Assault Rifle is a classification of weapons that are in between a submachine gun and a machine gun, meaning they have an intermediate cartridge. Assault rifles generally have a medium range, with varying rates of fire and is generally the main type of weapon used in today's militaries. Assault rifles are also characterized by their selective fire capabilities and detachable magazines. Various assault rifles saw service during World War II, including the now-famous German StG 44, which is often credited as the first effective assault rifle.