The Evolution Of The U.S. Military Service Rifle

Rifles Used By The U.S. Military

For most of modern history, the service rifle has been the primary firearm utilized by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. These long guns are battle proven; each rifle on this list has a legacy of winning wars and protecting the lives of our soldiers.

U.S. Model 1903

The Model 1903 saw extensive service in WW1 as the official rifle of the U.S. military. Chambered in .30-06, this clip-loaded magazine-fed bolt action was highly effective but slow to fire, and would eventually be replaced by the lighter, faster M1 Garand. 

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M1 Garand

In 1936, the M1 Garand was adopted by the U.S. military because it offered increased capacity and a higher rate of fire over its predecessor. The M1 Garand still utilized the same .30-06 cartridge, which was widely available to American troops. 

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U.S. Model M14

A select-fire magazine-fed rifle based on the M1 Garand platform, designated as the U.S. Model M14, would be the last battle rifle issued to soldiers before it was replaced by the M16 assault rifle. The M14 saw use as a standard infantry rifle, as well as a designated marksman platform for sharpshooters and snipers. 

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Colt M16

First entering service in 1963, the M16 provided troops with a light and easy-to-maintain assault rifle that was perfectly suited for the adverse conditions encountered during jungle warfare. The M16A1 would introduce several improvements (including a circular forward assist) and officially replaced the M14 as the U.S. military's service rifle in 1969.

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Colt M4

The Colt M4 carbine sports many of the same features as the M16 but has a shorter barrel and an adjustable 6-position buttstock rather than the fixed A2 stock of its predecessor. These improvements made the M4 more suitable for close-quarters battle where a more compact firearm is advantageous, plus it was more maneuverable for troops wearing body armor. 

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Sig Sauer MCX Spear

Recently, it was announced that the U.S. military has officially adopted the Sig Sauer MCX Spear as its newest service rifle. This rifle is chambered in 7.62 NATO, signaling a return to a more powerful battle rifle with a slightly reduced capacity. Notably, the MCX Spear features a side-folding stock and is more compact than previous battle rifles that have seen military service.

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Discover The History Of Each U.S. Service Rifle

Want to learn more about the evolution of the U.S. military service rifle? Be sure to watch our video with Matt and Kaya discussing the history behind each of the above firearms!