`  :Source of the term is obvious - sick brain. Word ``battle`` before ``rifle`` in some official sources mean ``used in battle``. This word is used to separate battle rifle from sport or hunting rifle. In Russian state standard are definitions for terms ``battle small-arm``,``sport small-arm``,``training small-arm``,``hunting small-arm``. Most fun is that this bullshit article exists 5 years and have many cross links. Very very good indicator for knowledge level of the wikipedia editors. Viva wikipedia!   `