Rifles are the most average weapons of all, and most dependable, even if they don't shine in any single aspect. All rifles have two general advantages:
> Unlimited Aimed Shot range;
> 15% Armor Penetration with Piercing munitions (Firearms only). This does include machineguns and sniper rifles (but not chainguns), as long as they don't get any bonus damage based on soldier's stats (Rifles that get such a bonus are excluded as well).