A rifle that uses full-power ammunition (e.g. 7.62×51mm NATO), capable of semi and full auto fire, and fed by removable magazines. They were the connecting link between early semi-automatic rifles (SVT-40, Gewehr 43) and assault rifles.
Though battle rifles were highly supplanted in mainstream service by lighter assault rifles, many are still used in specialist roles (e.g. designated marksman) by many armed forces and police units.
