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 may 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.
"Assault Rifles"
Phaser rifles made during the Dominion War had trigger guards and scopes, features that previous models lacked. During the war, Starfleet did not have the option of sending every man through years of Academy training, so they needed weapons that were easier to use.
Gallery
Phaser 3 from TOS
Phaser 3 from TNG
Phaser rifle from STFC
