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A brief history of the AR-15: from ArmaLite to the most popular semi-automatic platform
How the AR-15 came about, what “AR” really stands for and why the platform created by Eugene Stoner became one of the most versatile semi-automatic firearms in the world.
The AR-15 is a semi-automatic firearm platform developed in the late 1950s by Eugene Stoner for ArmaLite. The name “AR” comes from “ArmaLite Rifle”, not from “Assault Rifle”. In 1959, the production rights to the AR-15 were acquired by Colt’s Manufacturing Company, which developed and marketed the model for both the civilian market and military use. The AR-15 design formed the basis of the M16 military rifle, adopted by the armed forces of the United States of America in the 1960s and used extensively during the Vietnam War. Over the decades, the AR-15 has become one of the most widespread and versatile firearm platforms in the world. Its modular construction allows it to be configured for different calibres, barrel lengths and purposes, including sport shooting, hunting and professional use, depending on the legislation of each country. Today, the AR-15 platform is produced by numerous manufacturers worldwide and is one of the most popular families of modern semi-automatic firearms, valued for its modularity, ergonomics and scope for customisation within the limits of applicable legislation.
Discover also the RA PATRIOT, the AR-15 carbine made in Romania by Roland Arms, as well as the AR-15 accessories available.
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