As the debate over gun control rages on in America, one of the most commonly discussed firearms is the modern sporting rifle AR-15. This rifle has a contentious history, with some people touting it as a reliable and versatile tool for recreation and self-defense, while others see it as an instrument of terror that should be banned. So, what is the truth about the AR-15? Let’s take a look at its history and popularity to find out.
History
AR-15 is an abbreviation for “Armalite Rifle-15.” This designation is used to refer to a specific model of semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Armalite.
The ArmaLite Rifle 15 (AR-15) is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. It is manufactured by dozens of companies and has been adopted by numerous militaries around the world. However, it is perhaps best known in America as one of the most popular rifles for civilian self-defense. Let’s take a brief look at the history of this iconic firearm.
The ArmaLite Rifle 15 was first developed in 1958 by Eugene Stoner, then working at ArmaLite Incorporated. Stoner’s design was heavily influenced by his experiences with World War II era German assault rifles such as the Sturmgewehr 44 (StG44). He sought to create a lightweight rifle that could be adapted to a variety of roles with minimal fuss or modification. In 1959, ArmaLite submitted their design to Colt Firearms Company who subsequently purchased the manufacturing rights. Colt began production of what would become known as the Colt AR-15 in 1963 and continued until 1985 when they sold the manufacturing rights to Bushmaster Firearms International Inc.. Today, there are dozens of companies that produce variants of Stoner’s original design under license from Colt Firearms Company.
The original AR-15 had several distinctive features which have carried over into modern variants including its all polymer furniture (stock, pistol grip, handguard), light weight aluminum receiver/frame and direct gas impingement operating system. These features make it an extremely reliable and adaptable firearm which has seen widespread use in both civilian and military applications around the world. The AR platform has also spawned countless aftermarket modifications which allow users to tailor their weapon to their specific needs or preferences making it one more than just another “black rifle”.
Why the love?
The AR-15 is a popular rifle in the United States for a variety of reasons. It is a versatile weapon that can be used for hunting, target shooting, and home defense. The AR-15 is also relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it a good choice for shooters of all experience levels. In addition, the AR-15 is highly customizable, allowing shooters to modify the gun to suit their individual needs. Lastly, let’s not forget the ‘tacticool’ look of it and how well it photographs for timelines. For these reasons and more, the AR-15 has become one of the most popular rifles in America.
Especially often driven by the bans or threats of a ban on the AR-15 style rifles, the sales and popularity of them have exploded with the production soaring from 107 000 in 2004 to 1.2 million in 2015. With more recently, one out of every five guns purchased in the US, being an AR-15 variant.
Why the hate?
The AR-15 rifle is a semi-automatic rifle that is widely used by civilians and law enforcement in the United States. The AR-15 was originally designed as a military assault rifle and has been used by the U.S. military in a number of conflicts. However, the AR-15 has also been used in a number of mass shootings in the U.S., including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the Las Vegas mass shooting. As a result, the AR-15 has become a controversial symbol in the debate over gun control in the United States. Some Americans believe that the AR-15 is a necessary tool for self-defense, while others believe that it should be banned due to its potential for mass violence. The debate over the AR-15 is likely to continue in the years to come.
Although many Americans love the AR-15, it is a polarizing item with as much hate towards it also among another groups of Americans. The hate in part being driven by the popular use of these rifles or variants of them in mass shootings and school shootings.
Often the main target and driver of the anti-gun groups hate against guns and trying to get them banned, this threatening of the production and sale of the AR-15 rifles, mostly just drive it’s notoriety and popularity with sales soaring together with every threat of a possible ban on it.
FAQ
What does AR 15 stand for?
AR-15 stands for Armalite Rifle 15, which is the name of the company that originally designed and manufactured the rifle. Today, there are many different manufacturers of AR-15s, but the name has stuck. The AR-15 is a very popular rifle for both sporting and tactical purposes. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for both target shooting and home defense. Because of its popularity, there are tons of aftermarket parts and accessories available for it, so you can customize it to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a simple plinking gun or a highly accurate long-range rifle, the AR-15 can be configured to meet your requirements.
Is an AR 15 an assault rifle?
The AR-15 is not an assault rifle. An “assault rifle” is a military weapon that is capable of firing in both semi-automatic and automatic modes. The civilian AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle that fires one round per trigger pull. It is not capable of firing in automatic mode.
Some consider an AR-15 as an assault rifle. Assault rifles are designed for military use, and are capable of firing in fully automatic mode. Civilians are not allowed to own assault rifles in the United States.
What caliber is an AR 15?
An AR-15 is a rifle that is usually chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, very similar to the .223 Remington cartridge. It is available in multiple barrel lengths, but the most common barrel length for the AR-15 is 16 inches. The AR-15 can also be equipped with a number of different accessories, including optics, lasers, and bipods. There are other calibers available in the AR-15 rifle format and when they are based on the longer short action length cartridges with the .308 Winchester bolt face, it is rather referred to as an AR-10.
How to build an AR-15?
There are many ways to build an AR-15, and it largely depends on your budget and level of expertise. The most basic way to build an AR is to purchase a lower receiver kit, upper receiver kit, barrel, bolt carrier group, and charging handle separately and then assemble them yourself. However, this can be quite challenging for those who are not mechanically inclined.
If you don’t want to or don’t feel comfortable assembling the rifle yourself, there are many gunsmiths who can do it for you. But be prepared to pay a premium for that service. Alternatively, there are also many online retailers who sell complete AR-15 rifles (assembled by a gunsmith) at a variety of price points.