Phaser rifle
A phaser rifle is the Star Trek Federation's phaser-based equivalent of a modern sub-machinegun or assault rifle. Several different styles have appeared in the course of the series. They are presumably more accurate over long distances than a hand phaser, and they probably have larger power supplies.
Phaser III
Much like hand phasers, Phaser III is an ergonomic disaster that lacks proper sighting features and safety devices like a trigger guard. According to Major Kira, this Federation weapon has several extra features that are not particularly useful in a combat situation, making it inferior to Cardassian phaser rifles, which have fewer extraneous features and are more reliable.
"Assault Rifles"
Phaser rifles made during the Dominion War have trigger guards and scopes, features that previous models lacked. During the war emergency, Starfleet presumably did not have the luxury of sending every recruit through years of Academy training, prompting them to design weapons that were easier to use.
Gallery
Phaser 3 from TOS
Phaser 3 from TNG
Phaser rifle from Star Trek: First Contact
