Well, what does AR stand for? Some say the AR in AR-15 stands for “America’s Rifle” and others say AR stands for “Assault Rifle” however contrary to popular belief the technical answer for what AR stands for is “ArmaLite Rifle.” There’s no doubt that the AR-15 is America’s most iconic and well-loved assault rifle and it can sometimes be referred to as the most polarizing. Many devotees see tactical AR-15s as a symbol of freedom while support gun control has been building. Now that you know what AR really stands for let’s dive into the AR-15 meaning.
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What Does AR Stand for?
The AR in AR15 is an acronym and the AR stands for Assault Rifle. AR15s have been sold to the public since 1960, with about 16 million owned by civilians by 2018. About one out every five firearms purchased in the U.S. is a AR 15 meaning, making it arguably the most popular sporting rifle in the country.
However, despite its popularity, misconceptions about this modern sporting rifle (MSR) still abound. A lot of the misunderstandings about this weapon is due to its similarity to its cousin, the M16.
To set things straight AR 15 meaning, here are five AR 15 facts you may not know about What does AR stand for in AR 15 meaning.
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1. AR 15 Facts: The AR 15 Meaning
Contrary to popular belief, AR doesn’t stand for an ‘assault rifle.’ Nor does it mean ‘automatic rifle.’
AR actually stands for ‘ArmaLite Rifle’ Armalite is the company that developed this rifle in the 1950s. It was designated as an Armalite rifle model 15 or AR-15.
In 1959, due to financial problems and lack of resources for production, the company Armalite sold the design and trademark of the AR 15 to Colt. Colt started selling their version in 1963 but the AR designation stayed.
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2. The AR-15 Is a General Style of Rifle
While ‘AR-15’ is still a registered trademark of Colt, the AR-15 today denotes a general style of rifle. Like the 1911 pistol, the AR-15 isn’t a specific model from a specific manufacturer.
Some of the brands that produce this rifle include Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and of course, Colt and Armalite. I love saying Armalite now that we know what does AR stand for.
3. It Was Never an Assault Rifle
Much of the controversy surrounding the AR-15 is because of being wrongfully labeled as an assault rifle. Part of it is because of the ‘AR’ in its name and another is because of how it looks almost identical to the fully automatic M16.
However, the AR-15 has never been an assault-type rifle. Let’s look at some assault rifle facts to differentiate between the two.
The Automatic Mode on an AR15
Almost all assault rifles can switch between semi-auto and fully automatic modes which is why some gun control lobbyists would like to see more laws to limit the sale of assault-style weapons to the public. Examples are the M16, M4, and AK-47. Like machine guns, these firearms have been severely restricted from ownership by civilians since 1934.
The AR-15 is only capable of semi-automatic fire. This means that only one round can be fired off with every trigger pull. This is the reason why you can legally own this rifle for home defense or sporting activities.
4. The AR-15 Is Internally Different From the M16
On the outside, only seasoned gun enthusiasts can distinguish between the AR-15 and the M16. The M16 is a military rifle that was adapted from the AR-15 which is why they look the same.
However, on the inside, they’re very different.
The parts are specific for each rifle. These include the hammer, trigger, bolt carrier, lower receiver, and disconnector. This is to prevent easy conversion to full-auto.
5. Well-Loved by Civilian Shooters
There are many reasons why the AR-15 is a top choice firearm for civilians. Let’s discuss a few of the reasons why AR-15s are so well-liked by gun enthusiasts across the nation. It’s lightweight and accurate even without modifications. It has low recoil which makes it very beginner-friendly.
What Does AR Stand for in AR-15?
Cleaning and maintenance are simple and straightforward. Also, it’s easy to customize with after-market accessories such as AR 15 sights, suppressors, grips, and others.
The Modern Sporting Rifle
The AR-15 has truly changed the landscape of America as we know it and more specifically ownership of firearms in America. With gun ownership at its peak in history, the AR15 has never been more popular and more polarizing. Hopefully, these AR 15 meanings and facts have dispelled some of the common misconceptions about this rifle. It’s a great firearm for home defense, sports, and they’re also a delight to shoot!
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