Four Modern Firearms Used by Militaries around the World

Modern military weapons are fascinating and have been seeing constant improvements throughout the years. Each variation adapts to the specific needs of the agency and conditions they will experience. The ultimate goal of these weapons is to deliver the most firepower possible without sacrificing accuracy or portability.

Many modern military firearms have been in service for several years. This is because they are usually very well constructed and utterly reliable. All these weapons represent countless hours of tests and experimentation to find the perfect option.

M4A1 Carbine

This classic carbine is a lighter variant of the iconic M16A2 assault rifle. The M4A1 has been involved in over ten documented conflicts and is used extensively by the United States military.

Chambered in 5.56 ✕ 45mm NATO, this firearm offers many of the benefits seen with larger weapons while retaining an overall length of 33 inches and an empty weight of 6.5 pounds. The rifle pattern is a proven design and allows fast follow-up shots because of its unusually low recoil while also harvesting all the potential of the 5.56 cartridge.

Type 95 Automatic Rifle

The Type 95 originated in the People’s Republic of China in 1997 and has become one of the most widely used military bullpup designs. Capable of sustaining an impressive 650 rounds per minute fire rate with an effective range of over 400 meters, it becomes obvious why this rifle has been so popular for duty uses. The uncommon bullpup design also condenses the overall length of the rifle without sacrificing barrel length, making it ideal for close-quarters combat while retaining all the muzzle velocity of a traditional rifle design.

ArmaLite AR-7

Utilized by American air force pilots, the ArmaLite AR-7 is the poster child for lightweight survival rifles. Two distinct features make this an ideal survival rifle: its takedown ability and use of 22lr ammo. This allows users to carry the rifle in a very small package, while the lightweight 22lr ammo means they can carry much more rounds than a traditional cartridge does.

Vektor R4

Based on the Israeli Galil ARM, the Vektor R4 has been in service by the South African military since 1980. The Vektor R4 has been better adapted to the South African military through several improvements featured in this rifle, including upgraded internal mechanisms, the removal of the carry handle, and a stock and magazine that are composed of polymer instead of steel. The folding stock of the rifle makes it much easier for soldiers to transport the weapon and maneuver it around close quarters, traits that are very necessary for South African soldiers.

Because of the rifle’s outstanding service record, it will likely continue to be used for many years to come.

A Parting Shot

Each one of these weapons is unique in its own right and has served their respective countries well. Some were so successful that the manufactures even produced civilian versions for the private market. Years of service and outstanding performance give each one of these weapons its rightful place in the firearm hall of fame.

Future developments in military weapons will be even more fascinating. Military agencies spend a countless amount of time on research and development to make sure their weapons are the best they can be. With recent technological advancements, military firearms in the near future will certainly be breathtaking.