Dunno for sure since I steer away from auto. I suspect for auto weapons, the assault would be better.
I prefer the combat rifle for a few reasons, but not just stats. But is that the only major difference? If so, I’m wondering if I should make it my sniper rifle? I don’t have points in marksman, so low recoil is a rather important trait for whatever weapon I attach a scope to handle my long-range shots. It seems to me to be that the Assault Rifle is more notable for low recoil than the Combat Rifle.
So what are the differences here? With a Powerful Automatic Reciever, the Assault Rifle is lower damage but higher fire rate than the Combat Rifle with the same receiver.