Which Guns And Optics Are Best According To Battle-Tested Ukrainian Soldiers

Key Points:

• Ukrainian troops in the Azov National Guard units predominantly use AR-15-based rifles, specifically the domestically produced UAR-15, favored for its lighter weight, reliability, and ease of modernization compared to AK platforms.
• The Heckler & Koch 416 with a gas piston system is preferred for its reliability and lower maintenance needs in harsh conditions, while direct impingement (DI) systems require more frequent cleaning and care.
• Suppressors like the Ase Utra and Ukrop FAST are used but tend to wear out quickly under automatic fire; quick-attach suppressors integrated with UAR-15 rifles are valued for ease of use without re-zeroing optics.
• Common sidearms include the Ukrainian Fort 20, Glock 17, Sig Sauer, and CZ pistols, all chambered in 9mm, with the Fort 20 praised for reliability but sensitive to rust, and Glock favored for durability in harsh conditions.
• Optics such as Aimpoint, Holosun, and EOTECH red dots are widely used, with preferences depending on mission and budget; thermal scopes from Ukrainian manufacturer Archer are common for night operations, while night vision devices like the PVS-14 monocular are standard for helmet use rather than weapon mounts.