Vending machine against assault rifle: technical and legal differences

The question of what distinguishes a machine gun from an assault rifle is often a hot debate among gun lovers, historians and even professionals. At first glance, these concepts seem synonymous, especially in the context of modern warfare, where on the shoulder of a soldier you can see the familiar silhouettes. Kalashnikova or M4. However, if you delve into the history of creation, the technical specifications and, most importantly, the legal definitions, it becomes obvious: they are not the same thing.

The confusion has arisen not from scratch, but as a result of the evolution of small arms and the differences in military doctrines of different countries. While the Soviet and then Russian schools clearly shared these concepts, the Western classification for a long time operated with the term "assault rifle", which in Russian was often translated by tracing, losing semantic nuances. Understanding these differences It is necessary not only for general erudition, but also for the correct perception of the history of the weapons business.

In this article we will analyze in detail the design features, the history of the appearance of intermediate cartridges and legal aspects that finally put an end to this dispute. You'll find out why. StG 44 It is considered the ancestor of a class, but it has not become a machine gun in the full sense of the word, and how the law determines the status of your weapon.

Historical context and the appearance of an intermediate cartridge

The key moment in the development of small arms was the appearance of the so-called intermediate cartridge. Until the end of World War II, the armies of the world used either powerful rifle cartridges (as in the case of the World War II). 7.62×54 mm R) providing long-range combat or pistol ammunition for combat. The first were too powerful for automatic shooting, the second too weak for effective defeat at a distance.

German engineers were the first to implement the concept of a weapon that fires an intermediate-power cartridge. The emergence 7.92×33 mm Kurz It allowed to create a weapon that combines the accuracy of the rifle and the rate of fire of a submachine gun. That is when the term assault rifle ("assault rifle")Sturmgewehr) has come into use to refer to universal infantry weapons.

In the Soviet Union went their own way, developing a cartridge 7.62×39 mm. This decision proved revolutionary: the new ammunition provided sufficient penetration and at the same time allowed to conduct effective automatic fire. The emergence of the machine Kalashnikova The concept was cemented by the AK, although legally and technically it had long been classified as a machine gun rather than a rifle.

⚠️ The term "assault rifle" in Western literature is often applied to all automatic weapons under intermediate cartridge, which creates confusion. In Russian tradition, these concepts are strictly divided by type of cartridge and design.

Historically, the separation began with caliber and ballistics. Rifles required a powerful cartridge for combat at 800-1000 meters, the machines worked at distances up to 400-500 meters with a cartridge of lower power. This line has become a watershed between the classes of weapons.

Technical differences: design and ballistics

If we consider the design, the main difference lies in the mechanism of locking the barrel channel and the type of ammunition used. Assault rifleThis usually involves the use of a rifle caliber cartridge (e.g., .308 Winchester or 7.62×51 mm NATO), but with automatic fire capability. The machine always uses an intermediate power cartridge.

The ballistic trajectory of these weapons also varies. The rifle cartridge has a more flattering trajectory and retains lethal force at long distances. The automatic cartridge loses power faster, making it safer for its troops in close combat, but less effective at extreme distances.

Structurally, rifles often have a heavier barrel and reinforced mechanisms to compensate for the recoil of a powerful cartridge. The machines are lighter and more compact, which is critical for infantry mobility. For example, AR-15 In civilian version, it is a self-loading rifle, but the military version M16 chambered 5.56×45 mm It is technically a machine gun (or a small-caliber rifle depending on the classification), as it uses an intermediate cartridge.

It is important to note the role of muzzle energy. For automatic rifles, it is usually limited to 3000-3500 Joules, while for full-fledged combat rifles, this figure can significantly exceed 4000 Joules. The energy of the bullet is often the determining factor in classification.

Classification by calibre and type of cartridges

To finally understand the terms, it is necessary to clearly classify cartridges. The type of ammunition dictates which class the weapon will be assigned to. Below is a table showing the main differences.

Type of weapon	Example of cartridge	Length of the shell	Principal appointment
Rifle (combat)	7.62×51 mm NATO	51 mm	Fighting at medium and long distances
Automatic.	5.45×39 mm / 7.62×39 mm	39 mm	Fighting at short and medium distances
Submachine gun	9×19 mm Parabellum	19 mm	Point-blank, SWAT, security.
Sniper rifle	.338 Lapua Magnum	69 mm	High-precision shooting at ultra-long distances

As can be seen from the table, the length of the sleeve and the caliber are the primary markers. Intermediate cartridge Intermediate cartridge is a key concept for automata. It is weaker than a rifle, but more powerful than a pistol. Rifles, even if they are assault (in the Western sense), often use full-size rifle cartridges or cartridges close to them in power.

In modern Russia, the most common automatic cartridge remains 5.45 x 39 mmsubstitute 7.62×39 mm. In the West, NATO is the standard. 5.56×45 mm. Both of these cartridges belong to the class of intermediate, which automatically refers to the weapon under them in the class of assault rifles (in Russian terminology) or assault rifles (in Western).

