What does the AR, in the AR-15 rifle's name stand for?

The AR-15 is the civilian version of the M-16 military rifle. The rifle was developed in the 1950s by the ArmaLight company. The new space age looking, light weight rifle was originally rejected by the Army but after finally being accepted it was designated the M-16. The rifle was sold in a civilian version, and was called the AR-15 which stood for ArmaLight rifle 15. The only difference between the original AR-15 and the M-16 was that the M-16 could fire full auto. It is illegal for the general public to own full auto weapons without a federal license. Today, versions of the AR-15 are produced and sold by many different gun makers. The AR-15 is as controversial as it is popular.

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54 Comments

bradfieldscottv

They misspelled the brand name. It is spelled Armalite.

billyboy915

It's sad when the question asks what the AR stands for and the spelling of that very name is wrong! It is Armalite. Please note the spelling and that there is only one capitalized letter. How did this pass review?

Darryl McGraw

Karin Johansson, you are right. Only fools think an AR is harmless. But only fools think it is an assault rifle. It may look similar but it doesn’t have select fire. By definition, an assault rifle has select fire. While not harmless, it actually fires one of the smallest grain Center fire bullets made. The foot pounds of energy for an AR cartridge is much less than virtually any other hunting rifle. While it is not a great deer rifle (mainly because the bullet is so small and has little knock down power) it is a good choice for a young hunter who is properly trained. It is short and easy to handle, it has very little recoil (due to the small bullet and lack of energy) and the stock is adjustable making it great for short arms. You must be very accurate though, simply because an AR is less deadly than other rifles. Military assault rifles were designed to wound instead of kill. If you have been in the military you should know all these facts. I’m not an NRA member but I do know they teach these facts to shooters young and old. The media is the one brainwashing people. Respectfully, if you research this, you will be better informed.

tracewallace

krkyates, of course there is. ALL weapons are meant to ASSAULT. It's just a meaningless scare tactic catch phrase. Just like terrorist/terrorism To instill terror. Any robber could be considered a terrorist

Suraya Choudhury

I put Army Rifle !

drlove

Being a Vet ,this was easy

Lupe Hernandez

cmmcclune, Talk about incorrect spelling.....question!!!!!!

Keith Scholl

My rifle will be called the "Amiright".

L Lh Adams

Karin Johansson, An "assault rifle" is one with select fire,which can shoot single rounds or rapid fire,which a civilian AR cannot. Get your facts straight before making uninformed statements.

Karin Johansson

Brough Swenson, Jakob Gerber, she does. But you don't. I have done military duty and she is correct. Only fools thinks an AR-15 is harmless. Or indoctrinated gun owners that believes everything NRA tells you.

Karin Johansson

Jakob Gerber, thank you. You have common sense. Which is not so common in USA.

Karin Johansson

Denise Saunders, no you are. It is an assault rifle.

Karin Johansson

James Pemble, google it. AR-15 was made as an assault rifle. Learn something before you comment.

Karin Johansson

markdclark, it is not a såort rifle. It was made as a military rifle. If you use that for hunting you are mad. The game will be full of holes. Crazy fool is what people like you are.