Rynnäkkökiväärien

Rynnäkkökivääri is the Finnish term for assault rifle. An assault rifle is a selective-fire rifle capable of firing in both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. These weapons typically fire an intermediate cartridge, a compromise between the heavier, full-power rifle cartridges and the lighter pistol cartridges. This allows for a balance of range, power, and manageable recoil, making them suitable for military and law enforcement use.

The development of assault rifles emerged during World War II, with early designs such as the German StG 44 often cited as pioneering examples. These weapons were designed to provide infantry with a more effective firearm than traditional bolt-action rifles, offering greater firepower and versatility. The concept quickly gained traction, and many modern military forces have adopted assault rifles as their standard service rifle.

Assault rifles are characterized by features like detachable box magazines, often holding around 30 rounds, and a pistol grip. The intermediate cartridges they use, such as 5.56x45mm NATO or 7.62x39mm, are distinct from the full-power cartridges of older battle rifles. This design philosophy has shaped infantry combat tactics and capabilities significantly over the past century. The term "rynnäkkökivääri" in Finnish encompasses this broad category of firearms.