ArmaLite, a manufacturer of small weapons in California, was responsible for the invention of the AR-15 during the middle of the 1950s. “AR” does not stand for “assault rifle,” as is often believed; rather, it stands for “ArmaLite Rifle.” The first version of the AR-15 included a “choose fire” function, which allowed users to choose between shooting modes. They could choose semiautomatic mode, fully automatic mode, or burst mode.
Fully automatic fires continuously until the trigger is released. Burst mode ejects three rounds with each stroke of the trigger.
What Was the Inital Purpose?
It was designed to meet the requirements of the United States military, which was looking for a lightweight rifle with an increased capacity for ammunition. ArmaLite eventually parted ways with its AR-15 design, selling it to Colt, one of the oldest firearms manufacturers in the United States. After incorporating minor design changes, Colt rebranded the AR-15 as the M16 and began selling it to the military in 1963. The M16 was a huge success. Around the same time, it brought to the civilian market a semiautomatic version of the AR-15 rifle it had produced previously.
In 1977, the AR-15 patent held by Colt lapsed, allowing other companies to begin production of their own variations of the weapon. Colt has officially trademarked the word “AR-15,” under which it sells the firearm known as the “Colt AR-15.” Rifles of the “AR-style” or “AR-15-style” are more accurate terms to use when referring to different types of semiautomatic rifles. But, they all seem to get lumped under the same umbrella by most.
How Many AR-15 Rifles Are In Circulation Today?
Production began ramping up in 2004 when a 10-year ban on semiautomatic weapons was removed. Production more than doubled between 2011 and 2012. These days, the annual production might range from 1.5 million to 2.5 million. With various manufacturers creating their own replicas of the AR-15, several versions of the rifle are available to consumers.
What Makes AR-15 Rifles Appealing to Gun Owners?
The fact that they are modular and have interchangeable components makes them entertaining for people interested in firearms. The modification of semiautomatic rifles is its own separate business, and it’s a rich one at that. Many gun owners enjoy researching modifications for their weapons and utilizing the best modifications. You may personalize your firearm by installing accessories such as magnifying scopes or red-dot sights that make it easier to zero in on a target, or you can alter the trigger or the pistol grip to be more comfortable.
How Do You Maintain Your AR-15?
Regular cleaning of your AR-15 is essential due to the potential of carbon buildup and rust, and other compounds that may interfere with proper functioning. How often you clean your AR-15 depends on how often you use it, where you’re using it, and the conditions in which you’re using it. CAT Outdoorsoffers several AR-15 cleaning supplies for your AR-15 and suggestions for building your own cleaning kit. Most experts recommend cleaning your weapon at least monthly and having the right tools will make the task easier.