The AR-15 is America’s most popular and controversial guns. Easily one of the most customizable guns on the market, the AR-15 is a go-to for home-defense, hunting, and professional shooting. In this article we will explore what this gun is, why its so popular, and why it’s been very controversial in recent years.
Common Misconceptions
Before we get into some of the details we need to clear up some of the common misconceptions.
First, the AR-15 is the civilian model based on the M-16 rifle, the popular U.S. military rifle. The main difference between an AR and a military weapon, is the fact that the AR platform is semi-automatic, only. Which means, you pull the trigger and the gun fires one time. M16’s and M4’s have automatic and burst (fires three rounds per trigger pull). The automatic guns you hear about in the news are false. All AR-15’s are semi-automatic.
Secondly, AR does not stand for ‘assault rifle’ it is a tribute to the company that created it, Armalite. The ’15’ is the model number.
And lastly, while the AR-15 gun was originally built in the 60’s to replace the M14, it was eventually sold to Colt Manufacturing where it hit the shelves marketed as a hunting rifle in its semi-automatic form. So, the term weapon of war is sort of correct, as the gun was supposed to replace a then current military rifle. However, that form of AR-15 would never have been sold to civilians fully automatic. Thus, when it fell into Colt’s lap, they sold the AR-15, (and its predecessor the AR-10) to the masses as a semi-automatic hunting rifle chambered in .223 Remington.
When Colt’s patent on the rifle eventually expired in the late 70’s, that paved the way for other manufacturers to start making the rifle as well. Thus, forming the AR market we have today.
Why Its Popular
Now we will get into detail on why these guns are so popular and the reasons behind that.
Multi-Purposed
For starters, the rifle is multi-purposed. It can be used for a variety of purposes. Home defense/self-defense, hunting, and professional shooting. There are a lot of different manufacturing brands that make ARs in different configurations and calibers for specific purposes.
Depending on what your state regulations are, you can hunt with an AR-15. It is a very good tool to do so too. For example, in Virginia, the law requires hunters to use any round above a .223 Remington. Therefore, the predecessor, the AR-10 chambered in .308 Winchester is a better option.
For defense purposes, you don’t get any better than the AR. This is because it is the most effective tool and can be customized for each individual user. Paired with a standard 30 round magazine, it gives you enough ammo if you happen to miss or if there are any malfunctions mid conflict.
Simple Design
The Ar-15’s design is pretty simple. It is composed of an upper receiver and a lower receiver. According to the ATF, the lower half of the gun is the firearm. The upper which includes the barrel, is just parts. This is due to the lower receiver containing the trigger mechanism, which in turn, allows the weapon to discharge.
Customization
As mentioned above, the AR-15 is easily customizable. The AR platform is the only gun out there that you can completely customize to your wants and specifications. Do you want to build or buy? There are complete gun manufacturers and manufacturers that only make parts so you can build from scratch. For me personally, I chose to build mine with Aero Precision. They have several different configurations for AR lowers and uppers. Building ARs is kind of like a grown-ups version of Legos.
For the best builds, check out Palmetto State Armory, Aero Precision, or Bravo Company Manufacturing. Most complete rifles try and clone their image off of the M4 or M16 which is a staple theme in the AR world. With the AR, you can pick pretty much any caliber, optic, and accessory to it. In short, building offers personalization.
Check out these channels for more on building AR-15s.
Easy to Shoot
The AR-15 is relatively easy for the newcomer to shoot. When I shot one for the first time, I was surprised with how comfortable it is to shoot. The recoil of the 5.56/.223 round is manageable. Once you get used to the AR platform, you’ll find that 5.56 is a common caliber among a lot of modern weaponry: the Steyr AUG, IWI Tavor, Remington ACR, FN SCAR etc.
Several Caliber Options
The buck doesn’t stop with just .223 Remington and 5.56, there’s more. It may be the more affordable and versatile option, but there are others out there built for specific purposes. For example, take the .300 Blackout. Its a popular alternative choice among the AR crowd. Others include: 6.5 Grendel, 6.8SPC, 450 Bushmaster, and .224 Valkyrie. Pretty much the sky is the limit when it comes to caliber options.
Abundance of Choice
The AR market is flooded right now. Every gun manufacturer now has their own version of the popular rifle. A lot of them are designed to look like a M16/M4A1 rifle like the military. Your standard, run of the mill AR-15 is opted with a adjustable stock, plastic handguard, and with or without flip up sights straight out of the box.
As mentioned before, by building, you give yourself more options to customize. Today’s market, you can buy a really good AR-15 for about $700. Straight out of the box. Companies like Palmetto State Armory and age old brands like Smith and Wesson are good examples. The video below is a perfect example of brands that will give you an inexpensive option.
So Why Is It Used In Tragedies?
It’s pretty simple. The AR-15 is advertised in the media to be a favorite among mass shooters. However, it’s a favorite among everybody because it is America’s rifle. It is the gun that a large amount of gun enthusiasts had the most range time on. It’s tragic that what was made for hunting and self-defense is used in these events. It’s even worse that there are people out there that would commit such atrocities. This firearm is just another tool. Like anything in this world, man has spoiled what was made for good.
The weapon isn’t to blame, the people that commit the actions are. Do you blame cars for every car accident? I didn’t think so.
Conclusion
Next time you hear something about the AR-15, hopefully you have been able to take the information here to come to your own ideas on the gun The AR-15 will continue to be subject in American culture for years to come.
Leave a comment below on your thoughts!
For more information on the AR-15, head over to Pew Pew Tactical’s review and take a look!