AR-15
Joshua Roberts/Reuters
The AR-15 is a semiautomatic rifle and has been referred to by the Nationwide Rifle Affiliation as “America’s hottest rifle.”
The “AR” in AR-15 doesn’t stand for “assault rifle” however is linked to the unique producer of the firearm: ArmaLite Inc. The identify stands for ArmaLite Rifle.
The AR-15 was initially developed by ArmaLite to be a army rifle, designing it for quick reloading in fight conditions, however the firm hit monetary troubles. By 1959, ArmaLite bought the design of the AR-15 to Colt, which had success in pitching it to the US army.
The rifle’s automated model, the M-16, was used throughout the Vietnam Struggle. Colt bought the semiautomatic model, the AR-15, to the general public and the police.
“In the event you’re a hunter, camper, or collector, you may need the AR-15 Sporter,” a 1963 commercial for the firearm mentioned.
Colt’s patent on the rifle’s working system expired in 1977, opening the door for different producers to repeat the know-how and make their very own fashions.
The AR-15 was prohibited from 1994 to 2004 through the assault-weapons ban. Gun producers promptly reintroduced the AR-15 after the ban expired, and gross sales went manner up.
There are “nicely over 11 million” AR-15 type rifles within the palms of Individuals, in accordance with an investigation by CBS Information’ “60 Minutes,” which additionally notes handguns kill “way more folks.”
However AR-15-style rifles have often been utilized in mass shootings, putting the firearm on the heart of the controversy over gun management — significantly in relation as to if an assault-weapons ban ought to be reimposed.
