[Top 5] GTA Online Best Assault Rifles in the Game

Updated:

25 Apr 2024

What are Assault Rifles?

In GTA Online, Assault Rifles are a category of firearms usually characterized by their exceptional versatility, balanced firepower, and accuracy when in combat situations. These weapons are suitable for any close-quarter combat scenarios players may experience when partaking in missions and the various freemode events.

How good are Assault Rifles in the game?

Grand Theft Auto V’s assault rifles play a very pivotal role in the arsenal of players aspiring to make it in Los Santos as multi-millionaire. From heists to intense street battles, assault rifles dominate the PvP scene with their superb fire rate and impressive damage output.

Are some Assault Rifles better than others?

Different Assault Rifles cater to different playstyle if ever so slightly, however, there remain five rifles that manage to stand out with each having their own justification as to why they are so impressive. These five weapons are based on fire rate, damage output, reload time and overall effectiveness in combat encounters. Ultimately, the choice of “best” assault rifle will completely depend on the player.

5. Special Carbine

“Pinnacle of American Ingenuity”

See Special Carbine in action:

What is it

The Special Carbine rifle is the first assault rifle on this list and one that is known for its effectiveness against frontal assaults. The Special Carbine is a fully automatic rifle that excels in dishing out high damage without sacrificing mobility, making this rifle one of the better choices for the average gamer.

What makes the Special Carbine Great

The accuracy of this weapon when scope and grip are attached allows players to be precise with their shots even at long range.
Offers high damage output for being an OG (Original) weapon from game launch.
Supports a RNG (Run and Gun) playstyle due to its ability to steady fire while moving.

Special Carbine Stats

Fire rate - High
Reload Speed – 1.5 seconds
Magazine Size – 60 rounds (Extended Clip)

How to get the Special Carbine

Players can buy the Special Carbine rifle at any Ammu-Nation store for $14,750.

4. Assault Rifle

The go to design for assault rifles

See Assault rifle in action:

What is it

The Assault Rifle in GTA Online is a potent weapon designed for mid-range combat regardless of any additional modifications added. This popular weapon was released with the launch of GTA V back in 2013 and being such a long-standing and beloved item in the game, Rockstar made an updated variant that all players have access to once certain criteria are met (Service Vehicle must be owned).

What makes the Assault Rifle Great

High rate of fire will deliver continuous shots in quick succession.
Damage Output is highly effective with or without mods as base damage when in range will be the same saving player time and money.
Supports any playstyle as players can easily switch between weapon types with no additional animation for using a longer weapon.

Assault Rifle Stats

Fire rate - High
Reload Speed – 1.5 seconds
Magazine Size – 60 rounds (Extended Clip)

How to get the Assault Rifle

Players can buy the Assault Rifle at any Ammu-Nation store for a mere $1,400

3. Service Carbine Rifle

No man left behind

See Service Carbine Rifle in action:

What is it

The Service Carbine Rifle is a recent addition to the class and one that manages to stand out as one of the most formidable firearms in the entire game. Renowned for its steady fire rate and easy spray control, The Service Carbine, like most rifles, provides a balanced competitive experience for all GTA players.

What makes the Service Carbine Rifle Great

High rate of fire will deliver continuous shots in quick successions making mission clear time much shorter or killing enemies that much faster.
Suppressor modification makes it more deadly as each shot made will make little to no sound making it just that tiny bit harder to get spotted.
Weapon sway is hardly noticeable especially when custom grip modifications are attached.

Service Carbine Rifle Stats

Fire rate - High
Reload Speed – 1.3 seconds
Magazine Size – 60 rounds (Extended Clip)

How to get the Service Carbine Rifle

Players can buy the Service Carbine at the local Ammu-Nation store or at the Agency for $370,000.

2. Assault Rifle MK2

Let them remember this day, the day it all ended

See Assault Rifle MK2 in action:

What is it

The Assault Rifle MK2 is one of GTA V’s oldest fully automatic weapons and the first rifle to have a second upgrade improving all aspects originally established. This unique rapid-fire rifle is one of only two MK (Mark-2) assault rifles and has the privilege of having access to multiple ammo types (hollow point, armor piercing, and incendiary). The Assault rifle is truly the perfect firearm, and one that players should truly try to own before it's too late.

What makes the Assault Rifle MK 2 Great

The best fire rate in the game for the assault rifle category from all the potential upgrades offered.
Damage Output is significantly higher than other rifles when using special ammo. (Ammo capacity becomes limited)
Numerous Visual customization options that other weapons don’t have access to and most likely never will.

Assault Rifle MK2 Stats

Fire rate – High (Best)
Reload Speed – 1.2 seconds
Magazine Size – 60 rounds (Extended Magazine)

How to get the Assault Rifle Mk2

Players can buy the Assault Rifle Mk2 at any Ammu-Nation store only after buying the base Assault Rifle for $1,400 and then upgraded to the MK2 variant at any custom service vehicle weapon bench for an additional $98,750.

1. Carbine Rifle Mk2

They won’t stand a chance, never again.

See Carbine Rifle Mk2 in action:

What is it

The Carbine Rifle Mk2 is the last Mk2 rifle on this list and like the Assault Rifle Mk2 is the first rifle in GTA Online to get that sweet-sweet MK 2 upgrade. The Carbine Rifle Mk2 was released with the Gunrunning DLC and has since been the best overall rifle to use. The reason for this is due to the Carbine Rifle excelling at fire rate, control, and overall damage output and slightly outshining the Assault Rifle Mk2 with its faster reload time and smaller frame for better use in tightly packed scenarios.

I strongly suggest getting this weapon as it has all the requirements of a great firearm and in my opinion the only rifle we have access to that all new and current long time players will use on the regular.

What makes the Carbine Rifle MK2 Great

Multiple customization options that will either improve damage, control, and range.
Becomes the strongest rifle in online servers for PvP combat when able to utilize both gunfire and explosives from throwables (throwables can be thrown with the offhand when using any weapon).
Reload Speed is the quickest.

Carbine Rifle MK 2 Stats

Fire rate – Medium-low
Reload Speed – 1 seconds
Magazine Size – 60 rounds (Extended Clip).

How to get the Carbine Rifle Mk 2

Players can buy the Carbine Rifle Mk2 at any Ammu-Nation store only after buying the base Carbine Rifle for $14,750 and then upgraded to the MK2 variant at any custom service vehicle weapon bench for an additional $107,500.