Global Sports: The AR-15: American Standard

Monday, November 19, 2012

The AR-15: American Standard

By Simon Mosley


There is an assault rifle that rings a note of recognition when people hear its name: the AR-15. This is an assault rifle that has cemented itself in the minds of Americans by being seen all over media today, from television to pro-gun apparel. The AR assault rifle is America's assault rifle, as evidenced by the demand it generates among gun enthusiasts everywhere. Stopping power, precise sighting, and decent reliability make this gun functional and beautiful.

The AR-15 chambers a light, 5.56mm round that is still capable of producing power at great distances. It was developed originally by Armalite industries in the 1950's. Very shortly after its introduction, the Armalite assault rifle design and rights were sold to Colt. Colt then secured a contract with the U.S. military and developed a full-auto version of the rifle called the M-16 that is still used as the primary service rifle today. Because of its wide-use as a military weapon, the AR can be seen everywhere now from film and publication to gun shirts and television.

The only real black mark associated with the Armalite is its use by the Irish Republican Army for its terrorist actions against the British. Many atrocities were committed by these terrorists with Armalites in their hands and the rifle has grown to be associated directly with them, much as the AK-47 is associated with terrorism today. Luckily, the IRA is not as much of a menace as it has been in the past and its image has been cleaned somewhat by its local support and by the positive, pro-gun apparel it is featured on.

Despite all of the bad press it received through the 80's and 90's, the AR-15 is still a much-loved rifle. Gun collectors have seen the AR as a staple for their collections. The Armalite assault rifle, along with the AK-47, have become so iconic that they are used as items of prestige among gun collectors. Many hunters are even using the AR for their weapon of choice because of its accuracy and long-range power. Many still use it merely for sport shooting, however.

The legend of the AR-15 means that it will endure the elements unlike many rifles before it. Gun hating liberals and the fear of the negative stereotype have not caused sales of this fine weapon down. The government continues to contract with Colt for M-16s, which means it will continue to be featured on gun t-shirts and on television and movies for years to come. The Armalite assault rifle doesn't belong to Colt...it belongs to America.




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