The AR-15 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle that became ubiquitous in the United States and is now synonymous with school shootings and mass killings. It is a civilian version of the M16 and M4 assault rifles used by the U.S. military, making it an extremely powerful and dangerous tool. The name "AR-15" stands for ArmaLite Rifle, Model 15, after the company that originally designed and developed it.
In this article, we will delve into each component of the AR-15's name to gain a deeper understanding of its origins and history. We will examine the evolution of the AR-15 from its military roots to its popularity as a civilian firearm, highlighting key design features of the platform and its variants.
In the following sections, we will explore the AR-15's design, operation, and various components, shedding light on its capabilities and the reasons for its notoriety and controversy.