Why is the 5.45 caliber called the "poison bullet"?

In the Western media during the Cold War, the 5.45×39 mm cartridge was often called the “poison bullet” because of its high penetrating ability and the tendency of the bullet to ricochet inside the tissues, which caused severe injuries. In fact, no "poisonous" or explosive action bullet has, it is a conventional shell bullet with a steel core.

Legal status in the Russian Federation

In Russia, the distinction between a rifle and a machine gun is regulated by the Federal Law "On Weapons". According to the legislation, the machine is a type of combat hand-held long-barreled small arms. Civilians owning automatic rifles in their combat form forbidden.

However, there are so-called "hunting rifles" or "civilian rifles" on the market, which are structurally automatic (for example, the use of a rifle). Saiga, Boar., AK-103 in civil execution). The main difference is that they are deprived of the possibility of continuous fire (automatic mode) and often have restrictions in the capacity of the store.

⚠️ Attempt to restore automatic mode of shooting on civilian weapons (remaking) is a criminal offense under article 223 of the criminal code of the Russian Federation and entails serious responsibility.

In the Russian legal field, an assault rifle is most often equated to a machine gun if it uses an intermediate cartridge. If you are a gun with a powerful cartridge (as in the case of a gun). SVD or Tiger), is a sniper rifle or hunting weapon with a different legal status. The license to purchase smoothbore weapons (where semi-automatics are often found) is different from the license to rifled weapons.

To obtain the right to own rifled weapons (which include both civilian machines and rifles), you must have a length of possession of smoothbore weapons for at least 5 years. It is an important legal filter that separates newcomers from experienced owners.

The evolution of terminology: from StG 44 to the present day

The evolution of the names reflects changes in the tactics of warfare. German StG 44 The Sturmgewehr 44 was the first weapon to be officially named the Assault Rifle. Previously, these models were often called automatic carbine. The Soviet school originally used the term "automatic", emphasizing the automatic principle of operation and the intermediate cartridge.

Over time, the boundaries have blurred. The emergence of modular systems, such as AR-15/M16It allows you to easily change the caliber and length of the barrel. Today, the same platform receiver can be the basis for a light assault rifle, heavy machine gun, or sniper system. This makes classification even more difficult.

Current trends show a convergence of characteristics. Automata are becoming more accurate and long-range (thanks to optics and new cartridges), and rifles are lighter and more maneuverable. However, the basic division by type of cartridge remains an unshakable foundation of the classification.

Comparative analysis: machine gun or rifle?

Summing up the technical comparison, a number of key parameters can be identified. The machine is a medium and short combat weapon, where high fire density is important. Rifle (in the classical sense) is a tool for hitting targets at distances where the machine is already powerless.

• 🎯 Distance of effective fire: the machine up to 400-500 m, the rifle - up to 800-1000 m and more.
• 💥 Cartridge power: The machine uses intermediate cartridges, the rifle - full-size rifles.
• ⚖️ Weight and impact: The machines are lighter, but when automatic firing have a high pace; the rifles are heavier, the recoil is more powerful, which makes it difficult to fire in bursts.

The choice between these classes of weapons is dictated by the task. For cleaning the premises and fighting in the city is ideal machine. For operations in open areas, in mountains or steppes, where distances are large, a rifle is preferred. The main difference is not in appearance, but in the ballistic capabilities of the ammunition used.

We should not forget about the human factor. Learning to shoot a rifle requires more time and skills, especially for shooting with hands without a stop, due to the strong recoil. The machine in this regard is more forgiving (forgiving errors) due to the lower power of the shot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I legally buy a machine in Russia?

A combat machine in its original state can not be bought. However, you can purchase its civilian version (hunting carbine), which is structurally similar, but does not have a continuous shooting mode and may have limitations on the capacity of the store. This requires a ROH license for rifled weapons.

Is the AK-74 an assault rifle?

In the Western classification, yes, it is an assault rifle. In Russian technical and legal tradition, it is an automatic machine. The difference lies in the terminology: the assault rifle is often reserved for a weapon under a more powerful cartridge or has a historical context.

What is the difference between a carbine and a machine gun?

A carbine is usually a shortened version of a rifle or a smoothbore hunting weapon. A machine is a combat weapon with automatics based on the removal of powder gases or a short stroke of the barrel, shooting an intermediate cartridge. Civil "carabines" of the Saiga type are essentially machines with limited functionality.

Why is the 5.45 cartridge called a low-pulse cartridge?

The term "low-pulse" refers to a decrease in recoil momentum compared to rifle cartridges from the Second World War. This makes it easier to control the weapon when firing bursts and reduces the shooter's fatigue, although penetration capacity remains high.

Understanding these differences helps not only in talking about guns, but also in choosing the right equipment for sports or hunting, as well as in a conscious attitude to legal regulations.