From my own gaming experiences, I can tell that assault rifles make the most versatile weapons in Jagged Alliance 2. They offer good rate of fire and decent range for fair AP cost.

I can recommend the following ones, for I pick them as weapons for my mercenaries whenever possible:

• AKM - good choice for less-skilled mercenaries

• Steyr AUG - good for characters with low Strength

• C-7 - a truly excellent weapon in JA2

• M-14 - performs quite well

• FN-FAL - another miracle of technology in JA2.