Quick History of the AR-15

The AR-15 platform is one of the most popular rifle systems in the world today.    The AR has proven to be a highly modular, accurate and easy-to-use system.  This platform is a favorite of militaries, civilians and law enforcement worldwide.

ArmaLite was founded in 1954 based out of Illinois and became a developer of small arms.  In 1955, Eugene Stoner developed the AR-10 rifle.  A system chambering the 7.62x51mm NATO round, offering selective fire and a relatively lightweight system that was highly suitable for military use.  ArmaLite was interested in gaining military contracts and entered the AR-10 into the competition.  The U.S. Army decided to go with the design that would become known as the M-14.
However, the U.S. Army was still interested in the AR-10 design and requested a few changes be made to the design.  One of the major design changes ArmaLite made was in the chambering.  ArmaLite decided to change the caliber from the 7.62x51mm to the lighter caliber of .223 Remington.  The revisions made in the design change resulted in a new model name, the AR-15 in 1958.

ArmaLite ran into financial problems and sold off the AR-10 and AR-15 designs to Colt.  Eugene Stoner left ArmaLite in 1961.  Colt was the owner of the design when the U.S. Army decided to bring it into inventory as the M-16.  In 1963, Colt sold the model as a semi-auto on the civilian market as the Colt AR-15.  Although the M-16 and AR-16 had similarities, the M-16 was chambered for the 5.56mm NATO cartridge, could be fired in semi-auto, three-round burst and full-auto.  The parts were not interchangeable between the AR-15 and the M-16 to prevent making the AR-15 a full-auto firearm.

Both the AR-15 and M-16 have evolved since they first hit the market.  They are both still in use with modifications in appearances and calibers.  The AR-15 has also become known as the M4, CAR-15 and Bushmaster C4 just to name a few.  Production of the AR-15 has increased over the years as well.  ArmaLite and Colt still produce the AR-15, there is also a large number of manufactures that produce this rifle system today.

There is a big misconception about the name of the AR-15.  Some people believe the “AR” stands for “assault rifle”.  The correct name of the AR-15 is ArmaLite 15.  AR is ArmaLite abbreviated and 15 is the model number designated by the company.