The AR-15 is one of the most popular semi automatic weapons ever built with an estimated 16 million units in private ownership nationwide. Despite its enormous popularity, however, the AR-15’s name is widely misunderstood and there is much confusion about what it really means. Does AR-15 stand for assault rifle?
The AR in AR-15 stands for ArmaLite rifle, not assault (or automatic) rifle. ArmaLite was the original developer of this iconic rifle concept and sold its design to Colt in 1959. In the years that followed, Colt manufactured this semiautomatic rifle for civilian use and marketed it as the AR-15.
The AR-15 was originally conceived and developed for military use but later produced for the civilian and law enforcement markets. It was immediately and widely embraced for its simple design and modular construction which enabled an unprecedented degree of customization. Colt no longer manufactures the AR-15 but its legacy has already been cemented. Keep reading to learn what this means.
What the AR in AR-15 Stands For
Interestingly, the original AR-15 and all the variants that followed owe their success to the aviation industry which was utilizing advanced materials and sophisticated manufacturing techniques to fabricate lightweight but incredibly strong aircraft components.
An out-of-the-box idea to use the same modern alloys and plastics in the manufacture of firearms while incorporating state-of-the-art production methods, would prove to be a game-changing strategy. From this inspiration was born the company known as ArmaLite, the designer of the original AR-15.
Contrary to popular belief, the AR in AR-15 does not stand for assault or automatic rifle, but for ArmaLite rifle in reference to the iconic firearm’s original designer. Colt took this rifle to new heights by configuring it for civilian and law enforcement use, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Little did the original designers of the AR-15, or even Colt leadership, for that matter, know that reimagining the way that semiautomatic rifles are built would give rise to an entirely new category of firearm, the modern sporting rifle.
So popular and iconic is the AR-15 among legions of aficionados that the initials AR have been reinterpreted to mean America’s rifle and millions of people who own them would agree. But what is it about the AR-15 and its progeny that appeal to so many gun owners and enthusiasts?
I use either Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, or Optics Planet to buy parts, that way I always know what I’m getting and that it will actually show up.
What Makes a Rifle an AR-15?
Marketed toward civilians and law enforcement agencies when created, the AR-15 quickly became a popular firearm among non-military users. So much so that when the patent rights that Colt acquired from ArmaLite expired in the 1970s, a number of other gun manufacturers began producing their own versions of the AR-15 based on the now-iconic design that Colt had popularized.
The AR-15 became more than just a semiautomatic rifle, it had evolved into a revolutionary platform for firearm design.
From a groundbreaking idea to combine advanced materials, modernized production techniques, and a reimagined concept of what a semiautomatic rifle could be, arose an entirely new firearm category that would come to be known as the modern sporting rifle.
It is estimated that by 2018, there were in excess of 16 million semi automatic rifles falling under the AR-15 umbrella that were sold in the US. So what sets AR-15s apart from all other semi automatic rifles?
These are the signature characteristics of AR-15s and their popular variants:
- Is a semiautomatic rifle meaning that it fires a single round with each pull of the trigger, as opposed to a fully automatic weapon that fires continuously as the trigger is held
- They are lightweight and therefore ideal for hunting and sport shooting
- They are very accurate
- They are designed to be carried around easily
- They are easier to shoot than other rifles and suitable for beginners
- They have minimal recoil and can be handled by people of modest physical stature
- Completely modular in design, meaning that their components can be easily replaced with any number of after-market parts and do-it-yourself kits.
Taken together, all of these features are so popular among gun owners, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts that they have earned the AR-15 the moniker of America’s rifle.
Why the AR-15 Is So Popular
Throughout its history, the hallmarks of American design and engineering are ingenuity and innovation. Even when it comes to improving upon existing technology, there is a pioneering spirit that takes an everyday item, reimagines it, and transforms it into something completely new and unique. Such is the case with the semiautomatic rifle.
An experienced owner can break down an AR-15 into its basic components in a matter of minutes. For their owners, this means that the AR-15 family of semiautomatic rifles can be personalized in a variety of ways that result in true customization of this firearm to any combination of personal preferences.
The most common types of accessories and add-ons include:
- Stocks
- Handguards
- Barrels
- Receivers
- Grips
- Optics (scopes)
- Illumination (lights)
- Targeting devices (lasers)
- Carrying straps and harnesses
- Muzzle attachments
- Sight attachments
- Stippling (non-slip surfacing)
Aside from these popular options, there are a number of other ways to add a personal touch to an AR-15. A number of AR-15 owners are even opting to custom-build their own rifles from scratch for a firearm that is truly one-of-a-kind.
All told, this category appeals to the masses in a way that no other firearm can for the simple reason that it enables owners to replace stock parts with those of their own choosing. (source)
This feature not only enhances personal comfort and familiarity with the rifle but can also elevate its performance. Simply put, an AR-15 can be custom-tailored to each individual owner like no other firearm possibly could.
Conclusion
In the annals of distinguished American firearms, the AR-15 family of semiautomatic rifles has solidified its place among classics like the Winchester rifle, the .38 Special, the M16 rifle, and the Colt Single-Action revolver.
Its modular design and innovative use of advanced materials and production techniques have enabled the AR-15 to offer reliable performance in a lightweight infrastructure, with unparalleled options for personalization and customization.