AR-15 Facts and Misconceptions

The M1 Garand and M1/M2 Carbines proved themselves to be extremely efficient during World War II, but the United States decided that they needed to move on after the war for several reasons. The United States Army concluded that there was much room for improvement and began searching for a firearm with increased magazine capacity that would enable more soldiers to fire more than eight rounds at a time. The new weapon also needed to be light. An M1 Garand weighs more than 10 pounds! The US tasked weapons makers with developing a high-velocity cartridge in a small-caliber. As a result, the lighter weight AR-15 in a .223 caliber that weighs only six pounds was designed by Armalite.

Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
The AR-15 is the scaled down model of the AR-10 design. Armalite sold the AR-15 and AR-10 design to Colt in 1959. The AR-15 was enthusiastically received and earned much praise from the United States Army Special Forces following its adoption. This extremely lightweight, shoulder-fired rifle is gas-operated and utilizes high-capacity magazines. These semi-automatic weapons are now popular with law enforcement and used by civilians for sporting purposes. Many gun enthusiasts decide to build their own AR-15, because the modular platform is interchangeable thus allowing them to use different lowers and uppers in the same unit. It’s sometimes referred to as America’s Gun, adding to its allure. Most users consider it a fun gun to shoot.

Broad Misconceptions Surround The AR-15
An AR-15 looks very much like a military rifle, which causes a lot of confusion for many people, especially those who favor gun bans in the United States. AR-15 platform rifles are used extensively for hunting and function like any other semi-automatic hunting or target rifle. Hunters use AR-15 style rifles for all types of hunting like varmints, deer, elk and even moose. They are no more powerful than any other rifle such as a Springfield 30-06, but they are extremely accurate.

Be an Informed Gun Owner
Because the AR-15 is so widely misunderstood and is the target for political attacks on all guns, gun owners should stay informed and know the facts about this weapon. The National Shooting Sports Foundation strives to educate the public by explaining that it is not an automatic, assault rifle designed to kill. It is a perfectly safe rifle if used and stored in a safe manner like other recreational guns.