History:

The original AR-15 was designed by legendary firearms designer and engineer Eugene Stoner in 1956 while serving as chief engineer for ArmaLite, a small arms engineering company. ArmaLite was a new division of the Fairchild Aircraft Corporation that was willing to utilize aerospace manufacturing techniques and materials. The company's main focus was to design, build, compete for, and win military weapons contracts (and doing so in very ambitious timeframes). All models used the same naming convention: ArmaLite Rifle, shortened to AR, followed by the iteration number. Stoner's earlier design, the AR-10, performed well in military trials and showed promise, but was ultimately beaten out by Springfield Armory's submission, the eventually named M14. The AR-10 was a vast departure from previous United States service weapons such as the M1 Garand, instead utilizing aluminum parts, polymer instead of wood, and an aluminum/steel composite barrel, leading to a large reduction in weight and increase in control.

IWI Zion-15 .223/5.56 30rd Semi-Auto Rifle

The Changes:

A primary change the US military was looking for included a caliber change. By downsizing the AR-10's original caliber (7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester), the military would be following a previous trend of downsizing in an attempt to optimize its function, similar to when the 30-06 was replaced by the (7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester). By going to a smaller diameter bullet with a better ballistic coefficient and higher velocity, effective range and accuracy could be increased. From there, the AR-15 downsized to (5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Remington) and replaced the problematic composite barrel with steel. The following testing showed great improvements and advantages over the M14, including weight savings, which lead to an increase in ammunition carrying capacity as well as control, increase in rate of fire, lower recoil, and an increase in the overall fully automatic control. ArmaLite had served its purpose in creating a great military rifle option, but it didn't have the massive production capabilities that its competitors did, leading to the eventual sale of the AR-10 and AR-15 designs to Colt in 1959. After minimal changes, Colt was ready to market and sell the Colt Armalite AR-15. After positive test results, the AR-15 was selected for initial use and officially designated as the M16 and in combat in Vietnam in 1964, and the official service rifle of the US military by 1969. The first batch of M16s went to the Air Force and received good reviews. At this time, the Army took issue with the lack of ability to apply forward pressure on the bolt if it does not fully close and reach battery. This was different from the previous service rifles such as the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, and M14. Colt then added the forward assist plunger and ribbed bolt carrier surface for it to interface with to meet their requests, creating the XM16E1 (then M16A1 after official adoption). Since then, over 8 million rifles have been produced, and the rifle is still in use today (throughout all variant forms), setting the benchmark for modern military rifles.

DoubleStar STAR-15 .223/5.56 AR-15

Popularity:

The design would go on to become one of the preeminent platforms that reached iconic status and now defines a style, similar to AKs and 1911s. Stoner's modular design makes them extremely easy for new shooters to modify and customize, as well as use and maintain. Literally every part can be changed or modified to the user's preference. Colt marketed the semi-automatic version for civilian use starting in 1964. Colt's trademark on the AR-15 name expired in 1977, leading to the widespread production of the style we now see today from many firearm companies. It is now considered one of the most beloved and premier modern sporting rifles. With so many companies now offering versions and parts, there is a plethora of calibers now available to suit any purpose or taste. Also, with the introduction of steel cased ammunition for 5.56mm, the cost benefits of shooting an AK style rifle instead of an AR have been greatly reduced compared to years past. The AR platform is continuing to gain popularity as more and more options become available. Shop All AR-15 Style Rifles
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