 History
Immediately after World War II, the United States faced the challenge of developing a new caliber and consequently rearming its military. The primary reason for transitioning from the larger 7.62mm caliber to 5.56mm was the reduced weight of the cartridge and, therefore, a larger amount of ammunition a soldier could carry.
In the mid-1950s, firearms designer Eugene Stoner developed the AR-10 rifle, originally designed for the 7.62×51mm NATO caliber.
The AR-15 was a smaller version of the AR-10 designed for the new 5.56mm cartridge. The rifle was quite innovative, featuring unconventional solutions for its time, such as extensive use of aluminum, a polymer handguard, stock, and a pistol grip reinforced with fiberglass. The co-axial alignment of the barrel and stock provided an advantage in shooting from the hip and reduced recoil impulse, allowing for more accurate shooting.
Interesting Facts
- There are various interpretations of the AR-15 abbreviation, including Automatic Rifle, Assault Rifle, and American Rifle. In reality, AR stands for ArmaLite Rifle, the name of the manufacturer.
- The firearms company, located in Hollywood, was founded in 1954.
Rifle Design: Pros and Cons
After the rifle gained popularity among both civilians and military personnel, many companies began producing it under license. The quality and functionality of the models vary depending on the manufacturer. The modularity of the AR-15 platform allowed designers to produce weapons for different purposes, such as sniper rifles.
Main Advantages:
- Modularity: The AR-15’s modularity means that you can change its characteristics without affecting its overall performance. For example, Picatinny rails allow for the attachment of laser and optical sights, grips, and bipods. The MIL-SPEC stock offers a wide range of accessory options. The base design by Eugene Stoner elevated the rifle to a new ergonomic level, which indirectly affects accuracy and ease of handling.
Main Disadvantages:
- Reliability: Compared to its eternal rival, the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the AR-15 has worse reliability in harsh conditions with heavy contamination and low temperatures. The more complex design compared to the AK affects the speed of clearing malfunctions during shooting. Additionally, the gas-operated system that facilitates reloading requires meticulous cleaning with specialized chemical agents, not just any available oil. Production and release of the AR-15 are more costly.
AR-15 in the Civilian Market
As is often the case, the open market and free sale of firearms quickly clarified the situation, and after Colt acquired the rifle manufacturer in 1959, the AR-15 became a bestseller in the civilian market. By 1963, the U.S. Army adopted the rifle under the designation M-16.
In North America, the AR-15 is the most common civilian firearm, meaning it is a type of gun that an ordinary person can purchase. Unlike military versions, this weapon is semi-automatic, meaning it fires one round per trigger pull and lacks the capability to fire in bursts.
Millions of AR-15 rifles are in the hands of American civilians. Contrary to misconceptions, it is also possible to buy such a rifle in Russia. Several firearms manufacturers have produced and continue to produce rifles based on the AR-15 platform. The .223 ammunition is widely available in gun stores. To purchase a rifled weapon, potential owners must go through all necessary procedures (training, medical certificates, application on State Services), and then must own a smoothbore weapon (shotgun) for 5 years.