A category of firearms that is, in fact, different from an assault rifle. Assault rifles must have full-auto capability while chambered for intermediate cartridges such as the 5.
56 NATO, which is found in many rifles today. However, the battle rifle
may come in a greater variety of firing modes such as bolt action, semi-auto, full auto, and burst. Also, battle rifles employ larger rounds than assault rifles such as the .30-06 and 7.62x51 NATO (not the same bullet found in the
AK-
47, which is the 7.62x39 NATO)
However, because they are chambered for larger bullets, thus causing heavier recoil, they are not always as suited for full-auto
fire compared to assault rifles. Battle rifles are more effective for support roles and when engaged in
mid-
long range combat.
Two excellent examples of battle rifles are the
American M14 and the Belgian FN FAL. These rifles are both automatic and
fire the full-powered 7.62x39. There are many other battle rifles but these two are among the most famous.
Battle rifles have been used in military forces around the
world. Don't mess with someone with a battle
rifle.
Halo has made the term battle rifle quite
popular among the gaming community.