightweight, close-quarters battle (CQB) suppressed rifle optimized for the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge, featuring a modular design and quick-change barrel system. In 2023, assault rifles, a segment dominated by SIG Sauer, held a 100% revenue share in the North America rifles market, with a market revenue of USD 716.3 million and a projected growth to USD 1,904.0 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 15%. SIG Sauer's products are highly regarded for their precision, accuracy, and adaptability in various combat scenarios, making them a preferred choice for military and law enforcement forces worldwide. The company's recent contract with the US Army for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) further underscores its prominence in the industry.

Beretta

Beretta, a renowned Italian firearms manufacturer, is esteemed for its high-quality assault rifles, which are widely used by military and law enforcement agencies globally. Known for their reliability and precision, Beretta's assault rifles, such as the ARX-160, have gained significant traction in the market. The global automatic weapons market, which includes Beretta's products, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.21% from 2024 to 2034, reaching a market size of USD 18.69 billion by 2034. Beretta's innovative designs and robust manufacturing processes have contributed to its strong market presence, particularly in regions like North America, where the company has a substantial customer base. The increasing demand for modernized weaponry due to geopolitical conflicts further bolsters Beretta's position as a leading producer.

CZ

Ceska zbrojovka (CZ) is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality firearms, particularly notable for its innovative and reliable assault rifles. The company has produced iconic models such as the vz. 58, an alternative to the AK-47, with over 920,000 units produced until 1984. More recently, CZ has developed the CZ 805 BREN A1/A2 and Bren 2 assault rifles, with the latter being part of a significant contract to supply over 16,000 units to the Czech Army by 2025. CZ's firearms sales have seen a significant increase, with a 33.3% rise in the first half of 2021, driven partly by the acquisition of Colt and strong sales in the USA, Africa, and Asia. For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Ceska zbrojovka.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, a renowned leader in the production of high-caliber rifles, is particularly known for its innovative .50 BMG rifles. Founded in 1982 by Ronnie G. Barrett, the company introduced the M82, which gained significant sales in 1989 and was later adopted by the United States armed forces for use in the Gulf War. Barrett's products are used by over 80 State Department-approved countries and have received prestigious awards, including the Golden Bullseye Award for Rifle of the Year. The company's M107 rifle was recognized by the US Army as one of the "Top Ten Greatest Inventions" for soldiers. In 2023, Barrett was acquired by the Australian defense contractor NIOA Group, solidifying its global presence. For more detailed information about Barrett's history and products, visit their official website.