The AR-15 is the epitome of what the anti-gun lobby hates and it’s also the poster child of assault weaponry. Even though we use the term AR-15 in a generic sense the name is actually a Colt trademark. A lot of firearm manufacturers sell essentially the same weapon under a different trade name. It’s also the most coveted firearm in America.
The design of the AR-15 reaches all the way back to 1957 when the weapon first emerged from the ArmaLite Corporation. “AR” stands for ArmaLite Rifle. The “15” is a model designation. The AR-15 was ArmaLite’s 5.56 mm version of the AR-10, which was chambered for the 7.62 mm round.
After failing to secure military contracts and the necessary funding to support its production, ArmaLite sold its rights to Colt in 1959. Colt was more successful in its marketing campaign, securing a contract with all branches of the U.S. military, which designated the AR-15 as an M-16.
Compared to the M-1 Garand of World War II fame, the M-16 was technologically superior. It featured a lightweight aluminum receiver and synthetic stock that made it virtually weatherproof — a real plus in Vietnam. Chambered for 5.56 mm, it allowed a soldier to carry more than twice as many rounds as his WWII counterpart.
Military weapons have been adopted by civilians for sport shooting, hunting and self defense since the adoption of the Second Amendment. Such has been the case with the M-16. Its civilian counterpart the AR-15 is almost identical in appearance but the internal firing mechanisms have been changed to prevent full auto usage.
Currently there are no federal restrictions on the ownership of an AR-15 in the U.S. During the period from 1994 to 2004 when the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act was in force, certain features and variations were prohibited for sale. However since expiration of the 1994 ban the manufacture of formerly prohibited parts has resumed.
The AR-15 is also a prized trophy among firearm owners. Part of its popularity is due to its modularity. There are dozens of aftermarket accessories available to customize an AR-15. It’s kind of like a tricked-out Harley or muscle car: No one in the whole world has one exactly like yours.
The other reason for its popularity is attributed to psychological factors. Tell someone they can’t have something and what happens? They can’t wait to get their hands on it. It’s like your mom telling you not to look at something and then you can’t take your mind off of it. The proposed assault weapons ban has made a lot of people interested in buying one.
For the anti-gun lobby no weapon configuration is more abominable than the AR-15. It is mass murder incarnate. Conversely among firearm owners no rifle configuration is as attractive and desirable. It’s a coveted collector’s piece. And there you have a back-and-forth political debate that will likely not end anytime soon.