The two most common assault rifles in the world are the Soviet AK-47 and the American M16.[21][22] These Cold War-era rifles have been used in conflicts both large and small since the 1960s. They are used by military, police, security forces, revolutionaries, terrorists, criminals, and civilians alike and will most likely continue to be used for decades to come.[23][24] As a result, they have been the subject of countless comparisons and endless debate.[5][25][26]
The AK-47 was finalized, adopted, and entered widespread service in the Soviet Army in the early 1950s.[27] Its firepower, ease of use, low production costs, and reliability were perfectly suited for the Soviet Army's new mobile warfare doctrines. More AK-type weapons have been produced than all other assault rifles combined.[28] In 1974, the Soviets began replacing their AK-47 and AKM rifles with a newer design, the AK-74, which uses 5.45×39mm ammunition.
The M16 entered U.S. service in the mid-1960s.[29] Despite its early failures, the M16 proved to be a revolutionary design and stands as the longest-continuously serving rifle in American military history.[30] The U.S. military has largely replaced the M16 in combat units with a shorter and lighter version called the M4 carbine.[31][32]
^The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles. "Endless comparisons have been made between the world's two most widely used rifles. Such comparisons, especially if meant to demonstrate that one is better than the other, must be made with caution. While both are intended for close to moderate-range combat, these are two different weapons with different design philosophies, which use different materials and manufacturing techniques and very different tactical employment concepts. Their ammunition is also very different and this too has a major influence on their effectiveness." By Gordon L. Rottman. Osprey Publishing. Copyright 2011. page 64
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