Some of the best weapons in the game, assault rifles are two-handed guns boasting high firepower and decent range.

Their versatility, rate of fire, and reload speed make them all-around great weapons.

While you’re free to use whatever rifle you want, some are better than others. In this list, we’ve put together 5 of the best assault rifles to include in your gun loadout.

5. Compact Rifle

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to the Compact Rifle

See Compact Rifle in action:

Everything you need to know about the Compact Rifle

As they say, size isn’t always everything, and the Compact Rifle proves that. This small yet handy rifle deals more damage per bullet than nearly any other rifle in the game.

The Compact Rifle is unique because it’s the only rifle you can shoot while on a motorcycle. This makes it the perfect weapon if you want to make a getaway.

The only reason it isn’t higher on the list is because of its subpar accuracy.

What makes it great:

• This is the only rifle you can shoot while on a motorcycle
• Tied for rifle with the most damage per shot in the entire game
• Extremely cost-effective and you can get it in the early game
• Its drum magazine allows for 100 rounds

Compact Rifle stats (Rockstar Games Social Club):

• Damage: 36%
• Fire Rate: 60%
• Accuracy: 35%
• Range: 45%
• Clip Size: 40%

You can get your own Compact Rifle for a measly $14,650 at your nearest Ammu-Nation store.

4. Advanced Rifle

Mow down your enemies with this well-balanced rifle

See Advanced Rifle in action:

The Advanced Rifle decked out with modifications and a metal finish

The Advanced Rifle is the other rifle that is tied for having the most damage per bullet. This rifle gets the job done no matter what you’re doing.

Along with its excellent damage, it has an above-average rate of fire, allowing you to rapidly dispatch your targets. It can also be equipped with several modifications, making the gun even more lethal.

However, while it has great damage, its weakness is its accuracy in long-range encounters.

What makes it great:

• Tied for rifle with the most damage per shot in the entire game
• About the same fire rate as the Bullpup Rifle Mk II – faster than most rifles
• Very well-rounded and perfect for close-to-mid-range targets
• Cost-effective alternative to the Mk II assault rifles

Advanced Rifle stats (Rockstar Games Social Club):

• Damage: 34%
• Fire Rate: 70%
• Accuracy: 50%
• Range: 45%
• Clip Size: 40%

You can get the Advanced Rifle for only $14,250 at your local Ammu-Nation location.

3. Carbine Rifle Mk II

The perfect choice for those who want a lightweight and modern rifle

See Carbine Rifle Mk II in action:

An overview of the fully upgraded Carbine Rifle Mk II

Are you a freedom-loving American who likes AR-15 style rifles? If so, the Carbine Rifle Mk II is the perfect centerpiece for your gun loadout.

With similar stats as the Special Carbine Mk II, this rifle’s worth buying. Even if you prefer to use the other Mk II rifles over this one, you can still use it as a backup or add special ammo to it.

What makes it great:

• Can upgrade it to shoot incendiary, armor piercing, or FMJ rounds
• The heavy barrel upgrade makes this rifle great for long-range fighting
• Slightly better range than the Special Carbine Mk II

Carbine Rifle Mk II stats (Rockstar Games Social Club):

• Damage: 36%
• Fire Rate: 65%
• Accuracy: 55%
• Range: 45%
• Clip Size: 40%

To get the Carbine Rifle Mk II, first buy the Carbine Rifle at Ammu-Nation for $13,000. Then, upgrade it at a weapon workshop for $107.5K. 

2. Bullpup Rifle Mk II

Let freedom ring… in short controlled bursts

See Bullpup Rifle Mk II in action:

Witness the Bullpup Rifle Mk II's wrath -- Start at 1:50

If you want to bring some pain with the highest damage per second in all of GTA, the Bullpup Rifle Mk II is for you. 

Not only this, but it also has great accuracy and recoil control. Its slightly better range and other stats make it a fair competitor to the Special Carbine Mk II.

What makes it great:

• Almost no other gun beats its fire rate – the main reason for its high damage
• Has the highest damage per second in its class, even more than the Special Carbine Mk II
• Can upgrade the rifle’s ammo type to armor piercing, incendiary, or FMJ
• With a heavy barrel attached, the Bullpup is good for long-range combat

Bullpup Rifle Mk II stats (Rockstar Games Social Club):

• Damage: 35%
• Fire Rate: 72%
• Accuracy: 45%
• Range: 45%
• Clip Size: 40%

You can get this Mk II rifle by converting a regular Bullpup Rifle for $105.75K in your weapon workshop. The standard Bullpup is sold at Ammu-Nation for only $14,500.

1. Special Carbine Mk II

This deadly rifle is special for a reason

See Special Carbine Mk II in action:

Watch the Special Carbine Mk II destroy other players -- Start at 2:12

Resembling the G36K assault rifle, this upgraded version of the Special Carbine is one of the most powerful rifles in the game. Having some of the best all-around stats, the Special Carbine Mk II packs a punch.

Any player who’s serious about grinding missions and PvP should prioritize getting the Special Carbine Mk II. It has amazing recoil control, making it feel great to shoot. 

What makes it great:

• Has the second highest damage per second in its class, only beaten slightly by the Bullpup Rifle Mk II
• With its heavy barrel attachment, it has better long-range damage than most weapons
• Like other Mk II weapons, can equip it with incendiary, armor piercing, or FMJ rounds
• Slightly better accuracy than the Bullpup Rifle Mk II

Special Carbine Mk II stats (Rockstar Games Social Club):

• Damage: 34%
• Fire Rate: 65%
• Accuracy: 55%
• Range: 40%
• Clip Size: 40%

To get the Special Carbine Mk II, upgrade the Special Carbine at any weapon workshop for $135K. The regular Special Carbine, without any upgrades, is sold at Ammu-Nation for $14,750.

With everything said and done, these are 5 of the best assault rifles you can get in GTA Online.

Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below.

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